At that, Randall and Aequus exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting slightly.
"Oh? Leading the charge is dangerous. Are you really willing to go?"
Randall's tone betrayed nothing.
Asfer found that strange. Shouldn't the man be happy that someone was willing to lead the charge?
But even with questions on his mind, he was quick to answer.
"Base Chief, danger is nothing. What matters is the Marines' dignity. We can't let pirates trample all over it!
These pirates are far too arrogant! Someone has to take them down!
For that, what does it matter if I have to give my life?
For a Marine, dying in battle against pirates is the highest honor!"
Asfer spoke with righteous conviction, his expression utterly resolute.
If Randall hadn't known that Asfer had been unwilling to fight at all earlier, he might actually have believed him.
"Is that so? Then go ahead."
Randall smiled as he spoke.
Seeing Randall agree, Asfer rejoiced inwardly, though he kept the resolute expression of a man about to die for his cause.
Soon, one of the five warships broke away from the fleet and advanced.
The pirates froze at the sight. They hadn't expected the Marines to dare take the offensive after seeing the forces arrayed against them!
"You're that brat Randall? No, that can't be right. Randall's supposed to be some delicate, pampered little thing!
Or did that brat send you out to die in his place? Huh?
Hahahaha!"
One pirate laughed.
"Don't fire! I'm on your side! I surrender!"
Hearing the pirate's shout, Asfer hurriedly roared back.
Those words left almost everyone except Asfer stunned.
For a moment, the pirates couldn't figure out what this guy was playing at.
The soldiers aboard Asfer's ship wore deeply conflicted expressions, as though each face had two different masks.