Chapter 456: You Can't Change Anything
Glenda's insight was strong, allowing her to spot traps and mechanisms in certain locations, while Xiaoxiao's spiritual vision made it easier to discern the levels of living beings.
This helped identify where the enemies were most likely concentrated.
But the fact that both ghosts found different situations was unexpected for Wu Heng.
"Let me see," Wu Heng said.
The two ghosts returned directly to his body.
Simultaneously, two shared images appeared in his mind.
Glenda discovered an enemy location in the partially developed eastern area, near where "Milisen" was kidnapped previously.
The area was guarded by a mix of pirates and security forces, with defensive devices set up around nearby buildings.
Xiaoxiao's shared location was Lighthouse Street, near the Old Barrel Tavern.
There were numerous figures visible.
They stood on rooftops, at intersections, and around buildings.
There were two Level 15 Professionals, and the rest were Level 10 or close to Level 10 Professionals.
Neither Glenda nor Xiaoxiao entered the buildings to investigate further.
An 18th-level Seer would have high perception, and getting too close would risk the ghosts being detected.
They might not possess means to harm ghosts, but they would undoubtedly take further action upon noticing them.
Thus, without directly seeing the target, the ghosts marked the locations and refrained from entering the buildings.
Releasing the two ghosts once again, Wu Heng said, "Let's go."
Glenda asked, "How does it look?"
Xiaoxiao looked over curiously as well.
Wu Heng pondered for a moment, "Xiaoxiao's area seems more likely."
Xiaoxiao pumped her fist, "Yes!"
Glenda asked, "Why is that?"
"The eastern area is too far. He wouldn't hide so far from the port. If 'Imiro' finds him through some means, he'd have no way to escape," Wu Heng explained.
Glenda thought for a moment and said, "What if that's his plan? To make you think he's not there?"
"That's possible too. We can check Lighthouse Street first. If he's not there, we'll seize the port, and he won't be able to escape anyway."
"Makes sense. No objections," Glenda agreed.
Unless he had some rapid movement tool, escaping would require going through the port.
If he wasn't there, seizing the port would ensure he couldn't flee.
...…
Wu Heng took out his radio earpiece and called Minnie, "Minnie, where are you?"
Minnie's voice came through, "We ran into a batch of pirates. We're fighting them now in a residential area, so we can't use heavy weapons."
More pirates?
"Are you in danger?"
"Not really. There aren't many of them, but it'll delay us a bit."
Wu Heng continued, "Be careful. If it gets dangerous, stay in the armored vehicle and don't come out."
"Got it," Minnie replied loudly.
"After it's over, head to the port as soon as possible."
"Understood!"
Ending the call with Minnie, Wu Heng tried contacting "Imiro" next.
Sending him after the island's lord was the safest plan.
"Imiro! Are you there?"
Wu Heng called several times but received no response.
It was unlikely he was in danger. More likely, he wasn't wearing his earpiece or the signal was disrupted or damaged during battle.
Unlike the modern world, where guns dominate firefights…
This world's battles relied more on close combat and magical attacks.
Signal interference was highly likely.
Unable to reach him, Wu Heng sat in thought for a moment before rising and leaving the room.
GGG
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...…
In the hall, apart from the Guild staff reinforcing defenses and cleaning up the blood-soaked floor,
A considerable number of local merchants and residents had also gathered.
Entire families, many bringing their children, were present.
Their identities were verified, and squad members monitored them to prevent pirates from infiltrating.
The crowd huddled together, cautiously eyeing the skeletons around them.
And the grim scene nearby.
"That Occam is like a dog that can't stop eating its own filth. Just after getting pardoned, he's colluding with pirates again. Isn't he dooming everyone on this island?"
"This… why would he do this? Why?!"
"I just heard that the Deputy Steward is stationed here. It's very safe. Those skeletons are his undead servants."
"I've heard of him. A Necromancer! He's the one responsible for clearing pages and pages of the Guild's wanted list!"
"A Necromancer? That profession doesn't exactly have a good reputation."
"What nonsense. Pirates have the most Warriors and Rangers. Does that mean professions define morality?"
"Exactly!"
Those seeking shelter here clearly placed more trust in the Guild staff.
Occam, the self-proclaimed "emperor" of the island, had rejoined pirates, sparking discussions and curses about his shortsightedness and incorrigible nature.
"That's the Deputy Steward. A remarkable man."
"A human? So young? That's rare."
"Occam had no reason to abandon being the island's master. Could this Necromancer Deputy Steward have meddled?"
This statement drew sharp looks from the surrounding low-voiced talkers.
"Just kidding, just kidding. He just arrived at Gold-Silver Island. How could that be?"
