novelraw Chapter 226: The Beginning of the War
Chapter 226: The Beginning of the War
The roar of the steamship grew louder and louder!
Accompanied by the thunderous steam, everyone on the deck ran back and forth like ants on a hot pan.
The helmsman of the Dagger shouted hoarsely:
"Adjust the port side! Activate the last hidden power source, replenish the shield, and have the lifeboats ready at any time! If the scout spots any suspicious ships, report immediately!"
Mad Wolf Fenrir also stepped out from the captain’s cabin, taking out a high-end Navigator’s Eye device:
"Black Hunter, and Miss Flower Witch! The situation is not looking good! Here’s the intelligence we have so far."
Fenrir twisted the knob, and the device in his hand began to emit sounds.
"Dagger, someone has used the signal tower to broadcast information about the Flower Witch, the Black Hunter, and the Trial Grounds to the entire Witch Sea."
"Currently, based on the observed ships, over fifteen vessels from different factions have entered the Rift Sea. Meanwhile, the Blood Blade Pirates are deeply engaged in battle with the Blackfin Crew and cannot provide effective fire support."
"Dagger, you must leave the Rift Sea and reach the territory of Red Maple Island—"The situation did not seem optimistic… Chen Qi tapped the device.
The Flower Witch frowned involuntarily; being hunted by multiple factions was an extremely terrible feeling.
Mad Wolf Fenrir lit a cigarette and gave a self-mocking smile:
"The last time this many factions were stirred up was on the eve of the Dimensional Tide, when the Deep Sea Hunters’ treasure map drove the Four Great Pirate Crews crazy searching for treasure."
"And now, with the Dimensional Tide, the greedy treasure seekers in this sea are far more than just ‘four pirate crews’. But the arrival of the Ice Demon Pirates is somewhat good news. I heard they stand with the Witches."
"It’s all because of me…"
The flower on the head of the Flower Witch Fen drooped slightly as she whispered.
She not only carried the Flower Witch profession card, the Blade Witch’s relic, and detailed information about all Trial Grounds, but also the Ice Witch’s prophecy…
Mad Wolf Fenrir pulled out a sea chart:
"Everyone, if you want to safely return to Red Maple Island and then Blackore City, we’re gambling now. My suggestion is to rush straight to Red Maple Island. However, as a price, the probability of being attacked by other ships will greatly increase. What do you all think?"
Fenrir proposed a bold plan.
Since they were surrounded, why not charge directly?!
Maybe they could even meet the Ice Demon Pirates!
Wait, surrounded… Chen Qi looked at the map.
The Rift Sea, Red Maple Island, the navy’s abandoned research base, and Blackore City—
Due to the massive whirlpool, to get out, they had to pass through the Rift Sea.
Because of this, although they were on the ocean, the Dagger didn’t have many choices.
Of course, this was just their perspective—
From Chen Qi’s view, this sea route was quite spacious! They could sail anywhere!
First, they could continue deeper along the Rift Sea, heading toward the dangerous Fog Sea.
But neither the Flower Witch Fen nor Fenrir would agree to that option.
Besides that, there were the dangerous waters inside the Rift Sea itself!
As a forbidden zone, the Rift Sea hosted far more than just the Black Lantern Dragon as a dangerous sea beast, and far more than just the Fog as a perilous weather.
Of course, whichever option, for the crew of the Dagger, was a bit too risky.
But given the current situation, this indeed was a pretty good choice… Chen Qi rubbed his chin.
They only needed to take a detour to avoid most of the hostile ships.
Fenrir squatted down, spreading the sea chart on the ground, beginning to plan the next route.
However, the numerous danger markers made him hesitate.
Chen Qi quietly said:
"Mad Wolf, Fen, I have a good idea."
"???"
Chen Qi took the pen and casually made a light stroke through the deep black area on the map:
"I think these places are quite spacious, aren’t they? Let’s follow this route and go around!"
Spacious? What kind of reason was that? The crew all looked up, staring incredulously at the Black Hunter and the route on the map.
Spacious just meant an empty and terrifying place!
Does the Black Hunter always sail so recklessly?
"…"
Mad Wolf Fenrir was momentarily silent:
"Mr. Black Hunter, are you sure about this? This sea area is the Black Lantern Dragon’s territory. Besides that, there are many fierce and brutal Ghostfire Fish."
