Chapter 421: The Pirate King and the Treasure Map
The Omniscient of Emerald Sea?
Seeing the book's title instantly brought to mind the blank envelopes capable of delivering letters to pirates.
The origin of these letters was unknown.
But every time, they could precisely predict the routes of merchant ships and the locations of pirate ships.
Allowing pirates to raid merchant ships at the exact time and place.
Is this omniscience?
Moreover, Philipa had also mentioned the Pirate King before.
Could it be that there truly existed a Pirate King in Emerald Sea?
Secretly directing the pirates?
If he was that powerful, why hadn't he revealed himself to lead the pirates and reclaim the sea?
Lost in thought.
He began flipping through the old book in his hands. The pages were soft and fragile, giving the impression that even a slight force could tear them apart.
「In the long years of the Emerald Sea, the warriors who roamed its waters were mainly coastal humans and the Berwira race, leaving a profound mark on this region.
They appeared as invaders, conquerors, and colonizers, stirring storms along the coasts.
Rampaging and plundering wealth recklessly.
… Meanwhile, the tormented nations began a united campaign against the pirates, filling the seas with silent warships.
Every location displayed the dried corpses of pirates or the heads of the United Fleet…」
「Under the relentless campaigns of the United Fleet and many high-level professionals, the rampant sea warriors quickly met with defeat or splintered.
Until the emergence of 'Herzel Res', a lowborn man whose blood coursed with the sea.
He was the emissary of the Sea God, capable of foreseeing enemy appearances and merchant convoy positions.
He led the pirates, gradually balancing the scales of battle.
On Barbarian Island, he became the King of the Emerald Sea.」
The book's content was extensive.
Wu Heng entered a focused state, quickly reading through it.
The author's wording was somewhat unique, simultaneously describing the cruelty of pirates and their impact on nearby residents.
Yet, it also referred to pirates as warriors and conquerors of the sea.
It was as if the writer both detested their atrocities and respected their courage.
A large portion of the content depicted the chaos in Emerald Sea at that time.
Pirates faced no restrictions and plundered enormous wealth from the sea.
This led to an increasing number of people becoming pirates.
Forming a vicious cycle.
Later, nations started suppressing pirates with fleets and bounties, turning the once-unchecked pirates into prey.
In this world, battles weren't limited to the exchange of ship-mounted weapons.
The involvement of high-level professionals caused the pirates to decline rapidly.
At this point, 'Herzel Res' appeared.
His distinctive ability was knowing the locations of fleets and merchant convoys, maneuvering on the seas.
Ultimately, he was recognized as the Pirate King.
...…
"There really was a Pirate King!"
This surprised Wu Heng.
He wasn't self-proclaimed but was genuinely acknowledged by the pirates in the region.
Moreover, the described ability closely matched the blank envelopes' transmitted information.
"Is he still alive?"
"No, if he were alive, he'd either have been pardoned or hunted; it's impossible for there to be no news."
"Someone else inherited his ability."
This ability might be a peculiar artifact or some innate talent.
It's likely someone acquired this ability.
They're imitating the book's content to control the pirates.
"But why target me? Why issue bounties against me continuously?"
The sequence of events could be inferred.
However, the act of targeting him with bounties made no sense.
He had just arrived at Gold-Silver Island, and other guild members were also killing pirates. Why was his bounty the only one increasing so relentlessly?
He turned to the last page and felt along the book's cover.
Opening a concealed compartment, he pulled out a yellowed, weathered map.
At the map's center was a small island.
"What the hell, a treasure map!"
Though there were no labels on it, it fit the stories, marking it as a treasure map.
He took out his nautical chart for comparison.
Examining it carefully multiple times, he couldn't find a matching location.
"Not in Emerald Sea? Or did the island sink over time?"
He took a photo with his tablet and placed the map back in the book.
After thinking for a moment, he decided it was better to inform Imiro.
If this Pirate King truly existed, the guild knowing about it would make handling the matter easier.
...…
Returning to the Steward's study.
He knocked and entered.
Speaking directly to Imiro, he said, "Steward, I found a historical account of pirates in the space ring of the pirate I killed. It mentions a Pirate King of Emerald Sea."
Imiro looked up and glanced at the book in his hand. "I've seen this book too. The content does resemble the blank envelope's incidents in some ways."
Uh…
So this pirate history book was widely printed and distributed at the time.
"There's also a map," Wu Heng added.
"A small island, each book has one." Imiro paused briefly before continuing, "There's no direct evidence linking the book's contents to the blank envelopes, but it's worth investigating as a lead. Also, be cautious if this is a ploy to mislead our investigations."
Wu Heng squinted slightly.
The book didn't mention the blank envelopes.
It was possible someone was steering the events to resemble the book, misguiding their direction.
"Understood."
"Keep the book and map for now. Perhaps you'll uncover something," Imiro said flatly.
"Okay." Wu Heng nodded and left the study.
...…
Returning to his own study.
Andviel had already returned, with breakfast neatly arranged on the desk.
"I thought you had gone back!"
"I went to see the steward," Wu Heng replied, sitting down at the desk and eyeing the breakfast. "Breakfast is quite a feast today."
Andviel smiled, pouring tea and bringing it over. "The master just returned, so eat more."
"You're always so thoughtful, Viel."
Andviel's smile grew even brighter.
After finishing breakfast.
Wu Heng stayed in the study for a while, chatting with Andviel.
Seeing that nothing urgent was at hand, he gave a few instructions and left the guild.
Riding his bicycle, he returned home.
...…
Pushing open the courtyard gate.
Minnie, dressed in training attire, was practicing various moves.
Now, it wasn't just physical training.
She had also added power training, frequently practicing her fire-controlling abilities.
Seeing Wu Heng return, she sprinted over and pounced, clinging onto him.
"Master, did you have breakfast?"
Dragging the girl whose legs were wrapped around his waist, Wu Heng replied while walking, "I ate at the guild."
"Oh, was your outing smooth?"
"Pretty smooth. Was Minnie good at home?"
"Of course, I've taken great care of the house."
Wu Heng gave a small bounce to adjust the little rabbit girl in his arms. "Good girl, Minnie."
"Hehe!" Minnie laughed, planting a kiss on his neck.
Entering the house.
After taking a bath in the bathroom, he went to his bedroom and slept until after one in the afternoon.
He went downstairs.
Heading directly to the third-floor radio room, he picked up the microphone. "Philipa, are you there?"
Soon, Philipa's lazy voice came through the radio, "Sleeping!"
"How's your side?" Wu Heng asked.
"No issues, we're leaving that sea area," Philipa replied, then asked in return, "Did you take care of those two pirates?"
"Yes, they're dead. The bodies have been sent to the guild for verification. Once their identities are confirmed, the steward will apply to headquarters for your admission into the 'Whisperer's Circle'."