Chapter 44 - Beg and Beg Again (2)

The ship sailed for exactly three days before returning to Gruh Telz due to high winds, rough waves, and food shortages. The port we returned to hadn't changed much since we left.

"It will take some time to count the heads, so please wait a moment."

Over the three days, we had captured eight pirate ships. Each ship had roughly twenty to forty crew members, and I had opened the attack on all eight of them.

By the end, I was even beating down about half of them before our warship could fully board the pirate ships, so I expected the payout to be quite substantial.

Especially since the soldiers and adventurers ended up begging me to take it easy, complaining that I was leaving them with nothing to do.

"Looking at it like this, it seems Sir Knight is going to sweep up all the rewards?"

DeB babbled on beside me, saying how jealous he was and spouting all sorts of nonsense. He sure had a lot to say for someone who had exclusively picked off named targets like captains, vice-captains, and first mates to collect their separate bounties.

"They took half my cut, saying it was because I'm not an official adventurer."

"You should say you received half *despite* not being an adventurer."

"Hah, what is the guy in last place for total payout even saying?"

"...! I simply have no greed for money...!"

Whether those two bickered or not, I claimed a table at the tavern run by the guild. After all, it was time for dinner.

"Does saying that make you not in last place?"

"Hah, I still caught more than you."

"Weren't they all just small fry? I only caught the high-ranking ones, you know?"

"Is that something to boast about? You merely hid and waited for an opening before capturing them!"

I dipped my bread deep into the tomato stew. The sludgy consistency and red color reminded me of the sacks I had handed over to the guild earlier—the ones filled with severed pirate heads—but that thought was soon buried by my hunger.

I was starving because I hadn't eaten much over the past three days due to seasickness.

"Of course it's something to boast about! Do you think it's easy to look for an opening in a chaotic melee and kill your desired target?"

"Hah, you ruffian who doesn't even know the meaning of playing fair!"

"Who cares about playing fair in a fight!"

"Here's your salad."

Tremble.

I raised my fork toward the finally arrived salad, only to see the tip of it slightly tremble. *BAM. * The Inquisitor had just slammed his hand on the table.

"As expected of a despicable—"

"Either shut up before I cut out your tongues, or get out of my sight."

'What are you doing at the dinner table, guys. Bickering is one thing, but you shouldn't hit the table. What if the food spills?'

"S-Sorry."

"I didn't even do anything."

"You bastard!"

"Is 'you bastard' the only thing you know how to say?"

I sighed inwardly at the second round that seemed about to start over another petty excuse.

*'I need to feed the kids though.' * An extremely Korean mindset filled my brain for a moment, but the concept took priority.

THUD.

"Uwah!"

"Ack!"

"Are my words a joke to you?"

I kicked both of their chairs from under the table. DeB was first, and the slow-to-catch-on Inquisitor was second. Their chairs tipped backward, dropping their owners in their respective ways.

"That's too much, Sir!"

"Y-You bastard, I got caught up in it because of you...!"

'Guys, you know the temper of my concept, so why do you do this.'

Though I sighed inwardly, I quietly popped a vein on my face and silently placed my hand on the hilt of my sword.

The grumbling duo finally quieted down.

"We're on a truce during mealtime."

"Sounds good."

'... Are these two actually best friends now?'

"I told you to get lost."

Regardless, the truce was already too late. *'Go to another table, you little brats.' *

"You were eating... why are you all sitting apart from each other?"

"Ah, Archmage."

After finally having a quiet meal, the Archmage approached and asked with a somewhat bewildered expression. It was clearly because the three of us were not just sitting at three different tables, but positioned far apart from one another.

"What do you mean, why. It's because of that stubborn guy."

"You're not exactly innocent either!"

The Inquisitor picked fights more frequently, but the arguments dragging on was largely DeB's fault, so it wasn't entirely wrong. It must be a headache for the Archmage either way, though.

"... Well, it seems you're almost done eating, so please gather on one side."

Saying that, the Archmage sat down at my table.

I wasn't going to move if she sat somewhere else, but to think she saw right through that. As expected, the Mage was an expert at understanding concepts. Except for the parts where she overanalyzed and misunderstood!

"While you were all away, things have progressed quite a bit."

Putting that aside, she calmly explained what had happened in the meantime.

She relayed the situation in a roundabout way: the lord who worshiped the Sea Dragon was hesitating half in doubt, the Magic Tower declared they would step in only reluctantly, and only the Temple was actually doing its job properly.

