Chapter 538, Agreement with the Elders
Although Babuchi was unwilling, he maintained his last shred of dignity.
Every pirate knew their fate: either die at sea or fall at the hands of the Adventurer's Guild.
Surviving the Battle of the Emerald Sea and dying after the Pirate King and major pirate groups was something to brag about.
It was worth it.
Upon hearing his response, Sheila Grey raised an eyebrow and continued, "Babuchi, the guild is willing to give you a chance. The question is, do you want it?"
Babuchi, who had just come to terms with his impending execution, suddenly froze.
He had been ready to shout some defiant words about how sea warriors never surrendered, but now he swallowed them down.
Hesitantly, he asked, "What chance?"
Nobody wants to die, or he wouldn't have waited for Phillipa to help him find connections.
Hearing about a chance to live, he naturally wanted to grab it.
Sheila Grey placed her hands behind her back and said, "We're currently investigating a cult and need someone to act as an informant. Your background is ideal."
Babuchi furrowed his brow. An informant for the guild?
It was the guild's usual strategy.
But they always honored such deals. Even Phillipa had shed her pirate identity by becoming an informant.
"What cult? I've never dealt with any cult before."
Sheila Grey explained, "The Destiny Sect, a newly established organization with few members. They're recruiting powerful individuals everywhere. With your level, you could easily rise to the role of Guardian or core member."
Wu Heng, standing nearby, quickly understood their purpose.
So they planned to send Babuchi to infiltrate and gather information on the Destiny Sect.
Given Babuchi's background, it wasn't a bad idea.
Babuchi pondered for a moment. "Do I have any other options?"
"Yes, hanging or beheading. Since you're Phillipa's friend, I'll let you choose," Sheila Grey said calmly, though her words were chilling.
Babuchi wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "Won't they suspect me if you release me now?"
"They're not pirates, nor are they focused on the Emerald Sea. Once your bounty is increased, they won't have the time to investigate your identity," Sheila Grey replied.
Babuchi realized he had no better choice. Either die now or take a gamble.
Most rational people would choose the latter.
If he was lucky enough to gather useful information, he could even redeem himself.
Even if he found nothing, he would still live a little longer.
"What do I need to do to complete the mission?" Babuchi asked further.
"There's only one main task: find the Destiny Sect's bishop. If you can also locate their various bases or identify key members, that will be recorded in your file and help you in the future," Sheila Grey said softly.
Babuchi took a deep breath. "I agree. I'm willing to cooperate."
"Release him," Sheila Grey instructed.
Wu Heng signaled the skeletal servant, who stepped forward and unlocked the cage.
Babuchi cautiously stepped out, eyeing the two of them and the skeletal servant behind them.
Sheila Grey tossed him a hooded cloak. "Put this on and follow us."
Babuchi took the cloak and carefully pulled it over his head.
He followed them out of the dungeon.
He didn't try to escape or do anything reckless.
This chance to live was precious, and he didn't want to be thrown back into the cell or taken straight to the gallows.
They headed to the Deputy Steward's office.
After waiting for a moment,
the door was knocked on, and a squad captain entered, sword at his waist.
"Deputy Steward, Island Lord!"
Sheila Grey nodded and gestured toward the disheveled pirate. "This is Babuchi, captain of the Flying Fish Pirates. The guild is giving him a chance to redeem himself by gathering intelligence on the Destiny Sect. Take him and sign a slave contract to ensure periodic intelligence reports."
She placed the slave contract on the table and pushed it toward the captain.
The captain glanced at Babuchi without any surprise or questions.
He was clearly briefed in advance.
"Understood, Deputy Steward," he said, nodding.
He took out the contract and began the signing process with Babuchi.
Once the contract was signed,
Sheila Grey continued, "Arrange for his release at the right time and brief him on the details of the Destiny Sect."
"Understood! I'll take him back for now and release him tonight."
"Good. Handle it as you see fit."
The captain nodded and left with Babuchi.
...…
After they left,
Sheila Grey said, "It's easier to have the first squad manage him. They can gather intelligence and keep proper records."
Wu Heng smiled and replied, "You handled this well. Keeping him alive is already a good resolution for Phillipa."
Getting this chance was already rare.
It would be too much to ask for more.
The Destiny Sect involved 18th-tier professionals, and their bishop was undoubtedly of the same or higher tier.
With their human sacrifices and attacks on guild officials, the situation was serious.
Sending Babuchi to gather information was a stroke of luck for him.
Otherwise, he would have been doomed.
"I just didn't want you to be dissatisfied, so I'm explaining things clearly. You can tell Phillipa, but keep this confidential," Sheila Grey said with a smile.
"Got it. I'll let her know," Wu Heng nodded.
