Chapter 308 - First Showing
From the deck, far in the distance, we can see the bustling port with small boats coming and going, and many people moving about. This town belongs to a cluster of small nations. The scene of ore being unloaded from ships is a common sight, all brought from a mining island about 130 kilometers away.
To avoid the eyes of pirates or successfully escape, they must take risks, but it’s a profitable venture. However, the risk isn’t just from pirates. The islands are close enough that the water isn’t too deep, and there are almost no large, dangerous aquatic monsters. This significantly reduces the need for specialized equipment and defenses.
Without the threat of monsters, the ships don’t need to be as heavily fortified, making the job easier. Pirates, knowing this, might find it more efficient to raid this town instead of individual ships, but the town is well-prepared. The port is fortified like a fortress, and the town employs a mercenary force to defend against any threats. Even the brazen pirates can’t touch this place.
"Big ships are scarce, Onee-sama."
"Yep, just as we heard."
Most of the ships in the port are small, carrying ore. There are several reasons for this. The mining island and this port town are only about 130 kilometers apart, a distance that can be covered in a day, including loading and unloading. Magic-enhanced ships are surprisingly fast, and even a large cargo ship can travel at about 40 kilometers per hour.
Unlike land vehicles, which are heavily regulated by the Magic Item Guild, ships have no such restrictions. The reasons for this are unclear, but it likely comes down to politics and money. Since the round trip is possible in a day, there’s no need to carry extra supplies for the crew.
Additionally, the more cargo a ship carries, the higher the risk of it being stolen by pirates. Smaller, faster ships are preferred to minimize this risk. Considering factors like cargo capacity, speed, cost, and crew size, smaller ships are the norm here. The lack of large monsters also makes these smaller, less fortified ships a viable choice.
The region of small nations is aptly named, with various small states and tribes vying for power. Most don’t have the budget or technology to maintain a navy or build warships. This port town, however, is a special neutral zone maintained by wealthy merchants. While it’s not of much interest to us, it has its unique circumstances.
It’s tempting to think that merchant ships could band together to defeat the pirates, but there must be reasons why they don’t. Perhaps it’s too difficult, or there are other factors at play. Regardless, pirates generally avoid sinking ships or killing people, preferring to steal supplies and leave the rest. They maintain a delicate balance, but they’re still thieves. We’re no better, and we won’t hesitate to attack them.
"Are we going to stop here?"
Valeria, standing on the deck, looks a bit worn out. She’s still not used to the sea, and her question is a clear sign she wants to get off the ship.
"Hehe, unfortunately, no. We’re not stopping."
We’re a special group that attracts trouble easily, and we can’t afford to waste time on unnecessary detours. Our destination is a port town further south, a place where pirates sell their stolen goods. It’s a very underground sort of place, and we’ll be practicing our ambush skills there.
Our ship, carrying the Kikyo Society’s emblem and a large force, slows down and passes through the area where ships travel between the mining island and the port. Unusual for this region, a large ship like ours draws many curious glances.
After bypassing the intermediate port, we wait quietly on the dark, cloudy night. Most ships are at rest, as the port and mining island don’t operate at night. By the time it’s deep into the night, no ships are moving.
Our ship remains dark, with no lights and minimal use of magic, blending into the darkness. Even with sharp eyes, a pirate or sailor might not notice us from a distance. However, we don’t expect anyone to detect the weak magical signals we use. This is a training exercise, and we aim for perfection.
In the humid early summer air, the Kikyo Society members, except for the crew, stand at the edge of the deck, looking down at the dark sea. A faint magical signal is approaching, barely detectable.
"The port seems to be going well."
"Yeah, no commotion."
Siegrune’s words, directed at the distant port, are met with a nod. I scan the area for any signs of pursuit, but there’s no one within a kilometer.
A small, black boat appears, invisible to the naked eye but detectable through magic. Three of our scouts are on board, waving their hands. I activate the communication device.
"Communication on... This is Shinogami, good work, everyone. How was it?"
"This is Violante. There were many pirate ships, as expected. Several ships were anchored offshore, making it easy to choose our targets. We marked the larger ones."
We attach small, weak magical devices to the pirate ships for identification. Similar devices are on our main ship and boats, ensuring we don’t get lost in the dark.
"Good. I want to confirm the positions on the map, so come back quickly."
The three move to the boat storage area, and we head to the ship’s hold to meet them. They immediately start sketching the layout of the port and the positions of the ships. We use this information to assign targets.
"Ideal is to complete the mission without alerting the other ships or the port. Be careful to avoid any noise. Teams that finish should return quickly."
We’re about to conduct a stealth training exercise, infiltrating pirate ships under the cover of darkness. We’ll approach in boats, then swim to the ships and board them, neutralizing the pirates and securing the bridge.
This is just a training exercise, so we won’t kill anyone. After securing the ship, we’ll abandon it and return. In the real operation, we can’t kill the pirates, so this training is crucial. Any accidents will be lessons learned.