The fact that they were half-assing their jobs was extremely realistic. It was enough to bring back nightmares of university group projects.

"Still, don't worry too much. Once the dragon hunt plan is firmly established, they won't be able to back out anymore either."

Perhaps because my expression had become so foul, the Archmage hurriedly added an explanation.

"I see. So, is that plan being put together well?"

However, when the Inquisitor asked with an innocent face, she briefly lost her words. Rather than being caught off guard, how should I put it? She looked like she had just experienced a sudden moment of disillusionment.

Thanks to that, I grasped the situation in an instant. Just by looking at her, she had taken on the role of the group project leader.

"... The conditions are quite poor, after all. Everyone is reviewing the safest and most effective methods possible."

That meant absolutely nothing had been decided yet.

"So about that... I'd like to hear your opinions. We're the ones who have to face the dragon on the front lines, aren't we?"

That meant the other side was either doing zero work or just spouting whatever nonsense was convenient for them. So the Archmage, unable to stand it any longer, was asking us for help.

She probably intended to take any good ideas from here and shove them down the throats of the ones not doing their jobs.

"For now, there are about two things I have in mind."

"... Wow, did you do all the work alone, Archmage?"

"Ahem. I do have fewer things to consider."

"They must really be playing it safe."

DeB, who understood the Archmage's situation at once like I did, looked at her with pity, while the Inquisitor, the only one to take it literally, merely tilted his head.

'He probably doesn't even know why the phrase "playing it safe" came up.'

"What are the plans you've considered?"

"Ah, one is to fight in the sea, and the other is to lure it to land."

Still, thanks to him, the conversation didn't get derailed.

The Archmage pulled a scroll from her robes and unrolled it. It was a map that only detailed this region.

"If we lure it, Gamak Bay would be best. Both sides are made of coastal cliffs, and there's a sandy beach in the middle."

"Certainly... it would be effective if we launched attacks from both sides."

"But can it even be lured?"

"That is what I'm pondering. While eyewitness accounts have been passed down, there are no records left by anyone who has fought the Sea Dragon. There's no guarantee it can be lured."

'In other words, the only information we have on the Sea Dragon is its appearance? We know absolutely nothing about the skills it uses, its attack patterns, or its traits?'

'Wow, this is a total blind run party. Topped off with team division, making it the perfect blind run party for a total wipe.'

"Above all, luring it would usually mean provoking it and dragging it over... but there's no way there's a ship faster than the Sea Dragon in the sea, is there?"

"Hmm."

"But by that logic, wouldn't fighting it in the sea be similar? If the Sea Dragon flips the sea, it feels like everyone would be buried alive underwater."

"That is why it's a problem."

She shrugged her shoulders and said that if we had to fight in the sea, we would have to push through with overwhelming numbers. Apparently, dozens of ships would launch attacks by surrounding the dragon.

It was a rather reasonable idea, considering a ship could sink from a single flick of the dragon's tail. Though the city and the Magic Tower, who would have to supply all that manpower, would hate it.

"Either way, a ship capable of withstanding the dragon will be important."

"Yes... So when I emphasized that part, the Magic Tower fortunately managed to procure a ship. It's a warship designed directly by the Magic Tower at the request of the Lord of Canaves. They said that while it wasn't built to oppose a dragon, it does have similar functions attached."

*'Where is Canaves now?' * My head throbbed at the new place names popping up frequently these days. I was a person who hadn't even memorized all the city names in Korea.

"... One?"

"It's not as if ships like that are commonly built."

"That's true, but..."

"Still, it's better than nothing. I don't know how such a warship ended up being built when they weren't even planning to hunt a dragon, though."

"Because Canaves is the city that suffers the biggest headache from the pirates of Yabad. They probably constructed it to catch privateers."

I didn't know about anything else, but I understood that it was just a coastal city troubled by pirates. That was enough.

'They'll probably mention it again later if it's needed. Though with pirates popping up one after another, it somehow feels like we'll be involved with them again in the near future.'

"Is the Canaves side handing it over willingly? They must have been the ones who paid for it."

"It is an issue that affects the entire Western Sea, so they naturally have no choice but to... is what I'd like to say, but that is not the case. The lord or the Magic Tower will probably have to give them something. However, whatever they exchange in return, what reason is there for us to care?"

"I suppose that's fine then."

Just as DeB said, that was fine. If we weren't the ones paying, it wasn't really our business. *'Mmhm.' *

"Is the Archmage here?!"

