Chapter 64
Chapter 64: Ammand’s Ploy
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Erwin hadn’t expected that Sheyan would make such a bold move at this critical time. Nevertheless, his character was dauntless, and with a cry, he raised his right arm to receive the strike! Simultaneously, he drew his blade to retaliate at Sheyan. Similarly Sheyan did not attempt to dodge, and lifted his left hand to seize Erwin’s incoming blade. Blood streamed down his palm, yet Sheyan treated it like nothing as he swiftly slashed out again!
Erwin groaned out in pain, as he clutched his shoulder and retreated. Instead, Sheyan did not give him any breathing space, immediately stomping in and heavily kicking at his abdomen. This one kick contained such strength that it blew this unlucky guy overboard. Screaming miserably in mid air, Erwin submerged into the sea with a splash.
Sheyan then turned around nonchalantly and flicked his bleeding hand. The few witnesses to what happened with Venomous Erwin were dumbstruck. Sheyan immediately called out.
“What was his position on this ship again?”
Before, Sheyan acted as though he was still as a virgin, but when moving, Sheyan became as agile as an escaping rabbit. This left a deep impression on people, and under his cutting and intensive glare, a skinny pirate could no longer stand it and retreated half a step as he uttered.
“Its…. second mate.”
Sheyan once again asked:
“What is your name?”
That startled skinny pirate instantly replied.
“I’m Robben, they call me Long Legs Robben.”
“Now you are the second mate. If you do not wish to turn into dinner for the Caribbean sea sharks within the next few minutes, hurry up and bring them to reinforce the left deck. At once!” Sheyan called out with a severe tone, his eyes shining with killing intent!
Struck by a dizzy spell due to his sudden promotion from the heavens, Robben tossed out his original notion of wanting to avenge Erwin. Reacting to Sheyan’s sudden command, he instantly drew his broadsword and cried out; charging towards the left side of the deck, before forcing back the spanish soldiers who had already breached in.
Meanwhile, Ammand had spectated everything. He naturally understood that Erwin was attempting to seize the chance to steal credit. Instead, he did not predict that Sheyan would exhibit such ruthlessness. Without a word, he had instantly killed off his obstacle!
Erwin, who was capable of holding the second mate position, was naturally one of Ammand’s earlier confidant. Already heavily injured prior to that, he received a slash and subsequently got kicked into the sea. Beholding that, Ammand felt his heart twitch with pain. However, Sheyan had pulled back strongly against a fanatical tide, were his merits were as clear as daylight. Any ill feelings were useless, but he even had to reward and coax Sheyan.
Primarily, he had to display his impartiality in rewarding and punishing. Secondly, it was because Ammand’s elite forces had also suffered heavy losses in this one battle. Crew head Cuaron had died, Scarface Harry had fainted from the heavy blow to his head, and second mate Erwin had been thrown into the sea. If he added the few other elite pirates who gave their lives blocking that decaying undead, Ammand had lost at least 60 percent of his powerful faction in this battle.
Under such a situation, if Ammand did not manage his rewards and punishments well and thereby agitating the masses, his crew would undoubtedly become divided. Besides, Sheyan’s fame had soared within the hearts of these pirates due to this battle. If he wanted to get rid of him, Sheyan may in fact collude with Xiaer to stab him in the back!
As the battle progressed, the british navy gradually gained the advantage. After all, their forces had a full legendary squad in those 4 warships, with respective legendary abilities not inferior to one another.
Although the Spanish Paragon fleet displayed unyielding strength and immense firepower, coupled with their strict discipline, they still succumbed slowly to their enemies. Thus, they started pulling back in defense. The merchant Fernandez had also sensed that something was amiss, and had begun abandoning his ship tactics. Summoning a huge portion of his elite mercenaries to guard himself and his largest merchant ship, he tossed out the heavy goods and tried to make do with the lighter but more valuable items.
Witnessing such a scene, Guatas, who was still blocking Ammand, no longer held intentions of fighting on. Besides, Ammand was not in the mood to fight as well. With both on the same page, they took a step backwards at the same time, which translated to having reached a mutual understanding. Once Ammand returned to his ship, Sheyan discreetly kneeled down. Using both hands to offer up the sabre he had stolen, he raised his voice in celebration.
“The great son of the Black sea, we welcome you back!”
Ammand’s gaze flickered as he noticed the remaining lucky survivors of the Bell and Mug were all glancing towards here. Especially Robben, who casted a sickening blazing look in his eyes. That was because once Sheyan received the acknowledgement of the captain, the position of second mate bestowed by Sheyan, would be half secured! Upon judging this scene, Ammand understood the general trend and what the masses were yearning for. Huffing out a deep breath, he drew his silver sword from his waist, before pressing it on Sheyan’s shoulder. Using a solemn tone, he raised his voice.
