ã€ŠThe Seventh Bookã€‹


 Prologue

    In a bustling tavern, patrons huddled around tables cluttered with mugs, chatting, joking, and having a good time with games. The atmosphere was filled with the smell of spilled beer, smoke, and a hint of sweat. As the creaky door swung open, conversations paused, and everyone turned their heads as one.

    A man walked in confidently, his hat tilted casually, casting a shadow over his sharp eyes that quickly surveyed the room. He wore a dark brown duster with sharp lines, a leather belt with shiny square buckles, and holsters holding guns low on his thighs. His boots hit the wooden floor heavily with each intentional step.

    ¡°Look who¡¯s here¡ªthe lawman without a badge,¡± someone joked, making a few people nearby chuckle.

    ¡°No laws here¡ªunless they¡¯re written on the end of a barrel,¡± added another, which got more laughs.

    ¡°Ain¡¯t no criminals hiding under the ale barrels,¡± someone else pitched in.

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re in the right spot?¡± a bold voice shouted from the back. ¡°This is a bar, not some shooting range for hunters brotherhood!¡± The speaker¡¯s grin faded when the man¡¯s eyes locked onto him.

    ¡°Want to see if your mouth¡¯s quicker than my trigger?¡± the man asked softly but with a deadly edge. His hand lightly rested on his gun as he moved toward the bar. The chatter lowered to whispers. A few uneasy patrons fidgeted, suddenly busying themselves with their mugs or cards.

    At the bar, he tossed some coins onto the counter with a metallic clink. A young woman working there swept them up, a playful smirk on her lips as she picked out bottles, the glass softly clinking.

    ¡°They like you in here,¡± she teased, her eyes glinting challengingly.

    ¡°Just so,¡± he replied, settling onto a stool comfortably.

    ¡°Thought you¡¯d be anywhere but Beligram,¡± she said, starting to pour a drink. The liquid plopped into the glass with a satisfying sound, cutting through the tavern¡¯s tense quiet.

    ¡°Figured you¡¯d miss me while I was away,¡± he replied, tipping his hat back to reveal a warm, brown face and a smile that was both charming and knowing.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    She slid the filled glass across the counter, leaning in with a hopeful look full of longing, unable to resist inviting him,

    ¡°Wanna join me behind the bar?¡±

    He shook his head, his long, curly hair swaying with the movement.

    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ll pass,¡± he said softly but decisively, taking a sip.

    Her smile faded a bit, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes.

    ¡°Why not?¡± she asked, her curiosity bright.

    ¡°Got a word from Gado¡­ it¡¯s about a new bounty,¡± he said, placing the glass down with a soft thud.

    ¡°How¡¯s that any different?¡± she mumbled, wiping the counter as her brows furrowed.

    ¡°A hundred shifts, dead or alive,¡± he said, casually, but with sharp eyes meeting hers.

    ¡°How far?¡± she asked, barely hiding her concern.

    ¡°No clue yet,¡± he shrugged.

    For a moment, she stared, her gaze tracing his face¡¯s lines as if committing them to memory.

    ¡°Then you better get going,¡± she said, her voice steady, but her fingers lingered on the glass a little longer than needed.

    ¡°Just popped in for your awesome grog,¡± he chuckled, trying to lighten her mood as he stood. The hat settled back on his head, and he flashed one last smile before making for the door, the floorboards creaking under his stride.

    ¡°Take care, Zak,¡± she called after him, her voice laced with soft concern. He paused briefly before stepping outside, the daylight engulfing him as the door swung shut behind him.

    A few days later, in a dimly lit room,

    A single lantern gave off a warm, flickering glow that cast shadows around a small room. A young woman was seated at a table, writing a letter, the noise of her pen filling the quiet. The light highlighted her smooth, tawny complexion and her shoulder-length black hair, which shimmered softly. Dressed all in black, her clothes seemed to blend her into the surrounding darkness.

    She carefully folded the letter, the soft rustle breaking the silence, and slipped it into an envelope. She stood and moved to the wide window that overlooked a rocky street and a large building across the way. Even with the window closed, the sounds of horses¡¯ hooves and muffled voices crept in, blending with the low night noises. A banner above the building read,

    ¡°Hotel The Papel,¡±

    its handwritten words illuminated by the lights from passing carts.

    She observed a few carts stopping at the entrance, with passengers in fancy clothes, their laughter cutting through the sound of hooves. Adjusting the white curtains, she turned to look at a small bed, where several shiny knives and two short swords were laid out ready. The cool metal felt reassuring as she tucked each blade into hidden sheaths sewn into her clothes¡ªfrom her chest to her back and down to her thighs, where the swords were also secured in dark scabbards that fit perfectly.

    One final look out the window confirmed nothing had changed. With that, she wrapped a black scarf half her face, leaving only her eyes visible, their dark intensity impossible to read. Quietly, she stepped into the dim hallway, and the door closed softly behind her as she disappeared into the shadows.

 Chapter 1 Part I

    In a grand hall with exquisite tiling, a bunch of elegantly dressed folks mingled, each clutching a sparkling crystal glass of the finest champagne. Above, countless candles in the ceiling shed a warm glow over the stage, giving the room a dazzling vibe. Laughter filled the air, faces lit up with smiles, hugs and toasts came one after another, as a captivating tune from a piano man on stage drifted through, the precise notes almost dancing around the room. The whole scene was stunning.

    Zak pushed through the big double doors into the space, the sound of chatter hitting him like a wave.

    "Wow, there are tons of people here!" he blurted out as he instinctively adjusted his duster, letting it fall just so over his holstered guns, ensuring they were hidden beneath the fabric. He weaved through the crowd, feeling eyes on him. Some gave him curious looks, their eyes quickly scanning his rugged outfit with slightly raised eyebrows, momentarily pausing their conversations.

    Eyes on us. They think we¡¯re wrongly dressed! I can¡¯t fathom why miscreants always choose to dress as virtuous people. I¡¯ve got to find the bar, I need a drink.

    He set off to locate the bar, scanning the crowd, catching snippets of conversation¡ªtalks of politics, whispered secrets, promises to dance¡ªall blending into an overwhelming noise that tugged at his concentration.

    "Where on earth could it be?" he wondered out loud, eyes narrowing at a gilded archway across the room.

    ¡°Fancy drink is not my thing!¡± he said, waving away a young guy holding a silver tray, the glasses clinking.

    He should know, we¡¯re not dressed like these people.

    ¡°Finally, there¡¯s the bar!¡± he exhaled, a small, relieved grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. He headed towards the shiny counter, noticing other guests¡ªa couple whispering and smiling at each other; an older gentleman nursing his drink with a distant look in his eyes.

    Behind the bar stood the bartender, a formidable man with a dark coffee complexion and a shaved head that gleamed under the chandelier¡¯s light. His wide shoulders were bound by leather belts that stretched from his waist to his shoulders, and there was an aura about him¡ªpart intimidation, part intrigue. Zak¡¯s eyes flicked to the man¡¯s hands, broad and calloused, a sign that this was no ordinary bartender.

    Zak¡¯s fingers drummed on the counter before he settled onto the stool, shifting his weight just enough to keep an eye on the room.

    ¡°Whiskey, please.¡± he said, his voice low and deliberate.

    The bartender gave a small nod, reached for a glass, and set it on the polished surface before Zak. The bartender reached out for the drink, clink of bottles echoed as he started pouring the amber liquid into the glass.

    This man should be at the door, he has the profile to be a phenchman. We need to be careful.

    ¡°So, what brings you to this party?¡± the bartender asked, his voice deep, almost rumbling. His eyes, shallow and observant, left Zak as he replaced the bottle on the shelf behind him.

    Zak scoffed under his hat shadow, his hand lingered on the edge of the glass, hesitated on his response. He took off his hat, offering a benevolent smile that softened his rugged features.

    ¡°Do you always extend this kind of courtesy to all your customers?¡± he replied sarcastically, striving to appear calm, though his pulse quickened at the subtle tension in the bartender¡¯s tone.

    The bartender gave a wide smile that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes.

    ¡°Only to those who venture to this table,¡± he said at ease, crossing arms under his intimidating chest muscles.

    Zak chuckled lightly, the sound tight in his throat.

    ¡°Ah, I see. I should retire, then.¡± he said decisively and swiftly emptying his glass, the burn trickling down his throat like liquid fire.

    A low laugh rumbled from the bartender.

    ¡°In a spot like mine, it¡¯s rare that one doesn¡¯t notice a newcomer. And between you and me,¡± his eyes narrowed with a hint of playful suspicion,

    ¡°you haven¡¯t dressed like someone coming to a lavish party. I had seen people like you, same stool and same look of the surrounding.¡±

    Zak chortled, rested back, relaxed his shoulders.

    ¡°What kind of people is that?¡± he asked.

    The bartender¡¯s smile deepened, a crease forming at the corner of his mouth.

    ¡°All I can say is that you¡¯re here for a purpose, sir. Perhaps an officer of the law or a soldier on duty. I observe your watchful, strategic gaze on your surroundings. A mission, perhaps? Or a personal quest? I confess I¡¯m still in the dark.¡±

    Zak¡¯s lips twitched with amusement, masking the spark of tension that coiled in his chest. With a friendly smile, he replied,

    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re very perceptive. But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not a mystery trust me. Next time , I¡¯ll dressed like your folks, stay away from your bar so that you can spare me any amicable questions.¡± he said, letting his gaze wander again to the crowd, catching the subtle movements of another guest eyeing the bar. Dropping a few banknotes on the polished surface of the bar, he stood, smoothing the brim of his hat as he set it back in place.

    ¡°Farewell, my astute friend,¡± he said, flashing a smile as he turned on his heel, the hum of the party enveloping him once more.

    As Zak walked away and melted into the party goers , his inner monologue continued,

    It would seem that appearances are deceiving. Maybe he¡¯s not such a bad guy after all. But let¡¯s not jump to conclusions. What¡¯s our next course of action? For the moment, I don¡¯t know. We must continue observing events.

    He glanced over his shoulder, catching sight of faces lost in conversation and laughter.

    But are we sure that the target is here? No drawing, no names... just ¡°He will be present at the gala, a coverage to sell his weapons!¡± How can the Beligram gendarmerie, have such an unshakeable conviction about a ghost? Somehow they know about this party, the exact day, the exact place, I don¡¯t know why you still not convinced. I hate moles! No you don¡¯t, I hate moles. And if it was a mole why, he didn¡¯t give a name or a profile? Likely the informant didn¡¯t know him in person. Many mystery on this hunt! Yeah, it makes it exciting...now shut up and let me think.

    The faint clinking of glasses and bursts of conversation surrounded him. Zak move among the folks in lively fest, he tries to avoid curious eyes pointing on him. Deliberately grabbed a champagne glass, to blending. As the darkness outside falling upon the town, guests keeping coming, the hall becoming more crowded.

    Zak felt a need of action,

    We should investigate the kitchen...Why should we do that? Maybe there¡¯s a passage to a hidden basement. Because history has shown us that it¡¯s often the case. Let find the kitchen then.

    He was decisive as a young woman in red dress, with a wide ornated red hat charmingly addressed him a smile that he returned raising his glass of champagne and swiftly disappeared among behind people travelling to another side of the hall.

    Take a look! How suspicious! Two gentlemen diligently attending a door. That¡¯s where service is coming from! Why do we need guards for a kitchen? Ha, I told you! It¡¯s the perfect time for an intrusion.

    Zak thought as it was announcing the beginning of the real party and the piano tune shifted to lively melody notes.

    Zak leaves the middle of the gathering to join a side less clustered, a spot he¡¯s has clear view on the kitchen entrance. The two men suit up in black attending the door, have they eyes sharp on the guests. The use of this part, remains obviously unauthorized for ordinary guests, so Zak rapidly considered the need for a diversion. He spotted a tray server coming in his direction, strode to her encounter and deliberately bumped into her. Glasses shattered against the tiled floor, the young woman at the unnoticeable push of Zak, fall at the brusque impact and a few heads turned and gasps erupted around them.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    ¡°Damn, you¡¯ve soaked my outfit,¡± he exclaims, his voice tinged with irritation that felt real enough to stir glances.

    You playing it too much don¡¯t you think?

    ¡°I beg your pardon, sir! I really didn¡¯t see your approach!¡± pleads the young woman, her wide eyes filled with panic and pain as champagne dripped from her sleeves as someone muttered,

    ¡°What a mess.¡±

    Now the guards have our attention.

    The two guards at the kitchen entrance, stood watching the scene without any motions,

    ¡°Hey big guys, can¡¯t you see this young lady can use some assistance?¡± Zak said loud. The men, eyes on them felt compelled as they walked from the entrance to help the young woman up.

    ¡°I need to clean this mess!¡± Zak¡¯s voice boomed, striding to the kitchen door minutes the guards get by the young woman.

    Enter bad guy¡¯s kitchen mission, successful!

    ¡°Where¡¯s the kitchen?¡± he asked a hurry line of service attendants trailing in the alley.

    A young woman gestured towards the kitchen entrance, but before Zak reached there, he noticed another different line of servers, those are dressed differently and going out through to another door. He scanned the kitchen swiftly as he¡¯s passing noticing uniformed staff rushing between counters and the underlying tension in their movements. The hall noises are completely drowned by the clatter of pots or other kitchenware and the chatters of the kitchen occupants as Zak didn¡¯t stopped heading quickly towards the other service door.

    What kind of party you think is going behind this door? We¡¯re about to find out my friend.

    Zak pushed the door open, and a heavy scent with smoke engulfed him like a sandstorm¡ªsmoke from cigars mixed with sweat and a lingering perfume that clutched his senses. As his eyes adjusted to the dim, flickering light from chandeliers dripping with wax, their elaborate frames casting shadows that seemed alive, the room appeared to glow with a dreamlike intensity. The space was adorned with opulent yet disordered luxury: red velvet drapes with frayed edges hung between golden sculptures, and low, dark-stained tables were scattered across the floor, and golden-framed couches with red cushions. The atmosphere was filled with heat, movements.

    The first thing Zak noticed, was the overpowering sensuality and intensity of the room¡ªthe air weighted with the musky scent of both people and indulgence. Surrounding him were unclothed bodies some males figure but mostly women, their bodies were confidently exposed, with curves swaying as they moved about with, an unrestrained rhythm, firm breasts with dark or red, round nipples. A few displayed coarse hair under their arms and below abdomen, adding a wild naturalness that matched the room¡¯s untamed energy. The room buzzed with an erotic energy, a disordered mixture of moans, laughter, and hushed wishes, with every spot occupied by flesh and warmth.

    Zak¡¯s attention shifted to a group, where a lean, muscular woman was pouring drinks. Her long, toned legs stood out as she moved among the guests, along with another woman who was curvier and stripping, her soft thighs and striking red curls cascading over her shoulders and back. The rich red of her hair sharply contrasted with her smooth, pale skin, glowing under the dim lights, with her pubic hair matching her fiery locks. Her skin shimmered with sweat, and her laugh, like a melody, pierced through the loud buzz of the room.

    ...her energy, wow, she¡¯s beautiful! What¡¯s this place? Zak! Zak, come back to reality, the guards will probably come for us. I¡¯m in reality...or am I dreaming? You need to focus, look the people here are dressed differently! You mean like us.

    The people here wore light outfits, with their clothing as diverse as their weapons. Dust coats were frequent choices, but some were clad in patchwork armor or suits, while others lounged without shirts, displaying scars and tattoos that told tales Zak had no interest in hearing. One man was sprawled on a sofa with a red cushion framed in gold, a cigar hanging loosely from his mouth as naked women sat astride him, their hands gripping his shoulders, swaying their hips.

    Zak¡¯s gaze drifted further across the room, where he caught sight of entangled bodies on a large bed against the wall. The candlelight highlighted skin in shades ranging from bronze to dark brown to pale, and everything in between, as men and women intertwined in a frenzied dance of kisses, touches, and quiet laughter. Nearby, a shallow pit carved into the floor staged a similar scene, where bodies lay tangled together in oil, their limbs blurring in movement and shadow.

    We need to blend in, the guards will come for us!

    ¡°What the hell,¡± Zak whispered to himself with smile, his eyes walking on the women, his body responding to urges, his heart pounding steadily. The raw energy in the room was both overwhelming and almost alluring. Thinking quickly, he moved toward a passing server, grabbing a glass from the tray she carried. The amber liquid burned as it went down, but its warmth steadied him.

    Before he could proceed further, two women approached him with keen, inviting eyes. One was tall and slender, with deep, lustrous brown skin and firm small breasts topped with dark, erect nipples. Her hair was cropped short, highlighting the sharp contours of her face. The other woman, shorter and curvier, wore a shy smile. Her chestnut-colored skin softly glowed as she moved, her wide hips swaying with each step.

    Without speaking, they each took one of Zak¡¯s arms and led him to the nearest couch. He sank into it, and the shorter woman settled on his lap while the taller one pressed against his side, her breath warm against his neck. Their hands explored his chest and shoulders as if they were familiar lovers. Despite his racing pulse, Zak willed himself to appear relaxed.

    All of a sudden, he spotted one of the guards from earlier scanning the area. Zak nonchalantly adjusted his hat and held the woman on his lap closer, reclining into the red cushion to create the appearance of a man fully caught up in the moment. The guard was inspecting the room, evidently searching for someone¡ªmost likely Zak himself.

    The guard¡¯s gaze roamed over the crowd, evaluating faces, but Zak, easily blending in with the others, stayed focused on enjoying the moment, maintaining a relaxed demeanor despite his quickening pulse with every sweep of the guard¡¯s eyes. Zak¡¯s eyes remained steady, although his body tensed amid the women¡¯s touches. The guard moved past him, seemingly without recognition, allowing Zak a sigh of relief as the guard headed to the room¡¯s far end.

    Zak observed as the guard approached a doorway he hadn¡¯t noticed before, where two more guards stood. The guard spoke with them, possibly asking questions that Zak couldn¡¯t hear. Intrigued, Zak watched closely. This seemed to be another private section of the building. Guests approached with something in hand, presenting it to the guards, who paused to inspect it before allowing entry. Zak¡¯s attention shifted, his pleasant distraction overtaken by interest in the mystery behind this entrance.

    As he continued to observe, he noticed a routine. Each person handed a red ribbon to the guards. The ribbon looked soft, like velvet. The guard examined it, there was a brief exchange, and then they returned the ribbon with reverence to the person, who was then allowed to enter.

    Zak¡¯s heart rate increased, not because of the touches from the women with him, but due to the intrigue of the entrance and the potential of nearing his target. He felt a mix of adrenaline and desire, but he recognized the urgency of his mission.

    While he continued to watch, the other guard, who had been searching the room, gave up and returned to where he came from. The party was rocking around him, and suddenly a man appeared behind him, speaking softly near Zak¡¯s ear. Neither Zak nor the women beside him noticed the man¡¯s approach, and his presence was startling.

    ¡°When was the last time you saw the sunrise?¡± the man whispered. Zak turned, puzzled by the unusual question, but the man was already walking away.

    ¡°Nowhere,¡± he added, vanishing into the crowd before Zak could respond.

    Who the hell was this man? How am I supposed to know? What he said...

    Zak tried to make sense of the encounter and pursue the man but was hindered by the women¡¯s hold, losing sight of him. When Zak spotted him again, the man was already at the guarded entrance, presenting his ribbon and exchanging words with the guards. Zak realized, the ribbons were the key to entry. Now he knew he needed one for himself.

    Zak felt a rush of thoughts as he looked around the room, while the women with him snuggled closely without pause.

    How do we get a ribbon?

    As time went by, other guests experienced the same entrance procedure. This red ribbon is the key for entry, and he needed to get one. Meeting the mysterious man again also depended on gaining access inside.

    As he scanned the crowd, he noticed a man leaving the secret room and approaching the bar.

    This might be our chance, get rid of those women, Zak!

    Zak gently nudged the women aside, saying softly,

    ¡°Pardon me, ladies, but I have urgent business to attend to.¡± Reluctantly, they allowed him to leave, their enjoyable moment with him coming to a close.

    Swiftly, Zak moved with determination. As he got close to the man, he deliberately bumped into him. The man stumbled slightly, caught off guard.

    ¡°Watch it!¡± the man exclaimed with irritation.

    Zak quickly apologized,

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that.¡±

    The man grumbled, seemingly not bothered, and continued toward the bar.

    Zak didn¡¯t linger. As the man walked away, Zak shifted his attention entirely. With a clear objective, he headed straight to the secret entrance. He had a plan now and couldn¡¯t waste any time.

    Upon reaching the guards at the entrance, Zak presented the red ribbon. One of the guards took it from him and slowly ran his fingers over it, inspecting its texture to ensure its authenticity. As he did this, he locked eyes with Zak, his gaze penetrating and cool.

    Zak, however, remained calm, meeting the guard¡¯s stare with equal firmness. His expression was serene, his eyes steady as the guard finished the inspection. Without a word, he nodded once to his partner, who then looked at Zak.

    ¡°Sir, when was the last time you saw the sunrise?¡± the guard questioned.

    The mysterious man¡¯s question is a code... nowhere!

    Zak composed himself, took a moment, and then answered,

    ¡°Nowhere.¡±

    The guard acknowledged the response with a brief nod, appearing satisfied.

    ¡°Sir, welcome,¡± he said, stepping aside to allow Zak through.

    Zak walked past them, relieved, into a narrow hallway that stretched ahead. He moved through the dimly lit corridor, the sound of his footsteps echoing. The air felt heavy and oppressive, and Zak sensed the secrecy it held. He reached a staircase nearly at the end of the hallway, heard sheers coming from below and descended it, his boots making soft thuds on the steps.

    At the bottom, he entered a small space dimly lit by light coming from a wide, doorless doorway ahead of him. Zak hesitated for a moment, his instincts flaring. The hum of voices seeped through the gap, coaxing him forward. His steps were cautious as he entered.

 Chapter 1 Part II

    The room was long and poorly lit, scattered candlelight, leaving corners in deep shadow. Group of individuals sat in orderly rows, their faces partially obscured and red ribbons tied around their necks. Conversations are hushed, but the murmurs loud, ripple through the air like an undercurrent. People sit stiffly in their chairs, their expressions guarded, some with uneasy look of their surrounding. The air smells faintly of perfume, leather, and aged wood. Front of the attendees, on a raised platform better lit, stood three men amid a pile of enormous crates. One of them, a man with fair skin and a chevron mustache, appeared to be leading the event. The air was thick with greed, charged with an almost predatory energy. There was an ongoing piano tune from a side of the platform in a corner, the piano man barely noticeable. The notes flow wild, with a beautiful uncontained frenzy.

    Zak¡¯s eyes narrowed.

    What on earth is this? An auction? No... it feels more sinister. A black market.

    Zak fastened his ribbon around his neck and looked for a seat as the pale-skinned man stepped forward, a calculated grin spreading across his face. His commanding presence quieted the room, and when he spoke, his voice was powerful and authoritative, as the piano¡¯s notes transitioned into a slower, more melancholic tune.

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, the blades section has concluded.¡±

    Polite applause rippled through the room as he paused to relish the moment. His grin then broadened, taking on a conspiratorial tone.

    He seems like the host...Are you suggesting he¡¯s our target? Don¡¯t you think? Gado said he¡¯s been untouchable for four years now¨Cthis doesn¡¯t seem to me like someone who would present his own weapons. Even if we¡¯re not certain it¡¯s him, this one could lead us to the head. I hope so...his right hand¨Cit¡¯s a prosthetic!

    ¡°But tonight,¡± the man continued,

    ¡°I¡¯ll reveal one of my latest most revolutionary creations,¡±

    Oh no, it¡¯s him! Well-dressed for a pirate, isn¡¯t he? You mean wealthy?

    The host voice was filled with anticipation, while the piano quickened briefly and then stopped as the host began to speak again.

    ¡°I offer you something truly extraordinary. A weapon unlike any before it. One that will redefine the very nature of power, dominance, and the art of destruction itself.¡±

    The audience responded with scattered murmurs of excitement, their eyes fixed on him with anticipation.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be disappointed,¡± the man said with a light chuckle, motioning to the two men nearby on the stage.

    ¡°Bring it over.¡±

    The stagehands efficiently approached one of the crates. They removed the lid to reveal a cylindrical metal item that shone ominously in the dim light. With care, they placed it on a table in the center of the stage.

    What is that? A weapon? Clearly, it¡¯s a weapon... But what kind? Be patient, my friend, we will soon see.

    The man theatrically lifted his arms.