Sheila Grey continued, "By the way, the guild didn't approve the funding for the port construction. They said the guild's role is to assist local security, and the port is Gold-Silver Island's responsibility."
"They didn't approve it?" Wu Heng rubbed his chin.
Constructing the port would benefit both the island and the guild.
But they rejected it.
"Yes. I told you it wouldn't work. According to your logic, the guild would have to fund road construction in other cities too."
"That's not the point. A dedicated port benefits us directly," Wu Heng insisted.
"Doesn't matter; it wasn't approved," Sheila Grey said, rolling her eyes.
"No problem. We'll build it ourselves," Wu Heng said with a smile. "By the way, any news on tools to counter specters?"
"I just sent the request. I think they have something, but it's unlikely they'll give it to us for free."
"As long as they have something, that's enough," Wu Heng said.
The two chatted for a while longer.
Someone came to report to Sheila Grey, so Wu Heng didn't stay long. He greeted her and left the guild, taking a carriage to Lighthouse Street.
...…
The carriage moved slowly.
Pulling back the curtain, Wu Heng could see the patrolling guards outside.
After the Destiny Sect incident, patrols had increased in both frequency and manpower.
Wu Heng was also considering equipping the teams with radios and setting up an island-wide communications hub for better coordination.
Soon, the carriage stopped in front of the Nautilus Tavern. Wu Heng stepped down and entered.
At this hour, the tavern wasn't crowded.
Only two tables were occupied by patrons drinking and chatting.
Wu Heng waved at Milison behind the counter before heading upstairs.
He entered the innermost private room.
Just as he sat down, the door was pushed open, and Phillipa entered in a brown jacket and beige skirt.
She ran two steps and leaped into Wu Heng's arms.
Wu Heng stood up to catch her. "If I hadn't reacted in time, you'd have flown out the window."
"Nonsense!" Phillipa looked up at him. "It's been ages since I saw you!"
"You were just at the manor two days ago."
"Really? Well, I still missed you," Phillipa said, snuggling into his arms.
Wu Heng hugged her and gently patted her back. "I came to tell you that your pirate friend will be released in the next two days. Don't worry anymore."
"Really? I had already picked a grave for him."
Wu Heng frowned. "Do you want him out or not?"
"Of course I do! If he gets out, that's great. When will they release him? I'll go pick him up."
Wu Heng lowered his voice. "You can't pick him up. Sheila Grey is giving him a chance to redeem himself by gathering intelligence. His identity must remain secret, and you showing up could cause problems."
Phillipa's eyes widened. "Can he handle it? Plenty of people know he was caught by the guild."
"It's fine. They're not Emerald Sea pirates. He'll likely head inland."
"Good. This is the most I can do to help him," Phillipa said.
"Whatever happens next depends on his luck."
Phillipa cupped Wu Heng's face and kissed him deeply. "Thanks, darling. You're the best."
Wu Heng gently patted her waist. "You earned this through your hard work."
"I love hearing you say that," Phillipa said as she began unbuttoning her top.
Wu Heng was taken aback and grabbed her hands. "What are you doing?"
"What do you think? Sleeping, of course... unless you're not up for it today," she teased, glancing downward.
"What nonsense! I have things to do. Tonight at the manor."
"What about Milison?"
Milison?
Wu Heng gave her a puzzled look. "What about her?"
"Leaving her home alone makes me uneasy. I'll visit during the day, and you can make sure I'm satisfied."
Wu Heng pinched her cheek. "You sound like a bandit."
"Hehe."
"I've told you what I needed to. I have some errands to run, but I'll be at the manor by dusk."
"Got it, darling."
Wu Heng ruffled her hair before leaving the Nautilus Tavern.
...…
He visited the construction site.
Heavy machinery was operating at full capacity, while workers were building houses and assisting with various tasks.
The progress was swift, and it wouldn't be long before the area was completed.
Plans for further expansion could then be implemented.
After observing the site for a while, Wu Heng left and headed to a remote area.
He donned the [Conductor's Hat] and traveled to Lopez City.
At the Snake Emblem Consortium, he met with their representative, Lettilie.
He filled out an order form for five different types of fire furnaces.
...…
Returning to the manor, night had already fallen.
As he stepped into the living room,
Minnie approached him. "Master, have you eaten?"
"Not yet. Please have something prepared."
"Understood. Also, Shanaila sent a message through the radio. She wants you to check it when you have time," Minnie said.
Shanaila had sent a message?
It seemed the wood elves had made progress.
"Alright. I'll head upstairs and check it."
"I'll go prepare your meal," Minnie said, skipping off.
Wu Heng headed upstairs to the radio room.
He picked up Shanaila's record book and scanned the latest message.
「I've discussed everything with the elders, and there's no problem. The Starflower representative will contact you to discuss the cooperation. 」