...…
Wu Heng asked Xiaoxiao to assess the levels of the displaced residents.
Their levels weren't high, posing no threat.
Calling Andviel and Moya aside, Wu Heng spoke softly, "I can't reach the Steward. I need to go out and confirm the island master's location."
Both women frowned deeply.
"The Steward can't be reached? Your talking gadget isn't working?" Moya asked.
Andviel grabbed his arm, "The pirates are everywhere outside. Wait for the Steward to return!"
Wu Heng understood Andviel's concern.
But the longer they delayed, the greater the danger grew.
"Don't worry. I'll take some skeletons and leave quietly. You two oversee things here. The pirates have already lost a lot of men attacking the Guild and will likely regroup while waiting for reinforcements."
The two women remained worried.
Wu Heng added, "If there's danger, contact me immediately, then retreat to the training room like before."
"Alright! You be careful too."
Despite their concerns, they could only agree.
Wu Heng selected a few skeletons and quietly leapt out a back window.
He headed toward Lighthouse Street.
...…
On the main road near the port.
Sheila Grey's back sprouted white wings, and her exposed neck and arms grew white feathers.
Flapping her wings, she floated in the air with a sword in hand.
Her forehead and chest bore deep, bone-revealing wounds that continuously dripped blood.
Behind her, the squad members fared no better.
Each bore injuries of varying degrees, and casualties seemed imminent.
Sheila Grey and her team had fought desperately but were unable to breach the defenses and approach the port.
Things were far from the simplicity described by Imilo before they set out.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
A barrage of arrows and bolts shot skyward.
Sheila Grey swiftly dodged, avoiding the incoming attacks.
[White Phoenix Cursed Sword] granted its user unique effects but came with burdensome drawbacks.
Clang!
Suddenly, a pirate captain threw a rope from his hand.
The rope, as agile as a snake, coiled around Sheila Grey's ankle amidst the chaos, forcibly halting her evasion.
In an instant, several arrows pierced her body.
"Sheila Grey, with your pitiful skills, you really think you can take the port? Did you think we'd be scared of you?"
Sheila Grey glared down, reversed her sword, and slashed the rope.
The rope snapped.
More arrows struck her body.
She staggered several meters in the air before falling to the ground.
The pirate captain rushed forward, placing one foot on her body. "Such a pity. Otherwise, if I captured you, I could have had some fun for days."
He sighed and raised his sword high.
Aimed to deliver the final blow.
Sheila Grey struggled to move. As the iron sword descended, she could only resign herself and close her eyes.
Suddenly.
A silver-white thunderbolt shot from afar.
The sword-wielding pirate captain was instantly flung away, crashing heavily into a wall behind him.
The spreading electricity.
Sent tremors through Sheila Grey as she lay on the ground.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The rapid sounds of gunfire followed.
Sheila Grey opened her eyes suddenly and looked toward the road behind her.
There, a row of skeletons, wielding those peculiar weapons, advanced while firing.
Pirates along the path were hit, collapsing in droves.
The pirates quickly retreated, seeking cover, and retaliated with bows and crossbows.
Wu Heng scooped up 'Sheila Grey', slinging her over his shoulder. He called to the remaining squad members, "Let's go, fall back for now."
With that, they all retreated together.
Sheila Grey's body began exhibiting the side effects of the artifact.
Frost covered her entirely, her skin icy like a block of ice, with her hair and eyebrows coated in frost.
Her body trembled slightly.
Sheila Grey's high level and melee-focused class gave her strong resistance.
Otherwise, an ordinary Professional might have frozen to death.
Slinging her over his shoulder, Wu Heng remarked, "If I hadn't come, you'd be dead."
Sheila Grey exhaled a puff of white air, "How's the Guild? Did any pirates head there?"
"Don't worry. The Guild's fine." Wu Heng reassured her with a firm slap.
"That's good." Sheila Grey, lying on his shoulder, glanced cautiously at the vigilant squad members on either side. She swatted his hand, which was gripping her rear, "Gentle! That hurts."
"Ah, sorry. Didn't realize." Wu Heng loosened his grip slightly, keeping his hand where it was.
Sheila Grey, still being carried, swatted him again but said no more.
When Wu Heng arrived, she felt an indescribable sense of safety.
It was as though his presence ensured her survival.
They retreated to an empty house.
Wu Heng set her down, distributed potions to everyone, and returned to Sheila Grey, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Sheila Grey drank two potions, exhaling deeply, and asked, "What's next? The port road is completely blocked. We won't break through anytime soon."
Wu Heng replied, "I've identified a location where the island master is likely hiding."
Sheila Grey's eyes lit up, "Shall we go and kill him?"
