章節 127: After the Battle
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
Since more than ten pirate ships gathered and set sail last time, the island had become much quieter.
Of course, for Alan and the others, this was a good thing. With fewer pirates around, there were also fewer people ordering them around to do this and that.
Just as they were enjoying this rare "leisurely" time, they began to notice that something was slowly amiss on the island.
Some of the remaining pirates were restless, as if the sky was about to fall.
"Have you heard? The pirates suffered a defeat!"
At lunchtime, Payne mysteriously whispered to them. His information always seemed to be spot-on.
Alan and Tom suddenly became interested. If the pirates were defeated, there might be a chance for them to see the light of day again.
"Tell us more."
"The fleet that set out a few days ago was personally led by the pirate leader, Jaden. It's been three days now, and not a single ship has returned."
"Are you saying they're all done for?"
"What other reason could there be? They probably picked a fight with the Alden Navy and got wiped out."
Tom looked hopeful, "Will the Alden people come to rescue us?"
"They probably won't come specifically to rescue us. We're not citizens of Alden. But they say the pirate lair is stocked with a lot of treasure. The Alden people probably won't pass up the opportunity to liberate us along the way."
"Oh Lord of Light, please bless us and ensure the Alden people come here."
The three prayed earnestly, their hopes pinned on someone else coming to rescue them with their current abilities.
...
After defeating Jaden's pirate fleet, the Alden Navy had to undergo a period of repair. This naval battle was indeed a glorious victory: aside from one pirate ship that escaped, all nine other pirate ships were captured, resulting in over 300 pirates killed and nearly 200 taken prisoner.
However, the navy itself suffered heavy losses. Apart from the Hope, which didn't participate in boarding actions, the other ships had casualties exceeding 50, with almost every survivor carrying wounds. Such immense losses shocked the navy's high command deeply. For the relatively small Alden Navy, these losses were difficult to bear.
The direct cause of the navy's heavy casualties was the mysterious drug revealed in the prisoners' testimonies. Upon taking it, pirates immediately gained combat abilities far beyond ordinary humans. If not for the navy's firearms and cannons, as well as the advantage of boarding actions, it would have been uncertain who would have won this battle.
The performance of pirate leader Jaden, who heavily consumed the drug towards the end of the battle, also left a deep impression on all present officers and soldiers. What kind of mysterious drug could turn a perfectly normal person into a monster in an instant?
However, when asked for specific details about the drug—such as how it was made or where it came from—all prisoners claimed ignorance.
The only information obtained was that this drug was obtained by the pirate leader Jaden from a mysterious figure, either delivered personally to the pirate base by that figure, or fetched by Jaden's men from a meeting point on land.
All participating soldiers were placed under strict orders of silence. Apart from spreading news of the great victory, they were not allowed to disclose any details about the battle to outsiders or discuss it in front of them.
Combining the previous intelligence gathered on Jaden's pirate group, almost all their forces were wiped out in this battle. The tiny remaining force, even if each person could exhibit the exaggerated combat prowess seen in the previous naval battles, posed little threat to the navy.
Certainly, they couldn't let their guard down. Who knew if Jaden, that slippery eel, might be hiding his true strength?
Through interrogating the prisoners, they also learned about various hidden bases of the Eel Pirate Gang. Among them, the base located on an unnamed island was Jaden's longest-operating and largest base, his headquarters.
The naval headquarters quickly devised a plan to completely wipe out the Jaden Pirate Gang. Once the forces were ready, they would execute it immediately.
The single-masted Hope made significant contributions. Although it didn't participate in boarding actions, it single-handedly held off as many as four pirate ships, sinking one and capturing two others.
Moreover, the Hope suffered minimal casualties among its crew, with only a few injured by arrows shot from approaching enemy ships.
Because the Hope suffered the least damage, it was entrusted with a new important task: to scout and monitor the pirate base on the unnamed island.
This naval battle was recorded as the Double Ten Naval Battle. An urgent report detailing the battle was swiftly sent to Alden Town. Besides recounting the battle itself, it emphasized two other points: the mysterious drug and the outstanding performance of the Hope in this battle, advocating for the construction of similar new types of sailboats.
...
At this moment, chaos reigned in the Eel Pirate Gang's base. The high-ranking leaders were anxious, while rumors spread among the lower ranks.
The leader had led the fleet out, but the expected return date came and went without any sign of them. It was clear that something had gone wrong.
Some said Jaden had abandoned them and surrendered to Alden. Others claimed the fleet had been completely annihilated. There were even rumors that Jaden had learned of Edward's whereabouts and had gone to join him, leading his trusted men with him. In short, various rumors circulated widely.
Soon, news arrived from the mainland: the navy had achieved a major victory near Port Frand. The fact was now painfully obvious—their fleet had suffered a crushing defeat, and either Jaden had died or been captured by the navy.
After confirming such grim news, even worse news followed. Brothers patrolling the nearby waters spotted a mysterious strange ship, prompting speculation that it might be a reconnaissance vessel sent by the Blue Stripe Dogs to ascertain their strength. This secret base was likely exposed.
...
"Jaden, you son of a bitch! I spent so many years as a pirate alongside him, and I never knew he had such a cushy nest."
Quik, holding his spyglass, carefully observed the unnamed island. The island had a natural sheltered harbor. Looking inside, a fully equipped dock was clearly visible. Further away, smoke rose from the island.
The former pirate leader was indignant, "Why didn't I find such a place first back then? I've been outmaneuvered by that double-dealing bastard."
According to the information provided by the prisoners, Hope and another sailboat arrived in this area yesterday evening, finally locating the pirate base on the unnamed island. During their approach, they also spotted a ship cruising near the small island, which quickly accelerated into the harbor.
The two warships circled the island. Apart from several small sailboats docked in the harbor, they found no large-scale pirate fleet. Subsequently, Hope remained stationed here while the other sailboat returned to base to report.
The navy's plan was to have ships take turns monitoring the small island, preventing the remaining pirates from escaping. Once the entire fleet was ready, they would launch a decisive attack.
Hope was the first responsible for guarding. After a night passed, the officers on board picked up their spyglasses to carefully observe the situation on the island.
The gunnery officer asked beside him, "Captain, are we just going to sit here like this?"
Quik knew this guy was itching for action again. Ever since the Battle of Port Frand, where the gunnery officer commanded the broadside guns to sink an enemy ship and kill countless enemies, he had been eagerly awaiting the next naval battle. Every night before sleeping, he had to inspect each cannon on the ship.
"I knew you couldn't sit still, lad. Pete, Henry, approach the harbor. Let's see what we can do to give them a pounding!"
Quik loudly issued commands to the sail-handlers and helmsmen, indicating that the restlessness was not limited to just one person.
The first mate hesitated, "What if we startle the snake and the pirates come out to fight us tooth and nail? We only have one ship!"
"Are you saying they'll use those few small skiffs parked at the dock to fight us to the death? Wouldn't that be perfect?"
"Uh... okay."
The gunnery officer was extremely excited, "Brothers, heat up those cannonballs for me! Let's give them a taste of some scorching shots!"
(End of the Chapter)
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