Chapter 38: Establishing Authority

The slave steward lowered his head quickly, his body trembling slightly, and answered respectfully: "Sir, the place we live in is dark, damp and crowded. We only eat some crude food to barely survive." As he said that, his eyes revealed a trace of helplessness and pleading.

Gavin frowned slightly and said: "I will improve this situation for you. Now tell me, what kind of ships can you build?"

The slave steward quickly straightened up, folded his hands in front of him, and said respectfully: "Sir, we have rich experience. Small fishing boats, medium-sized cargo ships, and even large sailing ships like this giant ship, as long as there are enough materials, we can do our best to build them."

Gavin nodded and continued to ask: "What about the storage of wood? How many ships can be made?"

The slave steward looked embarrassed, bowed and saluted and said: "Sir, the current wood is sufficient, but I am afraid it is only enough to build another long ship." He gestured with his hands while speaking.

Gavin's face darkened and he said, "Isn't there enough wood? Why can we only build one ship?"

The slave manager was terrified and hurriedly explained, "Sir, there are not many giant woods for making keels. The other wood can only build some fishing boats at most."

Gavin pondered for a moment and said, "I know. I will find a way to solve the problem of wood. You must build it carefully and finish this giant ship first."

The slave manager felt relieved and knelt down and kowtowed, "Thank you, sir. We will do our best!"

Then, Gavin took out a blueprint of a three-bow crossbow from his previous life. The blueprint was really sloppy and the lines were crooked.

Gavin pointed to the blueprint and patiently and carefully explained it to several slave craftsmen who made crossbows: "Look here, and here..."

The slaves gathered around, frowning and listening carefully.

One of the leaders who managed the craftsmen said, "Sir, there is no need to remake it, we should be able to modify it."

Gavin's eyes lit up and he asked eagerly, "Modify it directly?"

The head craftsman nodded affirmatively, "Sir, it can be modified, using the crossbow made before."

Gavin immediately gave a decisive order: "Okay, start building and testing the power of the bed crossbow immediately." His expression was serious and his eyes were majestic.

The chief craftsman quickly responded: "Yes, sir!"

Gavin emphasized again: "Remember, once the test is successful, all the crossbows must be replaced."

The chief craftsman bowed respectfully and saluted: "I understand, sir, please rest assured!"

At this time, Gavin looked around the slave stewards and craftsmen, and said solemnly: "As long as you serve me seriously for three years, I will give you freedom, and I will also give you some rewards during these three years."

The slave stewards and craftsmen heard the light of hope in their eyes, and they knelt down and kowtowed, shouting in unison: "Thank you, sir! We will do our best!"

Afterwards, Gavin decided to thoroughly reorganize this group of chaotic pirates. He knew that if he wanted to dominate this dangerous sea, he must have a disciplined, well-trained and loyal team.

In the morning, Gavin ordered Hassan to bring the fierce Blood Dragon Guards to gather the pirates scattered in every corner of the camp.

Many pirates gathered in an open space lazily and dragging their feet. They whispered to each other, their faces full of curiosity and uneasiness about this call.

Gavin stood on a high place, his eyes like a hawk sweeping over this mob. He thought to himself: "These guys have always been undisciplined, and they must be made clear of the importance of rules by iron-fisted means."

Gavin said loudly: "From today on, I will set the first rule for you. When you gather, no one is allowed to speak without my order, and no one is allowed to whisper. Those who violate the rules will die!"

The pirates were in an uproar when they heard it. Gavin's face sank and he shouted angrily: "Who is making noise? Stand up!" The crowd was silent in an instant.

Gavin did not do anything else next, but just let the pirates stand where they were, while he sat on a chair and closed his eyes to rest.

Finally, several dissatisfied pirates couldn't help but whisper and complain to each other in private. Gavin, who had been listening carefully, immediately noticed it and ordered the Blood Dragon Guards to pull them out in public without hesitation.

He stared at the pirates with cold eyes and said coldly: "I have given you a chance, but you don't know how to cherish it."

Before he finished speaking, the Blood Dragon Guard raised his sword and fell. The pirates who were whispering to each other were instantly beheaded, and blood splashed on the faces of other pirates. They looked at Gavin in horror, their hearts full of fear, and they dared not disobey him anymore.

In this way, the pirates stood until sunset, and no pirate dared to say a word during this period.

Watching the sky getting dark, the Blood Dragon Guard brought a heavy box. After opening it, it was full of shining golden dragons. Gavin climbed up to the height again and said loudly: "Your performance today is not bad. I am not a stingy person. This is a reward for your obedience." After that, he ordered Hassan to distribute them one by one.

The next day, Gavin gathered the pirates here in the same way. Then, Gavin began to ask the pirates about their past experiences and skills one by one. He was focused and made careful records, and arranged their groups accordingly.

Gavin divided the pirates who were familiar with sailing routes and wind directions and good at repairing ship equipment into a separate group, and then brought everyone together for training.

In the following days, Gavin did not slack off at all. He personally supervised the training of the pirates every day. In the process, he slowly discovered that there were various small groups among these people.

And every night, Gavin talked with many sailors and captains who had been kidnapped before. He knew that just reorganizing pirates was not enough. Those sailors and captains who had been kidnapped were also a force that cannot be ignored. .

At this time, Gavin sat opposite an experienced old captain. He said in a sincere tone: "I am deeply sorry that you were forced to come here. But now that the situation has been determined, I sincerely hope to get your assistance. I am by no means a cruel and ruthless person like Black Shark 'Earl'. As long as you are willing to serve me, I guarantee that you and your crew will receive due respect and preferential treatment."

The old captain's eyes were complicated. After hesitating for a moment, he said: "Sir, although I have been coerced here, I understand the current situation. But, how can I trust you?"

Gavin smiled slightly and said: "Captain, time will prove everything. As long as you sincerely help me, your future glory and wealth will be indispensable."