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen,¡±l his voice becoming louder and more intense,

    ¡°Behold the future!¡± he announced.

    The audience leaned forward with noticeable curiosity. The piano played a more lively and joyful paced tune, adding excitement. Whispers spread through the crowd, the atmosphere built of anticipation.

    ¡°This marvel,¡± the host continued,

    ¡°is the pinnacle of firearms engineering. Capable of firing thousands of bullets¨C not rounds, in mere moments, it is a force unmatched in the history of weaponry.¡±

    The room filled with gasps and sporadic applause.

    ¡°Behold a creation that will tip the scales of violence in your favor¡ªpower, precision, and destruction, all in your hands.¡±

    He raised a hand to quiet the room again, pausing to relish the anticipation in the audience¡¯s eyes, then motioned to the table next to him.

    ¡°These are the bullets,¡± he explained. On the table lay a gleaming chain of oversized, cone-shaped rounds, larger than anything the audience had seen before. Linked together like a lethal necklace, the metallic glint caught the dim light.

    With a flourish, he picked up a bullet, holding it up for everyone to see. It shone in his hand, disproportionately large compared to the small, familiar rounds used in pistols and rifles.

    ¡°Behold,¡± he declared,

    ¡°a round unlike any other. Bigger, stronger, and created for a single purpose: annihilation.¡±

    He slowly turned the bullet, allowing the audience to examine every feature.

    ¡°These bullets feed continuously the weapon, producing an unbroken stream of fire.¡±

    ¡°This weapon isn¡¯t for the faint of heart. It¡¯s for those who crave the chaos, who thrive on the heat of the fight, and who long for the sound of their enemies falling before them.¡±

    ¡°This weapon is not just a tool¡ªit¡¯s a force that will change the way you rule, plunder, and conquer. And now...¡± he paused as the piano resumed with heavy, foreboding notes,

    ¡°...you will see it in action.¡±

    He placed the bullet back on the table and nodded at the stagehands. One stagehand carefully grasped the bullet chain and linked it to the weapon held by another, their precision hinting at a well-practiced routine. The weapon now stood ominously on stage as the host moved aside, and another stagehand draws back a heavy curtain. Behind it stood rows of dummies¡ªsome wooden, others reinforced with steel.

    He turned to the piano man, locking eyes with him a demonic smile illuminating his face. The pianist, as if possessed, launched into a frenzied, escalating melody, each note piercing the air. The music intensified, building a feeling of impending doom.

    He then calmly fitted something into his right ear and plugged of his finger his left ear. His grin widened. He signaled to the man holding the weapon with a nod.

    The piano reached a violent peak, and then,

    the weapon sprung to life, his body twisted on itself.

    Initially, it growled, producing a low, metallic rumble like a beast awakening, sending vibrations through the floor. Then it roared, a high-pitched, grinding noise as sparks shot from its target side. The room trembled at its intensity, and a blazing stream of bullets, glowing like molten metal, shot through the air.

    The noise was overwhelming, a chaotic mix of grinding metal and ripping air. Bullets flew across the room in quick succession, their fiery paths lighting up the turmoil. The dummies instantly broke apart, becoming splinters and debris. Even the steel targets bent and distorted under the relentless attack, the spot of impact molten. Smoke and debris filled every corner of the room.

    Chaos erupted.

    People sought shelter beneath their chairs, clutching their ears, while others bolted towards the exits, panic visible on their faces. A few were paralyzed, their eyes caught between astonishment and sinister smiles. Zak was immobilized, his heart pounding so intensely it felt like it might burst. The vibrations from the weapon rattled his chair, teeth, and skull. His legs shook, and his shallow breaths struggled for air. Even with his hands tightly over his ears, the sound was unbearable, drilling into his mind like a constant jackhammer.

    The stagehand operating the weapon was trembling to his core, his grip on the trigger shaky as he attempted to steady the machine while it spewed fires. The chain of bullets fed continuously into the weapon, clattering with each shot. Away, the piano played as if in a different dimension, its music uninterrupted and more energetic, the chords slam into the air, unyielding and ferocious, collide and splinter into a perfect chaos of sound.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    Meanwhile, the host relished the scene, his laughter fueled by the attendees¡¯ fear.

    Then, as quickly as it started, the weapon¡¯s rotation ceased and silence fell.

    Zak blinked through the swirling smoke, his ears ringing with a constant high-pitched tone, overwhelming all other sounds, his head heavy. Around him, the audience slowly resumed their positions, many in disarray¡ªsome still hiding, others rubbing their ears or holding their heads, and some amazed, pleased by what they witnessed.

    The stagehand who fired the weapon remained motionless, his body shaking. His breaths were short and uneven as he stared at the destruction he had caused. Another stagehand swiftly took the weapon from his trembling hands.

    And then there was the host.

    He stood tall and composed, his smile broad and sinister, his eyes gleaming with a twisted satisfaction. He surveyed the room, his gaze lingering on the frightened faces of his guests.

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen,¡± he began,

    ¡°I present to you... the machine gun!¡± he announced triumphantly.

    The room broke into applause, the air thick with a taste for violence. Some guests clapped enthusiastically, their eyes shining with excitement. Others in the audience gaped at the devastation, their excitement mixed with fear.

    Zak! Zak! Zaaaak! Say something!

    Zak remained motionless, his body still resonating with the vibrations from the weapon. His entire form tingled with energy, the hair on his skin standing straight as if reacting to an invisible charge.

    We need to act quickly...You don¡¯t really mean that, do you? All these men are armed, his customers and collaborators...So what do we do now?

    ¡°We wait for the right moment.¡± Zak¡¯s voice accidentally echoed out of his mind, barely audible in his ringing ears, as if carried from afar, and nobody nearby seemed to hear him.

    As his eyes walking on the guests, he noticed someone he forgot till now¨Cthe mysterious man. He was some rows of Zak¡¯s chair, motionless his gaze in the stage direction. Now Zak have a clear look at him, he was topless, his coffee tone skin featured dotted scars, his head shaved.

    He¡¯s moving¨Cout!

    Zak quickly forced himself to his feet, his heart racing as he moved toward the exit, his eyes locked on the mysterious man who hadn¡¯t noticed him. The man slipped through the doorway with deliberate movements and paused in the dim, narrow space beyond. Then, without hesitation, he shifted to the left and vanished. As Zak crossed the threshold, his eyes scanned the small, shadowy space, searching for any trace of the man. Instead, his attention was drawn to a dark corridor branching off to his left.

    ¡°Was this here before?¡± he wondered, his pulse quickening.

    I can¡¯t remember¨Cjust tell me you¡¯re not going in there.

    Faint voices emerged from within its depths.

    He slipped into the corridor, moving quietly as he followed the voices. As he continued blindly, the walls seemed to warp, the voices grew clearer, and he saw two men. They were tending to a seemingly locked door at the end of the corridor.

    Zak acted without hesitation. He took down a first man with a swift, precise strike. The second man had little time to react before Zak silenced him too. He swiftly approached the door.

    Fuck me! A metal door! Whatever lies beyond this door needed to remain unnoticed and secure.

    The corridor¡¯s air was dense, sweat clung to Zak¡¯s skin as he moved away. However, the abrupt sound of metal clanging from afar behind, stopped him. Carefully, he retraced his steps to the bolted door, only to find it open. The broken lock lay on the floor.

    Hey, are you actually going in there?

    Zak drew a gun,

    Step back, Zak. I don¡¯t think this is a wise move! We need to leave before it gets too late! Do me a favor: just be quiet and let me focus!

    Zak frowned, tightening his grip on his weapon as he crossed the threshold, stepping into a dimly lit room. The air was thick with a strange metallic odor, a mix of foul and acidic scents. The room¡¯s edges remained hidden, as his vision struggled to adjust to the dim light inside.

    A narrow table came into view, displaying several large sheets of paper, covered with detailed drawings lines, some ink pots and pens. Zak moved closer, his breath catching as he realized he was looking at the plans for the weapon he had just witnessed in action.

    ¡°Damn. All the plans for that weapon are here,¡± Zak murmured.

    Can we leave now, Zak?

    ¡°Not yet. I need to take this as evidence. Or destroy it all,¡± Zak replied.

    He began collecting the papers, tucking them into his duster, his eyes scanning the room nervously. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he noticed the walls were covered with sheets of paper too. Various drawings, each different from the others.

    Zak turned on himself as he saw blueprint papers plastered all over the walls.

    They¡¯re everywhere!

    Each paper featured different drawings with complex details that Zak can¡¯t comprehend. Schematics of various weapons!

    This isn¡¯t just about one weapon. This is... something much bigger... the bounty price now makes a lot of sense! What did I get myself into? Glad to know you¡¯re scared. I¡¯m not scared, and your words aren¡¯t helping... it might be better if I destroy everything. Do you think we have ti¡ªlook out!

    Zak turned, his weapon drawn swiftly, firing a warning shot into the ground at the step of a motion. The sudden flash highlighted a figure who instantly freezed¨Ca woman dressed completely in black. A muffler hid her face, revealing only her intense eyes. She held two small swords, their polished blades gleaming faintly in the dim light.

    ¡°If you make a move, the next shot will be in your flesh!¡± Zak warned, his aim steady on her.

    The woman tilted her head slightly, her stance unnaturally still.

    ¡°I was just leaving, sir. I suggest you let me pass and there won¡¯t be any problems.¡±

    ¡°No, no, no, i¡¯m the only one talking here,¡± Zak replied, his gaze intense, his weapons unwavering.

    ¡°What are you creating here? And who¡¯s behind all this?¡± Zak demanded.

    The woman stayed silent, her posture calm yet watchful. Her eyes flickered with something¡ªdefiance, or perhaps mockery but calculated. Then, she moved with incredible speed.

    Wrong answer!

    Zak fired, but astonishingly, each bullet was deflected as the woman¡¯s swords spun in blur. In a flash, she disappeared into the shadows.

    ¡°What just happened?¡± Zak muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief.

    With urgency, his eyes darted back to the table, and something else caught his attention. Chains snaked across the floor, leading to a crumpled figure on the bare floor. Zak approached cautiously, his heart sinking as he realized it was a young boy. The child was breathing, but visibly weak, trembling, his frail body curled into itself as if trying to disappear.

    ¡°What on earth is happening here?¡±

    Zak, we can¡¯t leave a dying imprisoned child...!

    ¡°Damn!¡± Zak crouched,

    ¡°Hang in there, kid. I¡¯m getting you out,¡± Zak said with hurry.

    He reached for the chain, but it was locked. Searching the room, he found a metal rod. After some effort, he broke the lock and lifted the boy onto his shoulder. The child¡¯s body lay limply on his shoulder, exhausted and trembling.

    Zak dashed out of the room into the corridor, where the two guards remained unconscious.

    Footsteps, Zak! Are you sure?

    Zak adjusted the boy, aimed his gun, and moved cautiously, scanning the dark corridor. He heard voices as footsteps approached rapidly. A man suddenly emerged from the darkness before him, and Zak quickly spun around and tried to knock him out with his gun handle¡¯s hit on the head. The man didn¡¯t pass out, instead, he only groaned in pain, spotted Zak and aimed his gun at him.

    A red dot appeared between his eyes and Zak¡¯s gun smoked.

    Zak heart raced as he headed out of the corridor, in the narrow dim space, he reached the stairs while confused guests emerged from the black market room.

    We need another way, remember those guards in the party room.

    Zak hurried up the stairs and quickly turned right. He stumbled through a door, pushing it open, his face light up with relief. It was the kitchen. The staff flinched, rushing out of the way some with fearful gaze and other confused . As he took a few quick steps, the door reopened behind him, and two armed men entered, but held their fire. Seeing them from the corner of his eye, Zak fired a few shots to slow them down as he continued out of the kitchen room to the alley that led towards the gala hall¡¯s door.

    They¡¯re holding back! Maybe because of the child.

    The guards at the gala hall door entered the alley, alerted by the shots. Before they could grasp the situation, trying to reach their guns, Zak shot them and rushed through the door into the hall.

    The guests were already in chaos, panic sparked by the gunfire.

    As Zak pushed through the frantic crowd, he noticed a familiar figure standing still amid the chaos on his way out. It was the bartender¡ªseen earlier at the hall bar. He stood still as the guests rushed around, unmoved, with his eyes fixed on Zak, cold and intense. His expression seemed to challenge Zak, though there was also a mix of surprise and apprehension in his gaze.

    Zak¡¯s finger itched on the trigger, but he hesitated, the panicked crowd obstructing his line of sight. When he glanced back, he saw four armed men weaving through the guests, trying to reach him. He needed to keep moving towards the exit, besides the boy¡¯s weight straining his shoulder. As he looked back ahead, the bartender was nowhere to be found. The spot where the bartender had stood was now covered by the crowd of rushing guests, and he seemed to have vanished.

    Zak scanned the hall with his eyes.

    ¡°Where is he?¡±

    Zak, we have to move now!

    Zak acted quickly, uneasy about the bartender¡¯s sudden disappearance. Holding the boy tightly, he pushed forward and glanced back one more time at the armed men, whose numbers had doubled and were moving more aggressively through the throng. He shook it off quickly, focusing on his next move: get out of the building,

    ...Stay ahead of those men, and find...Find what? I don¡¯t know, maybe it¡¯s time for you to give me one of your improvisation plan!

    Once outside the hotel, Zak rapidly took in the scene as people hurried past him towards a row of parked cars, their lanterns scattered in the street like thousands fireflies. His attention was immediately caught by a carriage across the road. Though a short distance away, its open door revealed the bartender inside, signaling subtly for Zak to approach.

    Without hesitating, Zak maneuvered through the chaotic street, brushing pass a horse that looked confused. He held the boy of his two hands as he felt his shoulder exhaustion until he reached the carriage. He climbed in, his mind racing and his pulse quickening as he gently settled the boy, with the bartender already outside, ready to close the door.

    Zak interrupted the him quickly, looking up at him with urgency and a hint of pleading in his voice.

    ¡°I need a safe place for tonight,¡± Zak said, his eyes scanning the hotel exit anxiously.

    ¡°I¡¯m unfamiliar with this town.¡± he quickly added.

    The bartender¡¯s expression turned reluctant as he noticed several armed men now outside the hotel, scanning the area. Time was slipping away. Wordlessly, the bartender quickly stepped back into the carriage, leaving the cold breeze outside for the relative warmth inside, his large shoulders brushing against the doorframe. He tapped of his palm twice on the side of the carriage, the strength of his hand making the whole car shook. Immediately, horses neighs were heard and the carriage wheels began to turn. It moved smoothly yet swiftly, the sound of hooves echoing on the cobblestone street.

 Chapter 2

    In an apartment somewhere...

    I don¡¯t know who this man is, but he saved a boy¡¯s life. What he said! Yeah, it sounds like he¡¯s not telling the whole story. I can¡¯t explain why, but I¡¯m questioning whether it was a mistake to help him. He seems arrogant, but clearly, he¡¯s not a bad person. How can you tell? Ahh, someone with two guns? You always see bad in people¡­ perhaps because you¡¯re¡ª Kids, I need some peace in my mind!

    All this time, a boy was kept captive beneath me. Yes, that¡¯s cruel. Why feel sympathy for a boy you don¡¯t even know? Dodd will do anything for his own pleasure. He seems like someone... Enough! My concern is the Book of Knowledge. Don¡¯t tell me that¡¯s why you helped him. Ah ha, I said it! No, I just felt compelled to do something, that¡¯s all¡­ but I still wonder: is it still down there? Everyone wants that book. Of course not! Isn¡¯t it a bit unwise to assume Dodd would leave a book of secrets in his prison? Yes, you might be correct. The boy needs care; you should assist¡­ he seems to know nothing about childcare. Ha, ah ha! You, can you be serious a while...Sunny talk to him!

    The dawn broke, the sun rose at the horizon. The sound of horses and cartwheels echoed along the rocky street. Zak was seated in a chair by a single bed. The boy, asleep, his brown tone pale with, a damp cloth on his forehead, was covered by a sheet. By the door, the bartender sat at a chair by the room¡¯s only table, watching Zak and the boy.

    ¡°Hey, my friend,¡± the bartender began.

    ¡°How¡¯s he doing?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s dreaming,¡± replied Zak flatly.

    ¡°How do you know?¡± asked the bartender with a frown.

    ¡°Anyway, we need to talk,¡± the bartender said, shifting in his chair.

    ¡°Sure, big man, I¡¯m all ears,¡± Zak replied, his gaze fixed on the boy.

    ¡°Stop calling me ¡®big man¡¯ before I cut out your tongue. My name¡¯s Sunny,¡± he snapped back.

    ¡°Good for you. I think you already know everything,¡± Zak remarked.

    ¡°What?¡± Sunny asked, his eyebrows knit together.

    ¡°I¡¯m a guest at your hotel. My curiosity led me to a hidden black-market room in your basement, where I found an imprisoned boy, so I did what any moral person would do¡ª¡± Zak started before being cut off.

    ¡°I¡¯m putting my job at risk to help you. You should be honest with me as a thank-you,¡± Sunny said, clearly frustrated.

    ¡°True, but I really dislike people who get upset easily,¡± Zak replied, standing up and moving toward the bay window.

    ¡°Tell me what I¡¯m asking for, and there won¡¯t be anything to get upset about,¡± Sunny insisted, still on edge.

    Zak¡¯s gaze became distant for a moment.

    ¡°I¡¯m a bounty hunter,¡± Zak revealed, looking through the glass.

    ¡°A few weeks ago, I got a new bounty for a hundred shifts, which is quite an unusual price. The target was a pirate involved in trafficking abolished weapons. As typical, I was to either capture or kill. So, I traveled from Beligram to here...¡± Zak stopped, still gazing through the window.

    ¡°So your target was at The Papel?¡± Sunny asked, curious.

    ¡°What? What¡¯s...The Papel?¡± Zak asked, puzzled.

    He doesn¡¯t even know where he was operating? I told you he¡¯s arrogant... and now reckless? Can you shut it?

    ¡°That¡¯s the name of the hotel,¡± Sunny explained calmly.

    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Zak acknowledged, turning toward Sunny.

    ¡°The precise location of the target was known¡ªa rarity for bounties¡ªbecause the gendarmerie had been pursuing this case for four years now. However, there was no known face or name,¡± Zak continued as he went over to the table near Sunny and turned off the lantern.

    ¡°No face? No name? But they ensured he¡¯d be at the gala?¡± Sunny queried as Zak leaned against the wall by the table, his eyes on the boy.

    ¡°Yes. According to Gado, the target highly valued his anonymity,¡± Zak replied.

    ¡°Who is Gado?¡± Sunny inquired, ¡°And how did you even get into the gala?¡±

    ¡°Gado is my contact at the gendarmerie. As for the gala, my name was somehow already on the guest list¡ª¡° Zak said, a bit perplexed.

    ¡°Someone put your name there? You don¡¯t know who?¡±

    ¡°I was given a name to use at the hotel entrance¡ªI assumed it was the gendarmerie,¡± Zak said uncertainly.

    ¡°So, were you the only bounty hunter involved?¡± Sunny¡¯s eyes flicked to Zak¡¯s guns.

    ¡°Yes. Each bounty is assigned to one hunter at a time, as required by the gendarmerie¡¯s rules. Another hunter would only be assigned if the previous one failed,¡± Zak explained.

    ¡°Did you manage to identify your target then?¡±

    ¡°Kind of...¡± Zak replied with uncertainty.

    The boy¡¯s coughing interrupted their conversation, and Zak quickly went to his side, gently touching his forehead.

    ¡°He still has a fever! How can you help him?¡± Zak asked worriedly.

    ¡°The only option is to take him to the hospital, but there¡¯s an issue,¡± Sunny responded urgently.

    ¡°What kind of issue?¡± Zak inquired.

    ¡°The kind no one in Verghertown wants to have,¡± Sunny answered seriously.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Zak asked while checking the boy¡¯s temperature, his hands brushing over his clothes.

    ¡°The hotel you broke into, belongs to Dodd¡ªThe Duke. He¡¯s a corsair...he was employed by a former overseer of the town to resist the World Navy. Now, he runs Verghertown. He¡¯s dangerous and has ties with the local law enforcement. That¡¯s all you need to know for now.¡±

    ¡°So, we¡¯re really on our own?¡± Zak muttered in frustration.

    ¡°This morning, as I was returning, his men were deployed all over the streets. They are still on the lookout for you...¡± Sunny said, moving towards the window.

    ¡°Come on, my friend,¡± Sunny invited Zak to join him at the window. Outside, a man shouted.

    ¡°A dark-skinned stranger in a long brown coat and a black hat, armed with two guns, has kidnapped The Duke¡¯s cousin for a ransom! Right now, every law officer in the town is searching for him! I warn you again, he¡¯s dangerous and armed! Anyone harboring him or withholding his whereabouts will face consequences! I repeat, the punishment for hiding this criminal will be severe!¡± the man announced to the townspeople.

    Zak turned to Sunny, eyebrows narrowed, and asked,

    ¡°Who is this¡ªThe Duke again?¡±

    Sunny frowned.

    Is he joking with me? Ah ha, I¡¯m telling you...

    ¡°The man who owns Verghertown,¡± Sunny finally answered after a short pause.

    ¡°I assumed bringing us here meant it was safe, didn¡¯t it?¡± Zak commented.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too confident. The police might start knocking on every door in the town, or even worse...¡± Sunny was cut off.

    ¡°Worse¡ªhow?¡± Zak pressed.

    ¡°They spot us, and he sends his henchmen after us. That¡¯s...my friend, something you¡¯re not ready for!¡± Sunny said, fear visible in his eyes as he returning to seat back.

    Zak couldn¡¯t help notice Sunny limping slightly.

    ¡°What happened to your leg?¡± he asked.

    ¡°An accident,¡± Sunny replied, keeping the details to himself.

    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Zak questioned.

    Didn¡¯t he just say ¡®we¡¯? Sunny he doesn¡¯t have what you want. I don¡¯t see why you¡¯re still here! My main concern isn¡¯t him right now¡ªbut the kid.

    ¡°You know the town better than I do¡­isn¡¯t there someone you know who can help him?¡± Zak interrupted,

    Then what?

    ¡°Then what?¡± Sunny asked.

    Zak dived into his thoughts.

    ¡°The simple thing, my friend. Leave the town before it¡¯s too late,¡± Sunny advised.

    ¡°Too late? Too late for what? And what about the boy? He needs help, and his relatives must be somewhere in the town, right? Plus, I still have my bounty here,¡± Zak replied.

    Sunny face hardened and concerned.

    ¡°Listen to me, hunter. If you care about yourself or the boy, I suggest you both leave town today and return for your bounty later. Nothing is more dangerous than having Dodd after you!¡± He warned.

    ¡°Hell, that man must be terrifying, look at your face! Given the boy¡¯s condition...he¡¯s weak...if you could find a nurse...if he could walk...!¡± Zak was interrupted by noises at the door.

    Someone knocked. Zak drew his gun while Sunny approached the door, listened carefully, and signaled Zak to stay calm before cautiously opening it.

    ¡°Hello, sir, do you need any services?¡± a young man at the door asked.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m set, I¡¯ll be leaving soon. Thanks,¡± Sunny replied quickly, shutting the door before the young man could hear the last word.

    As he turned to Zak, realization hit him, and he immediately reopened the door, quickly got into the alley,If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°Hey, please, has Mr. Baku arrived? Earlier he wasn¡¯t...¡± he was cut off.

    ¡°He¡¯s arrived, he¡¯s in his office,¡± the young man informed.

    ¡°Please give him some words, tell him I need to see him.¡± Sunny requested.

    Sunny returned inside, locked the door, and exchanged a glance with Zak, who for the first time since yesterday removed his hat and sat on the bed, his attention turning to the boy still trapped in feverish sleep.

    Shortly after, there was another knock. Sunny hesitated,

    ¡°Sunny! Sunny, it¡¯s me,¡± a voice came from behind the door. Sunny quickly opened it, revealing a slightly older man with glasses on a string and a heavy gray mustache as he got into the alley.

    ¡°Morning, the boy said you needed to see me. What¡¯s happening?¡± the man asked urgently.

    ¡°The kid needs medical assistance...I don¡¯t know whatever is behind his locked up¡ªthey didn¡¯t care about his wellness.¡± Sunny explained, the man trying to glance inside.

    ¡°And the man? Who is he?¡± he asked.

    ¡°A hunter,¡± Sunny replied simply.

    The man¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°What kind of hunter?¡± he enquired.

