Chapter 311 - The Flower Blooming on the Skull
The day after we lured the pirate ship into a trap and launched a counterattack, we decided to raid one of their hideouts for a bit of light exercise. The archipelago was dotted with numerous pirate hideouts, and since the pirate gangs had a fair idea of each other’s locations, it was easy to gather the necessary information.
These hideouts ranged from shabby shacks to large natural caverns. Our target, of course, was the cave that seemed to house buried treasure. Based on the intel, we raided it, knocked out the pirates, and took control. It was a simple enough task.
However, the real problem was the hideout itself. It was infested with strange insects, reeked of foul odors, and had poor ventilation, making it a truly awful environment. To make matters worse, we found no treasure. After digging through a suspicious hole with magic, all we discovered were dirty, mismatched clothes, likely belonging to people who had been robbed and killed. It was a complete bust.
We had hoped to find something of value, but our expectations were thoroughly dashed. The pirates in this area mainly targeted ships carrying minerals, which they would quickly sell off. There was no reason for them to hoard anything valuable, and even if they did, it would be raw ore, which we had no use for.
Of course, when you think of pirates, you tend to imagine hidden treasures and riches. But in reality, the hideout we raided had almost nothing of obvious value. The only items that might fetch a decent price were a few raw gemstones.
Ships carrying minerals wouldn’t bring valuable items on board, knowing the risks. As a result, our side venture to make some extra money ended in disappointment.
And yet, we found something entirely unnecessary. It was a significant amount, but...
"This seems to be connected to Rigaheim, don’t you think?"
"Direct involvement is unclear, but there’s likely a connection. The small states are probably the source, and it looks like we’ll have more trouble on our hands. Still, there’s no point in us dealing with it."
"That’s a problem for the lords, including Rigaheim. We don’t know who will take the position, but it’s their responsibility."
The troublesome item was, as usual, drugs.
When the Kingdom of Brenark takes over, the old Retnark will be divided, and various nobles will become lords. They’ll collect taxes and enforce the law, so if there’s a drug problem, they can order their subordinates to handle it.
If Rigaheim starts cracking down on drugs, the Vigilantes will likely continue their operations. As long as it doesn’t affect us, it’s none of our concern.
Our Kikyo Society operates in Rigaheim but isn’t responsible for maintaining order. Unlike our position in Exembra, it’s natural for other organizations and influential figures to handle such matters. The Vigilantes wouldn’t come to us for help either.
"Should we destroy the drugs?"
"Yeah, we can burn them on our way out."
"Maybe we should gather information on their supply routes and customers. Mary, can you handle that?"
"Depending on the situation, we might find useful information. I’ll get started right away."
Mary, with her intimidating presence, was the right person for the job. She would dig deep and uncover all the secrets.
With that, we concluded our raid on the hideout. It had little training value for us and offered no financial gain. Gathering information from one raid was enough.
After repeated ambushes and a trap, the pirates were likely on high alert. They were probably talking about nothing else.
Now it was time to wrap up our training with a final showdown. We would go all out.
Though we were determined for a decisive battle, the ships had captains and crew members on board. We had to consider their safety in case of an emergency.
"So, we’re going to challenge them head-on. No running away, not that I’d let them."
"Of course. No sailor would abandon their ship."
"Right. So, they’ll stay until the end."
We gathered the main crew members on the bridge: the captains, the deck officers, and the engineers. The captains, despite their age, were still full of energy, making you wonder why they ever retired.
"I know we’re a bit worrying, but you’ve seen our skills."
"True, but the sea is unpredictable."
"Exactly. And a head-on battle means taking on multiple pirate gangs. How many do you think there will be? Isn’t it a bit too much?"
This was the final phase of our training. It had to be challenging to be meaningful.
From our experience with ambushes and raids, we knew that a few pirate ships wouldn’t be much of a challenge. Our real test would be against a pirate gang formed by former navy personnel, with a large number of ships, including warships. If we ever faced them, the experience of fighting multiple ships would be invaluable. We couldn’t miss this opportunity.
"But you won’t stop, will you?"
The old men’s concern for us, like their granddaughters, was understandable, but it was also a bit annoying. I cut them off firmly.
As expected, they sighed and shrugged, as if to say, "What can you do?"