If it were anyone else, Fenrir would have slapped them long ago.
But Chen Qi’s ‘Fishing in the Storm’ gave Fenrir a strong feeling:
Following the Black Hunter meant there was food to eat! It was safe!
If it weren’t for the Black Hunter, the Dagger would still be stuck at the navy’s abandoned research base, locked in gunfire with the Blackfin Crew.
Fen also asked:
"Is this really feasible?"
Fen looked suspiciously at Chen Qi.
The more she looked at him, the more mysterious Chen Qi seemed!
"It should be fine…" Chen Qi explained:
"Everyone should know that I once lucked into a Deep Sea Hunter’s treasure.
Besides the ‘Fishing in the Storm’, I also obtained the Deep Sea Hunter’s ‘Monster Hunter Strategy’. This strategy records most monsters’ weaknesses and habits. So even if we go deep into dangerous waters, I have enough confidence."
Fen: "Σ(⊙▽⊙“!"
There’s this too!
You actually have a Deep Sea Hunter’s monster hunting strategy!
Fen’s flower bloomed with shock. After following Chen Qi for so long, a huge question in her heart was finally answered.
Mad Wolf Fenrir also suddenly understood:
"So that’s why, no wonder your title is Black Hunter…"
"Yes."
Chen Qi answered honestly.
In fact, he really had knowledge to deal with various monsters.
But he rarely used this knowledge.
Everyone exchanged looks without objection.
Chen Qi carefully planned a route on the sea chart with his pen.
Chen Qi silently turned his head to look at the ruins in the center of the navy’s abandoned research base.
Beneath those ruins, a huge monster seemed hidden, stirring restlessly.
We need to leave quickly… Chen Qi shouted:
"Alright, then! Everyone, follow this route! Break out of the encirclement!!"
"Understood, Captain! Everyone, let’s go!"
Mad Wolf Fenrir shouted loudly.
With the boiler roaring, the Dagger’s engine was pushed to the max, rushing like a swift fish into the depths of the fog.
……
……
Boom! Boom!
The sound of thunder continued.
Under the pitch-black night sky, the Dagger was like a lone, tough leaf boat weaving through the storm raging with fierce winds and towering waves.
Rain poured down like a waterfall, mercilessly drumming on the deck, producing a dense, rapid sound, intertwining with the crashing waves against the hull to form a breathtaking symphony.
Beneath the hull, dark shadows writhed constantly, trying to approach this speeding ship.
The crew gripped ropes tightly, their steps staggering but never relaxing.
If any of them were blown off by the wind, they would become food for these shadows.
"A heavy storm."
Chen Qi stood at the bow, letting the wind and rain wash over him, his gaze piercing through the rain curtain, searching for a path forward in this chaos.
Chen Qi threw down a piece of Supernatural Bait, simultaneously releasing a strong ‘Repelling Will’ toward the ‘monster’ beneath the sea.
With the bait sinking into the water, countless shadows at the deep sea bottom swiftly tangled and twisted together like a pack of beasts fighting over food.
With the monster retreating, the Dagger’s speed increased.
No wonder the Black Hunter’s knowledge was so rich… The crew in the storm breathed a long sigh of relief.
Almost handled… Chen Qi clapped his hands:
"Mad Wolf, we’re about to leave the Fog Sea. I’ll leave the remaining route to you."
"No problem! Leave it to me! Black Hunter, thanks for your command!"
Mad Wolf Fenrir swung his great blade and answered heartily.
After finishing the command, Chen Qi leaned against a crate, taking out his Ember’s Touch from the Blade Witch Trial Grounds and carefully toyed with it.
The Ember’s Touch looked like a clump of solidified flame, about the size of a palm.
He infused spiritual energy and tried to manipulate it…
Chen Qi took a breath.
As the spiritual energy flowed in, part of the flame began burning, quickly forming a long burning hand that danced in the air.
Soon, the length of the hand reached two meters, and the flames grew fierce and violent, twisting and twitching!
So long! So twisted!
But very hard to control…
Chen Qi tried to operate his spiritual energy but couldn’t fully control this force.
"Qi, Ember’s Touch is forged from Deep Blue Fire, which demands enormous spiritual energy. Therefore, violent spiritual energy is more suitable to control it…"
The Flower Witch Fen spoke as she naturally sat beside Chen Qi.
"Violent spiritual energy?"