"No, not with this many people." Wu Heng considered before saying, "I'll leave the skeletons with you. Continue engaging the pirates near the port. Don't push too far, just focus on attrition."
Sheila Grey hesitated, "Can we handle this? What about the Steward?"
"The Steward is tied up dealing with assigned enemies. We can't reach him, so it's up to us."
The frost on Sheila Grey's body gradually melted. After taking the potions, her wounds stopped bleeding. She slowly stood up, "Alright, let's go with your plan. Be careful, and don't be reckless like me."
"Don't worry. Wait for my signal before you move closer to the port."
"Alright!"
After the two finalized their plan, Wu Heng issued orders for the skeletons to follow Sheila Grey's commands.
Once the team members had rested adequately, they all exited the safe house.
Wu Heng headed towards the west side of Lighthouse Street.
Meanwhile, Sheila Grey continued leading her group to engage the pirates on the roads.
With the addition of skeletons and firearms, the dynamics of the fight shifted.
Long-range combat now leaned in their favor.
Many pirates, drawn by the commotion, began chasing after Sheila Grey and her team.
...
As the sky grew darker.
The night was like a vast black curtain, dotted with a few scattered stars.
Wu Heng lay on a rooftop, flanked by skeleton minions, with two wraiths floating above.
Xiaoxiao pointed ahead and said, "It's there. That whole street is crawling with pirates. That despicable island master must be hiding nearby."
Compared to Xiaoxiao's initial reconnaissance, the situation had changed slightly.
Personnel seemed to have been rearranged.
Still, under the moonlight, hidden figures were faintly visible.
Given how intense things were on Sheila Grey's end, the lack of movement here was highly suspicious.
"Should I sneak in and find out where he's hiding?" Xiaoxiao offered.
Wu Heng thought for a moment. "No need. There are quite a few high-level Professionals among them. Let's take out a few of them first while they're still unaware."
Xiaoxiao stayed silent.
Wu Heng pulled out a sniper rifle.
Although the Barrett was the most powerful weapon, it often caused severe damage to corpses after killing enemies.
In less urgent or dangerous situations, this sniper rifle was sufficient to kill and kept the bodies intact.
Adjusting his position, Wu Heng asked, "Xiaoxiao, which one has the highest level?"
Xiaoxiao pointed below. "That guy leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and the one in the second-floor window picking his teeth—both are over level 15."
After considering the two, Wu Heng decided to play it safe and eliminate one first.
He aimed at the pirate leaning against the wall outside on the first floor and pulled the trigger.
The gunshot echoed.
Before the target could react, his head jerked backward, and his body collapsed.
Wu Heng fired another shot at the corpse for good measure, and the system displayed an experience gain notification.
The sudden gunfire and the fallen body startled all the waiting pirates.
The level-15 pirate on the second floor retreated into a room, while the rest quickly took cover and stayed vigilant.
One pirate, however, hastened his pace, heading further away.
"Xiaoxiao, follow that guy."
"Got it!" Xiaoxiao responded and flew off immediately.
With Xiaoxiao gone, Glenda warned, "Tamed beasts are incoming."
Wu Heng looked up.
A large group of tamed beasts was converging toward their location in the sky.
Wu Heng handed a sword to Glenda and instructed, "Don't let those beasts get close."
"Understood!" Glenda took the sword and flew toward the approaching beasts.
As she neared a cluster of them...
She unsheathed the sword.
Swish, swish, swish~!
Blades of light flashed like thunder through the night, cutting down the tamed beasts one after another.
In a matter of moments, the beasts within range were wiped out.
Glenda then descended with the drawn cursed sword, charging straight at the pirates below.
The pirates, as if seeing a ghost, scattered in every direction.
Amidst the sword's light, heads fell one by one.
Bodies collapsed to the ground.
This method of using the cursed sword was beyond Wu Heng's expectations.
His mindset had always been to see the sword as a tool for the living, subconsciously assuming that unsheathing it required standing still.
But Glenda, being a wraith, was unaffected by the sword's aura.
She wielded it freely, chasing and cutting down enemies.
The previously regretted purchase of this cursed sword now seemed like a perfect match for his wraiths, yielding excellent results.
Glenda chased the pirates around with her sword, forcing them all out of hiding.
The level-15 pirate also emerged from cover.
Wu Heng adjusted his scope.
Bang~!
The shot rang out, hitting the target square in the back.
A second shot struck the back of his head.
The pirate collapsed, dead.
From a distance, Xiaoxiao waved at Wu Heng.
With two skeleton minions in tow, Wu Heng quickly followed her.
They arrived at a dimly lit underground basement.
