"Bennet, Hugo, Leo," the guild master began, his voice a low. "I understand your eagerness to take on this mission, but I plead that you reconsider. The job is too dangerous."
He had seen countless warriors come and go, and he knew the dangers that lurked beyond especially when it involved pirates. His concern for their well-being was understandable.
"Guild Master, we appreciate your concern, but this mission means everything to us. I think the experience that we will get there is something that can push us to the next level" Bennet said.
"And the pay is very handsome, one thousand silver per head" followed by Hugo.
"We're prepared to face any danger that comes our way. I'm just hoping that the sea is calm" said Leo with a forced smile.
The guild master sighed, he knew that convincing them was an impossible task.
"Very well," the guild master conceded. But you must understand the gravity of this mission. The island you're tasked with liberating is a two-day journey by sea. The pirates who have taken it are not your run-of-the-mill buccaneers; they might be protected by a Pirate Lord."
He leaned in closer to the trio, emphasizing the importance of his words. "Pirate Lords are powerful figures, and their crews are stronger than the average one. This journey will be very dangerous, and I fear for your safety."
"We know the odds are against us," Bennet replied, "but we can't let fear dictate our actions. Those pirates must answer for their crimes."
The guild master sighed once more, realizing that further attempts to dissuade them would be futile. "Very well," he said with a hint of resignation. "If you are resolved to undertake this mission, then I won't stand in your way. I will provide whatever support I can, including advice and supplies."
As the guild master turned away, his gaze fell upon Jax who had been silently observing the conversation. With a puzzled expression, he addressed Jax. "Jax, do you have anything to add? They are your guildmates, after all."
Jax scratched his head. "Well, Guild Master, the mission might be dangerous but there's some good coin to be made, count me in.
The guild master's jaw dropped in astonishment. Jax's decision seemed to defy all logic.
"Jax, are you sure about this?" the guild master inquired, bewildered by the unexpected turn of events. "This mission poses serious risks.
Jax simply shrugged, his reasoning unconventional yet oddly fitting. "Serious risks are what I usually eat for breakfast."
Bennet, Hugo, and Leo exchanged amused glances. The guild master, while still perplexed by Jax's reasoning, finally surrendered.
"Fine, fine. I will prepare your resources as well as any information to increase your chances of success," said Guild Master Eliador.
Later the team assembled in the guild headquarters, they learned that Guild master Eliador had talked to one of the senior members to help in the mission. Rudy agreed to partake and he would be their direct team leader for the upcoming mission. Rudy's reputation preceded him as an experienced pirate hunter with a remarkable track record of successfully completing over seven missions of a similar nature.
Bennet surveyed the grizzly-looking man and noticed that he was at level twenty which makes him a true seasoned warrior.
"I'm Rudy," he said, his tone confident and resolute. "I've spent a significant portion of my career dealing with pirates, and I've seen it all."
"Fighting on the ocean is a whole different beast," Rudy began, his words measured and insightful. "The movement of the water can be unpredictable, affecting not just our footing but the trajectory of projectiles, too. Maintaining your balance is crucial, and getting caught off guard by a rogue wave or a slippery deck can be deadly."
He paused briefly, allowing the young warriors to absorb his words before continuing, "And then there's the weather. Sudden storms can turn a calm sea into a tempest in a matter of minutes. It can make ranged attacks difficult, and navigating our ship becomes a real challenge. So, staying alert and adaptable is essential."
Rudy then turned to Leo, his gaze steady and probing. "Tell me about your abilities, Leo."
Leo, feeling a bit nervous under Rudy's scrutiny, stammered, "I use Nature arts, mainly focusing on fire manipulation for both offense and defense."
"Good," Rudy acknowledged. "Now, let's test your tactical thinking. Imagine this: four pirates are closing in on your position. What's your next move?"
Leo hesitated for a moment, then responded confidently, "I'd create a protective barrier of flames, a sort of firewall, to shield myself from their attacks."
Rudy raised an eyebrow, clearly looking for more. "Why a firewall?"
Leo blinked. "Well, to protect myself from their attacks, of course."
Rudy's expression remained unchanged as he continued, "And what about your surroundings? The ship you're on, the crew members, the valuable cargo?"
Leo's eyes widened as the implications sank in. "Oh no, I didn't consider that... I would have unintentionally caused significant damage."