Chen Qi manipulated the Ember’s Touch following Fen’s method.
Soon, one, two, even three flaming hands appeared in the small flame…
However, Chen Qi soon felt a shortage of spiritual energy and stopped.
"Phew, so this is Ember’s Touch, such a big consumption…"
A smile curled on Chen Qi’s lips.
The big consumption was not Ember’s Touch’s flaw, but his own flaw.
Deep Sea Fire was an ultra-rare resource during the Dimensional Tide!
On the Witch Sea, any relic related to Deep Blue Fire was extremely powerful.
His Ember’s Touch and the Deep Sea Fire must have some connection.
Tick-tock tick-tock!
In the storm, Fen slowly lifted her head, the flowers on her head beaten limp by the rain.
At this moment, Deepsea Water Spirit Number Two came over holding a leaf umbrella, sheltering the two from the rain.
In the storm, Fen suddenly wiped her eyes and said:
"Qi, if it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be in this mess, wouldn’t be hunted by Big Mom Carol, wouldn’t be targeted by the Black Lantern Dragon, and wouldn’t be in such a predicament…"
In Fen’s eyes, it was because of her that this chain of events happened.
She was the one who started this story.
Fen… Chen Qi looked into the distant heavy rain:
"It’s nothing…"
"Besides, my bounty on the navy’s list might not be lower than yours."
As a main storyline character, the Flower Witch was deeply connected to the main plot.
But the treasure and growth she gained also far exceeded other matters!
This Trial Grounds journey had boosted Chen Qi’s power by a huge step.
Blade Release, combined with Bonfire Heart, Hound’s Pace, Super Sense skills, and Ember’s Touch…
His foundation was solid. Now, he could almost find a way to ascend to the third tier.
In fact, without the Flower Witch, he wouldn’t have grown this fast!
The Flower Witch bowed her head and leaned on Chen Qi’s shoulder, whispering softly:
"Qi, my gain this trip was the Witch relic ‘Blade Key’, plus my fourth-tier profession card. My bounty has increased by at least thirty million Shell Coins!"
"Blade Key? A domain relic?"
Chen Qi asked in surprise.
This item was said on the forum to be controllable only by fourth-tier transcendent beings!
Fen nodded:
"Yes, it’s a relic used to release large-scale Blade Release beyond rules. Although it’s just a replica, it still has 20% of the performance. Besides, it’s also the key to open the Blade Witch’s exclusive rift…"
Opening the Blade Witch’s exclusive rift, plus releasing large-scale Blade Release…
That was Fen’s gain!
Witch relics were really great, but to me, they were useless… Chen Qi comforted her:
"Don’t worry, Fen, nothing will happen, and when the time comes, it’s not certain who will trouble whom."
Chen Qi looked at the Ember’s Touch in his hand and smiled slightly.
His achievements on the sea were increasingly amazing; in some people’s eyes, his bounty value might not be lower than the Witch’s.
Fen lowered her head, putting her head into her knees, quietly saying:
"Mm, Qi, according to the prophecy I got, war and disaster are coming. If you want to live, you’d better hide inside a city, inside a safe organization…"
Chen Qi decisively replied:
"No interest at all! Fen, hiding is useless. Only by standing on the crest of the waves can you survive."
Fen was stunned for a moment:
"Only standing on the crest of the waves… You sound just like our teacher and my parents…"
In the pouring rain, Fen spoke her troubles, then looked into the distance.
On this sea, I am money… Fen slowly raised her head.
However, at this moment, just as her words seemed confirmed,
Under the dense clouds and roaring thunder of the storm, the sea surface surged with turbulent waves.
And beneath the gloomy black clouds, a black flag slowly emerged from the horizon, rising higher and higher!
On that black flag was a huge black whale, accompanied by a tremendous roar, and the entire ship seemed to emit a giant whale’s cry!
That ship… Chen Qi frowned.
The ship ahead was not an ordinary Blackfin pirate ship, but the vessel of the officer, the Gunfire Queen, Big Mom Carol!!!
A fourth-tier legendary ship!
"Adjust the port side! Full speed retreat!"
Mad Wolf Fenrir roared.
At the ship’s bow in the distance, Big Mom Carol blew on the smoking hot barrel of her gun:
"After circling three times! Finally found you!
I’ll say it again: this time, we only capture live ones!"