    ¡°A bounty hunter,¡± Sunny stated.

    The man flinched, his voice turned into a whisper.

    ¡°Does he know...¡± he pointed at Sunny.

    Sunny shook his head for a ¡®no¡¯.

    ¡°So why are you still helping him?¡± the man pressed as Sunny glanced at the door and raised his voice,

    ¡°Get me the nurse, we¡¯ll discuss more later.¡±

    The man gave him a look that said, ¡®I hope you know what you¡¯re doing¡¯, before he walked away.

    ¡°So can he help find someone for the cares?¡± Zak asked as soon as Sunny get back in the room.

    ¡°I hope so¡ªand then what happened?¡± Sunny answer followed by concerns.

    Approaching Zak who was silent, Sunny asked with sense of unsee upcoming danger,

    ¡°What are you going to do of the boy?¡± Right in front of Zak, who plunged into a deep silence.

    What is he thinking about? His best chance to escape the island alive is without the boy. The boy isn¡¯t even conscious to answer questions. He mentioned his bounty. Dodd? I thought so too. Ah, remember to tell him how many have failed to even scratch Dodd. He¡¯s untouchable; you¡¯re searching for him, he¡¯ll find you first. Can you shut it? Do you think if he discovers you¡¯re a pirate, he¡¯ll come for you? You should kill him now. No, nobody should die. I think he knows something about the book¡ªor those who sent him do. Now I understand why we¡¯re pretending to help him...and then kill him later! You fool!

    ¡°Wait! What did the announcer say?¡± Zak asked, finally articulating his thoughts but still deep in reflection.

    ¡°What?¡± Sunny responded, not quite grasping the question¡¯s significance.

    Zak¡¯s face was clouded with confusion.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t he say the boy was The Duke¡¯s cousin?¡± Zak asked, his voice full of surprise as he looked at Sunny.

    Sunny frowned,

    ¡°Did he? Knowing Dodd, I can¡¯t believe that,¡± he replied, shaking his head.

    ¡°Yes, exactly! Why would anyone imprison their own cousin? This story isn¡¯t adding up,¡± Zak agreed, sitting on the bed as his expression shifted sharply.

    ¡°Wait, why do you always call him Dodd, and not The Duke?¡± Zak asked, still deep in thoughts.

    Sunny raised an eyebrow,

    ¡°I work at his hotel. Isn¡¯t that reason enough?¡± Yet Zak¡¯s suspicions remained.

    ¡°Well, yes, but I feel like there¡¯s more to it, as if you respect your boss less than you should¡ªor maybe you¡¯re quite close!¡±

    Sunny¡¯s expression hardened as Zak¡¯s words lingered.

    ¡°I took a chance in accepting your help. That¡¯s not something I usually do. And you don¡¯t even look like a bartender.¡±

    What?! He wants you to trust him? A man...a bounty hunter with two guns? Sunny, he¡¯s suspicious of you¡­ act now or he¡¯ll eliminate you. I knew this would happen, Sunny. The devilish guy is right, we can¡¯t stay here any longer. You¡¯ve done enough, and I¡¯m uncertain if he has the book or knows anything about it.

    Sunny¡¯s face darkened, but he kept his voice steady.

    ¡°So, we met in a bar as strangers, and you expect me to serve you my life story on a silver platter? Your mission doesn¡¯t concern me, hunter,¡± Sunny finally replied.

    ¡°What on earth! Talking about a mission, you said The Duke...Dodd is a pirate...a corsair...there¡¯s no difference¡ªI think he¡¯s my target.¡± Zak exclaimed, excitement lighting up his face.

    Obviously, but he sees him as an easy prey. He doesn¡¯t seem to know what a corsair is. The man has an entire army, or rather, the town under his control.

    ¡°Pirate. Abolished weapons. Discreet¡­sounds like him to me. But I¡¯d advise you to tone down your enthusiasm. Dodd isn¡¯t someone you simply approach and shoot. In two years at that hotel, I only saw him twice, undoubtedly for important businesses that required his touch. He¡¯s a ghost!¡± Sunny said.

    Zak¡¯s face brightened.

    ¡°You mean important businesses like introducing a weapon of mass destruction?¡±

    Sunny frowned, about to respond, but Zak interjected.

    ¡°In the basement, the person leading the event claimed to be the creator of the weapon he was unveiling¡­¡± Zak remembered, as Sunny¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°Dodd!¡± he quickly said, adjusting in his chair.

    ¡°It¡¯s him? The Duke?¡± Zak¡¯s voice rose with excitement.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be!¡± Sunny exclaimed in disbelief.

    ¡°It¡¯s been almost a year since he stepped into the hotel¡­ or should I say¡ªthat was the last time I saw him!¡± Sunny added sinking back into the chair.

    ¡°He has a round, pale face...and his hand...the right hand was¡ªa prosthetic!¡± Zak elaborated.

    A sudden realization hit Sunny,

    ¡°Mr. Lari!¡± he exclaimed,

    ¡°Dodd¡¯s accountant, he handles all of his business.¡±

    ¡°I was unsure, but also convinced it¡¯s him! If I catch him, he¡¯ll lead me to The Duke.¡± Zak¡¯s excitement slightly faded.

    ¡°Taking the boy instead of making your move has triggered an alert. Dodd¡¯s likely ready to strike or be stroke! You need a plan to leave the town with the boy as quickly as possible. Dodd¡¯s men will turn the whole town upside down to find you...¡± Sunny¡¯s words were abruptly cut off by a loud cry.

    Zak¡¯s attention turned to the boy lying rigid in bed, sweat glistening on his forehead. His chest rose and fell in quick, irregular breaths, his fists gripping the blanket tightly. His distress was evident, fear pouring out from within, as if trapped in a nightmare. His heavy tangled, curly hair shook violently with each tremor.

    ¡°Let me go...Let me go...You¡¯re lying! Let me go...¡± the boy shouted, his chest heaving as he struggled against Zak¡¯s hold. Tears streamed down his face, his breathing rapid and irregular.

    Zak knelt beside the bed, holding the boy¡¯s chest firmly, trying to soothe him. Sunny moved closer, concern showing on his face.

    ¡°Calm down, boy! Listen to my voice...!¡± Zak urged, but his voice was lost in the boy¡¯s frantic cries.

    ¡°He¡¯s having...nightmares...a crisis...whatever it is, it¡¯s tearing him apart,¡± Zak muttered, frustration in his voice.

    The boy¡¯s mumbling grew louder, repeating strange phrases, jumbled words that Zak and Sunny couldn¡¯t comprehend.

    ¡°let me...the shape...of the edge...it smells...gets faster...flies further...difficult...surgery...it will kill him...you can¡¯t...to implant in your flesh...let me go! You promised...let me goooo...¡± the boy¡¯s words dissolved into chaos, his eyes remained tightly shut, trapped in whatever he was experimenting.

    What is he talking about? It¡¯s probably all nonsense; he¡¯s clearly having nightmares.

    Sunny hurried to the window to close it securely as the boy¡¯s crisis continued.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think your friend should have found someone by now?¡± Zak asked loudly over the boy¡¯s screams.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know...hold him still, I¡¯m heading downstairs...¡± Sunny said, already at the door, and when he opened it,

    A woman swiftly passed by Sunny at the entrance without greeting him and headed straight for the bed. She was dressed in a pristine white gown and carried a leather bag. Her arrival seemed to bring Zak some peace. Baku followed her closely, while Sunny shut the door.

    The boy continued his incoherent chatter.

    ¡°Two...one...if it works...loud...it harms...I will let you go...home...let me go home....two...one...it¡¯s smelling...he¡¯s coming...hide...Miko hide...he¡¯s coming!¡±

    ¡°Let me examine him,¡± the woman said urgently, placing her bag next to where the boy rambled on.

    ¡°What¡¯s he babbling about?¡± Mr. Baku asked Sunny, who simply shrugged in response¡ªI don¡¯t know.

    With skilled hands, the woman checked the boy¡ªfirst lifting his eyelids to see his rapid eye movement beneath the reddish skin.

    ¡°His pulse is quick,¡± she observed, pressing two fingers to his wrist.

    ¡°And he¡¯s breathing too shallowly.¡±

    ¡°When did this begin?¡± she asked, glancing at Zak, who briefly met Sunny¡¯s eyes.

    Sunny hesitated to respond.

    ¡°He and his father came to stay for a night, and this started this morning,¡± Mr. Baku answered promptly, while Sunny felt relieved inside.

    ¡°Do his words mean anything to you?¡± she inquired, turning to Zak. When Zak did not reply, she looked at Sunny and Mr. Baku, who both avoided eye contact. She pressed no further.

    ¡°He likely is experiencing an acute nervous episode,¡± she concluded, swiftly pulling back the sheet from the boy.

    ¡°He needs grounding¡ªfamiliar voices or touch might help.¡±

    She looked at Zak.

    ¡°You should hold his hands and speak to him.¡±

    Zak hesitated, uncertain. Before he could respond, Sunny stepped forward.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Sunny offered quickly.

    The woman glanced between them, slightly confused. Zak stepped back, leaving Sunny to take his place at the bed. She tightened her lips for a moment, puzzled, but then turned her attention back to the boy.

    ¡°Tell me what you need me to do,¡± Sunny asked in a calm tone.

    ¡°Let¡¯s try to wake him. What¡¯s his name?¡± she asked.

    Sunny hesitated, his mouth opening and closing. Zak looked away, fists clenched. The nurse sensed something was wrong and looked between them. Without an answer, she turned her attention back to the boy.

    ¡°Hello, sweetheart. I¡¯m Agatha,¡± she said gently, leaning closer.

    ¡°Can you hear me? Listen to my voice. I¡¯m here to help¡ªyou are safe. Open your eyes.¡±

    She gently touched the boy¡¯s fist, which was clenched tightly around the blanket.

    ¡°Feel my hand. Can you hold it instead? I¡¯m here... You¡¯re safe,¡± she reassured softly.

    She glanced at Sunny, who appeared distracted and encouraged, ¡°Go ahead, talk to him. Comfort him.¡±

    Sunny cleared his throat and awkwardly said, ¡°Hey, kid, you¡¯re safe. I¡¯m holding your hand now. Nobody¡¯s going to hurt you. Open your eyes, okay?¡±

    The boy¡¯s trembling hand clutched Sunny¡¯s with unexpected strength. He continued to shake and mumble quietly while his clothes remained damp with sweat. Sunny held on firmly, finding more assurance in his voice.

    ¡°Kid, you can do it. Open your eyes... I¡¯ve got you. You¡¯re safe now.¡±

    The boy began to relax slightly. Agatha signaled Sunny to help regulate the boy¡¯s breathing with her guidance.

    ¡°Kid, listen to me. You¡¯re doing great. Now take slow breaths. Breathe in through your nose... and out through your mouth,¡± Sunny said, following her hand gestures.

    Sunny felt a moment of connection¡ªa fatherly energy he felt for long years now. He held the boy¡¯s hand reassuring him. Sunny gaze was focus, suddenly heavy with compassion and thoughtful.

    ...he¡¯s calming down...

    Gradually, the boy¡¯s breathing evened out. His trembling lessened, and his body began to relax. A faint gasp escaped his lips as his head jerked slightly. He continued to hold Sunny''s large, calloused hand tightly, fear still apparent on his face, his eyelids fluttering shut.

    ¡°There we go,¡± The woman said softly.

    ¡°Come on, kid. Open your eyes.¡±

    The boy¡¯s gaze was unfocused, his body trembling as he mumbled incoherently. Then, the nurse pressed the back of her hand to his forehead,

    ¡°Nervous crisis is a result of overexcitement or fright. It¡¯s common with children. But there¡¯s something else...¡± She said, swiftly reached into her bag and withdrew a glass thermometer, shaking it briskly before placing it under the boy¡¯s arm. While waiting,

    ¡°Whatever condition he was living in before this, I doubt it was saint. The crisis alone doesn¡¯t cause fever...¡± The nurse said running condemning eyes on Zak who she thought is the boy¡¯s father due to slight face resemblance. Zak remained silent.

    ¡°He¡¯s burning up,¡± she said after removed the thermometer,

    ¡°I need cool compresses. Bring me a bucket of clean water and a clean cloth.¡±

    Mr Baku hurried to comply as the nurse rummaged through her bag and pulled out a small bottle of tablets. She crushed one into powder and mixed it with a small amount of water in a tin cup.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wake him up enough to get this down.¡± She said.

    Sunny gently lifted the boy¡¯s head as Agatha held the cup to his lips, coaxing him to take small sips. The boy grimaced at the bitter taste but swallowed most of it before slumping back into the bed, exhausted.

    When Baku returned with water and a cloth, Agatha soaked the cloth, wrung it out, and started after she removed entirely the sheet, wiping the boy¡¯s face, neck, and arms. Her hands froze when she noticed something.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Asked Mr Baku as the nurse exploring the boy¡¯s fingers. They were tinted in black.

    Sunny frowned as he started exploring the boy¡¯s hand.

    Zak tightened his jaw avoiding the woman questioning gaze and was confused as Sunny. They didn¡¯t noticed those stains before, and while the woman waiting for an answer, she finally figured out the origin of the stains.

    ¡°This is ink¨Che was in used maybe more than four days ago.¡± The nurse figured, her need of answers from Zak one time again, faced a heavy silent, as she became more suspicious. Without another word, she resumed her work.

    Zak and Sunny shared uneasy glance.

    The nurse placed the cloth across the young boy¡¯s forehead, regularly replacing it to help bring down the fever.

    ¡°He¡¯s weak from whatever he endured...¡± she said, glancing at Zak and then to Mr Baku,

    ¡°Exposure, malnourishment, possibly an infection. He needs rest, warmth, and good food when he can stomach it.¡±

    ¡°Will he be all right?¡± Zak asked finally opened up, his voice rough with concern.

    ¡°He¡¯ll pull through,¡± The nurse assured him.

    ¡°The fever should break soon. Just keep him hydrated and let him sleep.¡±

    She began packing her things and called out Mr Baku for a side talk. They whispers came from the alley to the inside of the room. Meanwhile, the boy had grown still, his breathing steady, his features relaxed in deep sleep. Zak¡¯s shoulders eased slightly, and Sunny let out a soft sigh of relief.

    Baku returned alone, closing the door behind him. The sound of the nurse¡¯s fading footsteps echoed from the alley. Uneasy, Baku¡¯s face was taut with caution as he glanced at Sunny who¡¯s still seating in the bed near the boy.

    Zak was seating in the chair near the table, his gaze thoughtful, his hat on his lap, his eyes on the boy.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re from the Hunters Brotherhood? It¡¯s rare to see one of you far from the east seas.¡± Mr Baku voice¡¯s, wary but curious broke the silence, trying to engage unwillingly into a conversation with Zak who first remained silent before shifted his attention to the man.

    ¡°We go anywhere the task called¡ªyour accent seems like you¡¯re from Easterland...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s exact! Bota Port, Beligram.¡± Mr Baku informed displaying a forced amicable and awkward smile.

    ¡°Ah, I can see. This why you know about the Hunters Brotherhood...its rare in this seas.¡±

    ¡°Hum,¡± Mr Baku chuckled nervously, sharing a discreet and awkward glance with Sunny.

    ¡°The Hunters Brotherhood...the murderous hands of the Delegation or shall I say¡ªof the Chancellor!¡± Mr Baku added his tone accusing but careful and fearful as Zak expression shifted, he looked deeper into his eyes and forced a tight, unreadable smile.

 Chapter 3

    It was afternoon. The sun, a brilliant snowball in the sky, shone brightly, casting its warm rays through the windowpanes. Inside, against the wine-red walls, the light illuminated the room in a gentle glow. Zak removed the cloth from the boy¡¯s forehead, dipped it into a bucket of water, and placed it back. The boy lay calm, in deep slumber, his fever having diminished.

    Outside, the world was coming alive. The street below began to stir¡ªhorses¡¯ hooves clattered on cobblestones, wagon wheels groaned, and faint chatter from the townspeople mingled with the din of various workshops. The rhythmic clang of iron being hammered echoed from a forge, while a smoked-meat vendor shouted to attract customers. The newly installed market stalls bustled with vendors vying for attention. The town, under the afternoon sun, seemed to have been waiting for the day¡¯s heat to wane before bursting into life.

    Back in the apartment, there was a relative calm. Zak stood by the window, his body on alert, his ears attuned¡ªone focused on the street, the other on the door.

    He was thinking about recent events¡ªhow he¡¯d missed his target and why he was stuck in this town, in this room, without any action. The boy! What to do with him? Sunny had said he couldn¡¯t trust the town¡¯s law enforcement. So what now? Carry the boy with him? To go where? Find his relatives, maybe. But where to start? What to do?

    But there¡¯s no way I¡¯m letting The Duke lay hands on the boy again!

    Are you going to adopt him? his inner voice taunted.

    No, of course not! Do you see me babysitting? Or taking him on my hunts? No. Surely his parents are somewhere on this island¡­ but with The Duke involved, it¡¯ll be difficult to find them.

    What if¡­?

    What if what? he asked himself.

    What if they¡¯re already dead?

    Zak clenched his jaw, dismissing the thought.

    Just let¡¯s hope not¡ªfor the boy¡¯s sake. What he needs now is his parents, and I promise I will find them and reunite them¡­ if they¡¯re still alive, he thought bitterly.

    Through the window, he spotted Sunny stepping out of a car parked in front of the building. His thoughts churned again.

    Who really is this man? Why is he so devoted to helping me?

    There was something about Sunny¡ªa shroud of mystery Zak couldn¡¯t pierce. Since their encounter, Zak hadn¡¯t felt the man was a threat. But what if he is? What if he¡¯s complicit with The Duke?

    Or¡­ what if he is The Duke?

    Zak flinched at the thought and simultaneously at the noise from door as he turned sharply. It was Sunny.

    ¡°How¡¯s he doing?¡± Sunny asked as soon as he stepped inside, his eyes briefly scanning the room.

    ¡°Better. The fever¡¯s gone down,¡± Zak replied, his gaze drifting to the bag Sunny carried.

    Sunny walked to the table and set the bag down. He glanced at the boy, sighed, and began unpacking.

    ¡°Bread, seasoned meat, milk¡­¡± he listed as he laid the goods out. Then, holding up a bottle, he added,

    ¡°And whiskey.¡±

    Zak¡¯s face betrayed a subtle delight.

    ¡°Help yourself,¡± Sunny said.

    ¡°I think we should wake him up soon. He needs to eat, regain his strength.¡± he added.

    Zak¡¯s lips twitched in subtle approval, though his thoughts were elsewhere.

    ¡°What does ¡®machine gun¡¯ sounds to you?¡± Zak asked suddenly.

    Sunny, caught off guard by the question¡¯s brutality, looked confused.

    ¡°Sounds like nothing to me¡­¡±

    Zak frowned.

    ¡°Gun like gun, maybe,¡± Sunny added, his tone quick and honest.

    Zak approached him and scratched a grotesque drawing onto the wooden surface of the table, attempting to depict the weapon he¡¯d encountered the previous night. Sunny stared at the crude sketch, his brow furrowing.

    ¡°And this?¡± Zak asked, surveying Sunny¡¯s expression.

    Sunny studied the drawing, his confusion evident.

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t look like anything to me.¡±

    Zak stood thoughtful for a moment before his lips parted.

    ¡°At the black market gathering, The Duke¡¯s accountant presented this weapon¡ªunlike anything I¡¯ve ever seen. He called it a machine gun,¡± Zak said, his gaze distant, the scenes of the previous night replaying in his head.

    Sunny stood silently, trying to visualize what the drawing might represent as Zak¡¯s words hung in the air.

    ¡°It¡¯s unlike any gun we know. It can fire several bullets in rapid succession. I¡¯ve never been so terrified in my life. But there, that night, I was completely terrified,¡± Zak confessed, his face clouded by memories.

    I¡¯m terrified just looking at your face. Is he exaggerating? Anyway, he does seem genuinely frightened, just look at him!

    ¡°The weapon felt alive¡ªits power palpable as it sent vibrations through the room.¡± Zak¡¯s muscles reminiscing the night sensation.

    ¡°What you¡¯re saying is that the slightly shaky floor I experienced last night was caused by a weapon crafted by Dodd?¡± Sunny asked, disbelief in his voice.

    ¡°Also, there were these low grinding sounds¡­¡± Sunny recalled.

    ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± Zak confirmed, frozen in his memories.

    ¡°So, what happened next?¡± Sunny pressed, curiosity lighting his eyes.

    ¡°I went outside, following the mystery man¡­¡± Zak began but was cut off.

    ¡°A mysterious man?¡± Sunny asked, his eyebrows knitting together.

    ¡°Yes. Built like you. He was kind of¡­ showing me the way,¡± Zak said, his tone thoughtful.

    Sunny frowned.

    ¡°How?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell¡­¡± Zak¡¯s response lingered, his face clouded with confusion.

    ¡°What if someone wanted me to rescue the boy?¡± Zak wondered aloud, struggling to organize his thoughts.

    ¡°They would have shown up by now, don¡¯t you think?¡± Sunny reasoned.

    ¡°Yeah, kind of¡­¡± Zak agreed, though his mind continued to spin.

    ¡°So, this mysterious man,¡± Sunny pressed, his curiosity clear.

    ¡°He¡¯s the one who led you to the boy?¡±

    ¡°No, not really¡­ but somehow, I ended up in this room where I found the boy¡ªchained up,¡± Zak said, his voice hardening.

    Who on earth would do that to a child? Dodd¡¯s kind of people...

    ¡°In the room, there were drawings¡ªdozens of them. They were scattered everywhere, from a table in the middle to the walls. Each one seemed different from the next,¡± Zak said, trailing off as the memory gripped him.

    ¡°Do you have any idea what those drawings represent?¡± Sunny asked insistently, eager for details.

    ¡°They¡¯re all weapons¡ªat least, I think so,¡± Zak replied thoughtfully.

    ¡°All of them?¡± Sunny wondered.

    ¡°The ones on the table included drawings of the weapon¡ªthe machine gun!¡± Zak added, his gaze shifting with sudden realization.

    ¡°And there were ink pots on the table too...¡±

    Sunny straightened, crossing his large arms. His gaze thoughtful was attentive as Zak¡¯s words lingered.

    ¡°What if the boy is the artist?¡± Zak said suddenly, moving to the bedside.

    ¡°Look at his hands. It¡¯s not just his fingers¡ªhis entire hands are deeply stained, likely from prolonged interaction with ink.¡±

    He lifted the young boy¡¯s small hand, showing it to Sunny. The boy remained still, peacefully asleep.

    ¡°It makes sense. But when you think about the force Dodd is deploying to get him back, it becomes confusing. Why is he so important?¡± Sunny reasoned and questioned.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you see? Maybe the boy is the only one talented enough to make those drawings!¡± Zak suggested.

    ¡°No!¡± Sunny cut in sharply.

    ¡°What?¡± Zak asked, startled.

    ¡°You said the drawings were difficult to understand. So what makes you think a kid could create them?¡± Sunny questioned, his skepticism evident.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Zak admitted defensively.

    ¡°But the ink stains on his hands...there has to be a connection.¡±

    Sunny shook his head, his expression unreadable.

    ¡°Maybe, but not in the way you¡¯re seeing it. I think there¡¯s more to it.¡± He moved back to the chair near the table and sat down.

    Zak furrowed his brow, confused.

    ¡°You know something you¡¯re not telling me?¡±

    Sunny sighed, his face unreadable.

    ¡°Alright, then tell me,¡± Zak said, pulling the chair from the bedside to sit facing Sunny.

    ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±

    Sunny settled into his seat, his voice taking on a storyteller¡¯s cadence, his gaze fixed directly on Zak¡¯s.

    ¡°Let me tell you a tale¡ªa real-life story,¡± Sunny began.

    ¡°It started back when piracy was about adventures, scout the seas to understand their depths¡ªto find their edges. It happened, that era, right here in the west seas. Many ships sailed to the point of no return¡ªcrew and vessel never heard from again, just freezing ghosts wandering their familiar shores. But almost two hundred years ago, a daring and clever pirate named Edward Taught sailed further than anyone before him. The tale says he crossed the Ring...¡±

    ¡°The Ring?¡± Zak interrupted, his curiosity faint.

    ¡°A natural border that separates our world from the Farlands,¡± Sunny explained.

    ¡°There, sails catch no wind. Ships are stuck in still waters, and the crew goes mad as the months pass.¡±

    Sunny noticed Zak¡¯s lack of enthusiasm and paused.

