Someone unknown began to sing the funeral war song:
"....Beyond the fire and thunder;
Only glory follows;
Eternal echoes;
The Hall of Valor calls to me..."
In the past, this song could only be considered a beautiful wish; not every brave warrior could finally rest in Valhalla Hall of Heroes after death.
Most would still fall into the collective subconscious sea, enriching the human foundation.
But this time, things were clearly different.
Amidst the song filled with more grandeur than melancholy, the raven perched on the mast turned to look at Prince Sorrenberg beside it:
"Dad."
The latter nodded:
"Don't worry, leave it to me."
Immediately invoking his [Funeral] divine position, a ghostly blue blaze ignited in his hand, spreading across the warship.
Sails, deck, cannons.... and every Bayfolk soldier's corpse was ignited, not burned to ashes like fuel, but instead infused with life, rising from the ground once more.
A group of people looked in disbelief at their repaired bodies, and at the [Pearl Bay], which had become a Ghost Ship:
"Am I... alive?"
Prince Sorrenberg, the [Soul Ferryman], had unexpectedly transformed the corpse-laden [Pearl Bay] into the first heavy cruiser Ghost Ship, akin to the ship coffins of Bayfolk legend.
He recruited them as his ferrymen!
A ghostly officer from the [Blue Dragon King] boarded this brand new Ghost Ship with a roster, shouting for them to line up for registration:
"Brothers, from today on, your corps will seamlessly transition from the 'Interdiction Cruiser Fleet' to the 'Phantom Fleet,' recruited on the spot.
But don't worry, as the Navy Department will still issue your death benefits as special task allowances.
Those with families can give it to them, those without can claim it themselves.
Benefits and leave policies remain the same as when you were alive.
Even if you're afraid of scaring your family during leave, you can obtain a [Deception Talisman] from the quartermaster, ensuring no difference from when you were alive.
You are Empire men in life, and Empire ghosts in death. This is our North Sea Empire's exclusive benefit."
Seeing some undead soldiers who had already grasped the situation still harboring unspoken concerns, he knowingly blinked:
"If any of you are particularly aggrieved by the loss of male pleasures, there's no need to worry excessively.
Prince Edward has just introduced a [Nightmare Talisman], allowing you to meet with your wives or sweethearts at the Red Mill in your dreams.
Of course, if she... isn't afraid of nightmares."
Discussing a topic dear to men, the last trace of regret in the undead soldiers disappeared, replaced by a smile every man understood.
The last trace of sorrow in the live soldiers' hearts was swept away, and someone jokingly called out to a familiar friend:
"James, I know you're still a virgin and don't even know which side of the Red Mill the door is on.
But don't worry.
When the time comes, I'll take you with me, and get you a fine, plump, and soft millstone, so you little rascal can grind away for three days and nights."
"All you need to do is use your death benefits to invite me along."
"Hahaha..."
...
The battlefield was filled with laughter and joy.
Meanwhile, Byron, far off in Kingston on the mainland, and his ministers received the declaration of war submitted by the Pyrenees Empire's diplomats.
The Empire's nobility, members of parliament, and ministers were filled with righteous indignation.
"War first, declaration later? I've worked at the Foreign Ministry for decades and have never seen a government so despicable or documents so hypocritically distorted."
"You've successfully awakened a sleeping giant, and now he is enraged."
"Action! Only Pyrenean blood can cleanse their sins."
Byron, seated high on his throne, tapped the armrest, recalling his previous life's nation.
They were unlike any other people.
Others often recorded their victories and glories, ashamed to mention their defeats.
Of course, most nations that experience a single failure never have the chance to rise again.
But they were different; victory was briefly noted, but failures were detailed extensively in their history, written meticulously by ancestors.
Claiming: "Vengefulness is our nature, patience for revenge spans generations, and our revenge is powerful!"
And each revenge was well-justified and absolutely righteous!
There's a historical anecdote turned joke.
Zhu Di wanted to attack Mongolia, flipping through historical records until he found the disgrace of Han Gaozu at the Battle of Baideng 1400 years ago, swearing to avenge Han Gaozu.
The attacked scarcely understood the supposed reasoning.
You're still remembering a grudge from 1400 years ago?
Is this a joke?
Hey? Mongolia, why aren't you laughing?
"But for the pirate empire we have now, it doesn't matter, if we want to hit someone, must we justify it?
Having a reason is of course good, but not absolutely necessary.
At worst, just offer this box of washing powder.
From afar, the beacon of civilization; up close, a pirate lighting a torch.
I am a barbarian!"
So, Byron's orders were promptly relayed to all departments.
"Immediately, enact reciprocal measures against the Orthodox Alliance states.
Foreign Ministry, give me a sanctions list, I want them to feel pain deep in their bones.
The Interdiction Fleet to blockade the First Circulation Zone and Celestial Sphere Circulation, from now on cut off the Pyrenees Empire's north-south routes.
They can decide when the war begins but cannot decide when it ends.
Let we pirates teach them, what is a true interception war.
Everyone, I declare, the real war... has begun!
The North Sea Empire must triumph!"
A chorus of war cries echoed within the Law Network.
"Roar——!"