1554 Enter: The Red Devil
Revenge... Oh, sweet revenge.
The seas were calm, with the gentle caress of the summery night breeze lightly blowing about the scene.
The night was young, as midnight hadn't arrived.
Silent night... Silent, calm and gentle night.
Over 250 galleys sailed across the open seas, all heading in one direction... Baymard!
...
Shwah~... Shwah~... Shwah~...
The waves tapped the corners of the ships lightly.
There was no sound from the men, yet everyone was moving with stern expressions plastered on their faces.
The air was so brittle it could snap.
But why all the tension?
Sling!~
Shirtless men sharpened their weapons in silence, others relieved themselves, and some moved about the ship from one assignment to another.
Even though the night was here, it was still summer.
The air was thick, hot, and still with little to no breeze.
The shirtless men gazed at one another, rounding up whatever they were doing.
Soon...
Soon, they will receive the order!
Din. Din. Din. Din. Din~
A red-haired broad-shouldered man calmly walked across the deck, heading to a stairway on the opposite.
Many didn't need to look up to know that whoever was approaching was either a large and heavily armed man or a leader who considered himself untouchable.
The man exuded confidence with every step he took.
However, just a single look left many in shock.
They were too dazzled that they couldn't help whispering amongst themselves, especially the crew members who were still seen as juniors.
"I'll be damned!... It's Captain Red Beard!"
"What? You mean the famous Red Beard who rules over half of Skull island?"
"Yes! It's him! I was only fortunate to see him once in my life, but I will never forget him." One of the crew members spoke, recalling his days when he had to battle with others in order to get chosen by the higher-ups or other prominent men to join their crew or faction.
.
Red Beard...
The name sent chills down the spines of many.
"I heard once that a massive Boggle was about to attack his fleet. But when all hope seemed lost, Red Beard, asleep during the shocking incident, only looked out his balcony, giving the vicious creature one stare."
"And then? And then what happened?"
"Hehehehe~ I tell yah, I heard it was incredible! The creature ran away in horror, too scared to look into his eyes. It's said just staring for long can keep one in a trance abyss for all eternity."
Hiss!!!
Many sucked in air, lowering their heads, never wanting to meet this red devil's eyes.
"Red Beard... A.K.A, the red Devil of the seas. He is still number 16 on the main private list."
"So fierce! That's number 16! With the hundreds and thousands out there, it's not easy to climb the ranks."
"You don't need to say it anymore. This guy is so fierce that it's been speculated he doesn't have any blood in his body. It's ironic since his name he's the famous Red Beard. But many said he was cursed by the ghost of Old Yeller, one of the greatest pirates to have ever lived."
"So scary? Damn!... But wait! Didn't he and the late Nopline of Pyno have a brotherhood?"
"Of course they did! Why do you think a person of his high rank would actively go on this mission? I don't know the whole story, but somehow, Baymard is also involved in Nopline's matter."
"That's right. When useless Nopline died, his things were taken by those lowlifes. I heard Red Beard was looking for something in particular which these bastards stole."
"Tch!" One of the operates scoffed, feeling Baymard too stupid.
How dare they provoke so many terrible people all at once?
"Huh! It looks like this Baymard is really dead. With Red Beard fighting by our side, these Baymardians will soon become a thing of the past!!"
"Yeah!"
....
Discussions like these came up whenever the red-haired devil passed by.
His face was expressionless, and his eyes cold. Maynard...
A murderous aura seeped out whenever he thought of all the money, treasures, and deals he lost from Nopline's death.
You have to know that though Nopline was his chess piece, this worthless insect was still his eyes and ears in Pyno.
Do you think he was sad about the fool's untimely death?
Heh.
What he cared about was all he lost!
He, Red Beard, would get his 'just' revenge.
Red Beard's eyes flickered with a cold glint.
.
Din. Din. Din. Din. Din. Din.
Up the creaky outer stairway he went, along the luxurious wing above the deck.
Only those in high positions could stay in these upper cabins. And the more he advanced, the more luxurious the space.
Red Beard moved through the narrow but stylish hallway.
To his left were 2 separate cabins, while his right only had one cabin that took the same space as the other 2 on his left.
1, 2, 3...7
He knocked in a coded manner.
"Sunny days, clearer nights."
Translation: It's safe—no enemy at sight.
Still, he knew he was being watched by the tiny, hardly visible hole on the door at waist-level.
These peepholes were so small and hard to spot, especially with how the door was painted and coated.
A brief silence passed before the door was opened from within.
"Enter."
Hmmm...
Red Beard's eyes had scanned the room in just a few seconds.
There were golden candle stands, well-sewn carpets made from the most expensive wool, feathered pillows scattered all over the comfortable couches, and a golden table with a tray of apples in the center.
Fruits expire the fastest out at sea. So the delicacies were limited since their last quick stop.
But not to worry, after tonight, they would have plenty of luxurious food to fill them up for weeks.
Hmmmm….
Red Beard's eyes fell on the 3 men standing before the other 2 seated men. He recognized only the 2 seated men. The other 3, he guessed, were their subordinates.
Good…
Since everyone was here, then it was time to begin.
