Test

"Let's hope you're ready, gentlemen."

The Wavebreaker made a turn and sailed some distance away before coming to a stop, maintaining a considerable distance from the island. Captain Ken Angus returned to the deck. His cigar was gone, but he now held a folder in his hand.

"Poet" Edward rose to his feet, wearing a warm smile. "Captain, weren't we supposed to be heading to a secret base?"

Ken casually pointed at the distant island. "That's it."

Sifa added, "But if I'm not mistaken, there's a ship docked there, and it looks like it's flying a pirate flag."

The captain gave him an indifferent glance. "Sharp eyes. Yes, that's a pirate ship. It belongs to the Three Brothers Pirate Group."

"According to the information we have, those fellows seem to work for the Admiral of Blood. They're minor players operating on the fringe of that pirate general's influence."

"And they will be the test you face. All of you, except for Miss Apothecary, of course. You may improvise as you please—work together or act separately. I have no requirements, save one: kill the captain, first mate, and second mate of that ship."

"I'll give you a fair evaluation based on your performance and determine whether you're suitable to join Black Sails."

"Once you take them down, that island can serve as our secret base. So, any questions?"

Isn't this a little too casual? This is nothing like the secret base I imagined. Sifa had the urge to cover his forehead. He increasingly felt that his superior was utterly unreliable.

"Fine, Captain. Even if this is a test, we should at least have information on the other side, shouldn't we? At the very least, photos, so we don't mistake the wrong people."

Sifa looked at the folder in his hand.

Ken's