Pirate Group

After inspecting the construction progress of the warships and merchant ships, Hudson did not rush back home, but instead went to the seaside to inspect the fishing industry.

This time, without alerting anyone, he rode the Giant Dragon into the sky, used magic to conceal his figure, and quietly watched the fishermen below fishing.

An unpolluted ocean is truly different. A simple cast of the net yields a bountiful harvest.

"Hudson, look! The Skull Society have hidden at sea?"

Beldens said excitedly.

Judging from the way it was rubbing its hands together, you could tell it wanted to greet an old friend in a bear-like manner. As a highly intelligent creature, Beldens was notoriously vengeful.

Even though many years have passed since the Skull Society wanted to use him as a vessel for the descent of Evil God, he still can't forget it.

Wait a minute!

Wearing a skull and crossbones flag doesn't necessarily mean you're a member of the Skull Society. Many pirates also flew skull and crossbones flags when they were on the move.

That fleet was quite large. If the Skull Society possessed such strength, they wouldn't have engaged in such small-scale skirmishes as they did back then.

As he spoke, Hudson reached out and grabbed Beldens, who was eager to try.

Combating piracy is everyone's responsibility, but we need to figure out which faction is behind it first. Anything can happen on this vast ocean.

Not only can merchant ships that travel all over the world become pirates, but even the navies of some countries occasionally change their clothes and go out to do side jobs.

"Island Master, there are fishermen ahead, should we...?"

Before Redbeard could finish speaking, the burly middle-aged man interrupted him, saying, "Gage, put away your little schemes."

I know you're upset, but those of us who drift at sea all day long have no choice in the matter!

The debts of gratitude owed must eventually be repaid. This matter must be resolved properly, no matter what, or neither of us will survive.

Besides, what do those fishermen have to steal? Apart from a few small boats that can't go far out to sea, all they have left are fish that are available all over the world.

Judging from the nautical chart, this should be the coastline of the Southeast Province of the Alpha Kingdom. I remember this area is controlled by the Dalton Family; they are quite powerful. Don't cause trouble here!

As he spoke, the middle-aged island owner glanced at the ship's cabin behind him out of the corner of his eye, and then let out a long sigh.

Clearly, bringing his entire gang out this time was not something he did willingly.

After all, the idea of a pirate captain being preoccupied with "favors" would be a laughing stock in the pirate community.

Judging from the crew, a pirate captain who could amass such a fortune could not possibly be a benevolent person.

Forcing him to bow his head and disregard his "business" to travel all the way north from the central sea to do something is something that no ordinary person could do.

Unfortunately, the conversation between the two was too brief, and based on that, Hudson could only deduce that they had taken on a hot potato.

Perhaps the answer to the mystery lies within the ship's hold, a place that even the pirate captain fears. But for safety's sake, the cautious Hudson still ventured out to investigate.

No matter how powerful the concealment magic is, it has its limits. He vaguely sensed that there were experts lurking in the fleet.

This is undoubtedly extremely abnormal. Strong people all have their own pride; even if they go to be pirates, they want to be pirate captains.

Why would a powerful regional warlord like Hudson, who couldn't even recruit skilled fighters, follow a pirate captain?

If he's not a lackey, then he's most likely the one pulling the strings behind these pirates.

In normal times, Hudson wouldn't meddle in other people's business unless it involved him personally, but the current situation is far too sensitive.

With thousands of pirates heading north, if such a force were to entrenched in the outer seas, it would not only threaten the kingdom's maritime security but also greatly impact his future plans.

"Maxim, mark them with magical symbols. Remember to be discreet, so no one finds out."

Hudson immediately gave the order.

Following them directly is pointless. They don't know the pirates' destination, or how long they'll be at sea; Hudson doesn't have time to waste with them.

He decided to make a mark and wait until they stopped before taking action. Deep down, a new plan had already formed in his mind.

Such a clandestine operation, requiring the use of pirates as cover, is unlikely to be anything good.

It doesn't matter what these guys' purpose is; as long as we expose their whereabouts and prevent them from accomplishing their mission, that's enough.

Next up is the Dalton Family, as fighting pirates is the duty of every nobleman.

Without a word, they went to someone else's territory. If we don't make a response, how can the Dalton Family, the overlord of the southeast coast, maintain their dominance?