    Zak shrugged, tilting his head with a subtle smile.

    ¡°Sorry... I¡¯m not the kind who believes in legends,¡± he admitted.

    Sunny remained silent for a moment.

    ¡°Alright, how does this involve the boy?¡± Zak asked, feigning interest.

    Sunny sighed, his early enthusiasm dimmed.

    ¡°Taught found a way to pass the Ring,¡± he continued.

    ¡°How?¡± Zak asked, now showing genuine interest.

    ¡°The tale says he was blessed with the wisdom of our ancestors. He crafted wheels for his ship¡ªon the hull. The ship no longer needed the wind to advance; it used the very water it floated on. As their journey resumed, Taught and his crew reached the Farlands¡¯ waters and eventually stranded on a shore where they discovered something no tale in our world has ever spoken of.¡±

    Sunny paused.

    ¡°What exactly did they discover?¡± Zak asked quickly, his interest subtle.

    ¡°On that land, Taught and his crew found knowledge forbidden to our world. He recorded everything he could in his personal diaries. When he made it back to familiar shores, he intended to share what he¡¯d discovered. But he was threatened with death, and his diaries vanished.¡±

    ¡°Why? Threatened by who, exactly?¡± Zak asked.

    Sunny sighed.

    ¡°The history tellers¡ªthose who¡¯ve woven, thread by thread, our world¡¯s reality.¡± He revealed, his gaze darkening as he paused.

    ¡°Years passed, and no more tales of Taught¡¯s discovery were heard on pirate ships until his son came out with the diaries. With the diary knowledge he could harness, he built a pirate¡¯s realm in the south seas and dominated for decades. The tale says our world changed¡ªthe diaries¡¯ knowledge brought sorrow. Blood shed into seas and towns collapsed. It all stopped when he was caught and executed by the World Navy...¡±

    Zak frowned in curiosity.

    ¡°The World Navy?¡± he interrupted.

    Sunny nodded.

    ¡°They burned the diaries publicly, but Taught¡¯s son claimed the existence of a seventh diary that held the most powerful knowledges, hidden and waiting for his next heir. The World Navy turned the south seas upside down, slaughtering and demolishing towns in their search, but they never found the seventh diary¡ªalso known as the Seventh Book of Taught. Neither pirates, treasure hunters, nor governments ever laid eyes on its cover... until four years ago.¡±Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    Sunny paused, shifting in his chair. Zak leaned in, subtle interest lighting his face.

    ¡°Rumors spread through the west seas with evidence of no ordinary weapons, owned by anyone who could afford them, claiming that a pirate had found the Seventh Book of Taught,¡± Sunny said.

    ¡°Two years ago, my investigation to find this pirate led me to this island,¡± Sunny continued.

    ¡°And what did you find?¡± Zak asked.

    Sunny sighed.

    ¡°The pirate is Dodd¡ªThe Duke,¡± he revealed.

    Zak¡¯s interest became completely genuine.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re here working in his hotel for the book? I mean, how can that be¡ªI¡¯ve never heard about it,¡± Zak remarked, deep in thought, then added,

    ¡°So what¡¯s he using the boy for, then? His drawing skills?¡±

    Sunny shook his head.

    ¡°Then what? He was chained up to the table...¡± Zak recalled, still struggling to piece things together as Sunny interrupted.

    ¡°We can¡¯t assume it¡¯s the boy¡¯s drawings from the stains on his hands. It could be accidental or just simple contact,¡± Sunny said cautiously, avoiding jumping to conclusions.

    ¡°But... if it¡¯s from him...¡± Sunny straightened in the chair, his forearms resting on his laps and he hands in each other.

    ¡°The book¡¯s knowledges isn¡¯t for every mind to understand. The boy might be one of the few who can decipher its content.¡±

    Zak¡¯s mind reeled, though he remained skeptical of the tales.

    ¡°I¡¯m still dubious, but your story explains a lot of questions I¡¯ve been asking about those drawings and the weapon he introduced,¡± Zak said, casting a questioning gaze at Sunny.

    ¡°So what are you? A pirate? A thief?¡±

    Sunny stared at him for a moment before responding,

    ¡°I¡¯m a man of curiosity,¡± his expression unreadable.

    Zak froze briefly, then asked,

    ¡°So surely you¡¯re not the only one who tracked The Duke to this town, right?¡±

    ¡°Many, actually... Numerous people tracked the book to here and ended up dead. So I decided to play it another way,¡± Sunny explained.

    ¡°By becoming a bartender in his hotel,¡± Zak said with a slight chuckle.

    ¡°That means the woman in the room where I found the boy surely came for it too,¡± Zak added.

    ¡°Who?¡± Sunny asked.

    ¡°There was a woman... She stopped my bullets with her swords,¡± Zak said, reminiscing.

    ¡°Wait, what? A woman? Stopping bullets?¡± Sunny said, struggling to understand.

    ¡°Um... I¡¯m not really sure what happened back there,¡± Zak admitted.

    ¡°She was too fast. I¡¯ve never seen anything like it before. She didn¡¯t even try to fight me. I think she doesn¡¯t work for The Duke,¡± Zak added, lost in his memories.

    ¡°Did she say anything about a book?¡± Sunny asked.

    ¡°She didn¡¯t say anything, just seemed in a hurry to get out of the room,¡± Zak recalled.

    ¡°It¡¯s obvious the boy is important to Dodd... but there¡¯s still mysteries about him. We can only ask if he was awaken¡ªwho he is, where he¡¯s from,¡± Sunny noted, glancing at Zak and then the boy.

    Suddenly, Sunny beckoned Zak to turn around. The boy was awake, sitting cross-legged on the bed. He was staring at Sunny, plunging the room into a moment of deep silence.

    Why is he looking at you like that? Weirdly like... that¡¯s not what I meant to say...

    ¡°You¡¯re not sitting comfortably. That¡¯s because of your legs. They¡¯re not the same length¡ªone is shorter. You had a problem with your right leg, and you¡¯re wearing a prosthetic. This inequality will make you limp. I can fix that!¡± declared the boy, his expression blank. Sunny leaned in, as speechless as Zak.

    What¡¯s going on? How does he know about my leg? No, that¡¯s not the question... why is he repeating something everybody already knows? Did he just say he can fix your leg?

    The boy¡¯s attention shifted to Zak, his movements almost machine-like, slow and deliberate. He stared at Zak for what felt like an eternity, making the man uneasy.

    ¡°Your face is symmetric,¡± the boy observed, leaving Zak frozen in his thoughts.

    ¡°I want water,¡± he added, his head turning as he slowly scrutinized the room, as if trying to absorb every detail.

    The two men stared at him, their expressions shifting from confusion to relief to one and admiration to another.

    ¡°You want some water? Got you!¡± Zak finally spoke, heading to the table to grab some water.

    Oh my, he looks so innocent! I agree.

    The boy took the water from Zak and drank it all, while both men froze, watching him finish every drop. When he was done, Zak retrieved the cup.

    ¡°Is that enough?¡± Zak asked. The boy remained silent.

    ¡°My name¡¯s Zak,¡± he said, trying to capture the boy¡¯s attention as the child¡¯s gaze wandered around the room.

    ¡°And this is Sunny, a friend of mine...¡± he added, gesturing toward Sunny, who sank in his chair with arms crossed observing.

    The boy¡¯s gaze lingered on them, his intense stare seeming to look for something beyond their faces¡ªnot fear, but perhaps gratitude.

    Zak and Sunny exchanged confused glances.

    ¡°Would you mind telling me your name?¡± Zak asked, reaching out to touch the boy¡¯s ink-stained hands. The boy instinctively pulled his hands back but, after a long look at Zak, allowed him to take them.

    Looking down at his hands in Zak¡¯s, he finally said,

    ¡°Miko... my name is Miko.¡± lifting his head, his gaze piercing.

    ¡°Nice name, Miko. Do you mind if I ask you a few more questions?¡± Zak asked cautiously.

    Miko nodded.

    ¡°Where are your parents?¡± Zak asked gently.

    Somehow, Zak¡¯s words triggered something in Miko. He jerked his hands away from Zak, clutching his legs as he curled closer to the head of the bed, trembling.

    ¡°He¡¯s coming! Miko, hide... hide! He¡¯s coming! Miko, hide... hide! He¡¯s coming! Miko, hide... hide!¡± he cried, panicking as tears filled his eyes.

    Sunny leaned forward abruptly as Zak reached out to comfort the boy.

    ¡°Who¡¯s coming?¡± the men asked simultaneously, their worry evident.

    ¡°Hey, Miko! Look at me. Nobody¡¯s going to hurt you here. You¡¯re safe with me,¡± Zak tried to reassure him, but it didn¡¯t seem to help.

    Sunny moved to the bedside. Zak stepped aside as Sunny sat on the bed and pulled Miko into his arms. The boy quickly clung to him, sobbing, his thin arms wrapped tightly around Sunny¡¯s torso. The warmth of the embrace seemed to offer Miko the security he desperately sought.

    ¡°Shhh, kid. You¡¯re safe. Shhh,¡± Sunny whispered, trying to calm him.

    What¡¯s going on? I don¡¯t know... Something¡¯s wrong with him¡ªhis behavior... Maybe it¡¯s what he went through in that room. He¡¯s stopped crying. Could he just be hungry?

    ¡°Miko, are you hungry?¡± Sunny asked softly.

    ¡°Uhh! That¡¯s not fair, big man... I was going to ask that question!¡± Zak joked, attempting to lighten the mood. Sunny smirked, but Miko remained silent, his expression blank.

    ¡°Do you like milk? Bread?¡± Sunny asked.

    Miko raised his head, glancing at the bread and bottle of milk Zak had brought. Sunny took some and offered it to him. The two men stepped away from the bed as Miko began eating.

    Outside, the world grew livelier¡ªthe sound of horses galloping, distant chatter, laughter, and a mix of activity filled the air. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting warm hues of yellow and red. The room now featured shadowed corners, a breeze moving the white curtains of the slightly open window.

    Near the table, the men spoke in hushed tones, avoiding Miko¡¯s gaze as he ate.

    ¡°What do you think, hunter?¡± Sunny asked, his arms crossed, his eyes discreetly on the boy.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s child abuse. In Beligram, they¡¯d sentence this kind of thing to at least twenty years in prison!¡± Zak replied, sitting on the table while keeping an eye on Miko.

    Sunny concerned.

    ¡°I want to know what you plan to do with him, not¡ª¡±

    ¡°Considering your story, The Duke won¡¯t stop until he gets him back. I think I should get him out of the town,¡± Zak said with a forced smile at eyes contact with Miko.

    ¡°How?¡± Sunny asked bluntly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to find a safe way to the docks and¡ª¡± Zak started, but Sunny cut him off.

    ¡°And what? You don¡¯t have a good plan, hunter. Where do you think they¡¯ll be waiting for you?¡± Sunny¡¯s frustration was clear.

    ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s the only way off this island!¡± Zak countered, lowering his voice.

    ¡°I may have a solution¡ªI have a ship,¡± Sunny revealed.

    ¡°You have a ship?¡± Zak exclaimed, surprised but pleased.

    ¡°Not too big... two masts, manageable for two men to rig,¡± Sunny informed him.

    ¡°That¡¯s great... How do we get to it?¡± Zak asked impatiently, his excitement evident.

    ¡°We¡¯ll wait until nightfall,¡± Sunny said.

    ¡°Until nightfall? Fine.¡± Zak nodded, turning his attention to Miko, who was still holding a piece of bread, his mouth full.

    He¡¯s really hungry... Why wouldn¡¯t they feed him properly if he¡¯s so important? I don¡¯t get it.

    The afternoon passed quickly, giving way to the night sky. From the apartment window, twinkling stars could be seen, while the noisy atmosphere outside gradually diminished. Miko awoke, lying in bed with his hands crossed over his chest, his attention fixed on the white ceiling of the room. Zak and Sunny stood at the window, staring out onto the street.

    ¡°I hope everything¡¯s clear,¡± Sunny said, glancing at Zak, who remained silent, seemingly lost in thought.

    ¡°Are you even listening to me?¡± Sunny asked, his tone more insistent as Zak continued peering through the glass.

    ¡°Look at those two men over there! They just got out of the car and are questioning the meat seller,¡± Zak pointed out, his voice low but sharp.

    ¡°Oh no! They¡¯ve found us! I¡¯ve seen that one before¡ªhe¡¯s one of Dodd¡¯s commanders!¡± Sunny replied urgently, his tone brimming with alarm.

    ¡°We have to get to the dock, now!¡± Zak said firmly, rushing over to the boy.

    Zak knelt down beside Miko.

    ¡°Hey, little man, it¡¯s time to go. Are you ready?¡±

    The boy, motionless, turned his head slightly toward Zak and asked calmly,

    ¡°Why?¡± His gaze was naive, completely oblivious to the urgency of the situation, before he turned his head back toward the ceiling.

    ¡°The bad guys want to take you back to the basement,¡± Sunny interjected insistently, though Zak gave him a disapproving glance.

    The boy said nothing, remaining still.

    ¡°Hey, listen to me... we have to go,¡± Zak pleaded, his frustration building.

    ¡°Where?¡± the boy asked with the same calmness.

    ¡°I don¡¯t... um... I don¡¯t know...¡± Zak stammered, his frustration and nervousness evident.

    Sunny approached,

    ¡°Hey, kid, listen to me. Do you want to go back in there... the room...?¡± he asked urgently, his tone hopeful that Miko would understand, while Zak continued to look displeased.

    ¡°We should go,¡± Miko said suddenly, his gaze briefly meeting Sunny¡¯s, leaving the men stunned.

    As they prepared to leave, noises came from the door. Zak quickly moved Miko behind him as Sunny cautiously approached the door, his heart racing. Just as he reached for the handle, Mr. Baku¡¯s voice came from the other side.

    ¡°Sunny! Sunny! Some men have come asking about a kidnapper. I trust you, but I don¡¯t want any trouble with my establishment...¡± Mr. Baku shouted, his voice laced with concern.

    ¡°I need a car. Can you get me one, quickly?¡± Sunny shouted back rapidly, pressing his ear cautiously against the wooden surface of the door.

    ¡°My driver is across the street...¡± Mr. Baku answered.

    ¡°Which one?¡± Sunny asked sharply at the window.

    ¡°The one with the door painted with red flowers. My driver will take you anywhere,¡± Mr. Baku finished. Sunny glanced at Zak, his expression questioning as he silently sought his opinion.

    ¡°You should get in the car and, on my signal, tell the driver to come to the entrance,¡± Zak instructed.

    ¡°Good,¡± Sunny nodded before carefully unlocking the door and disappearing into the hallway.

    ¡°Miko, listen to me. Everything¡¯s going to be okay. Stay close to me,¡± Zak said, his voice reassuring. Miko responded with a silent nod. Zak glanced down at Miko¡¯s feet¡ªbare. He couldn¡¯t get one right now.

    In the lobby, just off the stairs, Sunny spotted a group of men approaching the establishment¡¯s glass door, led by the commander. Alarmed, Sunny immediately turned back and rushed upstairs.

    He burst into the room, Zak already aiming his gun.

    ¡°Hey! Hey! It¡¯s me! We¡¯ve got to go, now!¡± he shouted with urgency.

    ¡°What? Wait, wha...?¡± Zak didn¡¯t finished, confused, as he grabbed Miko¡¯s wrist and rushed out of the room.

    The brightly lit alleyway was lined with doors on either side. Sunny, leading the way, suddenly stopped and urged Zak and Miko to step back.

    Behind them, a group of men appeared, one of them shouting,

    ¡°Here they come!¡± before whistling sharply.

    The commander bellowed, ¡°Kill the men¡ªI want the boy alive!¡±

    Sunny, Zak, and Miko began to run, with Dodd¡¯s henchmen hot on their heels. They tried opening several doors, but all were locked. They were now trapped, nowhere to go.

    The henchmen blocked the alley as they cleared the way for the commander.

    ¡°Ah, the bartender! I¡¯m surprised. You had this planned all along?¡± the man remarked, his ivory complexion illuminated by the sconce¡¯s light.

    ¡°Someone¡¯s got to take the bad guy down,¡± Sunny replied, forcing a smile.

    ¡°You mean you, right? Cause I don¡¯t see any other here,¡± the commander retorted with a brief chuckle.

    ¡°You¡¯re right to be ashamed... but don¡¯t worry, you can still do the right thing,¡± Sunny said, his mind racing.

    ¡°And what¡¯s that, exactly?¡± the commander asked.

    ¡°Talk to your men and return...¡± Sunny¡¯s words were cut off by the sudden laughter of Dodd¡¯s henchmen.

    ¡°You¡¯re a fool to take on The Duke! Tonight, you¡¯ll regret this,¡± the commander threatened, his voice cold as his comrades nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Alright, everybody, calm down,¡± Zak interjected lightly, trying to talk them out of it.

    ¡°I could pull out my guns and kill you all before you even react. Don¡¯t try¡ª¡±

    ¡°Who are you again? I¡¯ve never seen you before,¡± the commander interrupted, his tone more serious than mocking.

    ¡°Believe me, you don¡¯t want to know,¡± Zak cut him off coolly, his voice carrying a dangerous edge.

    ¡°Kill the men! And I repeat¡ªI want the boy unharmed,¡± the commander barked, turning away.

    Dodd¡¯s henchmen brandished their cold weapons as they launched a wild attack. Zak, enraged, shielded Miko as he drew out a gun and pulled the trigger. The gunshot echoed rapidly and loudly through the alley, followed by a sudden sharp scream from Miko. His hands covered his ears, visibly in pain, as he crouched against the wall, his head between his legs as he cried. The commander, who had paused at the shot, froze for a moment, his gaze locked on the dead body of his man before an intense rage flooded his face.

    Zak retained his next shot and quickly knelt down beside the boy. Sunny¡¯s attention didn¡¯t linger on them, as he turned to deliver a deadly blow to the first of Dodd¡¯s men within reach. Sunny felt the man¡¯s chest bones cracking from the strength of his punch as the man¡¯s body was sent flying back. He rushed to confront another, dodged his weapon, and grabbed him by his suit. The man felt weightless in Sunny¡¯s hands as he hit him, groaning with rage, slamming him multiple times against the walls of the alley before throwing him against his comrades.

    Sunny didn¡¯t have time to blink as the enraged commander drew his gun and started shooting at him. The shots landed in his own men¡¯s bodies, as Sunny used them as shields while advancing. The commander¡¯s angry expression shifted to fear as Sunny reached him. Rapidly dropping a corpse, Sunny grabbed the commander¡¯s shooting arm and elbowed one of his men in the face, breaking his nose. He then punched the commander in the face before grabbing his head with his large hand and knocking him out by slamming it against the wall.

    Though Sunny¡¯s size was imposing, his movements were fluid and fast, a true force against Dodd¡¯s men. He punched, kicked, broke, and knocked out anyone within reach. But there were too many of them, and soon Sunny knew he would wear out. His sweat-drenched body glistened under the light from the sconces, his muscles already beginning to tire, his breathing quickening. Behind him, Miko was pinned against the wall, screaming and crying in pain, while Zak desperately tried to console the boy.

    The alley was a cacophony of sounds¡ªMiko¡¯s cries, the screams of Dodd¡¯s men under attack, and now their cries of pain as Sunny advanced.

    ¡°... I know you¡¯re in pain... but you see... we can¡¯t stay here... we have to go,¡± Zak crouched, trying to persuade urgently in frustration, the boy¡¯s head in his hands, their faces close.

    Miko¡¯s attention shifted to Sunny, whose fatigue was evident¡ªhis attacks were slowing, and he was out of breath as he fought Dodd¡¯s men. The boy¡¯s cries suddenly softened to a whisper as he looking at Sunny, then at Zak. The hunter took it as a let¡¯s go and swiftly grabbed him.

    Suddenly, both Sunny and Zak¡¯s attention was caught by a series of clanking sounds coming from the other side of the alley.

    ¡°Do you have anyone who can use a blade that you failed to mention?¡± Zak asked, raising his voice, while hiding Miko behind him.

    ¡°No! Do you?¡± Sunny shouted, breath rapid, his eyes narrowed as he punched a man repeatedly in the stomach before grabbing him by his suit¡¯s collar and slamming him into the wall.

    Dodd¡¯s men shifted their focus too, their expressions changing from confusion to curiosity at the clanging sounds.

    Ahead of them, Sunny caught a brief glimpse of the newcomer¡ªa woman in a black outfit, her face half-veiled by a muffler¡ªbefore she dragged Dodd¡¯s men downstairs like a tide pulling away debris.

    Zak and Miko caught up with Sunny as they descended the stairs into the lobby, where an intense battle was already underway, the sound of blades clashing filling the air. Behind them in the alley, many of Dodd¡¯s men lay agonizing on the ground.

    As they finished descending the stairs, they had a clear view of the woman surrounded by Dodd¡¯s men. She moved with incredible agility, effortlessly overpowering her armed opponents.

    What on earth is she? Is she the woman the hunter mentioned? Why... why is she fighting Dodd¡¯s henchmen? What is she doing here in the first place...?

    Zak was also observing, deep in thought, a subtle expression of admiration on his face as he noticed Sunny¡¯s questioning glance.

    ¡°It¡¯s her!¡± Zak confirmed, gripping Miko tightly.

    When they reached the woman, she glanced at them and motioned with her sword for them to follow. The boys hesitated but felt compelled to comply.

    As they left the establishment, more men waiting in carriages ran after them, armed. Following the woman¡¯s example, they found themselves in a narrow street with no apparent way out.

    ¡°There¡¯s no escape!¡± Zak observed, worried.

    ¡°Close your eyes, gentlemen, and hold on to me!¡± the woman shouted, pulling a tiny vial from a pouch attached to her belt. She threw it to the ground, and it exploded in a blinding flash of light

 Chapter 4 Part I

    Through an Underground Way...

    The woman, silent, her swords in their scabbards, her muffler still on, led the way. A bit farther behind followed Zak, with Sunny carrying Miko, who sat on his shoulders. Their path was illuminated by a red smoke torch.

    The air inside the underground passage was dense, thick with dampness and the warmth radiating from the brick walls. The darkness pressed in around them, swallowing everything beyond the torch¡¯s reach. Ahead, there was nothing¡ªjust a yawning abyss. Their steps squelched in the muddy, slightly flooded floor, the sound blending with the distant chittering of rats. Water seeped into their shoes, numbing their feet. The air carried a damp, earthy scent, tinged with mildew and something metallic¡ªperhaps rust, or blood.

    ¡°She seems to know her way around,¡± Sunny remarked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of these underground passages before,¡± he added.

    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised¡­ she¡¯s a stealth,¡± Zak said, watching the woman¡¯s back, barely visible in the dim red glow.

    ¡°Yeah, definitely. The explosion up there¡­ what do you think it was?¡± Sunny¡¯s voice held curiosity, but his eyes stayed wary as he sought an answer from Zak.

    Zak opened his mouth, then hesitated, his brows furrowing. ¡°I have no idea¡­ but I¡¯ve seen it before. The Taeitia Island people¡­¡± He trailed off as Miko suddenly spoke breaking the silence that had held him until now.

    ¡°The vial contained a chemical mixture... very reactive substances... I smelled phosphorus...¡± Miko¡¯s voice was even, interrupted simultaneously by Sunny and Zak.

    ¡°How do you that...?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s phospho... phosphorus?¡±

    But Miko remained silent and Sunny who was pleased the boy had finally spoken, smirked slightly.

    ¡°Is that all?¡± He quickly asked hoping to keep the conversation going, but curiosity still flickering in his tone.

    ¡°When she threw it away, the chemicals mixed quickly¡­The reaction generated a lot of heat and light¡ªa mini explosion. The light was so intense that it blinded everyone temporarily, as did the smoke.¡± Miko finished.

    Zak glanced at Sunny, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

    ¡°Ah, really? Well done, kid,¡± Sunny marveled, patting Miko¡¯s leg.

    ¡°The lady¡­ she¡¯s hurt¡ªI smelled blood on her,¡± Miko added.

    Sunny blinked, his brows knitting together.

    ¡°What? Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°No Dodd¡¯s men touched her!¡± Zak reminded him.

    ¡°Go and talk to her. We need to know where she¡¯s leading us,¡± Sunny said as his eyes lingered on the woman.

    Zak took a breath, stepping forward plunging into deep thinking.

    ¡°Hey¡­¡± The woman¡¯s voice cut through his thoughts as he reached her side.