Just then, someone forcefully threw open the guild hall door and barged in. Seeing that their attire was similar to the Archmage's, I figured they were a Mage.

"Are you looking for me?"

"Ah! You are here!"

The young Mage hurriedly approached and held something out. It was several scraps of paper.

Seeing as they weren't even pretending to acknowledge us, I figured it must contain a pretty important and urgent matter.

"Dear me..."

And that was proven by the Archmage's furrowed brow. The white lion's long mane cascaded softly.

"Is there a problem?"

"It seems the dragon is inside the Dragon's Roar Gate."

'Actually, I didn't even need to look at the Archmage's brow; I already knew from hearing the young Mage's whispers.'

"What?"

"Considering the dragon was spotted there, I asked them to prioritize searching that area... but it seems it was true. They couldn't go inside the Dragon's Roar Gate, but they confirmed that corruption is flowing out of it."

"Hold on, didn't you say no sane sailor would ever go near there?"

"... Yes, you are right."

"Then...?"

"We'll have to find a captain."

Aside from that, I realized one of my premonitions had been correct.

"A captain who can sail in and out of the Dragon's Roar Gate."

'The Dragon's Roar Gate blatantly screams "I'm a special location" just from the name, so I'll set that aside. No matter how I look at it, it seems like we'll have to bring in that guy who's supposed to be the descendant of the War God of the Sea or whatever.'

"Facing the Sea Dragon is already suicide, so is it really the right move to go somewhere that even lifelong sailors won't go near...?"

"It's not completely certain yet, so don't borrow trouble in advance."

"You just said there's a high possibility."

"That is true, but."

"Hah, don't tell me you're afraid?"

"Of course I'm afraid! I don't have any special powers like you guys do, you know?"

"... You have no guts."

*'As expected, there's no way they'd make a character haphazardly in the game.' * As I was patting myself on the back for successfully predicting this, DeB grabbed his head with a pale complexion.

'From my perspective, it seems like the problem would be solved if he just stayed on land, but he somehow seems to be going out of his way to suffer.'

"You may stay on land. I'm not looking down on you, but your aptitude lies in dealing with people, not fighting entities like the Sea Dragon."

"... That is true, but."

"However, there is something I'd like to entrust to you instead."

"...?"

"You are a step above me when it comes to finding or tracking people, are you not? I will ask around in all directions as well, but if you help me, it will be much easier to find the person."

DeB's mouth formed a somewhat subtle expression at the Archmage's words.

"That's certainly my specialty. But will just that be enough?"

"It's not 'just that', but 'that much'. If we don't find a captain, we won't even be able to start."

"... Understood. It's something I need to do anyway."

"Please be sure to pass on that we will pay whatever they ask, and that the ship is equipped with protective measures, so it will endure minor reefs."

"Then it'll be a bit easier. Don't worry."

With those words, DeB stood up from his seat. The hem of his green hood fluttered once.

"Is there anything else I should know?"

"Ah, you should also add that we might face the Sea Dragon."

"That's a given. Are you sure there's nothing besides that?"

"For now, yes."

"Then I'll excuse myself."

'It's almost night; is he leaving now?'

'Then again, I'm not one to talk. How many times have we operated without distinguishing between day and night so far? From his perspective, the night is probably more comfortable anyway.'

DeB soon disappeared from the guild hall.

"What do we do?"

"As for the Inquisitor... you are on standby for now. Since the Temple is cooperating fully, you can either help him find a captain, or take on other tasks like you did this time."

"Is that so..."

The Inquisitor seemed rather disappointed that he couldn't help during the preparation phase, but I was actually quite pleased.

'To be honest, neither the Inquisitor nor my concept are exactly suited for politics, negotiations, or searching for people, right? Even taking the concept out of the equation, I'm just as unconfident in those things.'

"Is this all you have to say?"

"Ah, I have one thing for you."

'Wait. You do?'

"Separate from this matter, if the Magic Tower contacts you, absolutely do not listen to a word they say, and do not accept anything. If they try to use force, it is fine to attack them. I am saying this with all our future journeys in mind. Do not ever enter the Magic Tower unless I propose it first."

'... I have no idea why force is even being mentioned, but understood. Seriously though, why? Did I make enemies with the Magic Tower?'

"There's nothing more besides that."

I didn't know why the Archmage was speaking like that about the faction she belonged to. However, she didn't seem to have any intention of telling me the detailed circumstances.

'So what can I do? I'll just have to keep it in mind and move on.'