“Well done! Seaman Yan from the East! From today onwards, you are the new crew head of the Bell and Mug!”
Sheyan’s eyes flickered brightly, yet he remained silent. In contrast, most of the pirates who previously guarded the Bell and Mug cheered out sonorously. It was clear in their hearts that without Sheyan, they would’ve already been defeated by the Spanish soldiers earlier on; where two consequences would await them – to die by the blade or tossed into the sea and drown.
Following that, Ammand could only pinch his nose and acknowledged Robben to be acting second mate. Simultaneously, Sheyan received notifications from the nightmare imprint.
[ You received an appointment from Ammand, Captain of the Bell and Mug and Boss rank storyline character ]
[ You have been appointed as Crew Head of the Bell and Mug ]
[ You have earned 1,200 points of popularity amongst the pirates. From a ‘cold’ 24/1000 points, it is raised to ‘amicable’ 224/3000 ]
(TN: once the counter is met, its rating would be upgraded and the counter would restart from zero. Exceeding points would carry over. E.g. cold 24/1000 after reaching 1000, it would upgrade to the next rating to amicable 224/3000)
[ You have acquired a hidden achievement: Pirate ringleader ]
[ You have acquired a hidden title: Pirate ringleader. (Equipping bonuses: Once you stay on the ship, strength +2, physique +2, in a radius of 30 metres, your ally acting capabilities will raise by 10%) ]
[ You have acquired a hidden achievement, you receive 1 achievement point.” (Every hidden achievement would provide achievement points) ]
Presently, Ammand was exhausted and his thoughts were numerous and disorderly. So many changes had happened abruptly within a short span of time. As expected of a commanding officer, he then observed the new crew head, Sheyan, who faithfully assumed his new role and followed his order to clean up the remaining enemies. In addition to that, to complete the job of looting the merchant ship.
Most of the pirates knew that Sheyan was ruthless to the point of cutting down and feeding Erwin to the sharks. The Erwin who had braved numerous life and death occasions with Ammand for 10 years. Thus, they obediently followed his instructions.
At this moment, Chris who had previously retired to the cabin surfaced again. His face was filled with smiles as he wanted to congratulate Sheyan. However, he saw an urgent Robben running in hastily with his broadsword in his hand, before urgently exclaiming.
“Crewhead! That demon from hell is blocking the cargo!”
Sheyan felt his heart stirred and replied.
“What demon?”
Robben urgently explained.
“It’s that damnable spanish decaying undead. Half of that thing’s head has been burnt off, but once anyone goes near it, it will go berserk and start attacking! Nobody is able to get close!”
Pressing his hand on the hilt of his dagger, Sheyan softly spoke.
“I’ll take a look.”
In the earlier battle, Sheyan had already fought bravely at the blood-soaked frontline. Yet with his new position as crew head, although there were certain perks, in reality his rewards were extremely limited. He only received 3 greyish keys, where when he opened their respective tattered chests, it mostly contained a torn purse; producing only 2-3 shillings, where one was even actually empty. His total earnings did not even reach a single guinea.
At present, that crazy decaying undead no doubt would have a huge probability of dropping high grade items. As such, how would Sheyan not be looking forward in anticipation?
Under Robben’s lead, Sheyan very quickly arrived at the second basement of the merchant ship.
After the previous series of intense battle, the entire ship was now in ruins. Moreover, a gigantuous hole had been smashed through on the right by the Bell and Mug, right at the start of their raiding campaign. Water was currently leaking into the ship, and the ship was inclining slowly; seemingly about to capsize within half an hour.
Naturally, Ammand had also accounted for this point. If Sheyan was unable to settle the mighty decaying undead within a short time, it would delay the process of transporting the plundered goods.
What was the primary motive for pirates to risk their head out at sea? Excluding Jack Sparrow, whose mind was only filled with risks and romance, over 90% of them were here for the generous profits. When the new crew head, Sheyan, messes up this issue, Captain Ammand would be able to rightly and properly deduct from the divided booty, and blame it on Sheyan’s blunder for the inadequate plundering of treasures. After that, the pirates would then direct their resentment towards Sheyan.
To Ammand, this was ultimately a win-win situation for him. He could personally misappropriate a huge portion of the loot, while successfully hurting Sheyan’s reputation.
Once this sort of case repeats frequently, Ammand could then strip off the position of crew head from Shean and give it to another. At that time, the crowd’s expectation would return and wouldn’t find a fault in his new appointing.