Volume 7, Chapter 2: The Phauros of Ehector
"What's this? Isn't that Asanato's Apolito over there!"
Amidst the small high-speed ships in Ehector, there was one medium-sized high-speed ship.
A man with a robust body, about 190 centimeters tall, stood at the bow, similar in height to Apolito, and shouted.
Apolito, who had been addressed, remained seated in a crossed-legged position, Colonel Kunitz, and did not reply.
"It's me. We used to rampage together in Pilates, remember? I'm Phauros."
"Oh, I see."
Apolito muttered quietly, still seated and expressionless.
"What are you doing here? A cowardly noble, and now you've become even more spineless? You're still not cut out for piracy, just as I thought."
Phauros had a mocking attitude.
I was irritated listening to him.
"What's the deal with that guy!"
I asked Apolito, my frustration evident.
"Oh, him? Don't mind him. He's always been like that."
Apolito replied with a lack of enthusiasm.
"It would be a thousand times more honorable for your brothers who quit piracy and are living an honest life!"
"Hah, you're a laugh! We're going to thoroughly enjoy killing you all now, and then take everything from you! In this world, those who win take everything, no matter how pompous they sound! Listen up, we're going to teach you that now!"
Phauros shouted in response to what I said.
"You haven't changed a bit."
Apolito sighed wearily.
"I have changed, though."
Afterward, Apolito mumbled in a soft voice.
Ugh.
"Brothers, what's the deal with him?"
I asked Apolito.
"Oh, him? He just kills and enjoys it without hesitation. I, on the other hand, only kill when necessary for survival, and I wouldn't attack if I received some kind of fee. Our ways of thinking just don't align. We parted ways after a fight."
Apolito replied with a sense of apathy.
"Hah, you fool! Strong ones are allowed to do anything! That's why you all will be taught a lesson by us from now on!"
Phauros grinned.
The guests who had been watching nervously on the deck of the luxurious high-speed sailboat screamed.
"Isn't that the Hector who slaughters those they attack?"
"They're the infamous ones known for their cruelty."
The guests cried out in anguish.
"Massacre? How despicable are these guys!"
Hearing that, I became furious.
"Wait, what?"
I said, and Aoi, Murasaki, and Princess Miyabi were looking at me with surprised expressions.
My apologies.
"Hahaha, you're all our prey!"
Phauros seemed genuinely delighted.
Twenty small high-speed ships surrounded our luxurious high-speed sailboat.
"So, does that mean it's okay for strong people to do anything? Is that what you're saying?"
I questioned Phauros.
"Of course, isn't it obvious?"
Phauros laughed, as if licking his lips.
I thought this is what they call a predatory grin.
"Brothers, isn't that right?"
I asked Apolito.
"Yeah, I don't mind."
Apolito nodded without much enthusiasm.
"Alright then, understood."
I said, smiling happily.
Seeing my expression, Princess Miyabi kindly told the guests on the deck to return to their cabins.
"Hahaha, meaningless! Hiding in the cabins won't save you!"
Phauros seemed genuinely amused.
"Well then, shall we? Today's everyone's feast."
I said to Aoi with a wide smile.
"Yes, understood."
Aoi smiled back.
At the same time, the twenty small high-speed ships began sinking one after another.
"What... What are you doing!"
Phauros shouted from the bow of the slightly larger Ehector ship.
At the same time, a hundred Sea Serpents emerged from the sea, happily dropping from the ship into the water, looking at the Ehector group.
"Everyone, enjoy your dance of death."
I smiled and the Sea Serpents gleefully devoured the Ehector crew one by one.
I watched warmly, nodding in approval.
"Such enthusiasm for eating."
I chuckled.
"Indeed."
Aoi also replied with a smile.
"You lot, stop messing around!"
Phauros shouted angrily.
"My, my? It's all fair game once you've won, isn't it?"
I taunted playfully.
"Remember this! Skill: Navigational Maneuvering Speed!"
Phauros yelled his parting words and, abandoning his comrades, rapidly maneuvered his own high-speed ship like a motorboat, fleeing.
"That guy, always acting so pompous but quick to run."
Apolito mumbled dispiritedly.
"He's a coward for running away so quickly."
I said, and Aoi, Mitsuki, Princess Miyabi, and Murasaki looked at me with cold eyes.
"No, you see, mine was a tactful retreat."
I tried to justify.
"In battle, you always need to be a few steps ahead."
Colonel Kunitz, also known as Shioa, interjected with that memorable line.
He still seems a bit broken, doesn't he?