    ¡°How did it happen that they had your child?¡± she asked without looking at him.

    Zak hesitated, caught off guard.

    ¡°Um¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­ What? The boy? No¡­ no, he¡¯s not my child!¡±

    She tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable beneath the muffler.

    ¡°Figured you were his father¡­ I mean, look at both of you.¡±

    Zak let out a breath, his gaze shifting.

    ¡°No¡­ I¡¯m saving him, actually.¡± he said fugitively studying the woman but her expression was veiled by her muffler.

    ¡°If it¡¯s not personal, then why are you playing hero?¡± Her voice came out calm, but there was something behind it¡ªan edge.

    ¡°I thought you guys only kill... not waste time saving people...¡±

    Zak¡¯s jaw tightened. He met her eyes, his voice full of confusion.

    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®you guys only kill¡¯?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a bounty hunter, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Zak¡¯s frown deepened.

    ¡°From the Hunters Brotherhood?¡± She questioned.

    Zak¡¯s face lit with a nervous smile.

    ¡°How do you know that?¡±

    She exhaled lightly.

    ¡°Clean clothes, arrogant¡­ solve any situation with guns¡­¡±

    Zak let out a dry chuckle.

    ¡°Whoa, alright¡­ you must¡¯ve known one.¡±

    ¡°My father used to have a lot of bounty hunter friends from the Eastland,¡± the woman informed him softly her voice carried something distant as a brief silence settled between them.

    Zak broke it.

    ¡°What were you doing in there¡­ in the room?¡±

    She didn¡¯t answer. Her eyes remained forward, locked on the tunnel ahead. Zak followed her gaze, staring into the consuming darkness.

    ¡°Where does this lead?¡± he asked, trying to catch any sign of a passage opening.

    ¡°Where are you guys going?¡± she asked instead.

    ¡°Um¡­ uh¡­ the dock¡­?¡± Zak hesitated.

    ¡°East dock!¡± Sunny called from behind, his voice bouncing slightly off the tunnel walls. He had been listening the whole time.

    ¡°In that case, you should continue in this tunnel. Take the next right¡­ then another right. It¡¯s straight forward¡ªyou¡¯ll find your way out to the east dock,¡± she instructed, her voice steady as the smoke torch burned lower.

    ¡°Won¡¯t you come with us? Your familiarity with these tunnels would be helpful,¡± Sunny quickly suggested, his tone shifting slightly as he tried to catch her gaze.

    ¡°No¡­ I¡¯ve got unfinished things in the town. To be sure you¡¯re going the right way, listen for the sound of the waves. The tunnel leads directly to the shore, passing under the dock¡­¡± she replied, igniting another smoke torch and handing it to Zak.

    The red glow painted them in dim light, shadows flickering over their faces. The woman¡¯s black, predatory eyes glistened.

    Zak attention quickly shifted to Sunny as he swallowed, gathering his courage.

    ¡°My name is...¡± he said his gaze back to the woman.

    But the woman was gone!

    The woman disappeared into the darkness, not even the sound of her steps on the muddy floor was heard. Sunny was impressed, and Zak¡¯s expression said the same. They resumed their walk, with Zak leading the way.

    In a room at the hotel, The Papel...

    Dim candlelight flickered across the room, casting restless shadows against the walls. The late-night black market host sat stiffly at his desk, his fingers drumming impatiently on the wooden surface. Before him stood two men¡ªone of them recognizable as the late commander, his face pale and drawn. He clutched his aching head with one hand, his jaw clenched tight against the pain.

    ¡°¡­are you telling me that The Specter is currently in Verghertown?¡± the host asked, his voice taut with indignation.

    ¡°She was with them¡­¡± the commander reported, his words sluggish. His breath hitched as he shifted his weight, his discomfort evident in the twitch at the corner of his eye.

    ¡°The bartender seemed to be leading the group¡­¡± the second man began, but his sentence was cut short by a sudden voice that thundered through the room as the three men flinched of fear.

    ¡°That bastard bartender!...¡±

    From a shadowed corner of the room, a figure stirred.

    ¡°Lari, how could you let this situation get so out of hand?¡± the voice severely called out again tearing trough the darkness before the man himself emerged¡ªstanding from his seat abruptly.

    The two standing men stiffened, their shoulders drawing inward instinctively.

    ¡°Sir! I didn¡¯t know you... you were visiting us today,¡± Mr. Lari stammered, shooting up from his seat.

    The man stepped forward, his face hardened, his demeanor commanding as he eyeing the men.

    ¡°I entrusted you with the task of selling my guns, not losing them, gentlemen,¡± he thundered as he approached the desk.

    ¡°Sir¡­ it¡¯s entirely my fault¡­¡± The commander said quickly, his voice laced with fear.

    ¡°They disappeared down a dead-end street just as a blinding light and smoke engulfed them,¡± the second man reported.

    ¡°Smoke?¡± The man¡¯s eyes gleamed.

    ¡°Camouflage!¡± he muttered, almost to himself, before his face hardened again.

    ¡°Look for an exit¡­ this time on the ground,¡± he snapped, his frustration manifesting in the sharpness of his tone.

    ¡°There are underground passages running all through the town. You should have informed them,¡± he added, his gaze locking onto Mr. Lari.

    ¡°Hurry!¡± he ordered slamming his hand on the desk, his voice slicing through the room like a blade.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    ¡°Everyone, on it. The Specter must meet her end tonight. She dares to return to Verghertown!¡± His nostrils flared, his fists clenching at his sides, the commander and his man already at the door.

    Mr. Lari hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice barely above a whisper.

    ¡°Dodd, if I may say¡­ I think our top priority should be the boy,¡± he suggested, swallowing hard.

    Dodd¡¯s gaze snapped to him, his expression rude.

    ¡°Of course, you fool! I want the boy alive¡ªand The Specter, dead or alive,¡± he bellowed.

    From a rooftop...

    The Specter lay prone on the rooftop, peering through a small spyglass at Mr. Lari¡¯s office on the hotel¡¯s upper floor. She didn¡¯t linger on the other occupants¡¯ faces¡ªonly Dodd¡¯s.

    The sky was clear, the almost-full moon rose steadily, casting a silvery glow across the roof tiles, illuminating her silhouette as she turned the spyglass back to Dodd¡¯s face frequently, until she finally had the courage to linger on it for a moment. At first, she wasn¡¯t nervous, but as she watched the slightly older man, a wave of emotion washed over her.

    She witnessed all the scenes that took place in Mr. Lari¡¯s office. When the commander and his men left, she grabbed a small outstretched crossbow. The moment she pulled the trigger, a grappling hook shot forward a rope trailing behind it as it flew whistling. On impact, it lodged into the wall. She checked the rope, pulled her muffler back, then grabbed onto it and began to slide toward the hotel building.

    As she slid, her speed increased and she descended faster toward the building. When she got too close, she aimed her legs forward and burst through the office¡¯s window as it wooden frame and the windowpanes exploded, glass scattered in thousands clinking.

    In the Underground Passage...

    Zak led the way, right following him Sunny barefoot, his pants folded up revealing his prosthetic. Miko walked with difficulty beside him, struggling in his oversized boots.

    The passage became narrowed, the floor slightly flooded as they walked in silence.

    After a moment, the sound of waves faintly reached them.

    ¡°Hold on!¡± Zak called out. Sunny and Miko halted immediately.

    ¡°The water level¡¯s still rising¡­¡± Zak observed, concerned, his boots now completely submerged. His voice echoed through the tunnel.

    ¡°What are you seeing up ahead?¡± Sunny asked.

    ¡°Nothing¡­ it¡¯s all darkness.¡± Zak¡¯s concern was visible. He took a few more steps and noticed the water climbing higher, creeping up his legs.

    Zak stopped. The water was now at his knees.

    ¡°The waves sound far, but we¡¯re close to the exit. Let me see,¡± Sunny said. He waded forward, passed Zak, and dove into the darkness.

    A few moments later, he reappeared, shivering with amusement, his clothes soaked.

    ¡°It might be high tide¡­ the exit is submerged in seawater,¡± Sunny informed them.

    ¡°We¡¯ll need another way out,¡± he added.

    ¡°I think this is the quickest way to reach the dock¡­¡± Zak surmised.

    ¡°Besides, none of us are familiar with this underground passage.¡± Zak¡¯s voice carried his unease.

    ¡°Even if we reach the exit, we¡¯ll have to swim past a cell door,¡± Sunny said, turning his attention to Miko.

    ¡°Can you swim?¡± he asked.

    Miko remained silent. The men took it as a ¡°no.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡­¡± Zak reassured Miko before turning to Sunny.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to find another way out. It might be a good idea if you go and prepare our means of transport,¡± Zak suggested.

    Sunny nodded in agreement.

    In Mr. Lari¡¯s Office...

    ¡°Holy shit!¡± cried Mr. Lari, ducking behind his desk as the window glass shattered violently when the Specter made her entrance. The Duke remained in place, shocked by the woman¡¯s dramatic and violent arrival.

    Lari quickly pulled open a drawer of his desk, the clatter of wood alerting the woman. Her hand moved in a blur as she threw a small knife that found its mark in Mr. Lari¡¯s shoulder, making him cry out in pain. As he bled, Dodd immediately abandoned any thought of moving.

    ¡°How dare you!¡± he said, standing in place, surveying the woman¡¯s aimed sword.

    ¡°I must admit... I really admire your courage... your fearlessness... but not your temerity,¡± Dodd managed to say, struggling against the fear creeping in.

    The woman motioned with her sword, ordering him to sit down. The Duke complied, his right hand trembling.

    She stared at him, her eyes tracing his pale, aging features¡ªhis slightly chevroned and dark mustache, the wrinkles on his face betraying his advanced age, yet his hardened figure and rough exterior revealing his force, rigor, and life. His well-treated and neatly cut hair reflected a man still strong for his years. His body language exhibited authority¡ªa dominant male, a predator.

    As she stared, anger burned fiercely in her heart. Rage¡ªperhaps from long years past¡ªbut amidst it all, there was a yearning for something else. Forgiveness? Maybe even love.

    After all these years, he hasn¡¯t aged a day. I¡¯ll hate him for the rest of my life. Get to the point, then get away from that cruel face.

    ¡°So, are you just going to stand there and keep looking at me?¡± asked Dodd, having regained his composure.

    But the woman seemed paralyzed, staring at him, her eyes glistening. Her hatred for the man was hidden behind her muffler.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you admired me so much. Or is that why you keep looting my treasure rooms and stealing everything?¡± questioned Dodd, remaining on guard, his fear evident.

    The young woman stood motionless, unable to utter a word as Lari¡¯s grimaces filled the atmosphere. The temperature in the room seemed to rise as her face beneath the muffler began to sweat, her breathing becoming more labored. Her heart pounded irregularly, her muscles trembling as her anger surged.

    Dodd, uneasy and cautious, kept his eyes on the woman¡¯s sword pointed at him, desperately trying to find a way out.

    ¡°If you want us to be allies, you don¡¯t need to hide your face anymore...¡± Dodd said cautiously.

    ¡°You¡¯re talented at thievery, and I can offer you a position with me... Let us be partners.¡± His tone was sincere, yet uneasy, his eyes never leaving the sword she wielded.

    ¡°I built your reputation, you know... I gave you the name ¡®The Specter,¡¯¡± Dodd revealed. As his confidence grew, he added,

    ¡°Join me... my daughter.¡±

    At Dodd¡¯s last words, the woman¡¯s heartbeat accelerated violently. Her sword trembled before she straightened her grip. Her movements were ruled by emotion as she removed her black muffler, her eyes filled with tears as she looked directly into Dodd¡¯s eyes¡ªand was immediately disappointed.

    He doesn¡¯t even recognize me. You¡¯re wrong to think he would, my little girl. Finish him off and put an end to all the suffering he¡¯s caused you and your mother. Come on, say something. You¡¯re not a little girl anymore. Stop it! You¡¯re pathetic!

    The woman¡¯s anger, which had momentarily subsided, resurfaced. With effort, she spoke, replacing her muffler, her voice weighed down by disappointment.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the Seventh Book of Knowledge?¡± she asked sternly.

    ¡°What?¡± Dodd asked innocently, frowning.

    ¡°Don¡¯t play with me!¡± she cried, stepping closer, her sword threatening.

    ¡°Calm down... calm down! You don¡¯t want to do that...¡± Dodd tried to dissuade her.

    ¡°You have no idea what I want to do¡ªespecially to you!¡± she snapped, her voice loud with rage.

    ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know the book you¡¯re talking about. I can take you to my library if that¡¯s what you want,¡± Dodd offered cautiously.

    ¡°You seem troubled, your heart weighed down by a burden... I don¡¯t know what you really want from me, but I can offer you my help... my daughter¡ª¡±

    ¡°Stop calling me your daughter!!!¡± She screamed, making the man flinch in his chair.

    He seems to be telling the truth, or he¡¯s using his manipulative skills on us. Oh, believe me, he¡¯s going to regret this!

    ¡°Calm down, calm down! I don¡¯t want to hurt you... I¡¯m trying to give you¡ª¡±

    ¡°The young boy, the one you claim is your cousin¡ªwho is he? Why have you gathered an entire army to get him back?¡± she demanded, her voice raging.

    ¡°You mean the boy you helped take away?¡± Dodd asked with a nervous chuckle.

    ¡°Believe me, I had nothing to do with kidnapping a child. But I suspect these gentlemen aren¡¯t the bad guys. It¡¯s you!¡± she declared, her anger not waning in the slightest.

    It¡¯s always you!

    ¡°You can help me get the boy back... and I¡¯ll also share what I know about the book.... My old man¡¯s memory is fading... I think I¡¯ve heard of this book,¡± Dodd admitted, his expression conflicted.

    He¡¯s manipulating you. I don¡¯t know why we¡¯re still here. I think he¡¯s telling the truth. What, are you losing your mind? He knows the whereabouts of the book, you know that. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re believing a word from that man! Do you think he¡¯ll just hand you the book? I never said I wanted to take it from his hand.

    Approaching Dodd cautiously, she asked,

    ¡°Now, before I resort to violence, tell me why this boy is so important to you.¡±

    The man remained silent, but the expression on his face betrayed his deepest thoughts.

    The boy is obviously very important to him¡ªperhaps even indispensable. Maybe he holds the key to discovering the book¡¯s whereabouts. Maybe you¡¯re right.

    She stepped forward violently, striking Dodd over the head with the pommel of her sword, leaving him unconscious in the chair. She then turned and left the room, Mr. Lari still grimacing in pain.

    In a street near the east dock...

    Zak pushed open a rusted circular metal cover of an exit, giving him access to the outside world. He glanced cautiously outside to observe his surroundings. Everything seemed normal: unconscious pedestrians shuffled in the distance, horse-drawn carriages... He dashed forward, leaping into the void.

    ¡°Careful! Climb the ladder rungs one by one,¡± Zak told Miko.

    Once Miko had joined him, Zak quickly replaced the cover. But as he stood up, a group of armed men was already approaching, surrounding them. Without hesitation, he shielded Miko and drew his guns in a blur.

    ¡°It¡¯s confirmed! You don¡¯t know me!¡± he exclaimed, wearing a calm smile, clearly aware that the situation could get out of hand.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who you are, and frankly, I don¡¯t care!¡± barked the commander, his men snickering.

    Zak furrowed his brows.

    ¡°I thought you were dead!¡± Zak was genuinely astonished.

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re about to be,¡± the commander retorted as his finger pressing on the trigger.

    Suddenly, from the nearest building¡¯s rooftop, The Specter descended from a rope, jumping in mid-air to the ground as her swords danced in blur of silver. The bullets were deflected instantly as she landed beside Miko and Zak.

    Most of Dodd¡¯s henchmen were shocked, but the commander seemed unsurprised and prepared to fire his next shots when the woman¡¯s voice reached out.

    ¡°Before you try anything, check this,¡± she said, pointing the pommel of her sword, tainted with blood.

    ¡°The Duke is wounded and unconscious, and his accountant is losing blood. I suggest you go and check on them...¡± she added.

    The commander held his fire, his gun still aimed, briefly thoughtful as his men¡¯s eyes turned to him. One of them stepped closer, whispered in his ear, and after a brief nod of approval, the man left with two others.

    ¡°Now, I need you to listen carefully¡ªI¡¯ve exhausted my patience,¡± the commander began, directing his words at Zak.

    ¡°Hand over the boy, and you¡¯re free to go¡ªalive!¡± He spoke with a kind of sincerity in his voice, cutting off his men¡¯s chuckles with a harsh hand gesture.

    ¡°How many can you shoot?¡± the woman quickly asked Zak, her voice almost a whisper.

    ¡°None!¡±

    The woman frowned behind her veiled face at Zak¡¯s response.

    ¡°The boy¡¯s ears bled last time I¡ª¡° Zak began, but she interrupted him.

    ¡°I¡¯d be quick to decide if I were you... I can change my mind anytime,¡± the commander warned.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the big guy?¡± the woman questioned quickly.

    ¡°At the dock,¡± Zak replied, uncertain.

    The woman frowned, confusion flashing in her sharp, dark eyes.

    ¡°Then I hope you can run...¡± she said as she moved with fluid precision.

    ¡°The dock is down the street!¡± she shouted furiously charging at Dodd¡¯s henchmen.

    Zak reacted immediately, turning his attention to Miko. He was astonished¡ªand proud¡ªto see the young boy already plugging his fingers into his ears. Zak swiftly grabbed him from the hip, Sunny¡¯s boots slipping from the boy¡¯s thin legs as he went in sprint, the henchmen busied by the woman.

    The commander, caught off guard by the woman¡¯s unpredictable and brutal move, responded with gunfire, but the bullets never reached her¡ªdeflected in rapid succession as she spun in mid-air, twisted through a series of acrobatic flips. Sparks flashed with every strike.

    Fear seized the commander as the woman charged straight at him. He stepped back as his men surged forward to meet her. Small knives whistled through the cold air in rapid succession, finding their marks on some of them, who fell back in pain¡ªor fell for good.

    The commander reloaded his gun, but before he could fire, the woman abruptly changed direction as she noticed Zak and Miko already escaped the alley. She sprinted toward a nearby wall and in successive leaps she scaled a one-story building, reaching the rooftop with movements that defied natural physics.

    Dodd¡¯s henchmen, unable to keep up,

    ¡°Forget her! Get the boy!¡± Shouted the commander.

    Quickly, they turned their attention to chasing Zak and Miko instead.

    The sky grew a bit cloudy, and a single cloud veiled the moonlight as darkness plunged over the town. The few stars near the horizon flickered in the black sky as Miko, in Zak¡¯s arms, ran toward the dock, Dodd¡¯s henchmen hot on their heels.

    For a moment, the dock was in sight. Zak glanced back, his heart racing. Suddenly, the woman reappeared, descending from a rooftop to join him. A smile lit up Zak¡¯s face, but he quickly dismissed it.

    On the quay¡¯s protruding platform, Sunny stood at the bow of the only rigged ship in the dock. He noticed them and began waving to attract their attention. The dock hosted shacks, crates, barrels, rickshaws, but it was mostly deserted. One or two people moved between crates, planks, or newly crafted hulls, some restoring or repairing, their presence marked by faint lantern lights. The quay was plunged into darkness, the water at its edge nearly invisible, black, its presence only marked by floating wrecks¡ªsome newly built ships, others still under construction. The dock seemed to be used primarily for shipbuilding and repair. The rare sounds of hammering, sawing, or other metallic tools struggled against the noise of the waves softly crashing against the quay.

    Just before they engaged in the dock, a convoy of cars arrived at full speed, the horses galloping furiously. The loud screech of wheels drifting left marks on the rocky ground. Men dressed in black suits, most wearing hats, leaped from the wagons even before the vehicles came to a full stop, joining the earlier group with the commander at the head. These newcomers carried rifles and pistols instead of blades.

    ¡°They brought more men!¡± the woman shouted, her muffler shifting with her rapid breaths.

    They quickly wove through the shacks, Zak nervously scanning for Sunny. The few dock occupants eyed them warily, some seeking safety as Dodd¡¯s henchmen charged through the area.

    ¡°There!¡± the woman shouted as she spotted Sunny, still waving. Zak allowed himself a small smile, while Miko lit up with a discreet delight at the sight of Sunny, with whom he¡¯d seemingly forged a fatherly bond.

    ¡°This is where we part ways,¡± the woman said.

    ¡°I can buy you some time¡­¡± she added quickly.

    ¡°Goodbye, then¡­ and good luck. My¡­ my name¡¯s Zak,¡± he said. But the woman seemed not to hear, already heading toward Dodd¡¯s men¡ªfearless.

    Sunny jumped off the ship¡¯s deck onto the quay, rushing to meet Zak. He took Miko from Zak¡¯s arms and hurried back to the ship. Zak hosted, looked back¡ªthe woman was trapped. Dodd¡¯s men were closing in, circling the area and advancing steadily, their guns aimed at her. The woman, standing a few steps ahead of Zak, drew her swords, ready to fight.

    Sunny was already aboard the ship. From the deck, he observed anxiously.

    ¡°Put down your weapon now! It¡¯s over, The Specter!¡± the commander shouted as his men advanced.

    The woman quickly assessed her surroundings. Her chances were slim.

    There are too many of them with guns¡­ Fuck me!

    ¡°We have to go, Hunter!¡± Sunny shouted urgently.

    ¡°We can¡¯t let her down, right?¡± Zak called from the platform. Dodd¡¯s henchmen aimed their weapons at the woman, who stood defiant, swords drawn.

    ¡°She can handle herself¡­ Didn¡¯t you say she can stop bullets?¡± Sunny shouted, his voice cutting through the soft wind from the sea.

    ¡°I doubt it this time¡­ There are too many of guns!¡± Zak¡¯s response was followed immediately by action.

    ¡°Move the ship away from the quay! I want to give her a chance to flee,¡± Zak ordered as he pulled out his guns in one swift motion, firing at the men with unimaginable speed. Gunshots echoed in the distance, shattering the fragile calm of the dock.

    Caught off guard, the henchmen returned fire. The simultaneous gunfire created a battlefield, and like a flash, the woman moved, her swords blurring as the sound of metal deflecting bullets rang out like metal raindrops onto a metallic ground. The dock became a war zone¡ªtwo strangers fighting against an army.

    The woman struck down the men within reach, her movements making their reactions sluggish. Her strikes were fatal. Zak¡¯s incredible shooting ability made the gunmen look like amateurs. His shots were precise, each bullet aimed to kill. He used trick shots to take out difficult targets, his guns firing in perfect rhythm as he moved, spun, and calculated every adversary¡¯s move with sharp precision. No bullets were wasted. But they were outnumbered, and even their unmatched skill wouldn¡¯t be enough if they stayed too long.

    On the water, Sunny¡¯s ship was drifting away from the quay. When Zak finally glanced at it, through the darkness, he saw Sunny¡¯s silhouette, illuminated by the dim moonlight at the bow, shouting words Zak couldn¡¯t quite make out. But the message was clear.

    Zak turned to the woman.

    ¡°Your best chance to flee is with us! And it¡¯s now! Go!¡± he ordered, his shots still forcing some of the henchmen to take cover.

    The woman didn¡¯t hesitate. She darted past Zak and leaped off the quay into the freezing dark water, the salt stinging her eyes.

    On the quay, Zak continued firing as he retreated toward the edge. At the perfect moment, he holstered his guns and dove. The nearest henchmen ran to the quay¡¯s edge, shooting into the water.

    Zak resurfaced at a distance, grabbing onto the rope Sunny had tossed into the water earlier. Back on the quay, the now cloudless moon shone brightly, casting its light on the commander, who stood in front of his men, standing with rage as he watched the ship slip away.

 Chapter 4 Part II

    In Mr Lari¡¯s office room...

    Dodd, surrounded by his men, clutches a glass filled with delicate cut ice cubes to his aching head. Lari is conspicuously absent, probably rushed to the hospital.

    ¡°Sir, how are you feeling?¡± asked a gloved man.

    ¡°Far from well...¡± Dodd¡¯s answer came rudely as he stood from the cushioned chair.

    "Regaaa!!!¡± he yelled.

    The commander quickly entered the office.

    ¡°Where are they now?¡± asked Dodd, grimacing sternly.

    ¡°They were heading for the eastern dock when we intercepted them...¡± Rega began his report.

    ¡°Intercepted?¡± Dodd cut Rega off angrily.

    ¡°Do you see them around? Where are they?¡± he yelled furiously, his head hit with a sudden pain that forced him to sit down.

