Iron Anchor Gang

Construction on Bloodfang Island was now running smoothly, but there were far too few workers. Jiang Chuan decided to post a recruitment notice at The Tavern. Anyone able to work could come to Bloodfang Island and earn thirty silver coins a month—a generous wage. Jiang Chuan was sure no one would turn down a job that paid so well.

A few days later, Laurie arrived at Jiang Chuan's office covered in injuries and reported, "President, the Iron Anchor Gang has sabotaged our recruitment drive."

Jiang Chuan said coldly, "What happened? We've always stayed out of each other's way."

Laurie said angrily, "Those bastards in the Iron Anchor Gang stopped everyone who was coming to Bloodfang Island. They don't want us threatening their position. We've expanded too quickly."

Jiang Chuan rose from his chair and said, "Gather five hundred men in the square. We'll show the Iron Anchor Gang what we're made of!"

Before long, Laurie had brought five hundred men to the square. Jiang Chuan handed out the guns—they were every firearm Bloodfang Island had—and addressed the crowd. "Those bastards in the Iron Anchor Gang are shitting all over us! Are you going to let them ride on your shoulders and shit on you?!"

"Let's kill those bastards!"

"Get 'em!"

Jiang Chuan picked up the Hextech Rifle and looked at the men. "Tonight, we're taking out their hideout. Get ready, everyone. We've got a hard fight ahead."

Jiang Chuan studied the information on the Iron Anchor Gang. Their hideout was a casino, which had made them a lot of money. They had turned the place into a fortress, but the casino wasn't Jiang Chuan's target.

The Iron Anchor Gang's boss, Bourne Jones, was a man who knew how to enjoy himself. Every night, he went to the Red Light District to have a good time with the girls before returning to the casino. The district was a fair distance away, so Jones always brought plenty of bodyguards. Jiang Chuan planned to kill him while he was out carousing, while Laurie and a five-hundred-man squad would head to the casino and wipe out everyone left there. This time, Jiang Chuan had given them enough Explosives to blast the whole casino sky-high.

Jiang Chuan had equipped everyone with guns, ammunition, and Explosives. Five hundred fully armed men would give the Iron Anchor Gang plenty to worry about.

Night fell. The sea breeze was stronger than usual, as if bidding the Iron Anchor Gang farewell. Jiang Chuan summoned Pyke and cast Purification on him.

Pyke looked at Jiang Chuan. "We meet again, Summoner. What trouble have you run into this time?"

Jiang Chuan grinned. "You can add another name to your list."

Pyke shook his head. "You know those killings were all that damned fish's doing."

Jiang Chuan patted Pyke on the shoulder. "That fish will leave you alone. We have a job tonight: killing a gluttonous drunk."

Pyke grinned. "That's right up my alley. When do we leave?"

Jiang Chuan checked his watch. "Around twelve-thirty. Let's meet there at twelve. It's still early. How's that fish doing?"

Pyke shook his head. "It still shows up in my head from time to time, but it's much better than before. I have your Purification Technique to thank for that."

In the game, Purification removed crowd control and negative effects. Jiang Chuan was amazed that it had even silenced the voice of the fish in Pyke's head.

Jiang Chuan smiled. "After a while, you can come live on Bloodfang Island. I'll find a way to deal with your problem, little by little."

Pyke gazed at the moon and smiled. "Can I still be considered a normal person?"

Jiang Chuan patted him on the shoulder. "Back in my hometown, plenty of people would dream of having your abilities. They're only afraid of you, that's all."

With that, Jiang Chuan took out some carefully prepared meat. "Here, try my cooking."

Pyke took the meat and ate it expressionlessly.

Jiang Chuan asked, "How is it?"

Pyke smiled. "Not bad. A lot tastier than those fish. I never ate anything this good, even when I was alive."

Jiang Chuan grinned. "Then you're in for a treat from now on."

Laurie ran over. "President, the boys are ready. We can leave anytime. Yikes!"

Pyke had given Laurie quite a fright. "Relax, buddy. I'm perfectly clear-headed. I won't hurt you."

Jiang Chuan smiled. "You two will be seeing each other a lot from now on, so you might as well get used to one another."

Laurie exclaimed in shock, "Lady Beard above! President, you can not only control Nautilus, but get Pyke to join us too? Good heavens, you're a god!"

Jiang Chuan waved a hand. "You can know about this, but don't tell the other guys."

Laurie gave a solemn salute. "Don't worry, President. I'm famous for keeping my mouth shut."

Jiang Chuan checked the time. "It's about time. Rally the men. We're moving out!"

Laurie gathered everyone taking part in the operation. They all boarded the ship and sailed toward Bilgewater.

Bourne Jones was drinking at a tavern in the Red Light District. Looking at the liquid in his glass, Jones asked one of his men, "How's the Bloodfang Gang situation?"

The bodyguard grinned. "Boss, the Bloodfang Gang can't recruit anyone now. In a few days, we can take Bloodfang Island in force. Those losers don't deserve a place that good."

Jones drained his glass and said viciously, "Those bastards have been sitting on such a good spot for years. It's about time they gave it up."

The Iron Anchor Gang had been expanding rapidly, but the casino was no longer enough for them, so they had set their sights on Bloodfang Island.

It was a vast island, easy to defend and difficult to attack. Its owner had conveniently died, leaving only a handful of battered survivors struggling to hold on. It was the perfect target.

At first, Jones hadn't been sure the Bloodfang Gang had been wiped out. But a few days ago, one of his men told him the gang was recruiting members for fifty silver coins a month. That was when Jones finally decided to attack Bloodfang Island.

But Jones wasn't a fool. He had his men stop anyone heading to Bloodfang Island. Why would he let people go and join his enemies?

Jones enjoyed a massage from a serving girl. When the time seemed right, he got up to head back to the casino.

Outside the Red Light District, Jones pulled his coat tighter and cursed. "Damn this weather. Is it trying to freeze me to death?"

Jiang Chuan glanced over and checked Roland's memories to confirm it was Jones. Then he said to Pyke, "He's all yours."

Pyke took out his harpoon and grinned. "I don't even need to try against a handful of men like this."

A few seconds later, Pyke came back with a bloodied harpoon. "Where to now? These guys were pathetic."

Jiang Chuan tightened his grip on his gun. "The casino. Laurie should be done by now, too."

Just as Jiang Chuan had expected, Laurie was already finished. He had brought five hundred men to the casino. Looking at the people inside, he frowned, raised his gun, and fired a shot. "The Bloodfang Gang is here for revenge! Anyone who isn't involved, get out now!"

Donahue had taken part in the operation too, but as a sniper, he stood behind Laurie. While Laurie was clearing out the bystanders, Donahue kept a close eye on the casino's managers. In just that short time, he had already wounded three men who tried to draw their guns.

Laurie ordered his men to bring in two hundred barrels of Explosives. Once they were in position, he shouted, "Everybody sit tight and behave! These barrels could go off, and that wouldn't be pretty. Now, every Iron Anchor Gang member, get outside and crouch with your hands on your heads!"

A few people tried to fight back along the way, but Donahue took them down. Laurie rushed over and stabbed one of them to death, cursing, "You won't behave? I'll kill you! If you're still acting up when the President gets here, this is what'll happen to you!"