Raging thunderclouds still blanketed the skies above the island waters, dazzling lightning streaking across the curtain of clouds from time to time, followed by rolling, low thunder.
Yet in this utterly dreadful environment, the pirates aboard the ships were gripped by feverish fervor. Their bloodshot eyes were locked on the merchant vessel rumored to be loaded with magical items. Some clutched the reins of the triangular sails in one hand while raising their swords in the other, letting out excited, feral howls.
For the John Chamber of Commerce, which had struggled in the Sword Coast waters for decades, to stake its entire fortune on transporting these goods—if they seized it, becoming rich overnight would be no mere dream.
Though most pirates who had once struck it rich failed to remain wealthy for more than five years, and most met no pleasant end, when such temptation was truly laid before them, who could really refuse it?
Under the storm, no one dared turn the helm broadside and open fire. The likely result would be that before they could blast the enemy apart, their own ships would capsize first—especially those pirate vessels with rather small displacement.
But that instead became their advantage. They rode with the storm, while their opponents could only choose to meet them head-on.
When the ships crossed paths, they could completely encircle the enemy, then exploit their numerical advantage—boarding directly amid the exchange of cannon fire, leaping onto the opposing decks, and swiftly claiming victory through sheer numbers.
"Ah-ha! This is the feeling! Lord of Storms! Grant me strength!"
Standing high atop the flagship, One-Eyed Addison felt as though he were caught in an illusion. A magnificent naval battle like this had been prepared for him alone!
At that moment, he was like a child of the storm