    ¡°They... took a ship an¡ª¡± Rega stuttered before Dodd cut him off in rage.

    ¡°I gave you clear instructions, and you failed! It¡¯s quite frequent lately,¡± said Dodd, rising to his feet.

    ¡°You are downgraded... Consider yourself pleased with your past accomplishments,¡± he declared angrily as he walked behind the desk to the glistening maroon phone, his fingers tracing over the numbered wheel as he placed a call.

    On Sunny¡¯s ship deck, a few miles from Verghertown...

    Miko was sitting cross-legged at the bow, his head in the cloudless sky, his eyes watching the few stars that criss-crossed it. The waxing moon shine bright, it reflection dancing in the slight foaming waves, it light casting yellow bright hue on the ship''s deck.

    Behind Miko, at the mainmast, were Sunny and Zak. Both looked preoccupied, one crossing his huge arms, the other resting the weight of his arms on his guns, both looking at the boy seat on the rough wood of the deck, silent since they boarded. The Specter stood against the wood of the ship¡¯s cabin, staring in the direction of the two men, her muffler astonishingly still on.

    ¡°... do you think it¡¯ll always be like this¡ªwith him?¡± Zak worried about Miko¡¯s serene demeanor.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. He seems like a nice kid¡ªhe''ll be alright, trust me.¡± Sunny replied, fixing his gaze on Miko.

    ¡°Even if I tell you I¡¯ll try, my head is screaming... No! We don¡¯t trust anyone!¡± said Zak amusing the atmosphere.

    ¡°Anyway, it seems you¡¯ve already had a child... " Zak said a he noticed a subtle shift in Sunny¡¯s expression and he he quickly added.

    "I don¡¯t want to know, but you got on very well with him. He likes you already!¡± he said as Miko glanced back at Sunny.

    ¡°And he trusts you...¡±

    ¡°Shh! He¡¯s listening.¡± Sunny remarked.

    ¡°No! I don¡¯t think so... I¡¯m glad he¡¯s safe, but one question remains...¡± Zak interrupted.

    ¡°A lot! Who is he? Where does he come from? Why...¡± Sunny spills out as Zak interrupts.

    ¡°Why is he the one Dodd chose? What¡¯s so special about him?¡± he wondered.

    The woman finally decided to join the men, and as she approached them, they didn''t heard her coming and startled as she appeared next to them.

    The men quickly regained their composure as the woman shared her concerns.

    ¡°Is it always like this with him?¡± she said, pointing to Miko with her head,

    ¡°I mean, he hasn¡¯t said anything for over an hour.¡± She remembers.

    ¡°Yes. He¡¯s special!¡± declared Sunny his gleam bright.

    ¡°So, where are we going?¡± She continued her preoccupation.

    ¡°Yes, Captain. Where do we going?¡± Zak supported the woman''s curiosity.

    ¡°What? I''m giving a ride, I don''t know where you... you''re heading and neither the hunter with the kid!¡± exclaimed Sunny as Zak remained thoughtful.

    The woman hesitated, her lips parting as though she was about to talk, but then she faltered. Her hand gripped a rigging rope tighter, and her knees wavered slightly. She turned her head away, taking a shallow, shaky breath.

    Sunny caught the movement and frowned.

    ¡°You alright there?¡±

    The woman tried to wave him off, her free hand rising weakly.

    ¡°Just¡­ tired,¡± she muttered, though her voice quivered as she continued,

    ¡°I still have my business in there... I should go back. The morning I hope we ran into a ship heading to the island..." She said.

    "Alright, you hunter?" Sunny asked as Zak remained thoughtful without response.

    "I''ll need a safe place for the boy the moment I deal with my bounty." He finally broke up his silence.

    "What... you were hunting?" The woman inquired innocently, her voice lack of energy.

    "On Verghertown? Who is he?" She asked with Sunny strangely studying her, his brow furrowing.

    ¡°You don¡¯t look too good. Maybe you should sit down¡ª¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she interrupted, though her words were strained.

    ¡°Alright... " Sunny said unconvinced as he shared concerning glance with Zak before continued.

    "I think it¡¯s time I paid a visit to some old brothers. There the kid can be safe until you finish your business." Sunny¡¯s attention on Zak but discreetly surveying the woman.

    "You''ve being so helpful, thank you Sunny." Zak said gratefully with estim and reverence to Sunny.

    "Isn''t the first time you''re calling me by my name, hunter?" Sunny reacted with humor. Zak smirked.

    "I''m Zak...you can stop calling me hunter now." Both men laughed.

    "I¡¯ve checked every room on the ship, and they¡¯re literally empty. No food, no soap, no water... !¡± The woman pointed out rapidly cut off.

    ¡°No food...no drink?!¡± reacted Zak, furrowing.

    "I sailed this ship, it''s almost two years. I only came to rest in my off day. But I gathered this, it just one night thing.¡± Sunny said opening a barrel near them since, filled with some provisions.

    The woman shifted her attention to Miko and took a step toward him, her shaky body unnoticed by the men as she suddenly wavered, her hand leaving the rigging rope to grab onto Zak¡¯s arm, her grip weak and desperate.

    Zak stiffened, startled by the sudden contact.

    ¡°Whoa, hey!¡± he exclaimed, abruptly pushed her away before realized that something was wrong.

    "Something is wrong with her!¡± Sunny alarmed as he got closer.

    The woman breathing quickened, shallow and uneven, each gasp more strained than the last. She clung to Zak¡¯s arm, the only thing keeping her upright, her other hand pressing faintly against her side.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    ¡°Hey... Hey... " Zak called her out,

    "What''s wrong with her?¡± Zak¡¯s voice sharpened with concern, his humor draining from his face as Sunny mind raced.

    "Let her take a seat." Sunny rolled a barrel side of them.

    The woman blinked rapidly, her face beneath the muffler pale, her gaze unfocused. Her body swayed, and her knees gave out, forcing Zak to catch her weight as she slumped against him.

    ¡°She¡¯s collapsing!¡± Sunny exclaimed, rushing to steady her from the other side.

    "Sorry but you need some air... " Said Sunny as he quickly removed the woman''s muffler revealing her face.

    Her breaths came in quick, shallow bursts, her chest rising and falling irregularly. Suddenly, while the men troubled to apprehend the situation, her hand slipped from Zak¡¯s arm, and she went limp in their grasp.

    ¡°Get her down!¡± Sunny barked, lowering her carefully to the deck with Zak¡¯s help.

    As they laid her flat, Sunny pressed his fingers to her neck, searching for a pulse.

    ¡°She¡¯s breathing, but barely... What in hell¡¯s wrong with her?¡± Sunny alarmed.

    Zak looked her over, his brow furrowed in confusion.

    Suddenly, Sunny¡¯s gaze landed on a subtle stain of blood seeping through her outfit on her chest.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got to get her clothes off now!¡± said Sunny with urgency and rushed into actio.

    ¡°What?¡± Zak disagrees.

    ¡°Do you want to see her die?" Asked Sunny then gently removed the woman¡¯s top, clearly uncomfortable.

    Sunny¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°Zak¡­ she¡¯s been shot!¡± He called out.

    At the top of the woman¡¯s right breast was a small hole¡ªa bullet hole that was leaking blood.

    "How bad?" Zak asked his gaze fleeing the woman body.

    "Bad enough to make her passed out...the wound is leaking!" Sunny reported.

    "Surely, it''s because the bullet is still in there... !" Zak quickly thought.

    "Then it need to be removed...quickly!" Sunny said with urgency,

    "Get me this cloth and some water!¡± he said to Zak who immediately executed.

    Zak had returned with a metallic bucket and a tattered rag. He looked away so as not to violate the woman¡¯s modesty, he declared at Sunny¡¯s inquiring.

    ¡°There¡¯s no water in the barrels...¡± Zak informed with urgency.

    ¡°Use those ropes...we''re surrounded by water.¡± Sunny said as he took the cloth and began to clean the wound face off the dark blood it spitting.

    ¡°Thank to the ancestors, she¡¯s full of knives!¡± Sunny exclaimed grabbing a knife, pointed all the way from the woman''s outfit, and called out to Zak,

    ¡°Zak, I need you to hold her still while I''m removing the bullet.¡± Sunny said to Zak, who was still struggling to get the seawater. Finally, he got it and rushed towards them, turning his gaze away as he approached. He held the woman by the shoulders against the deck wooden surface while Sunny descended the lantern as the moonlight been blocked by a lone cloud the ship, gently swaying.

    Everything seemed distant around them, the sea calm like she is nursing the ship, its water softly clashing against her hull. Suddenly, Miko appeared beside Sunny, his wiry frame barely made a sound as he made the man startled. His gaze fixed on the woman''s wound, his face twitching slightly, as if battling a wave of nausea. His hands clenched briefly before he pressed them against his thighs, grounding himself. He sniffed the air and recoiled, his disgust evident.

    ¡°It smells,¡± he muttered, voice flat but strained,

    "Yes kid, it''s blood!" Said Sunny and swiftly added,

    "You shouldn''t be here..."

    ¡°No,¡± Miko said, shaking his head with precision.

    ¡°It¡¯s not blood. It¡¯s...¡± He paused, his voice faltering before he seemed to refocus.

    ¡°It¡¯s...wrong... It'' smells!¡± he added Sunny confused.

    "Alright, while you''re staying... help me hold this... " Sunny said handing over the lantern to Miko.

    "The wound is leaking..." he innocently noticed, while Sunny deeply confused but maintained all his mind on the woman.

    "She can''t breath... you should help her... " Miko said almost crying and started to agitate.

    "Help her... help her... she can''t breath... " He continued as Sunny shifted his attention and grabbed him away with concerned.

    Miko started having difficulties to breath as tears ran down his face.

    "Hey, hey... call down kid... " Sunny said overwhelmed by the mixed of tension as he consolated him.

    "Shhh kid... stay here... she''ll be alright... "

    Miko sat backing the side''s board and his crisis waning.

    Meanwhile Zak near the woman remained silent, lost his speaking ability overwhelmed by the situations as well his mind racing. Sunny quickly joined him back.

    With hurry he started again to clean up the dark blood from the wound face once more.

    "You''ll need to hold her still... the bullet is located at a small distance from her lung... " Sunny was saying as Zak furrowed and cut him off.

    "How do you know that... "

    "If it otherwise... she''ll be dead by now!" Sunny replied as he reached for the provisions'' barrel, took out a dusty bottle of rum, opened it and cleansed the knife with.

    As he was about to proceed, his hand shook, losing precision. He took a deep breath, anxious but now more relaxed. After a swift glance at Miko, he moved his face closer to the wound as the lantern even with the moonlight showering back the deck.

    When he touched the woman''s skin with his rigid fingers, he felt her softness and fragility as his hand pressed against it. Suddenly, a black, putrid pus oozed from the wound. Sunny¡¯s eyes widened.

    "The kid was right... it smells... the wound is infected!" Sunny exclaimed.

    "Then do it quick!" Zak pressed.

    Sunny delicately pushed the long tip of the knife deep into the wound, starting a gentle back-and-forth motion to locate the bullet as more pus and blood flowed out. Sunny frowned in disgust. Zak suddenly called out.

    ¡°His shoulder muscles are trembling...¡± his voice carried a sense of fear.

    ¡°It''s a response to pain... I can''t find it... there¡¯s no bullet!¡± Sunny said, urgent and afraid.

    "Are you sure?¡± Zak asked.

    "There''s nothing... I¡¯m not sure...¡± Sunny¡¯s uncertainty was visible as the bleeding dramatically increased. He rushed to stop it using the cloth.

    "She''ll drained of her blood... !" Sunny thought aloud, frustrated and tormented as blood spilling down the woman''s breast.

    "If the bullet isn¡¯t in there... then when did she get shot?¡± Zak asked, puzzled, while Sunny desperately continued to use the cloth to try to stem the bleeding.

    Sunny was troubled. Zak¡¯s mind couldn''t think, while Miko, silently sitting cross-legged against the edge, watched from distance. The once-gentle sea now stirred, and the ship floated and rocked with the slow rise and fall of the waves, groaning with each shift. Its wooden hull creaked as the water pushed against it. The woman''s body shuddered slightly, reacting to the ship''s movement as the deck shifted beneath her.

    ¡°Hold her still,¡± Sunny ordered, his voice tight.

    Zak pressed down on her shoulders, his hands slick with sweat but strong as he fought against the ship¡¯s movements.

    The fabric of the sails flapped in slow, deliberate waves, the agitated wind catching them enough to send a whispering shudder through the rigging. The salty air thickened, pungent and mixed with the sharp metallic tang of blood, damp wood, and sweat.

    Above them, the sky was no longer open and clear. Heavy clouds drifted in, veiling the stars behind thick shadows. Only the moon''s strongest rays managed to pierce through, casting pale beams onto the deck. No land, no ship visible on the horizon.

    Sunny¡¯s eyes widened as he cleaned the blood with the cloth before dunking it into the bucket, his movements frantic and almost desperate.

    ¡°The bleeding¡¯s not stopping...¡± he muttered, watching the water darken with the woman''s blood. His mind raced for a solution.

    ¡°The seawater... it¡¯s seawater, right? It can help with the bleeding...¡± he thought aloud.

    This time, when he dunked the cloth, he took it out soaked and wrung it just over the wound, the water splashing out. The salty water penetrated the wound, and the woman''s body jerked. Sunny repeated the process, pressing the soaked cloth against the bleeding flesh.

    The ship swayed again, the deck tilting slightly. The woman''s body rolled an inch, the motion small but noticeable. Zak gritted his teeth and adjusted his grip.

    ¡°It¡¯s slowing... I need more water!¡± Sunny said, jumping to his feet, his steps unwavered and strong against the ship''s swaying¡ªtestament of his long years at sea. He grabbed a rope, tied it to the bucket¡¯s handle, and emptied the red-stained water before tossing the bucket over the side. One try, and he hauled it back, full of fresh seawater.

    The stars were nearly gone now, swallowed by thick, unrelenting clouds. The moonlight dimmed, and only the unsteady lantern glow guided his actions.

    Sunny repeated the process, dousing the wound and tightening the cloth around it. The bleeding had slowed, and the flesh surrounding the wound was pale and lifeless.

    ¡°I need something tighter,¡± he thought aloud, scanning around.

    He instinctively and rapidly tore a strip from his own shirt. The fabric ripped easily under his powerful grip. He twisted it into a makeshift bandage, soaked it in seawater, and wrapped it tightly around the woman''s torso.

    Then he tried to wake her. His huge, rigid, calloused hand delivered firm but careful taps to her cheeks. No response. Her body burned with fever, sweat slicking her skin despite the cold wind. Her pulse raced beneath his fingers.

    ¡°She¡¯s not waking up... she¡¯s burning up!¡± Sunny¡¯s voice was laced with concern.

    ¡°Cover her and we''ll wait... ¡± Zak said, his head still turned away.

    Sunny hesitated but nodded. He pulled out another strip of fabric and wrapped the wound properly, securing it.

    A sudden gust of wind rippled through the ship¡¯s sails, their fabric snapping sharply before settling into a restless flutter. The ship rocked harder now, the waves no longer gentle. The woman¡¯s body shifted slightly with each movement, her limbs limp, her breath shallow, and her fight growing weaker.

    Then suddenly¡ªher body stiffened. Her limbs jerked violently, her back arching, arms trembling uncontrollably.

    She was seizing.

    Sunny and Zak, alarmed and bewildered, watched in horror as her convulsions took hold.

    ¡°Sunny, what¡¯s going on?¡± Zak asked, fear creeping into his voice.

    ¡°She¡¯s having a seizure... I guess...¡± Sunny answered, quickly helping Zak hold her down.

    Then he saw it¡ªthe bandage was soaked in blood again. The wound was open, fresh red spilling out. The convulsions had ripped it open.

    ¡°Is she dying?¡± Zak shouted through the wind blowing loudly.

    ¡°I think she¡¯s fighting...¡± Sunny¡¯s response came in short bursts.

    ¡°If there¡¯s anything you can do, do it!¡± Zak snapped, his frustration breaking through as he struggled to hold the woman¡¯s body still.

    Sunny¡¯s mind raced. He thought fast and grabbed the rum bottle, swiftly drawing the cork free with his teeth.

    ¡°This should help,¡± Sunny said as he soaked a cloth with the strong liquor, forcing it between the woman¡¯s lips. A little at a time¡ªjust enough to wet her tongue and throat. Then he drenched another rag in rum and pressed it hard against her wound, which let out dark blood with traces of pale yellowish pus as her unconscious body shuddered in pain.

    ¡°There¡¯s still dirt in the wound!¡± Sunny observed as he poured more rum into the wound''s hole, forcing the filth to drain. The woman¡¯s body twitched, but her convulsions were fading as well as the the bleeding.

    After a moment, Sunny packed the wound again and wrapped her tight. The woman¡¯s breath came in steady and calm now, at least more than the waves and wind. The men carefully carried her to the cabin and gently laid her down.

    Zak¡¯s eyes locked on the woman¡¯s body, deep in thought. His face was filled with concern and subtle blame. Sunny was deep in thought as well, and his eyes met Zak¡¯s questioning ones.

    ¡°I think we should give her some prayers and... wait...¡± Sunny said, tired from the anxiety and frustration of the last hour. He knelt down, his huge arms resting along his thighs, as he opened his palms to give some prayers.

 Chapter 5

    On an Uncharted Island¡­

    A young boy sprinted through a dense woods, his bare feet was thudding lightly against the uneven, rocky floor. Despite his labored breathing, he moved swiftly, weaving between the towering trees with practiced ease.

    The island was dominated by steep green mountains, its shores lined with jagged stones where waves crashed relentlessly. A strip of white beach clung to the coastline, caught between the mountains and the sea. The wind swept inland, rattling the trees as it carried the salty tang of the ocean.

    Even with the warm over the island in this midday, damp leaves made the ground slick, but the boy climbed the uneven slopes without hesitation.

    After what felt like an eternity of running, a bamboo fence came into view, marking the edge of a small clearing nestled within the trees. The boy pushed through its wide-open gate into a tiny village of huts, his breath coming in desperate gasps. Before he could even speak, villagers rushed toward him, their concern evident in their hurried steps.

    ¡°The pirates! The pirates!¡± he finally managed to cry out, his voice breathless and panicked.

    ¡°They¡¯re here! Flee! Flee!¡± He rushed from hut to hut, raising the alarm.

    From the growing crowd emerged an old man, his bearing calm and deliberate despite the rising fear. His hair was a mass of long, matted strands, and his short beard was streaked with white, giving him a weathered yet dignified appearance. Draped across his powerful frame was a cloth adorned with vibrant geometric patterns, slung over one shoulder and under the other. The sunlight broke through the canopy above, casting a warm glow on the deep onyx of his skin.

    ¡°Tell me exactly what you saw, my boy,¡± the old man said, his voice steady as he placed reassuring hands on the boy¡¯s trembling shoulders.

    The boy, still gasping for air, stammered,

    ¡°The pirates¡­ they¡¯ll be here¡­¡±

    The old man glanced at the murmuring villagers who had gathered around them. Then, turning back to the boy, he asked,

    ¡°How big is their ship? What does their flag look like?¡±

    But no words came, his throat clogged. His breathing came in rapid gasps, eyes wide with terror.

    ¡°Oboya, organize the village¡¯s evacuation. Sentries, follow me!¡± the old man commanded, his tone brooking no delay.

    After a hurried trek through the trees, they reached the edge of a sheer mountain cliff, where a young man awaited them.

    ¡°What did you see?¡± the old man demanded, extending a hand for the spyglass the young man held.

    ¡°It¡¯s a small, two-masted ship,¡± the young man reported.

    Peering through the spyglass, the old man adjusted its focus, his weathered hands steady against the cool brass surface. The distant ship rocked gently on the waves, a speck on the horizon sharpened into clarity through the lens.

    His breath caught.

    At the bow of the vessel stood two figures. The first was unfamiliar¡ªa younger man, his posture alert and confident. But the second...

    The spyglass trembled slightly in the old man¡¯s grasp.

    It couldn¡¯t be.

    His gaze locked onto the figure, tracing every detail. The slope of the shoulders, the way he carried himself¡ªunmistakable. Yet disbelief gripped the old man, his chest tightening as he struggled to process what he was seeing.

    His jaw clenched, the lines of his face deepening. A faint glint of moisture welled in his eyes, his vision momentarily blurring before he blinked it away. The rawness in his expression betrayed emotions too complex, too tumultuous to name¡ªgrief, anger, something like betrayal, and something else he refused to acknowledge.

    The spyglass lowered slowly, almost reluctantly, from his eye. He stood there, unmoving, staring at the ship as if it were a phantom conjured from the depths of his memories. The salt-laden breeze stirred his graying hair, but he did not flinch, his body rigid under the weight of emotions he could not voice.

    For a moment, the world around him seemed to hold its breath. The silence stretched, broken only by the distant crash of waves and the restless stirring of leaves.

    ¡°You¡­ run to the village,¡± he finally ordered, his voice hoarse and uneven.

    ¡°No need to evacuate.¡±

    The sentry ran off.

    Afternoon in the Village...

    The setting sun bathed the island in warm silver hues as the villagers watched. Sunny and Zak, with the help of some sentries, carried the unconscious woman¡¯s body on a makeshift bamboo stretcher. Miko followed closely as they walked through the village gate. As the newcomers approached, the villagers parted, questioning eyes fixed on them.

    As the group passed, murmurs rippled through the gathering¡ªloud whispers of realization and disbelief.

    ¡°It¡¯s the Black Skull!¡± someone gasped.

    ¡°He¡¯s come back after all these years!¡±

    ¡°I thought he died at sea!¡±

    ¡°The Black Skull is alive and well!¡± another said, delighted.

    A shout cut through the buzz of voices. The villagers parted again, allowing a young man with golden hair, an ivory complexion, and a joyful grin to rush forward.

    ¡°Captain! Captain, you¡¯re alive!¡± he cried, throwing himself into Sunny¡¯s arms.

    ¡°Hey, Donny! You¡¯ve grown old,¡± Sunny teased, his laughter full of warmth.

    The villagers erupted in excitement, their doubts vanishing. Greetings came from every direction¡ªhandshakes, embraces, and exclamations of joy suddenly filling the air.

    A soft, trembling voice broke through the noise.

    ¡°Uncle Sunny?¡±

    Sunny turned instantly. A young woman stood there, her skin dark as coffee, glowing in the flickering light of the wood fire the villagers had just started in the middle of the courtyard. Her tear-filled eyes glistened, and her voice carried a sadness so heavy it froze him in place.

    ¡°Anika?¡± he whispered, barely recognizing the grown woman before him. His legs felt as though they were rooted to the ground. Each step closer to her was like wading through the weight of his own grief.

    ¡°Is that you? You¡¯re a woman now...¡± His tone was amused, but tinged with something he didn¡¯t want to express.

    Before he could say more, Anika suddenly rushed forward, throwing her arms around him. Her tears streamed freely, her head pressed against Sunny¡¯s broad chest.

    Sunny froze, stunned by the wave of emotions crashing over him. The warmth of her embrace, the sobs against his chest¡ªit all broke something inside him he thought had been sealed away long ago. His throat tightened painfully, and his vision blurred as he fought against the surge of tears threatening to fall.

    For a moment, he remained paralyzed, his arms trembling at his sides. But slowly, as if giving in to the inevitability of it all, he lifted them and wrapped her in a protective hold.

    ¡°Baba said you were dead!¡± Anika cried, her voice muffled, thick with anguish.

    Sunny¡¯s dark eyes, heavy and glistening, struggled to hold onto a fragile composure, betraying the emotions raging within him. His throat felt raw, words caught in an emotional dam he refused to let break.

    ¡°I¡¯m alive, my daughter... I¡¯m alive. Shhhh,¡± Sunny finally murmured, forcing the words out as he gently stroked her frizzy hair, his hand shaking slightly. His jaw clenched, his chest heaving with a ragged breath, and despite his iron will, a single tear escaped, tracing a slow, burning path down his cheek. He let it fall, unable to stop it.

    Zak, his arm around Miko¡¯s shoulders, watched from a distance, his expression somber as the raw emotion of the scene enveloped everyone present.

    Their embrace lasted for what seemed like an eternity. Anika, now appeased, appeared joyful, her happiness radiating as she clung to her uncle. The joyful reunion spread throughout the village as Sunny was reintroduced to familiar faces, many of whom had been part of his old crew. Tales of their adventures together¡ªstories of dangers, but also of joy and family¡ªwere recounted. Feats of the notorious Captain Black Skull fell from witnesses¡¯ mouths.