"No matter what you say, we won’t change our minds. But listen up. Even among the scum, there are some with backbone."
"Especially if they’re captains, they might be tougher than you think."
"We understand."
Pirates have their own code, the Pirate Code, which varies slightly from ship to ship but is a set of ironclad rules. A well-organized ship has stricter rules, indicating better discipline.
The code typically covers reward distribution, compensation for injuries, prohibited actions, and penalties for breaking the rules. It’s standard stuff, really. Prohibited actions often include gambling and bringing women on board to avoid conflicts in the confined space of a ship. It makes sense.
Each pirate signs the code and swears an oath, raising their sword. This ceremony makes them official members of the pirate gang. Even roughnecks recognize the need for rules to protect themselves.
In a way, we’re similar. We don’t sign documents or take oaths, but every group needs rules.
"Our goal is training. We welcome tough opponents."
"Exactly. The tougher, the better. We want a challenge that’s hard to overcome."
The old men continued their warnings, knowing we wouldn’t back down.
"Some pirates were forced into it. We know you’re not the type to kill indiscriminately, but keep that in mind."
"Especially navigators, engineers, and healers. They’re valuable, so pirates often force them to join after raiding merchant ships."
In a normal country, pirates would be executed. But in the lawless waters of the collapsed states and small nations, they can exist. Pirates might seem cool, but they’re just sea bandits.
No matter their circumstances, they’re outlaws who can’t work legitimately. They deserve whatever they get. It’s a battle between criminals, and we don’t need to hold back.
We don’t care about their stories. It’s irrelevant.
"Forced into piracy? I don’t care."
"Anyone who attacks us will be dealt with. We don’t have time to hunt down hiding cowards or listen to their stories. It depends on the situation."
The old men might be thinking of acquaintances, but we have no obligation to consider their circumstances.
"Just keep it in mind. We think pirates deserve to be killed anyway."
"I know it’s a harsh thing to say, but are you sure about a head-on battle? It’ll be a large number of pirates."
Even the seasoned old men were concerned. What we were about to do was completely unreasonable, and they were persistent.
"Of course. It’s part of the plan. We don’t intend to lose, and we’ll win no matter what."
"Exactly. No guarantees, but we’ll do our best."
It was a harsh thing to say, but the captains knew the conditions from the start. I said it calmly.
The captains, though hesitant, showed understanding.
"You’re set, then. We’ll just sail into the middle of the pirates and drop anchor. Is that clear?"
"Then you can sleep until it’s over."
"We’ll finish by morning. Just be ready for anything."
The final checks were done. Now, we prepared.
We had an early dinner and raised a pirate flag on our ship, just like the pirates. It was a skull with a kikyo flower on top, a bit silly but fitting.
"Doesn’t it look a bit ridiculous?"
I muttered, looking up from the deck.
The "Kikyo Flower on the Skull" was a bit too cheerful and crazy. It was designed by the Second Combat Unit.
Tonight, we would be the harbingers of death for the pirates. We would cause chaos.
"Is the wind picking up?"
As the sunset painted the sea a deep crimson, Siegrune looked into the distance.
"Beautiful, but we’re used to it. The other girls aren’t reacting much. The sea is becoming our routine."
"The old men said the weather might turn rough tonight."
"Interesting. A storm at the last moment."
"Perfect timing. It should be exciting."
"I’m worried if I’ll last the whole night..."
Valeria was getting used to the ship but hadn’t experienced bad weather. We’d had mostly good weather, with only light rain and small waves.
I hadn’t experienced rough seas in battle either, but I was excited.
We were chatting casually when Mary came up from the hold. Her calm demeanor always boosted the morale of the team.
"Mary, the weather might turn bad tonight."
"I heard. It sounds promising."
That’s the spirit. She faced challenges with a smile.
"By the way, can we stop holding back now?"
"Not exactly. Be aware of your limits, but finish them off. Even in the worst conditions, you should be able to control the outcome. That’s the point of the training."
"Accidents can happen, so this time, finish them off. You can destroy their ships, but prioritize everyone’s safety."
Mary looked pleased.
There might be unexpected events, but I was excited too.
We rested until night, fully prepared.
The final phase of our training, the next chapter: "The Sea’s Graveyard."