Hudson used the Projection Stone to document the pirate ship's activities before heading straight to Hansen Port, where he selected a weak-willed officer to cast a mind-control spell on.

"Pirates have appeared along the southeast coast. Your chance to make a name for yourself has arrived. You should immediately lead your men to capture them."

Leave a message...

Having done his good deed, Hudson made his escape. He had gone to great lengths to combat the rampant pirates.

No matter which side they're from, once the two sides start fighting, it's not something they can just stop doing.

"My lord, another message has arrived from the Royal Capital, urging you to go there!"

Tom whispered a reminder.

In recent days, the Mountain Territory has received several letters from the Royal Capital, all urging Hudson to hurry over and take charge of military affairs.

"Reply to the Royal Capital and tell them I'll go there once I'm done with this busy period!"

Hudson said without changing his expression.

He had used the same excuse many times. On the one hand, there were indeed many affairs to be done in the territory; on the other hand, it was a matter of power.

Nominally, he was the chief commander of the kingdom's strategic mobilization, but the specific scope of his authority was not clearly defined.

Even this strategic mobilization headquarters was a temporary organization, and its administrative level had not yet been determined.

Whether it was directly under the King, under the Military Affairs Department, or only responsible to the Noble Council, there was no clear answer.

Hudson understood Caesar IV's approach. After all, it's easy to delegate power, but difficult to take it back.

If the General Command of Strategic Mobilization has too much power, and once wartime arrives, the entire economy is switched to a wartime system, the King might be rendered powerless.

Similar things have happened before in history. If Hudson were in Caesar IV's position, he wouldn't have relinquished power so easily.

Even if the strategic mobilization command is required to perform its duties, the authority of this temporary organization should be limited, and at the very least, necessary checks and balances should be retained.

Knowing is one thing, but one's perspective is another. As the commander-in-chief of strategic mobilization, Hudson would certainly fight for his own interests.

Don't even think about taking up a post without a clear understanding of the situation.

Anyway, the Alpha Kingdom's mobilization mechanism is perfect, so whether he arrives a few days earlier or later won't make any difference.

The Royal Capital eager to urge him to take office, most likely because it is frightened by the international situation. The current strategic situation in the Northern Continent is indeed not optimistic.

Before the reinforcements sent by the Alpha Kingdom could even set off, two other nations had already launched their Royal Capital defense campaigns. A tragic ending was almost inevitable.

Even if reinforcements are sent immediately, it won't change the overall situation. Now it all depends on how long these two unlucky guys can hold out.

In fact, the nobles of both countries had already made contingency plans, relocating most of their people. Those who remained to hold out were merely to give an explanation to the Human Alliance.

According to the laws established by the alliance, fleeing in the face of an invasion by a foreign race would result in the stripping of one's noble honor.

The war has already left them with almost nothing. If they lose even their last fig leaf—"noble honor"—then they will truly have no way to survive in the social circle.

Most people believe that humanity's current setbacks in the Northern Continent are only temporary. Once they win the Continental War, the other races will have to obediently give back what they have swallowed.

This is how everyone has played the game for thousands of years. If you follow the rules, any territory lost now can be taken back in the future.

"Boom!"

The sound of Magic Crystal Cannon ripped through the sky, shattering the silence of the sea. Looking at the warships that had suddenly appeared in the distance, the middle-aged "island lord" said with a grim expression, "Organize a counterattack immediately!"

He wasn't originally planning to make a move on someone else's turf. But the other side didn't give him a chance, immediately unleashing a barrage of Magic Crystal Cannon, leaving him no choice but to fight.

After firing the first shot, the young officer, who had been in a dazed state, realized that the situation was not good.

It's an isolated warship that actually went out and fought a group of pirates. That's just inhuman!

With a determined effort, the young officer immediately ordered, "Send a distress signal!"

Deep down, he couldn't help but feel a surge of relief. Luckily, he had only fought pirates during his moment of disorientation; if he had attacked passing merchant ships, he would have been in deep trouble later.

Now, as long as we insist that the pirates started it, and send some gifts to appease them, the matter of their unauthorized attack will be forgotten.

Of course, this is all predicated on him holding out until reinforcements arrive. If he dies at the hands of these pirates of unknown origin, then all will be lost.

