Sail Shadows in the Sea of ​​Fog

Chapter 26 New Crew

Off the coast of Pier 17 in the Zhuniao Islands, Cheng Lang held a telescope and pointed it at Pier 17 for a while, observing it until he was sure that the outline of the entire island could no longer be seen. Then he waved to the vine goblins on the deck.

"Whoa whoa!"

Amidst the roars, the two groups of goblins, led by the Great Sage and Wukong, took off the large cloaks prepared for them by the captain, leaving only a pair of canvas shorts.

These oversized clothes were purchased by him on the night he rescued Gerta and Yafuso, but it was obvious that the muscular vine goblins could only accept those big shorts at most.

Even so, he was already satisfied. At least he didn't have to watch these gorillas showing off the things between their crotches in front of him every day.

Covering his forehead with his hand, he looked at the sun, which had not yet reached its highest point, and the still beautiful white sails. Cheng Lang whistled, and after attracting the attention of all the gorillas, he said, "Carry all the supplies into the cabin! Wukong, return the captives to the corral and bring our guests to the bridge!"

"Oh oh!" Captain Goku responded immediately.

Not long after, the two pirate captain brothers who were captured on the way were sent back to the railing of the forecastle. During the previous day, they were both stuffed into a wooden barrel in the lower cabin and locked up. Not to mention escaping, even if they farted, they could only smell it themselves.

After waiting for a while, Gerta and Yafuso, who were still wearing cloaks, were also invited to the indoor control panel by Wukong himself.

"My first mate has returned."

Cheng Lang randomly chose a course and locked the steering wheel. "Now it's time to gain your trust."

"How do you plan to get it?"

Yafuso's face turned pale and her eyes widened halfway through her words. Her attention was also attracted by the black dagger that Cheng Lang pulled out from his waist.

Seeing the little girl's terrified face, Cheng Lang placed the dagger on the table next to the steering wheel. "Use the Dark Elf's talent to ask the undead in the dagger what happened. I hope the undead inside won't lie."

Upon hearing this, Yafuso immediately grabbed the dagger, pierced her finger with the sharp tip, then dripped a drop of blood on the handle of the dagger and held the dagger to her chest with both hands.

At that moment, Cheng Lang even vaguely heard someone whispering in his ear. At the same time, he also saw that Yafuso's black hair, which was only an inch long, was growing longer at a speed visible to the naked eye. Two lines of tears slid down the corners of her eyes, leaving two obvious marks on her dirty and delicate little face.

When all this happened, the dagger melted at a speed visible to the naked eye, and in the end only a streak of black light remained, which penetrated into the wound of the cut finger.

"puff"

Yafusuo's body softened and she fell to the ground. Her hair had grown almost above her knees.

"Let's send her to rest first," Cheng Lang said.

After a slight hesitation, Gerta bent down, picked up Yafuso, and followed Cheng Lang downstairs.

“This is my office.”

Cheng Lang stopped and said, "The two rooms on both sides of the office are yours. You can go in and take a rest."

"Thank you"

Gerta hesitated for a moment, but finally carried Yafuso into the room on the left side of the conference room.

"I hope you can be of use soon."

Cheng Lang muttered to himself, turned back to the edge of the indoor control panel, gripped the steering wheel again, then took out the parchment treasure map sent by Mr. Lu Ting, opened it and showed it to the magic mirror.

Without him even asking, the magic mirror replied, "This is a real treasure map."

"Tell me something useful," Cheng Lang urged. "You don't know anything again, do you?"

“I’m really ashamed.”

The magic mirror apologized with a mixture of flattery and a little pride, "This time I recognized the riddle on the treasure map."

"Tell me quickly," Cheng Lang urged after showing the sea chart sent by Mr. Lu Ting to the magic mirror.

"The treasure map shows a shadow bat."

The magic mirror explained respectfully, "According to legend, it was the most powerful beast on land in ancient times. Countless people and beasts died because of its blood. At that time, Poseidon was just a small fish in the sea.

At that time, the stars and seas were ruled by various beasts from land and sea. Compared to them, humans and sirens were just insects that ate grass.

Later, a warrior with a bow used his own legs as arrows and his own heart as bait, and finally shot the shadow bat to death.

After the shadowbat was killed, the warrior's wife used its wing membrane to make nine sets of sails and a single cloak for their nine sons and one daughter.

"So this treasure map points to that cloak?" Cheng Lang immediately became interested.

"I only recognized the shadow bats drawn on the treasure map, but the final contents of the treasure can only be known after solving the puzzle on the treasure map and following its instructions."

The magic mirror flatteredly reminded, "But I guess it's unlikely that this treasure map points to that cloak."

"I thought you had solved the mystery."

Cheng Lang immediately lost interest, rolled up the treasure map and stuffed it into his armpit pocket before casually asking, "Do many people know the ancient story you just told?"

“Maybe only Santa Barbara and I know.”

The magic mirror said regretfully, "After the rise of Poseidon, he almost wiped out civilization on land. He did not allow sea monsters to have reason, nor did he allow people on land to have wisdom."

"No wonder Captain Senfa didn't recognize him."

Cheng Lang muttered to himself, then asked, "So, do the nine sets of sails and cloaks in this story really exist?"

“Of course it exists.”

The magic mirror said as a matter of course, "But even Saint Barbaya has only seen half a set of bat-wing sails and a cloak. