Chapter 403: The Island Master
Wu Heng frowned, his face instantly looking somewhat grim.
500 gold coins had already made the pirates reckless, and now with it doubling, it would only make things more troublesome for him.
"I'm joking. You're on Gold-Silver Island; you're fine. Don't worry," Phillipa immediately said, thinking he was angry due to his silence.
Wu Heng replied, "When did you find out?"
"I discovered it yesterday."
"Besides the bounty, is there any other news?"
"There was also a raid on a ship, but I didn't make it in time, so I didn't go," Phillipa said before asking, "What did you do to make the Blank Envelope double your bounty?"
"Before you received the message, our guild killed several pirate leaders," Wu Heng analyzed.
"Who were they?"
"The Devil's Hand organized five pirate leaders to ambush us. The plan had some issues, and they ended up being counter-killed by us. It should be about that," Wu Heng explained.
The other side was silent for a few seconds before Phillipa exclaimed dramatically.
"Wow… you killed the Devil's Hand and five pirate leaders? You… are you really that strong?"
"They weren't that great, and it was a land battle."
"A land battle? Did you seize their ships?"
"No, it was too dangerous at the time. We killed them and retreated back to Gold-Silver Island," Wu Heng said.
"Where did they die? I'll see if I can take over their ships. The Devil's Hand, wow, that's a very strong pirate group," Phillipa said, excitement evident in her voice.
Thinking for a moment, Wu Heng didn't want to stop her and said, "Near Lopez City. The guild will also send people to investigate there soon. Be careful not to get blocked by them."
"Got it. I'm heading out to sea now. Visit my mom if you're free."
With that, she hung up the radio.
Wu Heng placed the receiver back and headed downstairs.
Minnie was changing into her training outfit and asked, "Master, are you going to train in the courtyard?"
"No, I'm heading to the guild."
"Oh, then I'll wait for you to come back for dinner."
"Alright."
After tidying up briefly,
Wu Heng left his residence with his skeleton servants, heading towards the guild.
...…
At the guild.
Entering the hall, one could hear discussions about the "Devil's Hand" being annihilated.
A top pirate group that had terrorized the seas for decades, along with several other large pirate groups, disappearing from the wanted list, naturally caused quite a stir.
Mercenary teams speculated about who had wiped out these pirate groups.
Some thought the guild headquarters had sent a team for a sweeping operation.
Listening to the chatter, Wu Heng headed to the steward's study.
After a light knock on the door, he walked in.
Immaculately dressed, Imiro stood in the study, gazing at a brightly colored oil painting on the wall.
He glanced at Wu Heng and asked, "What is it?"
"Steward, my bounty has increased to 1,000 gold coins," Wu Heng said directly.
Imiro's brow furrowed. "That pirate lady told you?"
"Yes, the information should be accurate. My bounty always increases after I kill pirates."
Imiro sat back, pondering briefly, then said, "I'll have people tighten inspections on the island. You should avoid leaving the island for now. As long as you're on the island, you're safe."
Wu Heng nodded in understanding.
He mentioned it to Imiro not to request personal protection—having someone shadowing him would be inconvenient given his many secrets.
However, strengthening inspections for those landing on the island was indeed necessary.
Pirates couldn't just swim ashore to make a move.
"If you feel there's any danger, notify me immediately. On Gold-Silver Island, it's no issue to protect you," Imiro said confidently.
"Thank you, steward. I'll take my leave now," Wu Heng replied.
Imiro added, "Moya, give him the personnel application files for the Eleventh Squad."
Moya emerged from the back with a stack of files.
Imiro said, "These are the personnel applying to join the Eleventh Squad. You introduced someone to join, didn't you? Choose the members yourself."
"That many?"
Moya smiled. "You killed so many pirates. You're quite famous within the guild. It's normal for many to want to join the Eleventh Squad."
"Oh, alright then." Wu Heng accepted the stack. "I'll head back now."
Imiro nodded.
Wu Heng left the study.
...…
Back at his office study.
Wu Heng sat at his desk, waiting briefly.
Andviel entered, bringing Karvina along.
Wu Heng looked at her and asked, "What's going on?"
Karvina gave a bitter smile. "The squad's rest room is swamped with people asking about the pirate killings."
Wu Heng chuckled. "What's the big deal? If you feel like it, chat with them. If not, just brush them off."
Karvina shot him a frustrated look. "Do you think I'm a deputy steward like you? I can't just offend people randomly."
"It'll get better over time. How's everyone's recovery?" Wu Heng asked.
"Pretty much healed. None of us were seriously injured to begin with," Karvina said with a smile.
Wu Heng nodded and handed her the stack of personnel files.
"These are the applicants for the Eleventh Squad. Go through them and pick who you need."
"Huh? I get to choose?"
Karvina's eyes widened as she instinctively took the stack.
This backdoor operation… even choosing squad members was allowed?
"It's best to choose those recommended by guild insiders. Those recommended externally might be troublesome later," Wu Heng advised.
"Understood!" Karvina began flipping through the files.
After reviewing them a couple of times, she finally selected a ranger and a water-based sorcerer.
Structurally, the squad gained a scout and a ranged damage dealer.
Returning the files to Wu Heng,
He signed the documents, approving the two recruits.
Andviel was tasked with delivering them to the front desk for registration.
Karvina looked up. "Thanks!"
"No need to thank me. We're all on the same team."
"True," Karvina said.
After sitting in the study for a while, she returned to the squad's rest room.
New members were likely to report in the afternoon.
Preparation was necessary.
With no pressing matters, Wu Heng informed Andviel and left the guild.
He hailed a carriage to Lighthouse Street.
...…
Nautilus Tavern.
Disguised as a woman, Wu Heng walked directly into the tavern.
At this time, the tavern was bustling with people.
The pirate lady's mother, Milisen, was smiling and greeting customers.
The tavern's business was much better than before.
There were more customers and additional staff.
At the entrance, two burly men stood guard, seemingly maintaining order.
The entire tavern was run quite efficiently.
Upon entering, Milisen glanced at him and gestured towards the upper floor. Wu Heng headed upstairs.
Entering a room,
Milisen soon followed.
She bowed. "Sir."
"Hmm. The tavern is running well," Wu Heng remarked.
Receiving the praise, Milisen's expression carried a hint of pride. "Thank you, Sir."
"Any recent intel?"
"Please wait a moment, Sir." Milisen moved to the bedside, searching for something.
Her exaggerated proportions and rounded figure drew attention.
It was hard not to glance.
Soon, she retrieved a small notebook and, flipping through it, said, "Five days ago, dock workers fought in groups. People from Old Barrel Tavern were assassinated afterward.
Pirates have been receiving Sea God's letters more frequently, leading to continuous raiding missions…
… Additionally, a guest mentioned that in the Ekow Kingdom, the comatose old king reportedly obtained some miraculous medicine and might wake up. The internal turmoil is easing.
Yesterday, some guests stayed here and discussed pirate activities. Their appearances weren't on the wanted list, so it's unclear if they are pirates."
Wu Heng listened, somewhat surprised by the detailed intelligence.
Though varied, it contained valuable insights.
Taverns were indeed key places for gathering scattered information.
The increased frequency of Blank Envelope letters to pirates would undoubtedly lead to more frequent pirate activities.
This was not good news for trade routes.
As for the Ekow Kingdom,
The last news he'd heard was about the king being comatose and internal strife among the princes.
Now, the old king was seemingly alive?
How long had it been?
The wealthy and powerful… even in a coma, they survived.
Wu Heng nodded. "The intelligence is good. Some of it is important to me."
"It's my duty," Milisen said.
Wu Heng handed her two Tier 1 potions and a spatial ring.
"This is a 5-cubic spatial ring. Use it to store items discreetly to avoid unwanted attention," he instructed.
"Understood, Sir."
Knowing about spatial rings, Milisen was visibly excited but refrained from asking how to use it.
Wu Heng continued, "These potions enhance your physique. Drink them now; I'll watch over you."
Milisen cautiously glanced at him,
But ultimately, she stepped forward and drank the potion.
Immediately clutching her stomach, she groaned in pain.
Wu Heng supported her and said softly, "It will pass soon. Hang in there."
After a minute or two,
The pain subsided, and Milisen straightened up.
"How do you feel?"
"I seem… stronger now," Milisen said, sensing the change.
"That's the effect of the potion. Don't mention this to anyone."
"Understood, Sir."
Milisen then drank the second potion.
Feeling the enhancement in her body, she smiled brightly.
Wu Heng said, "Continue gathering intelligence. For anything significant, find me at the guild. If not, I'll visit you when I have time."
"Yes, Sir," Milisen said, bowing again.
The two left the tavern together.
Milisen saw him out.
...…
Leaving the Nautilus.
Wu Heng was about to hail a carriage when he noticed a crowd heading toward the port.
It wasn't a riot but seemed like something worth seeing.
Curious, he followed them to the port.
As he approached,
He saw blue and gold ships docked at the harbor.
The masts bore the blue pirate flags.
A man in a simple white robe with a thick beard stood at the port, his piercing gaze scanning the crowd below.
He spoke loudly, "These wicked pirates will face the punishment they deserve. I will continue to lead the fleet to sea, driving off pirates disrupting the trade routes."
He scanned the crowd with an expectant look, as if gauging their reactions.
As he neared the conclusion of his speech, the man added, "Let us work together to restore the order that the Emerald Sea deserves."
After speaking, numerous warriors clad in silver armor disembarked from the ships, escorting what appeared to be captured pirates.
"Lord Occam's words were excellent."
"Drive away the pirates!"
"It seems Lord Occam has dealt with quite a few pirate groups."
"If he can truly drive away the pirates, our trade caravans can resume normal operations."
Amidst the thunderous applause and cheers, Wu Heng caught snippets of their conversations.
Occam?
Isn't that the pirate leader who was granted amnesty?
Wu Heng frowned slightly, a mix of skepticism and contemplation on his face.