    In a hut, the unconscious woman now lay comfortably, her wound already treated with a healer¡¯s remedies. Zak, ever the charmer, blended seamlessly with the villagers, sharing laughs over cups of white wine around the wood fire, which spat thousands of dancing sparks.

    Miko, on the other hand, remained distant. Seated cross-legged on the outskirts of the gathering, his gaze scanned the villagers with quiet intensity. Some children tried to get his attention, but he remained completely unresponsive to their playful attempts, his eyes studying everything around him in slow, deliberate motion.

    Meanwhile, Anika, her spirit buoyed by her uncle¡¯s return, led Sunny by the hand from hut to hut, proudly introducing him to those unfamiliar with him. As they strolled back toward the courtyard, Sunny asked,

    ¡°Where¡¯s your baba been all this time?¡±

    Anika hesitated, her expression clouding with discomfort.

    ¡°Ah... I see,¡± Sunny said softly, understanding dawning on him.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry... If you know where he is, please tell me.¡±

    Anika looked uneasy, her voice quiet.

    ¡°In the cemetery, behind the village.¡±

    Sunny nodded, his face heavy with discreet grief.

    ¡°Stay with my friends. I¡¯ll be back with your baba soon,¡± he said before disappearing between the huts.

    In the Cemetery...

    Sunny walked through the night, his path illuminated by a full moon. The village¡¯s noises faded behind him as he advanced, not entirely sure of the direction. His boots thudded on the soil, crushing dead leaves, their sounds mixing with the chirping of crickets.

    ¡°Now you dress like town¡¯s people...¡± said a lone man sitting on a dead tree trunk beneath a tree, his back turned to Sunny.

    ¡°My brother! Happy to see you keeping in shape,¡± Sunny said, approaching closer, his steps growing heavier.

    Sunny looked around and noticed many sticks planted in the ground. Hanging from each one were various objects¡ªbracelets made of metal, pearls, or straw. Others bore necklaces of different materials, and even pieces of clothing.

    Each stick clearly marked a grave, the objects belonging to the deceased.

    Sunny knelt at his brother¡¯s side, just behind him, his heart filled with bitterness. He opened his palms and offered prayers to the dead.

    Anika¡¯s father had remained motionless, showing no particular emotion for the last few moments. But now, he was visibly filled with anger. After Sunny finished his prayer, he placed a hand on his brother¡¯s bare shoulder, but the old man remained still, reluctant.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry... my brother...¡± Sunny said bitterly.

    The old man, already in tears, forced the words out of his mouth.

    ¡°You left yourself for dead for twelve years,¡± he said, his voice full of exasperation.

    ¡°I was¡ª¡° Sunny began, but he was interrupted.

    ¡°Most of these men buried here were loyal to you!¡± the old man said, his heart holding no hint of sadness¡ªonly anger.

    For a brief moment, he fell silent, reminiscing, before finally revealing, ¡°I went back that day, midway... Before we reached the ship¡¯s last known spot, we started noticing wooden splinters floating everywhere. At first, there was hope. But when I saw the stern going under, it turned into mourning.¡±

    Sunny¡¯s tears came unbidden as guilt washed over him.

    ¡°I won¡¯t ask you to forgive me, brother, because... the past can never be erased,¡± Sunny declared, his tears falling freely, just as his brother¡¯s did.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t come back for that. I know the burden... the grief your heart has carried all these years...¡± Sunny confessed, his brother¡¯s anger beginning to subside.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    ¡°After the battle in the Blue Sea... and the weight of Aniha¡¯s death pressing on me, I was devastated¡ªlost without an anchor,¡± he continued.

    ¡°I saw our ship capsize from the impact of the cannons before I lost consciousness... I woke up on an unfamiliar shore with a severed leg.¡±

    At these last words, his brother shook his head, and instead of anger, his face filled with empathy.

    ¡°It was a miracle! The blood had stopped flowing, so I managed to survive a few days before spotting the first ship passing close to shore,¡± Sunny recalled.

    For the first time since they met, the old man turned his head towards him.

    ¡°You¡¯re quite a survivor!¡± he said, his gaze now visible.

    ¡°Oh, by all the ancestors! You¡¯ve gotten old, brother!¡± Sunny shouted, unable to ignore the wrinkles on his brother¡¯s face.

    ¡°Just because you shave off all the hair on your head doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re still young, idiot. Come here!¡± he said with a sense of humor, pulling Sunny into his arms.

    The brother smiled, his anger toward Sunny now completely gone, replaced only by joy¡ªjoy at having found his brother, whom he had given up hope of ever seeing again in the flesh.

    The hug was strong and lasting, as Sunny breathed in his brother¡¯s scent, delighted.

    ¡°So you gave up your dreams because of this?¡± His brother broke the embrace, pointing with his chin at Sunny¡¯s leg. Sunny moved his right leg slightly to indicate the handicap.

    ¡°No! I¡¯m still chasing the dream¡ª¡° Sunny was quickly interrupted.

    ¡°So you came back to look for a crew!¡± the old man said, a hint of enthusiasm in his voice.

    ¡°No! I¡¯ve come for another problem,¡± Sunny replied.

    ¡°Is it as bad as that?¡± his brother asked eagerly.

    ¡°That¡¯s not a matter for the dead. Let¡¯s return home.¡±

    Both laughed as they walked away from the cemetery, leaving behind an unprecedented silence.

    On the way, the two exchanged stories of their adventures during each other¡¯s absence. Sunny told him all about his new companions, from the beginning to the present day.

    Back, between the huts, not far from the main courtyard...

    ¡°You¡¯ve created a beautiful creature,¡± Sunny observed, looking at Anika, joyful as she danced amidst some villagers around the wood fire. Her frizzy charcoal curls, tied back with a red headband, glistened in the firelight.

    ¡°Yes, my brother. Our ancestors listened to my prayers¡ªand I think yours too,¡± Sunny¡¯s brother said, glancing at Miko, who sat away from the gathering, his face warmed by the flames.

    ¡°I think this is your second chance,¡± the old man stated.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s a punishment or a chance for redemption... Either way, past mistakes can¡¯t be erased,¡± Sunny admitted, lost in thought.

    His brother continued, ¡°We all need peace of mind... I think you¡¯ll find yours by reuniting this young boy with his family.¡±

    Sunny¡¯s face suddenly darkened, his eyes glistening as he looked in Miko¡¯s direction.

    ¡°I had a dream at sea yesterday¡­ I was sitting next to a bed. In the bed was the boy, very sick. And then, suddenly...¡± He paused, his eyes heavy.

    ¡°What happened next?¡± his brother asked, looking straight at him.

    ¡°Aniha... Aniha was there! She came into the hut to join us. She was alive and well!¡± he said with difficulty, his eyes wet.

    His brother patted his shoulder in consolation.

    ¡°You see, dreams are revelations from our ancestors, warning us of our fears and desires. Aniha will have peace on their side, and all she would wish is for you to find peace on this side too,¡± his brother declared.

    Zak sat on a stool, a container of white wine in his hand. He observed the atmosphere, the villagers mood at this late hour. He took a sip, and his inner monologue rose.

    Are we going to address the elephant in the room? What? Really? You¡¯re hanging out with pirates¡ª You mean harmless and hospitable villagers? You know very well these people are barbarians¡ªdangerous criminals. We hunt them, not sip their¡ª Please stop that! Sunny helped us, remember? Did he? He lied to us about who he is... The thing is, you didn¡¯t even suspect it.

    Zak shifted on the stool, his eyes wandering.

    There he is! The old man beside him... His brother? Of course, he is! The resemblance is striking. It¡¯s like he¡¯s walking with a much older version of himself¡ªwith hair, for sure. Haha... But seriously, there¡¯s something different about him. Like a man trying to forgive himself for something. He¡¯s not like the people we hunt. And it shouldn¡¯t even be me saying this... You¡¯re the one who always sees the best in people. The thing I don¡¯t understand is how you can be so at ease knowing who they are! They know who I am but still welcomed me¡ª Did they?

    Zak noticed some villagers watching him warily. For the first time, he saw fear in some of their eyes. He stood up, stepping away from the gathering.

    His eyes landed on a hut.

    The woman. I completely forgot about her!

    He headed toward the hut.

    As he reached the hut, he stood in the doorway, his frame outlined against the dim interior. His eyes adjusted to the gloom, settling on the woman¡¯s still form lying on a mat.

    Is she still breathing¡­? I hope so...

    His eyes lingered on her, then a sudden motion¡ªa twitch of her fingers¡ªcaught his attention.

    She¡¯s waking!

    He stepped inside with quick strides and knelt beside her. He hesitated for a moment before reaching out.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he called, his voice low.

    No response. The woman¡¯s face remained slack, her breathing unchanged.

    And again, another twitch! Zak instinctively took her hand in his and called out.

    ¡°Hey, can you hear me?¡± he urged, a bit louder.

    Still nothing. Her palm was clammy, her body slightly feverish.

    Then, suddenly, the tension drained from her hand, and her muscles went slack.

    Zak panicked and rushed outside.

    From their spot, Sunny and his brother saw the hunter¡¯s urgent demeanor as he exited the hut.

    ¡°The woman... something is wrong with her!¡± Sunny¡¯s brother guessed as they rushed toward the hut.

    Just as they arrived, unexpectedly, the woman was standing in the doorway, looking confused as the men appeared before her. She offered an amicable smile, one arm supporting her weight while the other rested on her chest, near her wound.

    Sunny¡¯s brother rushed toward her, concerned.

    ¡°My sister, you shouldn¡¯t be standing...¡± he said.

    ¡°What happened?¡± the woman asked, confusion on her face. She shifted slightly and winced as pain shot through her chest.

    ¡°Come on and seat first.¡± Sunny¡¯s brother said offering her support.

    ¡°I need to go to the toilet,¡± she said.

    Zak had returned with some villagers, and as they saw the woman standing, they were all confused. Zak stared at her with a questioning expression.

    A moment passed before, the women reappeared followed of Sunny¡¯s brother and a village woman.

    ¡°Here, take a seat,¡± he said, guiding her to a stool.

    The woman became the center of attention as villagers gathered around.

    ¡°Hoos, hoos! She needs air,¡± Sunny¡¯s brother called out, dispersing the crowd.

    Sunny knelt beside the woman.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± he asked, looking straight into her eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯ll survive,¡± she replied, adjusting herself on the stool, wincing from the pain in her chest.

    Zak stood nearby, arms crossed, observing her.

    She¡¯s really beautiful without her muffler... Please don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re already in love with her. Admit it, she¡¯s a marvel especially the spark in her eyes when she puts on her muffler... What? You looked into her eyes? She risked her life for you¡ª Hold on, what are you talking about? We don¡¯t even know her real intentions... Who she is... What she was doing in that room that night... And besides, she veils her face. Hiding one¡¯s identity is the first sign of mischievousness... Me, I¡¯m wondering how she stopped bullets. Do you think she¡¯s a master of cold weapons?Taebitians are skilled in all martial arts, but I¡¯ve never seen one stop bullets in any way...

    Anika crouched near the woman, smiling warmly.

    ¡°Hi, my name is Anika¡ª¡°

    ¡°The big guy¡¯s daughter?¡± the Specter guessed, prompting a chuckle from Sunny and his brother.

    ¡°Sorry, I was just guessing,¡± the woman said, slightly embarrassed.

    ¡°No, no, don¡¯t make it a problem,¡± Sunny¡¯s brother said, amused.

    ¡°This is my daughter, and the big guy is her second dad,¡± he added. The group laughed, even the woman smiling slightly.

    She turned to Anika.

    ¡°My name¡¯s Leen,¡± she introduced herself.

    Anika¡¯s eyes lit up.

    ¡°You must be starving. Let me bring you a meal!¡± she said excitedly before rushing off.

    Sunny¡¯s brother turned to Zak.

    ¡°My name¡¯s Baka. Thank you for trusting my brother here.¡± he said, patting Sunny¡¯s shoulder uninterrupted.

    ¡°He already told me everything... the kid will be safe with us.¡± He reassured.

    Sunny nodded in agreement.

    Zak smiled.

    ¡°Thank you for the hospitality... Your people are kind. I appreciate your help,¡± he said.

    Baka quickly called for attention and invited everyone to gather around the wood fire.

    In the center, near the fire, the embers glowed a deep red as the flames danced. A warm, reddish hue illuminated every face. Anika¡¯s father, standing in the villagers¡¯ attention, smiled happily and demanded silence. Then, he motioned for Sunny to join him.

    His voice carried out,

    ¡°I know you¡¯ve all already seen him... but most of you don¡¯t know him¡ªmaybe not even by name.¡±

    The villagers buzzed.

    ¡°This is my brother, Sunny¡­ lost at sea,¡± Baka said, his eyes gleaming with emotion as he placed an arm around his brother¡¯s shoulders. He continued,

    ¡°But our ancestors showed him the way back home!¡±

    The villagers cheered.

    A group of newcomers arrived¡ªfour old men followed by some younger ones, visibly returning from the fields, carrying various tools.

    ¡°Abako¡­ Kom¡­ Bob¡­ Yuela¡­ You¡¯re all getting old in here!¡± Sunny exclaimed in surprise at the newcomers.

    One of them opened his eyes wide in shock.

    ¡°Sunny? Is that you?¡± he asked, rushing to him, touching him all over as if confirming his existence. Holding Sunny¡¯s head in his palms, tears welled up in his eyes as he scrutinized him, searching for something.

    ¡°Are you real, or am I dying?¡± he asked, his voice trembling.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me, Abako! Your little brother, in the flesh!¡± Sunny reassured him, trying to comfort him.

    ¡°I thought I would never see you again in my lifetime¡­ but to the ancestors side¡­ they brought you back¡­ they showed you home¡­¡± Abako sobbed, overwhelmed.

    Baka, with the help of the other elders, comforted Abako. Soon, his grief transformed into joy, and he broke into a bright capella, joined by the villagers in a lively choir.

    The atmosphere around the fire remained convivial as the villagers shared food, and white wine flowed in bamboo mugs. Sunny, alongside the elders, seemed to share a deep bond, their past filled with tales of adventure and achievements.

    Zak sat a little apart from the gathering, visibly lost in thought. His gaze discreetly lingered on Leen, who lay in a lounge chair outside the lively atmosphere.

    ...I don¡¯t know... You made two shots. If she had really missed one bullet, she would¡¯ve been dead. And the infection seems older than four days. You¡¯re right, it must have happened before we met... or maybe after¡ª Watch out, she¡¯s moving¡­ toward us!

    ¡°Hey.¡± Leen¡¯s voice pulled Zak from his thoughts.

    ¡°Hey¡­¡± Zak greeted, a bit uneasy.

    A brief silence followed as they both watched the lively ambiance around the fire, where Sunny was visibly enjoying himself among the villagers.

    Finally, Zak turned his attention to the woman standing near him. After a quick glance, he broke the silence,

    ¡°You look good for someone who just came back to life.¡±

    ¡°Yeah? About that¡­ Thank you for saving me,¡± Leen said, showing her gratitude.

    ¡°What? No, I did nothing¡­ Sunny saved you.¡± Zak corrected quickly.

    Leen¡¯s lips parted slightly as if to say something, but she remained silent. The moment grew tense.

    Her eyes then spotted Miko,

    ¡°Alright, see you¡­¡± Leen said as she glanced at Zak¡¯s drink before starting to walk away.

    Zak watched her carefully.

    ¡°Actually, I have one question¡­ What are you? Some kind of martial arts master?¡± he asked.

    Leen turned back toward him. Instead of answering, she reached for Zak¡¯s drink.

    ¡°Can I have this?¡± she asked, taking the bamboo mug from his hand.

    Zak observed as she emptied the mug in one go. She caught her breath.

    ¡°I¡¯m just a woman with twin swords,¡± she finally said, sitting on the ground.

    ¡°I mean¡­ how can you stop bullets? Jump onto a rooftop like that?¡± Zak asked, his curiosity evident. A subtle gleam flashed across Leen¡¯s face.

    ¡°My father is a great martial arts master,¡± she informed him.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anyone do that before,¡± Zak admitted.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never been shot by someone before,¡± Leen responded with a friendly smile.

    Zak frowned. The woman nodded.

    ¡°Really? I was wondering when you got shot¡­¡± he said, genuinely curious.

    Leen furrowed her brows with a smile, looking into Zak¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I thought you stopped them all¡ª¡± Zak said, feigning astonishment.

    His pride swelled discreetly.

    ¡°You were cruel to shoot four bullets at a woman,¡± Leen said, her tone not condemning.

    Zak frowned.

    ¡°Wait, what? I fired four shots?¡± He struggled to recall the scene from that night as the woman, smiling, confirmed it.

    ¡°How the hell were you so fast?¡± Leen questioned, her expression carrying astonishment and a trace of admiration as a brief silence settled between them.

    Zak caught the woman¡¯s face, still holding a smile. He stared for a moment before revealing,

    ¡°I just wanted to stop you, not kill you,¡± he confided with a subtle smile.

    ¡°Ah, really? The hole in my chest says otherwise.¡± She chuckled.

    Their eyes met and both laughed.

    Leen¡¯s attention suddenly shifted to Miko and the children playing joyfully nearby.

    ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re leaving the boy here?¡± she asked, her question dampening the lighthearted mood.

    ¡°I can¡¯t find a better place,¡± Zak said, now also watching Miko.

    Leen suddenly fell silent, her gaze lost in the sympathetic and carefree atmosphere of the villagers.

    ¡°I wish I could be like them... free of any haunting memories... live for love... for family...¡± she spoke up.

    Zak had been discreetly studying her face, and for the first time, he noticed her black eyes. He quickly looked away as Leen turned her attention to him.

    ¡°I can¡¯t stay here,¡± Zak said, looking away.

    ¡°Why?¡± she asked, scrutinizing every detail of his face.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like feeling secure,¡± Zak informed her coldly.

    Leen shifted her attention back to Miko.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you feel that way... but I think everyone wants peace at some point in their life. I think he¡¯ll be safe here,¡± she said as she stood.

    Before walking away, she added, ¡°I¡¯m going to talk with him.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s his name again?¡± Leen asked, a few steps away from Zak.

    ¡°Miko,¡± the hunter responded shortly, watching her go.

    Zak watched as Leen approached Miko and took a seat on the ground beside him.

    Miko didn¡¯t react to the woman sitting next to him. His head remained still, his gaze fixed on the gathering. His attention shifted from one person to another as he scrutinized them.

    ¡°Hey, Miko,¡± Leen called, but the boy didn¡¯t move, his head remaining in its old position.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t moved an inch since you sat here,¡± she continued, trying to draw him into a conversation.

    ¡°You know, I used to be like you too... In fact, I¡¯m still like that. I like walking alone, doing things on my own, and I especially don¡¯t like it when there are too many people around...¡± she said, still facing silence and inattention from the young boy.

    She sighed but didn¡¯t give up.

    ¡°What do you think of these peopl¡ª¡±

    She was suddenly interrupted.

    ¡°You¡¯re hurt. You need to rest. Rest will facilitate rapid healing,¡± Miko said without shifting his gaze.

    ¡°Ah, I see! I appreciate your concern for me,¡± Leen said warmly, but her eyes held interest¡ªperhaps even a hidden intention.

    ¡°I have a little problem I¡¯d like you to help me with,¡± she added.

    Miko¡¯s eyes sparked with curiosity, his face brightening for the first time since Leen had sat beside him.

    ¡°What¡¯s your problem?¡± he asked eagerly.

    Zak, still seated on his stool, discreetly observing Leen and Miko while also watching the village children. He saw how joyful, how amused, and how safe they were. It¡¯s the best place for him, he argued with his inner monologue.

    ...he¡¯ll be safe here. Besides, the village is in the middle of nowhere¡ªfar from The Duke¡¯s eyes. Look at him, he¡¯s not even interacting with the other children. It¡¯d be a bad idea to leave him here¡ª Among pirates, you¡¯re going to say? It¡¯s not like there¡¯s another way. Of course, there¡¯s always another way... You just want to get rid of him, and you know this place won¡¯t be safe for him.

    A feeling of grief and empathy crept up on Zak.

    What do you want me to do? Sit here and babysit him? I¡¯ve got things to finish. I was in Verghertown for my bounty, which, by the way, is still waiting for me. Tomorrow at dawn, we have to find a way to get back to the town.

    Meanwhile, Leen continued trying to extract information from Miko.

    ¡°I¡¯m looking for a book. Big, small¡ªI have no idea. Maybe it¡¯s titled The Seventh Book of Knowledge, and I have a feeling you may have already seen it once,¡± she said.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a problem! You want information. I don¡¯t have your book,¡± Miko replied dismissively.

    ¡°No, you don¡¯t. Miko, I didn¡¯t say you have it, but maybe you¡¯ve come into contact with it over the last few days,¡± she clarified, watching as the boy withdrew into himself.

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s the book you used to make your drawings in the basement room?¡± she asked, pointing at Miko¡¯s ink-stained fingers.

    Suddenly, the boy curled up and started sobbing.

    ¡°Miko hide! Miko hide! He is coming! Miko...¡± he repeated, his panic escalating into a full-blown breakdown.

    Everyone was alerted. Zak rose abruptly from his seat, while Sunny rushed toward them, his brother close behind.

    As soon as Sunny knelt beside Miko, the young boy jumped into his arms, holding him tightly and crying. Sunny looked at Leen, his gaze both questioning and condemning.

    Zak knelt down beside them, locking eyes with Miko.

    Zak, you can¡¯t abandon him. I don¡¯t really have a choice, and besides, you saw it yourself. He didn¡¯t jump into my arms¡ªhe ran straight to the bartender, even though I literally saved his life. He already feels safe with him, so¡ª He¡¯s looking at you, and all I see is gratitude. Don¡¯t be sentimental!

    Miko, having calmed down, pulled away from Sunny¡¯s embrace, his eyes fixed on Zak.

    Unwillingly, the bounty hunter placed a hand on the boy¡¯s back.

    ...even if I take him to Beligram, I can¡¯t take on the responsibility of a parent. I¡¯m a hunter!

    The villagers dispersed at Sunny¡¯s brother¡¯s request. He moved closer and looked Miko in the eyes.

    ¡°Hey my child, are you hungry?¡±

 Chapter 6

    The next morning...

    Sunny¡¯s brother was on his way to visit his daughter¡¯s guests, crossing a vast expanse of cornfields. Anika¡¯s hut stood at the edge of the field, not far from the small granary and a windmill.

    Zak was still asleep under the thatched overhang at the entrance to the little house, his hat pulled down over his face as he lay in a mesh hammock. Sunny and Miko were visibly asleep inside, while Leen, already awake, lingered in the doorway. Her gaze hovered over Zak¡¯s resting form, her fingers idly tightening around the doorframe. When he stirred slightly, she straightened, her breath hitching for just a moment before she looked away, shifting her weight as if suddenly aware of herself. Occasionally, she glanced toward Anika, who was arranging corn stalks on the floor, but her attention always drifted back.

    Baka appeared from one of the footpaths running through the field, trailed by a few villagers.

    At the sight of them, Anika happily approached, while Sunny had already stepped in front of the house, now wide awake. He greeted his brother and his companions. Then it was Zak¡¯s turn, followed by Miko, to be woken from their weary slumber.

    It was a sunlit morning under a mostly clear sky. The leaves glowed a warm green as the corn plants swayed in the morning breeze. The island¡¯s few birds sang, pecking at corn seeds from their stalks. The smell of smoke from grilled game and fish, along with the scent of smoked corn, filled a jovial atmosphere.

    ¡°Sir Baka,¡± Zak began, his mouth full.

    ¡°How would you like the idea of increasing your village¡¯s population by one?¡± He pointed at himself, looking amused and delighted.

    ¡°You¡¯re all welcome, brother,¡± Sunny¡¯s brother said with a friendly smile as the villagers approved with joyful laughter.

    The cheerful mood lasted until a young man came running up.

    ¡°A ship! A ship!¡± he gasped, nearly stumbling as he fought for breath.

    Everyone stiffened, ears perked as their hearts pounded.

    ¡°A big ship! It¡¯ll be at our shore by tonight,¡± he managed between gasps.

    Sunny, who had been standing relaxed moments before, jolted upright.

    ¡°Did you see the flag?¡± he asked, his voice edged with urgency.