"Barbarian Beard, what's going on?"

"Didn't I tell you to be careful? Why did you make such a commotion?"

An old man's voice came from behind, and the middle-aged island lord, Barbarian Beard, was terrified. He hurriedly stepped forward to explain:

"Sir, this has nothing to do with us! The warships on the other side came up and opened fire on us without giving us a chance to negotiate."

As you know, some people deeply hate pirates and will shout for them to be killed on sight. Perhaps the commander on the other side is one of those people.

Upon hearing this explanation, the old man nodded, a hint of disdain flashing across his lips, and coldly said, "Useless!"

You can't even handle something this simple? And you call yourself a master of the world? If anyone's looking for death, then send them down there right now.

"Wasting time getting entangled here will make it harder to silence them once their reinforcements arrive!"

He said that, but he knew very well in his heart that sneaking into the village was impossible, and fighting this battle would inevitably alert the local tyrant.

The pirate fleet was powerful, but it depended on who they were compared to. They were naturally very successful at bullying ordinary merchants, but they might not be able to gain the upper hand when facing some powerful nobles who had been engaged in maritime trade for many years.

Most importantly, they can "call on their friends and allies," and once a fight breaks out, the entire naval forces along the southeast coast will launch a strangulation campaign against them.

Generally, when faced with such a dire situation, pirates would choose to retreat. They were only out there to plunder, and had no interest in challenging the navy of a kingdom.

If the person behind the scenes is powerful, they can ask someone to mediate the conflict. Everyone's in the business of the sea; friction is inevitable. Giving each other some face makes it easier to meet again in the future.

Unfortunately, the old man's identity could not be revealed, otherwise they would have died even faster.

The Alpha Kingdom might not go to war over a single pirate, but if it knew that a pirate force controlled by the Church had appeared on its doorstep, there would be absolutely no room for negotiation.

Even if they say they mean no harm and are just dropping by, no one will believe them.

Hudson merely flicked the reins, and the situation spiraled out of control, putting the Church delegation in an awkward position.

"My lord, now that our whereabouts have been exposed, why don't we go back first and head to Poison Dragon Island after things have calmed down..."

Before the middle-aged island lord could finish speaking, the old man slapped him hard across the face and warned, "Barbarian Beard, it seems you've really improved a lot over the years, now you even dare to tell me how to do things."

Just do your job well, and don't worry about anything else. I hope this is the first and last time.

Otherwise you'll regret being born!

Recalling the old man's terrifying methods, the Barbarian Beard, who had snapped out of his daze, nodded hastily in fright.

Sometime during the night, a puddle of unidentified liquid appeared on the deck. Fortunately, the sea was rough enough that the spray quickly covered it up.

If the underlings knew that their boss had such a cowardly side, they would probably immediately fall into disarray.

After reprimanding the man, the old man led the others back to the cabin as if nothing had happened.

Seeing the group leave, a look of resentment finally appeared on the Barbarian Beard's face, but it was only fleeting, quickly replaced by an expression of relief.

His life and death were entirely in someone else's hands. Even if he became a famous pirate captain, he was still just an insignificant pawn in the eyes of his opponent.

There was nothing he could do; after all, he was a pirate.

Such a persona is seen as vicious and ruthless by ordinary people; but in the eyes of truly powerful figures, they are nothing more than an ant that can be crushed at any moment.

The Church has its own fleet, and the reason for arranging for them to accompany the group is not only to keep their whereabouts secret, but also because they need a lot of cannon fodder to scout the way to Poison Dragon Island.

The Church's core forces are unwilling to suffer losses, so it's only those peripheral figures who will suffer.

Between his brows, Barbarian Beard. Having served the Church for so many years without any status or position, he had long harbored a deep resentment.

If he hadn't known that the Church was too powerful and that he had no ability to retaliate, he would have already suffered a backlash.

The thought of the legend of "Poison Dragon Island" made Barbarian Beard's eyes light up. If he could intercept the Church's spoils during this operation, he might be able to escape his current predicament.

At worst, we can abandon this Pirate Group and reappear under a new identity. This is a time of Continental War, brimming with countless opportunities.

Choosing a country where the Church's power is weak, seizing the opportunity to join it, and obtaining a nominal noble status is far more reliable than drifting at sea forever.