"The pirates seem to be drunk and careless. What about the guards?"
"The pirates on land were drinking and partying, but the ships had enough crew to keep watch."
Violante sounds impressed. Given the presence of multiple pirate groups, they’re wary of each other. They can’t afford to be complacent, especially since their ships carry valuable cargo and are their means of survival.
"It’s good that they’re not completely relaxed. Let’s make the most of this."
"Agreed. Teams, once you confirm your targets, move out in sequence."
We’re divided into eight teams of seven or so members. One team will stay on the ship, and the others will return in rotation. The pirates are still unaware of our presence, and tonight’s operation should be easy. However, we aim to succeed even under maximum alertness. Let’s get this first trial over quickly.
"Mary, whenever you’re ready."
"Got it. First team, let’s go!"
The team responds to Mary’s call and moves to the boat storage area. Valeria and I will accompany Mary’s team as observers.
The Second Combat Unit handles anti-pirate operations, so Valeria, Siegrune, and I don’t need to participate. But it’s not boring to wait, and practical experience is valuable. Observing is worthwhile, especially since we can’t get this experience in Exembra.
The operation involves using different equipment than usual. Since we’re entering the water, our regular gear won’t work. The Kikyo Society’s custom overcoats are unsuitable for underwater activities, so we’ve prepared specialized equipment.
The team dons matching gear, including dry suits that cover the entire body except for the hands and head, extending to the boots. These high-quality suits, provided by the Magic Item Guild, offer good protection and surprising mobility. They also have adjustable buoyancy and deployable fins.
The face gear includes a large diving mask with night vision and depth and temperature displays. The snorkel allows for both surface and extended underwater breathing, eliminating the need for air tanks, which don’t exist. The suits and equipment are truly magical.
Other gear includes gloves, a monster repellent, a combat knife, and a waterproof pouch with communication devices, wires, and recovery potions.
Our attack and defense capabilities are lower than usual, but our training and skills make up for it. The boat moves silently, blending into the sound of the waves. We focus on the magical signals of our targets, which are not in the port but anchored offshore. We’ll attack the first of three ships.
"Let’s stop here."
The driver cuts the engine, and another member drops the anchor. We’ll move underwater and board the pirate ship.
Everyone silently prepares, donning their underwater gear and stowing their communication devices. Mary confirms everyone is ready, and we dive into the water. Our movements are practiced and confident, having been drilled many times.
We swim powerfully, guided by the magical signals, and approach the pirate ship. We submerge completely to observe the deck and windows, using both magical and visual cues to identify the guards.
The plan is set, and we execute it without hesitation. Mary and the others throw grappling hooks and wires, securing them and climbing up. Valeria and I follow, attaching our communication devices. Despite the wetness, we manage to fit them in place.
We’ll use the communication devices only in emergencies to avoid confusion with other teams. We move quickly, and one of our members sneaks up behind a guard, silencing and incapacitating them with a precise move.
The rest of the team boards the ship and begins their work. Once the deck guards are down, we move inside, using magical signals to navigate. Mary heads for the bridge, and we follow, exploring the ship.
These pirate ships are much smaller than the warships we usually deal with, but the layout is similar enough to predict. The main challenge is the cluttered and chaotic nature of pirate ships.
Unlike warships, which are powered by magic and lack masts and sails, pirate ships often have them. This is for various reasons, such as using magic to enhance sail speed, providing high vantage points, and facilitating boarding other ships.
The masts and sails add a cool visual appeal, which I can’t help but appreciate. We follow the Second Combat Unit members, who check each room, incapacitating anyone they find.
From behind, they use chokeholds; from the front, they strike the solar plexus. Mary’s technique is both quick and effective, and Valeria and I watch in admiration. Despite being our first time, the team’s movements are confident and precise, a testament to their training and courage.
Yes, I could probably make it as a pirate if I wanted to, but that’s not on the agenda.
We completely overtook the ship in just ten minutes. It’s not a large ship, and there weren’t many pirates, but fifty or so were on board. For a first attempt, it was an impressive performance, almost veteran-like.
"An ambush is easy, Onee-sama."
"It was one-sided. The guards were like a sieve. I hope the next one will be more challenging."
The successful ambush and the calm night gave us an advantage, but the lack of resistance was noticeable. The training would be more effective if the pirates were more alert.
"I hope the next one will offer more resistance."
Mary, ever the stoic, seems unsatisfied with the easy victory. She removes her goggles, showing no joy in the win. There were no unusual items or captives, making the operation anticlimactic.
Perhaps the other two ships nearby had more going on, but Mary’s focus was on this one. Our mission for today is complete.
"Let’s head back."
"Agreed."
"Retreat order... This is Mary. First team, retreat! First team, retreat!"
The quiet pirate hunt has begun, but it’s just the opening salvo.
The pirates’ suffering is only just beginning. Stay tuned for the next chapter: "Ambush, Raid, Assault!"