Rudy nodded, his point made. "Exactly. It's essential to think not only about your own safety but also about minimizing collateral damage. Keep that in mind during our mission."
Leo nodded, chastened by the lesson learned, and made a mental note to be more mindful of his surroundings and allies in future battles.
Rudy shifted his attention to Bennet, Jax, and Hugo. "I've heard that you three are more inclined toward physical combat," he noted. "In this mission, mastering your footing on a ship is crucial."
He continued to explain, "Fighting on the high seas is vastly different from a land battle. The shifting deck, the unpredictable swells, and the confined space can be your greatest adversaries. Your ability to maintain balance and control in these conditions can save your life."
"The moment we set foot on that ship," Rudy advised, "start walking and don't stop all day if you can help it. Get to know every inch of that deck, feel its movements, and become one with it."
He further elaborated, "The ship will become your ally and your enemy, depending on how well you adapt. You should be able to anticipate its every sway, its every shift. That way, you won't be caught off guard during combat, and you'll maintain control even in the most challenging situations."
Rudy's experienced eyes bore into each young warrior, stressing the importance of their upcoming training. "Remember, the ocean doesn't care if you're seasoned warriors or novices when it comes to naval battles. It'll challenge you all the same."
Guild Master Eliador stepped forward, his authoritative presence capturing the attention of the assembled team. He cleared his throat and began to share the information that he had gathered.
"There will be a total of one hundred warriors embarking on this mission," he announced, his voice carrying through the room. "About two hundred additional fighters will be joining us from the Moon Raiders, and later on, approximately a hundred watchers will reinforce your ranks."
Bennet, curious about the Moon Raiders, raised his hand and asked, "Who are the Moon Raiders?"
"The Moon Raiders are a formidable pirate crew who have been protecting the islands around our country. They are being led by none other than, Kai."
There are whispers in the pirate world that suggest Captain Kai might be on par with the Pirate Lords, though he's never officially claimed such a title," Rudy chimed in, his tone filled with respect. "His primary goal has always been the protection of the kingdom."
Guild Master Eliador nodded in agreement, a tinge of concern evident in his expression. "Indeed, and if the Moon Raiders are involved, it's an indication of the mission's extreme difficulty."
After receiving their mission briefing, the team gathered their belongings and made their way to Costamar village, the designated meeting place. They were immediately greeted by a scene of controlled chaos. Hundreds of warriors and pirates bustled about, each engaged in various tasks to prepare for the mission ahead. Some were busy loading cargo onto the waiting ships, ensuring that they had all the necessary supplies for the journey. Others were inspecting their weapons and gear, making sure everything was in top condition.
In the midst of this organized frenzy, Kai stood as a towering figure of leadership. He was no longer clad in his familiar warrior's uniform; instead, he wore an elegant pirate frock coat. The coat, like the attire of those around him, was a deep, shadowy hue, adding an air of mystery to his presence. As Bennet observed him from afar, he couldn't help but be reminded of a shadowy titan lurking in the darkness, ready to emerge when the time was right.
Bennet, Hugo, and Leo found themselves caught up in the flurry of activity. They joined the efforts to prepare the cargo, securing crates of supplies, ammunition, and equipment onto the ships. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the warriors and pirates was visible, and it eased some of the tension that had settled over the group.
Their team leader, Rudy, stood nearby, overseeing the preparations and occasionally providing guidance to the younger warriors.
Finally, as the sun began its descent towards the horizon, the preparations were nearing completion. The cargo had been loaded, and the ships were ready to set sail. The warriors and pirates gathered in a semi-circle, awaiting further instructions.
"Today, we embark on a mission. Our goal is to liberate an island that has fallen under an abusive Pirate crew" Said Captain Kai to the warriors and pirates.
Captain Kai gazed intensely into the eyes of each individual, his presence commanding their full attention. Then, in a voice that resonated with determination and purpose, he spoke.
"Living a life of peace is an honorable endeavor, but it becomes a great shame when we live peacefully while ignoring the suffering of those who are oppressed. So let me ask you this.."
"Who among you is ready to face our ancestors with honor and pride?" Captain Kai asked with fire in his eyes.
A resounding roar of agreement erupted from the assembled crowd. The fiery passion in their hearts was unmistakable, especially to Hugo whose father died protecting their town years ago.