novelraw Chapter 195: Reunion with the Blood Blade Pirates
Chapter 195: Reunion with the Blood Blade Pirates
Roar—
A blood-tinged sea breeze swept across from the distance, pricking against their skin. Chen Qi and Levin simultaneously raised their heads, their gazes fixed on the golden horizon at dusk.
A massive bloodstained banner slowly rose above the sea's edge. The entire ship was encased in rusted steel, with scalding steam constantly billowing from its sides. Hanging from both flanks of the vessel were two enormous, rusted executioner's axes.
On the open sea, it resembled a frenzied giant bear, churning towering waves that came crashing toward them!
"The Blood Blade Pirates' warship 'Blood Axe'!"
Levin's lips twitched as he immediately kicked the freshly dug-up safe behind him with his foot.
This was a first-class battleship of the Blood Blade Pirates—equipped with defense systems, steam-powered cannons, and radar detection—a true military vessel designed for naval warfare!
"Captain, they can't be coming for us, right?"
Levin couldn't help but take several steps back. There was no doubt—this military ship's target was them.
A vessel of this caliber could contend with Coastal Apex Predators and even briefly engage the Pillar of the Abyss. Against two second-tier Transcendents? Even if a hundred Levins were cloned right now, they'd stand no chance against a military-grade ship!"Run!"
Levin kept retreating.
Then, the instant he turned his head, a tiny red dot appeared on his neck.
BOOM!
With a deafening roar, a flaming shell streaked across the sky like a furious meteor, hurtling toward them!
A scorching shockwave instantly engulfed both men...
The previously silent desolate island was violently torn open by the shell's impact, leaving a searing wound.
This ship really means business... Chen Qi shielded his face from the flying sparks with his hand. In the distance, thick smoke billowed from the Blood Blade Pirates' heavy artillery like the maw of a gluttonous beast.
We're done for... Levin stared at the towering flames before him.
The Blood Axe had recently appeared in news reports—during clashes between the Blood Blade Pirates and Blackfin Crew, it had sunk ten ships single-handedly thanks to its formidable defenses and firepower!
This was a vessel with terrifying battle achievements!
Levin's hands trembled uncontrollably. Even powerful third-tier Transcendents would struggle against a warship alone.
The Blood Blade Pirates were after them!
Was there still time to escape?
What worried Levin most was his captain's bizarre attire. The Blood Blade Pirates never showed mercy to sea monsters.
Undoubtedly, his captain would be executed as an abomination, while he—as the monster's accomplice—would share the same fate.
Levin said bitterly:
"Captain, what should we do? We seem to have touched the Blood Blade Pirates' reverse scale!"
Heavy artillery, fire dragons... Even Chen Qi felt concern. The situation had exceeded his expectations.
Though his houseboat was extremely fast, it lacked defensive systems. Facing military-grade artillery head-on would only end in frantic retreat.
They could run...
But only if there was just this one ship.
Not easy to escape... Chen Qi thought silently. They were clearly already within the Blood Blade Pirates' firing range.
That earlier shot had been a warning—any attempt to flee would be met with complete annihilation by the heavy cannons.
Yet this might also be an opportunity... Chen Qi glanced at the naval research documents in his hand.
No one would make a better buyer for these documents than the Blood Blade Pirates.
Of course, that depended on whether both parties could communicate normally.
"Captain, captain, shouldn't we run..."
Levin urged anxiously. As a freshly graduated college student venturing into the world, the current situation had completely shattered his courage.
"Calm down, Levin. Let's talk with them first."
Chen Qi advised while preparing to activate Ember's Bloom at any moment.
Talk with them... Levin gulped. As an utterly ordinary adventurer, his only hope now seemed to rest with this strangely dressed captain.
BOOM! BOOM!
The Blood Blade Pirates' ship came to an abrupt stop before their small houseboat—its massive hull quadruple the size of their vessel.
At the bow stood a one-eyed Artillery Specialist aiming a two-meter-long sniper rifle at Chen Qi, snarling:
"You two! What business do you have on this long-abandoned island? Looking to die?"
Not just him—other heavily armored pirates crowded the bow, eyeing the duo like prey.
The Blood Blade Pirates' attitude is truly intimidating... Chen Qi was about to speak when suddenly—
Levin stepped in front of Chen Qi, pointing at the one-eyed gunner and declaring:
"Do you know who you're talking to? Watch your mouth!"
The one-eyed gunner's temper flared instantly:
"You fucking—I gave you a chance to speak, and you push your luck!?"
"???"
Chen Qi glanced at Levin.
The young man had already drawn his steam-powered serrated blade, standing boldly in front of him!
Then he secretly winked at Chen Qi.
Leave this to me, Captain... Levin signaled confidently as he stepped forward.
This kid's got guts, Chen Qi observed quietly.
With pirates, being overly polite wasn't the best approach. Showing some teeth was necessary for meaningful dialogue.
Levin steeled his courage—survival now required baring fangs.
"Let me tell you, I'm from Bonfire—"
"Bonfire what?"
The one-eyed gunner demanded.
Bonfire Energy Company... The words stuck in Levin's throat.
Partly due to pride—as someone who'd fled his family after breaking off an arranged marriage, he refused to rely on his company's influence.
More importantly, facing one of the Four Great Pirate Crews—would the Bonfire Energy Company's name even matter?
As collaborators with the navy, they might just be dragged aboard and beheaded with axes immediately.
Levin mustered his courage to speak when—
The one-eyed gunner suddenly barked:
"If you're from the Blackfin Crew or navy, you'd already be dead! But if you're Bonfire Energy Company, we might let you live longer!"
"Remember—these waters belong to the Blood Blade Pirates! No one shows disrespect here!"
He pulled the trigger, firing straight at Levin's shoulder.
BANG!
"?"
The gunner's hand twitched slightly.
Though Levin reacted slowly, the captain beside him hadn't even moved—yet intercepted the bullet.
Only now did the gunner notice—from beneath the dim clothing, a phantom-like tentacle had extended like a slender snake, gently catching the bullet between its jaws.
Chen Qi looked up coldly:
"The Blood Blade Pirates claim descent from the former Navy Admiral's forces—yet lack even basic manners?"
"Black Hunter..."
On a chair at the ship's center, a blood-soaked middle-aged brute wrapped in wolf pelts stirred, opening his eyes with a slight finger movement.