The roar of the steamship grew louder and louder!
Accompanying the roaring steam, people scurried back and forth on the deck like ants on a hot pan.
Onboard the Dagger, the helmsman shouted strain in his voice:
"Adjust the port side! Activate the last hidden energy source, replenish the protective shield, and have the lifeboats ready to stand by at any moment!
If the Intelligence Officer spots any abnormal ships, report it immediately!"
Fenrir, the Wild Wolf, also stepped out of the captain's room, bringing out a high-end Eye of Long Voyage device:
"Black Hunter, and Miss Witch! The current situation does not look optimistic! Here's the information we have so far."
Fenrir twirled a knob, and the device in his hands began emitting sounds.
"Dagger, someone has broadcasted information through the signal tower about the Flower Witch, the Black Hunter, and the Land of Trial to the entire Witch Sea."
"Currently, according to observations of ships, more than fifteen ships from different forces have entered the Mutated Sea, and the Blood Blade Pirate Group is embroiled in combat with the Black Whale Group, unable to provide effective fire support."
"Dagger, you must leave the Mutated Sea and reach the Domain of Red Maple Island—"
The situation seemed rather dire... Chen Qi patted the device.
The Flower Witch frowned, deeply troubled by the feeling of being pursued by multiple forces.
Fenrir, the Wild Wolf, lit a cigarette and laughed bitterly in self-derision:
"The last time this many forces were stirred up was just before the Descent of the Crack Tide when the Deep Sea Hunter's treasure map excited all four major pirate groups in their frenzied search for treasure."
"And now, with the Crack Tide, treasure hunters greedier than mere 'four pirates' have long since swarmed these seas, but it's good news that the Ice Witch's Pirate Group has arrived; I hear they stand with the Witch."
"It's all because of me..."
The flowers on the Flower Witch's head drooped as she spoke softly.
Not only does she possess the Occupation Card of the Flower Witch, the relics of the Blade Witch, and detailed information about the Land of Trial, but she also holds the Ice Witch's prophecy...
Fenrir, the Wild Wolf, spread out a sea chart:
"Everyone, if you want to safely return to Red Maple Island, to Black Mine City, we're going to take a gamble now. My suggestion is to head straight for Red Maple Island, but as a consequence, the probability of us being attacked by other ships will greatly increase.
What are your thoughts?"
Fenrir, the Wild Wolf, put forth a bold plan.
If we're surrounded, then let's break through directly!!
We might even run into the Ice Witch's Pirate Group!
Wait, surrounded... Chen Qi looked at the sea chart.
The Mutated Sea, Red Maple Island, the Navy's abandoned research base, and Black Mine City—
Because of the Great Whirlpool, to get out, we must pass through the Mutated Sea.
As such, even though we are at sea, the Dagger actually has very few choices.
Of course, that's just from their perspective—
In Chen Qi's eyes, the sea route seemed wide open! They could navigate anywhere!
Firstly, continue deeper into the Mutated Sea, aiming at the perilous Mist Sea.
But neither the Flower Witch Fen nor Fenrir would ever agree to this option.
Besides that, there are the dangers inherent within the Mutated Sea itself!
As a Forbidden Land, the Mutated Sea is home to more than just the Black Light Dragon and other dangerous Sea Beasts; there are also hazards like the treacherous fog.
Of course, any option would be overly thrilling for the crew of the Dagger.
But given the current circumstances, it indeed seemed like a pretty good choice... Chen Qi stroked his chin.
Just taking a detour could avoid most of the hostile ships.
Fenrir crouched down, spreading the sea chart on the ground to plan their next course.
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However, the abundance of danger markers made it difficult to start.
Chen Qi quietly said:
"Wild Wolf, Fen, I have a good idea."
"???"
Chen Qi took the pen and lightly traced a line through the dark areas on the sea chart:
"Don't these spots look quite open? Let's follow this route and navigate around them!"
Open? What kind of reasoning is that? The crew looked up incredulously at the Black Hunter and the route marked on the sea chart.
Open meant uncharted, terrifying territories, didn't it?
Was the Black Hunter always so bold in navigating?
"..."
Fenrir, the Wild Wolf, fell silent for a moment:
"Mr. Black Hunter, are you sure there won't be a problem? This area of the sea is known for the activity of the Black Light Dragon, and there are many other ferocious and brutal Ghost Fire Fish."
If it were anyone else, Fenrir would have already smacked them.
But Chen Qi's "Fishing in the Storm" had given Fenrir an overwhelming sense: that following the Black Hunter meant safety and bounty!
If not for the Black Hunter, they of the Dagger would still be at the Navy's abandoned research base, exchanging fire with the Black Whale Group.
Fen also chimed in:
"Is this really feasible?"
Fen Hu looked at Chen Qi skeptically.
The more she saw of Chen Qi, the more mysterious he seemed!
There should be no problem... Chen Qi explained a bit:
"Everyone, you should know, I once got lucky and found a Deep Sea Hunter's treasure.
Among other things, besides 'Fishing in the Storm', I also acquired a 'Monster Hunting Guide' from the Deep Sea Hunter, which contains the weaknesses and habits of most monsters, so even if we're venturing into dangerous waters, I'm confident we can handle it."