Chapter 132: Into the Pirates' Den
Scene: The tension on the ship is palpable as the group sails deeper into the territory of the feared Kurai Pirates. Everyone is on high alert, their senses heightened as they prepare for the inevitable confrontation. Eren and Asher stand at the front of the ship, their focus sharp as they use their Mana Burst to detect any potential threats.
Narrator: As the group enters the pirate-infested waters, the calm surface of the ocean belies the danger lurking beneath. With every passing moment, the threat of attack looms larger. The Kurai Pirates are infamous for their merciless raids, and the heroes know that their journey through these waters will not go unchallenged.
Eren and Asher channel their Mana Burst, searching for any signs of enemy mana. Their eyes narrow as they concentrate, scanning the area around the ship for anything unusual. Suddenly, Eren's eyes widen in alarm.
Eren: (urgently) I've got something—mana coming from the east!
Before anyone can react, a Mana Cannon shot comes flying toward the ship. The energy crackles through the air, a glowing sphere of mana hurling at them with deadly speed. But Aria, quick to react, steps forward, summoning her Mana Shield in a split second. The glowing shield forms around the ship, and the cannonball collides with it, exploding in a brilliant flash of light.
Aria: (firmly) Not today.
The group turns their attention to the source of the attack—a small pirate ship, no more than a scouting vessel, but dangerous nonetheless. Three men stand on the deck, their eyes filled with greed and aggression. Without warning, they leap from their ship, speeding toward the heroes' vessel with practiced agility. The battle is about to begin.
Narrator: The pirates, likely scouts working for a more powerful leader, waste no time in boarding the group's ship. Their intentions are clear—they want loot, and they're willing to kill for it. But they've gravely underestimated the strength of their opponents.
As the pirates land on the deck, Commander Elara steps forward, her eyes gleaming with determination. She raises her hand, channeling her Flame Mana as she speaks.
Commander Elara: (calmly) What do you want?
The pirate closest to her, a man with a sneering grin, pulls out a dagger and points it at the group.
Pirate Leader: (sneering) We want your belongings! Hand 'em over, or you'll die like the rest!
Commander Elara chuckles darkly, unimpressed by their threat.
Commander Elara: (smirking) Is that so?
With a sudden burst of speed, she launches herself forward, unleashing a wave of flame that engulfs one of the pirates. The man barely has time to react before he's knocked unconscious, his body hitting the deck with a heavy thud. The remaining two pirates stare in shock, momentarily stunned by her overwhelming power.
Narrator: The pirates had expected an easy raid, but they've made a grave mistake in underestimating the heroes of the South Nation. Now, it's their turn to feel the wrath of those they tried to rob.
Rylan steps in next, drawing his Abyssal Blade in its normal state. His movements are precise and deadly as he engages the second pirate, his sword flashing through the air with practiced ease. Within moments, he lands a clean strike, cutting the pirate down with a single, swift motion.
Rylan: (calmly) You chose the wrong ship to raid.
The third pirate, now visibly shaken, makes a desperate attempt to attack, but before he can land a blow, Eren appears behind him in a blur of motion, using his Spatial Drift ability to teleport in and deliver a lightning-fast kick. The pirate is sent flying across the deck, crashing hard into the railing.
Eren: (grinning) Was that your best shot?
Narrator: Within moments, the fight is over. The three pirates, now incapacitated, lie on the deck, groaning in pain. The heroes stand victorious, their strength unmatched. But their journey is far from over.
With the immediate threat neutralized, the group gathers around the defeated pirates. Commander Elara stands over them, her arms crossed as she questions the leader.
Commander Elara: (sternly) Tell me how to get through these waters. Is there a quicker way to Zisteria?
The pirate leader, still struggling to catch his breath, looks up at her with a defiant sneer.
Pirate Leader: (mockingly) You think I'll just help you? Ha! You'll die here long before you reach Zisteria.
Commander Elara narrows her eyes, her patience wearing thin.
Commander Elara: (coldly) You might want to reconsider your attitude. We can make this much worse for you.
But the pirate only laughs, a dark, humorless sound.
Pirate Leader: (grinning) It doesn't matter. Our leader is far more powerful than anyone you've faced. You'll never make it through his territory without paying the price.
At the mention of the pirate leader, Kirito and Ryu share a tense glance. Kirito steps forward, his voice filled with a grim warning.
Kirito: (seriously) If you're talking about Captain Moru, we've dealt with him before. He's not someone to take lightly. We barely survived our last encounter.
The group goes silent, the weight of Kirito's words hanging over them. If even Kirito and Ryu couldn't defeat this pirate leader, what chance did they have against him? Eren, however, refuses to back down, his resolve stronger than ever.
Eren: (determined) It doesn't matter who this Captain Moru is. We've gotten this far, and we're not stopping now.
Rylan nods in agreement, sheathing his sword.
Rylan: (confident) We've faced worse. Whatever happens, we'll deal with it together.
Narrator: Despite the pirate's ominous warning, the group remains resolute. Their journey to Zisteria will not be stopped by fear or intimidation. But with the threat of Captain Moru looming over them, the waters ahead are more dangerous than ever.
Commander Elara turns to Kirito, her expression serious.
Commander Elara: (firmly) We keep moving. We'll deal with whatever comes our way.
Kirito nods, though there's a flicker of concern in his eyes.
Kirito: (quietly) Let's hope we don't run into Moru. But if we do… be ready for the fight of your lives.
With the pirates dealt with, the group returns to their ship, leaving the defeated men behind as they sail deeper into the Kurai Pirates' territory. The air is thick with tension as the group prepares for whatever lies ahead.
Narrator: The path to Zisteria grows more treacherous with each passing hour. The Kurai Pirates may be just the beginning, but the heroes of the South Nation have never been ones to back down from a challenge. As they sail further into the unknown, they know one thing for sure—the real battle is just beginning.
The chapter ends with the ship cutting through the dark waters, the horizon ahead shrouded in mystery and danger. The looming threat of Captain Moru and the Kurai Pirates lingers, but the heroes are ready for whatever comes next.