The island master, Occam, was holding a torn scroll, standing in a glowing magic circle that was closing into a full loop.
A teleportation scroll.
"I should've killed you at any cost from the very beginning," Occam said softly.
Wu Heng sped up, firing bullets with his submachine gun.
A stone wall rose from the ground, blocking the bullets and separating Occam from him.
Occam's voice still echoed through.
"You've outdone Imiro. Without you, our plan would have gone much smoother."
"But this doesn't change anything. You're just a minor setback in the grand scheme. The entire island is still ours, and you will be the first sacrifices for the new Pirate King."
The glowing circle closed entirely.
Occam's figure vanished.
"See you at the port."
Wu Heng's expression turned grim.
He had let him escape.
Glenda sheathed her sword and flew over, asking, "How did it go?"
Xiaoxiao chimed in, "He got away and even mocked Uncle Wu Heng before leaving."
"Escaped? How?"
"He used a teleportation scroll. Let's head to the port," Wu Heng declared.
The port was the most crucial location.
Occam's confidence meant the pirate reinforcements must have arrived.
...
The night grew darker.
The oppressive darkness shrouded the vast sea.
In the blackness, faint lights began to appear on the water, and pirate ships emerged like specters.
One after another, they filled the horizon.
At the bows of the ships were grotesque statues, and black flags fluttered ominously in the night wind.
Wu Heng quickly made his way over.
Sheila Grey also arrived with her team in tow.
Seeing the sea filled with pirate ships, their faces turned pale.
In the darkness, faint lights began to dot the sea, as pirate ships silently emerged like specters.
One after another, they continuously appeared within view.
At the bow of each ship were grotesque statues, while black flags flapped loudly in the night wind.
Wu Heng quickly approached.
Sheila Grey also hurried over with her team.
Seeing the sea filled with pirate ships, their faces turned pale.
Unlike the quiet at Wu Heng's position, the pirates occupying the port were excited and jubilant.
They had survived and were now on the brink of ultimate victory.
"Wu Heng, weren't you trying to save the guild and capture the pirates? Looks like all your efforts were for nothing. You can't change anything, nor can you change your fate," Occam sneered.
Occam stared at him intently, his tone filled with hostility, hatred, and the joy of final triumph.
Initially, his assumed rival was the island's "Imiro," but it turned out the most troublesome person was this newly transferred Deputy Steward.
Whether it was taking down several small pirate groups in succession...
Or later even killing off the " Devil's Hand" under his command.
At the time, he had even thought the guild had sent a hero to handle the matter, forcing him to return to the island prematurely to investigate.
Now, everything finally had a resolution.
In this battle of wits, he had come out slightly ahead and claimed the final victory.
"You might have a way to escape the island, or even fight your way out," Occam said, pausing briefly before continuing, "But what about the rest of your guild? Your squad members? The island's merchant groups?"
"How will those merchants react when they learn you abandoned them and fled? After all these years of donations to the guild, they'll realize they were funding nothing but cowards!"
"And you, Wu Heng, your little maids, and that neighbor Shanaila—they all look delightful. I'll chop off your head and enjoy showing you how I play with them."
At this point, Occam reverted to his mad pirate persona.
He insulted his opponent, dragging along those Wu Heng cared about.
"Let's fight!" Sheila Grey unsheathed her sword slowly, her wings extending from her back, her skin adorned with white feathers.
The team behind her also drew their weapons, readying themselves for a final battle.
Just as Occam had said.
The Steward and Deputy Steward might have ways to escape.
But the squad leader and members certainly didn't.
Thankfully, the two Deputy Stewards had no intention of abandoning them, so why not risk it all?
Just as Sheila Grey was about to charge forward.
Wu Heng grabbed her arm. "Don't rush. Wait for reinforcements."
Despite Occam's taunts, Wu Heng remained unfazed.
He had many ways to ensure ultimate victory.
The simplest would be to open the realm gate, send skeletons into the sea, and capsize all these pirate ships.
But the aftermath needed careful consideration.
He had to choose a proper method that wouldn't bring trouble later.
Sheila Grey frowned. "What reinforcements? Are you talking about guild reinforcements? They won't arrive until midday tomorrow at the earliest. We can't hold out that long."
"Not the guild. I'm waiting for Shanaila and the others."
Wu Heng pulled her further back again.
Sheila Grey said nothing, sheathed her sword, and remained silent.
In the standoff, the mass of pirate ships drew closer and closer.
On the decks, pirates held torches high, their flickering flames glaring sharply in the darkness.
Wielding their weapons, they began laughing and shouting recklessly as their ships neared, preparing for the battle to storm the island.
...
"Master, we've arrived."
Minnie's voice came through the earpiece.