    ¡°It was a bit blurred, even with the spyglass¡­ but the ship has gigantic midnight-blue sails,¡± the young man informed them. A cold hush fell over the gathering as Zak and Leen stood, not grasping the terror that was plainly visible in others¡¯ eyes.

    Sunny¡¯s expression darkened as he looked back at his brother, and the two shared a long, wordless stare.

    Hastily back in the village, terrified, some villagers were already awaiting Baka. Some mothers had picked up their children, while others were urgently packing.

    ¡°Take all you can, my brothers and sisters!¡± Baka shouted.

    ¡°Oboya, lead the sentries and conduct everyone to the caves!¡± He ordered urgently as he headed for the village gate, his brother and companions trailing behind.

    After a long trek through the woods, Sunny, his brother, Zak, Leen, and some villagers perched on a high elevation. The trees discreetly veiled them, offering a view of the coast. To their surprise, the ship was already anchored near the shore, with longboats struggling against the waves, filled with passengers neatly seated as they rowed toward the beach.

    ¡°The World Navy!¡± Sunny exclaimed, without a spyglass. The fear in his eyes was unmistakable.

    ¡°But you said they¡¯d be here in the evening!¡± snarled one of the villagers at the early messenger.

    ¡°Take it easy, Makou. You know the World Navy doesn¡¯t have ordinary ships,¡± Baka said, calming the man.

    ¡°Where¡¯s my ship?¡± Sunny asked, noticing it was nowhere on the shore.

    ¡°We couldn¡¯t afford to draw attention,¡± a sentry replied.

    Baka was troubled.

    ¡°They¡¯ve never been in our vicinity¡­ why now?¡± questioned an older villager.

    ¡°We can¡¯t find out now. We need to run to safety,¡± Baka said urgently and crossed the concerning eyes of his brother.

    ¡°If they¡¯ve never been here before, why don¡¯t we wait to find out why they¡¯ve come? It could be anything¡ªtraining, a base settlement¡­¡± Sunny suggested, his concern reflected on every face.

    ¡°No! We¡¯ll hide with the others and wait until they leave,¡± Baka disagreed firmly.

    ¡°It¡¯ll take them all day to reach this level, so we don¡¯t have much time,¡± he warned, already moving.

    ¡°Normally, the World Navy¡¯s sphere of action stops at Bherton!¡± Zak said.

    Noticing Leen¡¯s questioning look, he added,

    ¡°I¡¯ve never been to the west seas, so I educated myself before coming here.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Baka confirmed as he stopped.

    ¡°In more than ten years, their ships have never sailed near our sea.¡±

    ¡°So why now? Don¡¯t you think we should stay around to find out?¡± Sunny pressed, his face hardened.

    ¡°Sorry to intervene, but have you had issues with them before?¡± Leen asked.

    Sunny and his brother exchanged a dark glance.

    Zak noticed, frowned, and asked,

    ¡°When was the last time?¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have time to talk about that. Let¡¯s all go back and help with the evacuation,¡± Baka dodged the question and started walking away.

    Sunny quickly took the spyglass from his brother¡¯s hand and observed the beach. The first boats had reached the shore, and troops were already disembarking. Their navy uniforms consisted of bright blue shirts, dark blue pants, and boots. Dark blue brimless caps covered their heads as they moved in formation across the white sand, armed with rifles.

    Sunny watched closely, then suddenly made an expression that said, I thought so.

    Through the lens, Dodd¡¯s late commander¡¯s face was clear¡ªhe stood on the beach amidst the soldiers, observing the landscape.

    ¡°The Duke?¡± Zak asked, his heart racing as he saw Sunny¡¯s face and promptly snatched the spyglass. Baka and the villagers halted.

    ¡°The Duke¡¯s commanding man!¡± Zak exclaimed as he spotted Rega on the beach among the navy men.

    ¡°So they¡¯re here for the boy,¡± Baka said, his gaze locking onto Sunny, who stood in heavy silence, his broad chest rising and falling rapidly beneath his tank top.

    ¡°Nothing will stop them until they get what they came for,¡± Baka added, his voice grave.

    ¡°How in the world did they track me?¡± Sunny muttered, lost in thought.

    ¡°They can¡¯t take the boy!¡± Zak declared firmly.

    ¡°Of course they can¡¯t,¡± Sunny affirmed.

    ¡°Then we have to fight!¡± Baka uttered as he reapproached.

    Sunny¡¯s face immediately hardened.

    ¡°No¡­¡± he barked, his voice making the men startle.

    ¡°This shouldn¡¯t involve any of you.¡± He turned to the villagers.

    ¡°This is not just an adversary¡­ It¡¯s hell upon you. Join your families and get to safety. I need my ship.¡±

    Surprisingly, the villagers stood firm, their chests rising with determination.

    ¡°I know what you¡¯re feeling, brother. But if they¡¯re really here for the boy¡­ you know no one is safe anymore¡ªespecially if we are hiding,¡± Baka reasoned.

    ¡°We already know how to defend ourselves against dangerous and violent pirates,¡± he continued, but Sunny cut him off.

    ¡°The World Navy¡¯s soldiers are horribly violent and bloodthirsty! You know that very well, brother!¡± Sunny reminded him.

    ¡°I have the sentinels. I¡¯ve trained them for situations like this,¡± Baka assured him, the sentries nodding in approval.

    ¡°But¡ª¡± Sunny started.

    ¡°I want you to change, but not in a way that makes you run from a fight when it¡¯s the only option,¡± Baka said.

    ¡°Like the old days¡­ we can resist. Because if we let them reach the village, we¡¯re all doomed anyway.¡±

    ¡°Whatever the plan is, let¡¯s execute it quickly. They¡¯re coming¡ª¡± Leen warned, peering through the spyglass.

    ¡°Sunny, I need you to trust me¡­ and listen to me, please,¡± Baka urged, placing his palm on his brother¡¯s chest.

    Sunny looked around at every determined face before his shoulders relaxed.

    Baka took on an enthusiastic tone as they headed back to the village.

    "We''ve already fought against other pirate and won!" he said as the group hastily walked between the trees.

    "But those are navy soldiers, not pirates! They''re educated people¡ªin other words, intelligent and very strategic..." Baka continued.

    "They don¡¯t think like us. They''re logical and observant. In other words, they¡¯re methodical. But they don¡¯t know this island like we do¡ª" he explained, smiling.

    "So what do we do?" Leen interrupted eagerly.

    "We use this against them," Baka merely responded.

    "And how do we do that?" Zak asked.

    "My dear brothers, let¡¯s go and prepare a welcome for our unwelcomed guests," Baka said, walking ahead. The smile on Sunny¡¯s face showed his admiration for his brother¡¯s strategic mind, but the heavy grief still weighed on him.

    A Few Moments Later...

    The navy arrived in the trees a little earlier than expected, moving in formation with their rifles aimed in all directions. They climbed the rugged slopes, rifles raised, their boots crunching against loose gravel.

    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    In the well-known woods, Baka and the villagers watched their advance without the intruders noticing. Each sentry, posted in specific spots, uncovered massive woven ropes camouflaged to nearly match the ground. These ropes were part of large nets holding back huge rocks. Armed with knives, the sentries stood poised, discreetly observing the advancing soldiers.

    A deep silence filled the air¡ªno birds sang through the trees. The sun blazed over the island, and despite the climbing difficulties, the well-trained World Navy soldiers pushed forward, stepping over sharp, jagged rocks.

    Once the soldiers reached a certain level, and after Baka¡¯s go-ahead, each sentry cut his rope.

    Then, from somewhere above, they heard it.

    A low, distant tumbling.

    They stopped, glancing around. Small pebbles skittered past their feet. Nothing alarming¡ªjust a few loose stones. They resumed their advance.

    Suddenly, the distant rumbling grew closer. Dust rose ahead of them, mixed with cascading stones, forcing them to shield themselves.

    Then, through the dusty air, a massive, jagged boulder emerged from the haze above.

    Panic shattered their formation.

    ¡°Fall back! Fall back!¡±

    The first soldiers turned, shouting as they shoved past one another in a frantic retreat. But before they could escape, more boulders crashed down, bounding unpredictably.

    One of them smashed into a tree. The thick trunk snapped in half with a sickening crack, toppling directly onto the soldiers who had run to the side for cover.

    The tree crashed with a deafening thud, its massive branches impaling men like wooden spears. One soldier had just enough time to scream before a thick branch pierced clean through his chest, blood spraying onto the stunned men behind him. Another, trapped beneath the trunk, twitched violently as the crushing weight collapsed his ribs.

    The remaining soldiers tried to change direction, pushing backward, only to see another boulder bouncing wildly down the slope.

    It leaped into the air, soaring over a squad of fleeing men¡ªbefore dropping straight onto an unlucky soldier.

    A wet, crunching impact.

    The boulder obliterated him instantly, his body reduced to an unrecognizable smear before rolling over more men, dragging them down the slope before vanishing into the dust.

    Some boulders tore through trees, sending splinters flying like a storm of arrows. The sound of wood shattering was followed by screams as jagged shards impaled arms, throats, and faces.

    A senior soldier grabbed a cadet, yanking him up from the dirt.

    ¡°Get up! Move¡ª¡±

    A sharp whistle tore through the air.

    A thick, jagged shard of wood punched through the back of his neck, tearing clean through his throat and jutting out the front in a spray of blood.

    The cadet froze in horror, his breath caught in his chest as he watched the soldier¡¯s eyes bulge in shock. Blood poured down his uniform, his trembling fingers clawing weakly at the splintered wood.

    A wet, choking gasp escaped his lips. His rifle slipped from his grip, hitting the dirt. His knees buckled, and with one last gurgling rasp, he collapsed, twitching as his life drained away.

    More screams erupted around him.

    One soldier collapsed to his knees, a jagged shard lodged in his eye socket, twitching for a moment before falling still.

    The surviving soldiers ran blindly, directionless, no longer thinking¡ªjust running. And in their blind panic, they became their own worst enemy.

    One soldier tried to sprint through the chaos but slammed into another at full speed, both tumbling down a slope of jagged rocks. Skulls cracked, bones snapped¡ªneither got up.

    Others ran wildly, colliding into trees, crashing into the undergrowth, clawing at vines like drowning men.

    One man, drenched in sweat and blood, sprinted blindly into the jungle. His breathing was ragged, his heart pounding so loud it drowned out the screams around him. He only saw shapes¡ªdark trunks, flashes of green, the sun piercing through the leaves.

    Then¡ªsudden impact.

    A sharp, dry branch caught him square in the face.

    It punched through his eye socket, tearing through soft tissue, bursting out the back of his skull.

    For a brief, horrible moment, he remained standing, impaled against the tree. His remaining eye twitched, his mouth hung open as if trying to scream¡ªbut only a wet gurgle escaped.

    Blood dripped down the bark, and his limbs went slack while the branch held him upright, a grotesque trophy of the jungle.

    Behind him, more men tripped, stumbled, and fell into the chaos, crashing over the dead, getting caught in the underbrush, some trampled by their own comrades.

    More rocks tumbled intermittently, designed to make the attack appear as a natural landslide.

    From their vantage point, Baka and his companions felt the ground tremble beneath them as the thunderous roar of descending rocks echoed through the trees. They heard trees shattering, soldiers screaming¡ªand their cries of agony.

    Another wave of navy soldiers attempted to climb, but they met the same fate. With the ascent proving impossible, the captain ordered a retreat. Many of his men were seriously wounded, broken in excruciating pain¡ªsome crushed to death. They didn¡¯t suspect a human attack, believing instead that the slopes were simply too dangerous to climb, that no man could ever reach the summit.

    Later that night on the beach, the soldiers set up camp...

    Beneath the cloudy night sky, the waning moon shone brighter, but its light was frequently obstructed by fast-moving clouds, and the stars struggled to sparkle.

    Rega stood, watching the island¡¯s landscape with frustration. Behind him, the tents wavered against the strong sea winds. Groups of soldiers sat around fires¡ªsome chatting and laughing¡ªbut their voices were quickly drowned out by the crashing waves. Those are, the wounded that had already received assistance, while others remained active, tending to those still in grave condition.

    Rega moved between the tents, crossing paths with two soldiers¡ªone young, hobbling on a makeshift crutch, the other supporting him. The young soldier¡¯s right leg was heavily bandaged, the once-white fabric soaked with blood. They looked at Rega with reverence as he passed, but his attention was fixed ahead¡ªwhere he spotted the captain emerging from a tent with an officer.

    Rega hastily caught up with the man, who pretended not to notice him. He fell in step beside the captain, his expression tense.

    ¡°Captain, they can only be on this island! The device led us in this direction¡ª¡± Rega said, trailing the man, who was draped in a complete midnight-blue uniform.

    ¡°The device...¡± the captain muttered dismissively, barely acknowledging him.

    ¡°It¡¯s also the only solid ground that¡¯s least remote!¡± Rega argued, struggling to keep up.

    The captain, troubled and upset, strode through the camp. His eyes flickered across his suffering soldiers¡ªmen still writhing in pain from their wounds. But when his gaze fell upon the fallen, their bodies covered with navy cloaks, his features hardened. Shame and guilt churned inside him, making it difficult to meet his men¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°You said ¡®least remote¡¯¡ªwhat if they¡¯re already far away?¡± The captain finally addressed Rega¡¯s argument as he entered a spacious tent. Inside, a soldier lay on a table, sobbing and struggling against the grip of his comrades. His right leg was completely crushed¡ªjagged bone fragments protruding from the mangled flesh.

    A medical officer stood over him, gripping a saw.

    Then¡ªhe began.

    The soldier¡¯s screams tore through the air as the saw bit into his leg. He thrashed violently, his comrades barely holding him down. Blood poured onto the table, splattering across their uniforms.

    The captain stood frozen, watching in horror. His stomach churned. He swiftly covered his mouth as nausea gripped him¡ªthen turned on his heel and left the tent. The soldier¡¯s horrific screams followed him outside, echoing into the night.

    ¡°You see that young man?¡± the captain said bitterly, walking through the camp. Rega trailed behind.

    ¡°He was a good soldier. He told me, the first day we met, that it was his dream to serve in the navy...¡± His voice darkened.

    ¡°And I stole it from him today.¡±

    Rega cut in.

    ¡°Do you really think those falling rocks were natural? They¡¯re there! I don¡¯t know how, but I¡¯m sure of it.¡±

    The captain halted, his eyes narrowing.

    ¡°So, this time, we¡¯re not trusting your device¡ªwe¡¯re trusting you?¡± he snapped.

    ¡°What would The Duke think if he learned of your indetermination regarding his mission?¡± Rega countered coldly, his words laced with threat.

    The captain stiffened. He was a man with something to answer for, and they both knew it.

    ¡°I led my soldiers on an unofficial mission... Don¡¯t you hear their screams?¡± the captain said, overwhelmed. But his words were directed more at himself than at Rega¡ªthe ever-unyielding envoy of Dodd.

    Rega remained close to him, weaving through the tents without a shred of compassion for the suffering men around him. His only focus was ensuring the mission¡¯s success.

    ¡°We¡ª¡± he started, but the captain swiftly cut him off.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you twenty soldiers to continue the mission. I have to return to Archovic Base. That¡¯s all I can do,¡± the captain said, his voice tight with constraint as he unbuttoned the top of his uniform to breathe easier.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be back in two days at dawn. If you¡¯re not on the beach by then...¡± His tone darkened.

    ¡°I¡¯ll know you¡¯re dead.¡±

    Rega frowned.

    ¡°What about your men?¡±

    ¡°I never said I was going to pick them up for,¡± the captain replied coldly.

    ¡°Those who want to, will follow you.¡± as he walked away without a look at Rega, who stood frozen.

    Back to the village...

    The villagers gathered in the courtyard, some standing outside the entrance of their huts, belongings packed, tense and frustrated as they waited for Baka and the others to return.

    Women and children, for the most part, were absent. When the defense group finally returned, it was announced that the intruders had retreated. Their faces lit up with wide smiles as they celebrated in hushed tones.

    Baka had ordered a group of sentries to watch over the navy¡¯s camp, keeping track of their every movement. From their vantage point, they observed as a rapid retreat unfolded.

    On the beach, the navy moved in a hurry but with precision. Their camp, once spread across the sand like an occupation, was now being dismantled with swift, practiced efficiency. Tents were taken down, supplies gathered, weapons secured¡ªbut first came the dead.

    The fallen were lined up on the sand, their bodies covered with navy cloaks. Before they were moved, a brief ritual took place. Officers walked between the rows, four pausing at each fallen comrade. A superior officer shouted words that the sea wind carried away in unclear whispers to the sentries.

    Then, the soldiers moved. In solemn formations, they lifted the dead onto their shoulders, carrying them down to the water where the waiting boats sat on the sand just before the surf. The waves washed over the beach gently, as if the sea itself mourned.

    The wounded came next¡ªsome limping, some held up by their comrades or using crutches, others laid onto stretchers. They were ferried with haste, the boats filling quickly before pushing off. Oars dipped into the water, pulling them toward the ship, which loomed just beyond the shallows, its dark silhouette framed against the slightly cloudy sky, the stretch of sea behind it reflecting the dim moonlight.

    Meanwhile, onshore, the remaining navy forces worked in a steady rhythm, breaking down the last of their camp, their urgency clear. Tents were packed, weapons gathered, supplies loaded into the final boats.

    The sand, once disturbed by their movements, was smoothed by the tide, eager to reclaim what had been taken. The last boat shoved off, its oars slicing through the waves.

    From their high vantage point, the sentries watched as the final boats reached the ship, its sails already unfurled. Soon, the ship woke from rest like a beast, its gigantic sails catching wind as it moved. The sea swallowed the ripples it left behind as it rapidly disappeared before the watching eyes of the sentries.

    The intruders were gone!

    The sentries wasted no time and rushed back with the news to the village, now celebrating loudly. Soon, those who had taken shelter began returning in joy.

    In the main courtyard, the villagers gathered around a wood fire, its flames burning high. Baka explained to them the reason for this unexpected visit by the World Navy. Some villagers were quick to demand that Sunny and his companions leave, while others understood the need to protect the innocent young boy. This misunderstanding led to tension around the fire.

    Outside the gathering, Zak stood thoughtful, watching. Beside him, Miko sat cross-legged on the bare ground. Leen was behind them, sitting in a hut doorway, observing as well.

    ...this is not the best solution, Zak. I think he''d be safer with¡ª This is the worst idea you''ve ever had! I''ll take him to Beligram... but to Gado¡ªhe can help him...

    Zak glanced at the young boy, whose gaze was fixed on the villagers as if he understood the reason for the tension¡ªhim. Yet, his face displayed no emotion.

    Leen watched as Baka dragged Sunny out of the gathering and into a hut.

    "They''re not going to let him stay here, are they?" Leen''s voice spoke up suddenly.

    Zak remained silent for a moment, deep in thought.

    "No... not sure," he finally said.

    "So what''s your plan now?" Leen asked.

    "I''ll take him to Eastland," Zak said.

    "Eastland? Don''t you think that trip is dangerous for... a boy?" Leen asked, glancing at Miko, her face suddenly creeping with concern.

    "I have a plan..." Zak replied shortly.

    "If it still involves taking him on that trip... it''s not a good one," Leen said, frustrated. Zak remained silent again.

    Leen, thoughtful, finally spoke.

    "I may have a better option..."

    ¡°And what¡¯s that?¡± Zak asked, having no real interest in whatever idea she was about to suggest.

    ¡°Let me take him with me. I know a place where he can be safe and have a home,¡± Leen said.

    Zak said nothing as he stood there, lost in thought.

    In Baka¡¯s hut...

    A hanging lantern¡¯s flame burned weakly, its glow dimly lighting Sunny¡¯s and his brother''s faces as they sat cross-legged, facing each other. Sunny¡¯s face showed frustration, but Baka¡¯s remained calm as they talked.

    ¡°¡­I know it wasn¡¯t your intention to drag your problems to the village, but as the leader of these poor people, I must ensure their safety as I promised,¡± he said, staring at his brother, calm and motionless as he continued.

    "I understand that, brother. Like you said, maybe this is my chance to forgive myself for the sins of the old me if I lead this boy to safety," Sunny said, and Baka became thoughtful.

    "The hunter thinks he''ll be safe in Eastland. I''ll need the token," Sunny added.

    "Eastland is a treacherous trip, even for a great pirate¡ª¡±

    "But I''m not a pirate¡­ not anymore," Sunny interrupted as his brother''s face hardened.

    "I used to pray for you to be a good man¡­ to quit piracy. But as the years passed, I realized how wrong I was," Baka said thoughtfully.

    "We may have the same blood running through our veins, but, Akwa, we are not the same as our path in this life," Baka continued.

    "I''m sorry if I ever looked at you like a stranger¡­ I admit, I was scared of you because I saw you like everyone else did¡ªwith horror not as my brother," Baka admitted.

    "Please stop that, brother. I liked you because you spoke out to me when others were afraid of me," Sunny chuckled, uneasy.

    "You''re a pirate, Akwa! It''s your destiny," Baka said firmly.

    Sunny remained silent.

    "And more than ever, I believe this is your path, and you shouldn¡¯t walk away from it. But it¡¯s your choice, brother," Baka added.

    After a moment, he continued,

    "I''ve come to understand¡ªbeing a good person is just a choice we make."

    Baka sighed.

    "I¡¯ve heard your request. You¡¯ll have the token¡­ but I think you need more than that. With Dodd¡¯s interest¡ªor whatever it is¡ªin that boy and the lengths he¡¯ll go to get him back, your trip to Beligram won¡¯t be easy. The captain Black Skull must return!"

    ¡°But¡­ but¡­¡± Sunny stammered, but Baka quickly cut him off.

    ¡°This village is a pirate¡¯s village! Many here have their dreams to feed, and I¡¯d be more reassured if they pursued them with you,¡± Baka said, his face full of love and respect for his brother.

    "But I don¡¯t have a big ship! Have you forgotten that this is what makes a captain worthy of the name?" Sunny protested.

    ¡°Come, follow me!¡± Baka said, leading him outside.

    Accompanied by some villagers, Baka, Sunny, and his companions made their way through the woods under the moonlit night. Eventually, they entered a discreet mountain opening, leading into a vast cave where a few villagers were already gathered.

    Sunny¡¯s eyes widened at the sight before him.

    Seawater flooded most of the cave, the ceiling lost in darkness. Torches lined the walls, dimly illuminating their steps. Resting on the water was a large, newly built wooden ship.

    "This was my first project, once we were safe and sound," Baka began, his voice heavy with emotion.

    "It was my way of grieving my brother¡­ honoring your memory."

    He turned to Sunny.

    "It''s your ship, my brother. It always has been!"

    Sunny stood motionless, his head heavy as he stared at the ship. Zak was simply relieved to have a quick way back to Beligram, while Leen remained indifferent.

    Baka stepped closer, patting his brother¡¯s bare shoulder.

    "You can resume your adventures¡­ pursue your dreams," Baka said, his heart filled with happiness.

    "The hull is reinforced with a double layer to withstand heat and cannon impacts¡ªalmost like the World Navy¡¯s ships," Baka informed him.

    Using a gangplank, they climbed onto the deck. The ship was not yet fully rigged, its brisk deck scattered with sailcloths.

    "More space, more compartments, a larger arsenal," Baka praised.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t just a ship for pirates¡­ you built a war machine!¡± Sunny said joyfully, running his fingers along the deck¡¯s cannons.

    He strode to the captain¡¯s cabin, sitting at the desk, his palms feeling the smooth wood. Baka watched him with happiness, his smile unwavering.

    Sunny took the walkway to the quarterdeck. As he placed his hands on the helm, he was overwhelmed with emotions and nostalgia. His eyes glistened with joy and gratitude for his older brother.

    Later in the Village...

    In front of Baka¡¯s hut, Sunny, Zak, and Leen were asleep, while Miko was obviously inside. In fact, the whole village was asleep¡ªexcept for Zak.

    ¡­you can¡¯t imagine! Since I came to the West Seas, I haven¡¯t thought of her once! What if she gets married before we¡¯re back? Possible¡­

    Zak dismissed the thought.

    I hope not! Ah ha! I pity you¡­ when was the last time you saw her? Talked with her? You know it¡¯s clearly impossible for the two of you to get married in any future¡ª Do you smell that? Smell what? Smoke!

    Zak pulled his hat away from his face just as he saw villagers already fleeing their huts in panic.

    It was fire!

    ¡°Fire! Fire!¡± the villagers shouted.