'Instead, it seems safe to consider the remaining time as free time... DeB said he'd bring a captain, the ship is already prepared, and the lord, Magic Tower, and Temple are stepping up for now.'

'In that case, I should just go do some free hunting. Once I collect the payout I haven't received yet because I was eating dinner, I won't have anything else to do.'

I lowered the legs I had rested on the table and stood up.

TAP.

The zweihander I had temporarily leaned against the table because I couldn't sit in the chair with it strapped to my back now fell into my hand.

"Where are you going?"

'Ah, I should use this chance to shake off the Inquisitor before I go.'

'Now that DeB and the Archmage are off doing their own things, this is the perfect opportunity to be alone. It's not like independent activities are prohibited, and now that it's confirmed to be allowed, there's no reason not to shake him off.'

"I'll also—"

"Find your own tasks using your own head. Don't rely on others."

"...!"

'Was that too harsh? But the concept has to be appropriately foul-tempered.'

'Sometimes it's hard even for me to interpret my concept. It would actually be easier to come up with lines in moments where I can fully immerse myself, but everyday life varies wildly depending on the interpretation.'

Anyway, a mace didn't come flying at my head, and the Inquisitor didn't follow me, so it was fine. I left the guild hall with light steps.

Since this was practically the first time I had a safe yet solitary moment since entering the game, I had to use it meaningfully.

* * *

"Captain, are you going to be alright?"

"What is there to not be alright about."

The man said that as he adjusted the helm. Even the moon was obscured by clouds, leaving everything pitch black, and the sea wasn't exactly gentle either, but his heavenly navigation skills expertly guided the ship into the coastal cliff bay.

Gamak Bay. The locals all knew of its existence, but it was a place they rarely bothered to use.

"Do you not trust me?"

"I always trust your navigation skills, Captain. What I'm asking about is the other part."

"You punk, just drop the anchor."

He giggled and briefly took off the tricorn hat and bandana on his head. His hair, matted from the long voyage, enjoyed a brief breath of outside air.

In the meantime, the ship executed a perfect docking near the coast.

"Alright. Great work, everyone. Let's push through just a little more. Our brothers are waiting, aren't they?"

Since the darkness is an entity that loves to spread words, he lowered his voice as he gave his encouragement. No sound was made, but a response clearly returned from the crew.

"As planned, the rest of you guard the ship. Let's go, boatswain."

"Yes, sir."

He lowered a small boat and stealthily moved toward the shore. Was it because the task they had attempted while enduring great losses and sacrifices was finally reaching its end? Or was it because they had stayed up all night shaking off the Bipurit Pirates' pursuit just a few days ago?

His hands rowing the oars slipped a few times from his sweat.

"I just pray that mercenary is still in the city..."

"Hmm? Ah, are you talking about that time?"

"Yeah..."

The man recalled the warship that had intervened in their conflict with the Bipurit Pirates a few days prior. More precisely, the warrior who had crossed over from that warship onto the pirate ship and rampaged unopposed.

"The tide of battle won't change with just one person."

"I know that. But there's no doubt he'll be a great help to the situation. Having one guy like that is better than a bunch of useless chaff. Above all, it looked like we could hire him with money."

He wasn't certain, as he had only caught a glimpse while fleeing. However, since the man was on a naval ship but not wearing a military uniform, he was undoubtedly an adventurer or a mercenary.

The mark engraved on the warship belonged to the city of Gruh Telz, so if he had returned to port, he would be in Gruh Telz. That is, assuming he hadn't left for somewhere else after returning to port.

"We have enough money, so we just need to meet him... I just don't know if the Sea Dragon will protect us."

"He will definitely be there."

"Yeah, I just have to pray he is..."

The man stood up, feeling the boat touch the sandy beach.

"Because otherwise, I won't have the face to see our brothers."

It was time to go to Gruh Telz.

* * *

"...? Vice-captain!"

Meanwhile, on the deck of the ship the man had left behind.

The sailor in the space atop the mast called out to the one who had taken command in the captain's stead.

"What is it?"

"Over there on the water's surface... something like a shark...?"

"What?"

"No, is it a saltwater crocodile...? Wait, it's approaching the ship!"

The vice-captain felt a profound, inexplicable sense of anxiety at his report. It wasn't that he was frightened by the name 'saltwater crocodile'. It was simply that his long life at sea, the time he had spent struggling to survive, was ringing an alarm bell in the form of intuition.

"... Everyone, grab your harpoons!"

THUD!

Unidentified beasts began to pound on the ship's lower deck.