Plans and Slaughter

Read 20+ Chapter's Ahead in Patreon

That night, under the looming threat of three pirate ships, the Golden Fleece sailed slowly toward the Stepstones. It was at this moment that Gavin finally learned the meaning of the signal flags from the captain.

The pirates demanded that the Golden Fleece follow them to the Stepstone Islands, or else they would use crossbows to sink the ship.

Faced with such a ruthless and unreasonable tactic, Gavin found himself helpless. He clenched his fists, feeling a deep sense of frustration, yet there was nothing he could do.

The pirates showed no intention of engaging in a boarding battle, and even if Gavin possessed greater strength, their distance rendered him powerless to strike.

The moonlight spilled over the sea, casting silver-white reflections, but it could not illuminate the dark situation.

Gavin stared at the pirate ships faintly visible in the distance, his mind racing as he sought a way to deal with them.

---

A day later, at dusk, Gavin saw the outline of an island in the distance. From Captain Hassan's description, they had reached the outskirts of the Stepstones.

The afterglow of the setting sun scattered across the sea, casting a golden outline around the mysterious island. Gavin gripped the ship's railing, his gaze fixed ahead, full of wariness towards the unknown.

Captain Hassan spoke gravely beside him: "If my guess is correct, we've arrived at Shipbreaker Bay, which is riddled with hidden reefs, with only one navigable route. Beyond the reefs, there's a large natural deep-water harbor. It's said that this is the main base for the Black Shark 'Erl' and their shipbuilding operations."

"It seems they're after more than just simple robbers. Taking the ship here, they probably want both the vessel and the crew," Gavin said calmly.

Upon hearing this, Captain Hassan responded with concern: "That's likely the case. The Black Shark 'Erl' has big ambitions. We might be scattered and then incorporated into his fleet, forced to become pirates ourselves."

Gavin, for the moment, could only accept the helpless situation and return to his cabin. Hassan's description matched his own suspicions—anyone aboard the ship willing to cooperate with the pirates would likely be spared. Only Frank Brown, the ship's owner who had lost everything, was someone the pirates would never let go easily, determined to prevent any chance of future revenge.

Recalling the full view of the island he had observed earlier, Gavin began to formulate a plan. As they neared the island, he would try to jump ship and escape.

Though he didn't know the exact number of pirates on the island, Gavin knew that once they reached the shore, stepping onto the pirates' turf, he would be no different from being placed on a butcher's board, awaiting slaughter.

All of his hard-earned achievements would be taken from him. Even with his strength, he wouldn't be able to withstand the overwhelming assault of the pirates.

With this thought in mind, Gavin steeled himself and solidified his plan: he would land on the island and engage in guerrilla warfare.

With his abilities, he could easily deal with twenty to thirty men even without armor. Furthermore, with the Blood Dragon Guard and archers at his side, even if the pirates sent out a hundred-man squad, they would not be able to hold him down.

Furthermore, it was unlikely that the pirates would deploy such a large force to search for him.

Moreover, Gavin carried enough materials for the Blood Mage puppet rituals. If the opportunity arose, he could summon an army of fearless warriors.

At that point, he would control the initiative. Whether to escape by seizing a ship or to turn the tables and take control, he would be able to handle it with ease.

Having devised his plan, Gavin immediately set it into motion. He began preparing food and other portable supplies, knowing that the next few days would likely be spent camping in the wilderness.

Just as Gavin finished his preparations, chaos suddenly broke out on the ship. The air was filled with a cacophony of noise and startled cries.

Gavin rushed back off the deck, only to find the ship's owner, Frank Brown, lying in a pool of blood. His heart had been pierced by a sword, and standing nearby was the first mate, tightly holding his bloodstained sword, leaving no doubt about the identity of the murderer. [P.s; A first mate is the second in command on a ship]

Captain Hassan also rushed at the scene shortly after, and upon seeing the grim sight, he shouted furiously at the first mate, his anger boiling over in a string of curses.

Gavin stood by, observing coldly, and through the heated exchange, he learned that Frank had intended to set the ship on fire after entering the Shipbreaker Bay.

He planned to prevent the pirates from seizing his wealth and, by using the ship's fire, ignited the other pirate ships in the port.

However, at that moment, no one was willing to obey his orders. Frank, finding himself without support, tried to take matters into his own hands, which led to a tragic end. His reckless attempt at rebellion had sealed his fate.

After understanding the situation, Gavin unsheathed his sword. While he knew that Frank Brown's death was a result of his own stupidity and impulsiveness, he also felt that, given the care Frank had shown him during their time together, he owed it to him to seek revenge.

When the others saw Gavin draw his sword, the bickering instantly stopped, and the first mate cast a scornful glance at him, sneering, "Oh, Ser Gavin, are you planning to avenge him?"

Gavin walked toward the first mate slowly, his voice calm but resolute as he spoke, "Yes, Indeed. No matter what, you rebelled and killed your benefactor. Even if his actions were foolish, that doesn't justify your reason for killing him."

The first mate scoffed, no longer looking at Gavin, and instead turned to the sailors under his command, ordering them, "Strip this 'lord' and throw him into the sea."

Just as the sailors drew their weapons to carry out the order, Gavin's Blood Dragon Guard lunged forward like a beast released from its cage.

With lightning speed, the guard slammed into the first sailor in front with such force that the man was sent flying, crashing into several others along the way.

The sound of screams and the dull thud of bodies hitting the ground filled the air, and the sailors' formation instantly descended into chaos.

Meanwhile, Gavin also moved swiftly, his sword raised as he closed in on the first mate. His movements were agile, like a willow swaying in the wind, easily evading the first mate's heavy, forceful strike.

In an instant, Gavin's eyes hardened, and with a speed so quick it was almost unnoticeable, he slashed at the first mate's sword-hand.

There was a sharp "crack" as the first mate's hand was severed at the wrist, blood gushing out in streams. The severed hand spun through the air before falling to the ground.

The first mate screamed in agony, his face turning pale as a sheet in an instant.

Seizing the opportunity, Gavin kicked the first mate's leg with tremendous force, causing his knees to buckle and sending him crashing to the ground.

At the same time, the Blood Dragon Guard continued his relentless pursuit of the sailors, attacking with fury.

Each swing of his sword was accompanied by a fierce whoosh of wind. The immense power of his blow was impossible to withstand.

Some sailors were sent flying by powerful punches, their bodies tumbling like kites with broken strings; others were cleaved in two along with their weapons, limbs and shattered blades scattering everywhere.

Under such overwhelming force, no one could get close to Gavin.

With a composed expression, Gavin slowly approached the first mate, who lay crumpled on the ground, defeated.

He slightly narrowed his eyes, a hint of cold, murderous intent flashing in his gaze.

Then, in a swift motion, a gleam of cold light flashed, and the first mate's head was severed from his body. It tumbled to the ground, rolling as blood gushed out in torrents, staining the deck in a deep crimson.

..

..

[Image]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Chapter End's]

🖤 Night_FrOst/ Patreon 🤍

Visit my Patreon for Early Chapter:

https://www.patreon.com/Night_FrOst

Extra Content Already Available