Chapter 179

Chapter 179: Robbing Pirates

Exploration meant searching for uninhabited areas.

But within pirate-controlled waters, did those count as inhabited or not?

Though Midi hadn’t given explicit orders, he guessed even his tough Hamilton family sailors wouldn’t provoke pirates or wander into their territories.

The rifts were likely hidden within pirate-controlled zones!

That’s why recent searches found nothing—explorers had instinctively avoided those areas.

Pirates favored busy shipping routes with many islands, places where rifts were more likely to appear!

"First, investigate any anomalies in pirate-controlled regions since the Forest of Gran fire," Midi ordered after brief consideration. "We’ll use the Lionheart Trials as cover."

Soon, ships scouring the Southern Sea returned to port.

Meanwhile, the Lionheart Arena announced a new focus: maritime route trials.

This caused ripples across Faero Bay.

As the Arena grew, more disciples joined trials. Skilled beyond regular adventurers, demanding little pay, and trustworthy, they became prime choices for Commercial Families lacking private guards.

Moreover, merchant caravans bearing even one Lionheart disciple gained immunity—bandits feared the Count of Saint Tower Island’s growing influence.

Originally land-based trials suited Demon Swordmen best, leaving sea traders envious. Now Midi’s maritime trial announcement sparked debate:

Could Demon Swordmen fight effectively at sea?

Would pirates respect the Count’s reputation?

While analysts debated, fleets jumped at the opportunity—invitations poured in. Hosting disciples cost little beyond food and board, while earning the Count’s favor.

Within days, Lionheart disciples boarded varied fleets—massive armadas seeking political ties, single-masted ships needing escort teams, routes stretching from Belmar to southern islands. All operated within Midi’s search zone.

Soon, intelligence flooded Midi’s desk—sailors’ gossip, port notices, tavern rumors, brokers’ reports, and pirate captives’ confessions.

After days sifting through materials, Midi found his target:

The Red-Bearded Pirates.

Once third-rate thieves with just a twin-masted ship, they’d barely managed coastal raids. Post-Gran fire, they’d shockingly reached level 40 expert status while amassing rare herbs even Belmar coveted.

Rising power and endless resources let them claim a maritime forbidden zone as headquarters.

"Dispatch the ironclad ships," Midi commanded, eyeing the pirates’ territory on the map. "Before facing the Empire, we’ll hold a live combat drill."

Under cold moonlight, eight metallic beasts glided from Wells’ secret port into the Southern Sea’s shimmering waves—ready for battle at Midi’s order.

The eight ironclad ships were fully crewed. The Conqueror was directly commanded by Wells himself, while the other two vessels were under female captains of the Star of the South and the Albatross. The remaining five ships were controlled by elite sailors from the Hamilton family and outstanding adventurers selected from the Hawk Brigade.

As the commander, Midi naturally stationed himself on the flagship Conqueror to oversee the entire operation.

This was Midi’s completely new navy, bearing the distinct mark of the Hawk Brigade.

It also represented the most advanced fleet across Arad.

Now, this navy was about to face its first battle.

Deploying in cruising formation, the eight warships formed a sharp shuttle-shaped battle array, heading straight toward the Red-Bearded Pirates’ territory.

Under such low wind conditions, even a three-masted full square-rigged ship would require most of the day to reach the pirates’ waters. Yet the magic-powered systems of the ironclad ships propelled them far faster than traditional sails. Within three short hours, the fleet reached its target.

Deep Rock Island – the stronghold of the Red-Bearded Pirates and an "off-limits hunting ground" under underworld rules.

Midnight’s stillness enveloped the sea. The island lay silent like a slumbering behemoth.

Post-celebration pirates slept soundly. Though watchtowers dotted the island, finding truly vigilant guards among these lazy men proved impossible.

Since the Forest of Gran inferno, the Red-Bearded Pirates had dominated unchallenged. Even major maritime families chose compromise when facing these lawless raiders. People counted themselves lucky not being harassed by them – who’d dare provoke them?

Thus Deep Rock Island stood completely undefended at night, like open gates inviting the ironclad beasts to ravage freely.

Watching this, already confident Wells grew even more assured.

"My lord?" The handsome youth turned to Midi beneath the command flag.

If Midi wanted negotiations, they’d need to send envoys first rather than attack.

But Midi showed no such inclination. "End this swiftly. Let none escape."

Wells immediately nodded. Through magical communications, he barked: "All ships battle stations! Full broadsides ready!"

With grinding gears, clanking chains, and rotating metal plates, the eight warships encircled the island. From dual gun decks, thirty triple-mounted cannons extended their dark maws.

A sun-bright flare pierced the night sky. Simultaneously, all ironclad ships unleashed their fury.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Thunderous roars rolled across the waves. Meteor-like shells traced fiery arcs through darkness before exploding across the tranquil island.

Most pirates turned to ash without waking. The few conscious ones found no means to fight back. Those reaching the port found only wreckage.

Ships decide naval warfare – Wells knew this well.

Four ironclads sealed the harbor. First salvo sank half the pirates’ ten vessels. Surviving five ships lost masts, trapped in port.

Second bombardment sank the remainder.

Third barrage reduced watchtowers, fortifications, and houses to rubble under triple-cannon onslaught.

Total annihilation.

Pirates commanding eight three-masted ships, two five-masted vessels, controlling vast seas and fortified islands – erased faster than steeping tea.

Even Midi felt startled witnessing this. Only now did he truly grasp the ironclads’ range, power, and firing speed.

Yet no arrogance followed. He remembered Delos Empire’s Faero Bay-blocking warships from his past life matched these ironclads.

To outpace the Empire, securing Sky City remained paramount.

"Prepare landing." Midi rose, gazing at the burning island.