After ordering Szczesny to reorganize the Fourth Regiment, Nareth retreated from prying eyes and returned to the "Kingdom of Disorder."
He confirmed once again that the ink sac of the Toothed Kraken was not among the unlocked potion ingredients listed on the Blasphemy Slate.
All Sequence 9 and Sequence 8 potion formulas had been fully unlocked, but for Sequence 7, only the "Briber" and the adjacent pathway's "Interrogator" could be viewed.
Nareth placed the ink sac in a palace within the first layer of the True Space before falling into contemplation. Based on his understanding of potion materials:
'Higher-sequence potion materials generally contain greater spirituality and are harder to obtain. The Night Shard of the Fra'al xenos is clearly harder to acquire than the lung sacs of the Lung Spider. The Toothed Kraken's ink sac holds even greater spirituality and is harder to come by. It must be a mid-sequence material, the first mid-sequence one I've obtained."
Sequence 9, Sequence 8, and Sequence 7 Beyonders belonged to the low-sequence, while Sequence 6 and Sequence 5 were mid-sequence.
Staring at the ink sac, Nareth continued analyzing:
The materials required for potion formulas seem to follow an inherent logic. The "Savage" needing an Ogryn's arm is the most obvious example; the "Arbiter" requiring a gavel is also related; the "Sailor" needing a Siren's Stone connects to water. For those less apparent, I have yet to uncover their hidden logic. As for the source of spirituality in potion materials, that remains unclear.
'The materials required for potion formulas seem to follow an inherent logic. The 'Barbarian' requires the arm of an Ogryn, quite straightforward; the "Arbiter" requiring a gavel is also related; the "Sailor" needing a Siren's Stone connects to water. For those less apparent, I have yet to uncover their hidden logic. As for the source of spirituality in potion materials, that remains unclear.'
He walked out of the palace, thinking:
'Based on this, the ink sac originates from the ocean and must belong to the "Sailor" pathway, the "Tyrant" pathway's potion material.'
Returning to the real world, Nareth gathered his people for a briefing.
"My lord, 117 veterans and 27 new recruits have died."
Szczesny reported with frustration. His regiment had suffered heavy losses from a single sea monster, and though he was eager to tear it apart, he was stopped by the female shaman.
At that moment, Marlena stepped forward.
"I have a suggestion that may help you quickly win the loyalty of the Sicilians."
"Oh?" Nareth was intrigued. "Speak."
"The Toothed Kraken caused countless Sicilian deaths. If you send Trinio carrying a part of the creature's remains to each tribe to recount your victory, they will pledge their loyalty."
"There's no other Toothed Kraken in the Coral Sea with such a massive body."
"Very well. We'll follow your suggestion and try it."
To Nareth, the loss was just some meat. He accepted Marlena's plan.
"My lord, I request to carry this out personally."
Szczesny stepped forward. His frustration at the shaman immediately dissipated.
"It's yours," Nareth approved. Szczesny went to the shore and dismembered the octopus.
The tentacles were sliced off one by one, and the head was divided into seven parts.
Marlena's suggestion worked. After the Fourth Regiment eliminated the Fra'al invaders from each island, the Trinio showed the severed remains and told the tale of Nareth descending from the sky and slaying the Coral Sea overlord. The Sicilian tribes were won over.
Marine Guards all volunteered to join Nareth's ranks. The Fourth Regiment continued recruiting based on Szczesny's previous standards.
Two standard days later, the regiment was fully replenished.
After reporting, Szczesny received new orders to keep recruiting Marine Guards without limit.
Just as the conquest of the Symphony of the Sea progressed rapidly, Nareth received a transmission from Rosicky.
"King Nareth, a rebellion has broken out in Vostroya. Mutants from more than thirteen hive cities are attacking. The hive cities under your control, Lukevo and Tizca, have also fallen into chaos."
Nareth frowned. There had been no signs of rebellion when he left, but he instinctively felt that some hidden force was at play.
"How large is the rebellion?"
"Unfortunately, we have no precise intel. I recommend you return to Vostroya immediately."
Nareth fell into deep thought.
'Most of the Fra'al in the Symphony of the Sea have been wiped out. The remaining few can be handled by Szczesny and his warriors. This uprising among the mutants… is also an opportunity for me to conquer Vostroya.'
He quickly made a decision.
Three standard hours later, Nareth held a meeting. After hearing progress reports, he issued commands.
"Szczesny, you are to temporarily assume command of all armed forces in the Symphony of the Sea. Continue conquering the Sicilian tribes and eliminate the remaining xenos."
"My lord, I will not fail you."
"About the previous task I gave you—any promising people under your command?"
Szczesny had prepared for this.
"My lord, those Iron Warriors have had their minds twisted by the Mad King. They are capable soldiers but not fit for leadership. However, from the new local recruits, there is one named Rojinio. He participated in five island campaigns and personally convinced three Sicilian tribes to pledge allegiance to you."
"Very well. Have him accompany me back to Vostroya after the meeting."
During the conquest, Nareth collected potion materials like the Siren Stone and Rapeseed. These could be used for the "Sailors" and "Planter."
But he wouldn't carelessly grant someone the power of a Beyonder. Evaluations were necessary.
Nareth had already devised a preliminary plan. He couldn't personally assess every candidate, especially after returning to the Imperium.
He decided to establish a recommendation system. His personally trained Beyonders would nominate candidates, whom he would then observe closely before making the final decision.
"Vieri, your task is to rebuild Tirani and restore food production as soon as possible."
"Yes, my king."
Vieri bowed respectfully. After learning of Nareth's slaying of the Fangjaw, his lingering resentment had vanished, replaced by genuine awe for the godlike giant.
"Malena—"
Nareth looked toward the shaman, but before he could finnish, she said:
"I want to follow you to Vostroya."
Nareth was surprised. He asked curiously:
"Why this request?"
Marlena's tea-brown eyes sparkled, and longing lit her face.
"I've always wanted to journey into the stars, to see the wider galaxy. Now, the opportunity has come. I wish to follow and serve you."
Nareth nodded slightly. Marlena was a powerful psyker—stronger even than Thierry. Taking her with him would be a great asset, and without her influential presence, Szczesny would have full control of the Symphony of the Sea.
With that, he said:
"Very well. You shall come with me."
Nareth took Marlena, Rojinio, and others back aboard the Piszczek, gave the order to set sail, and then returned to his quarters to enter the "Kingdom of Disorder" and brew the "Savant" potion.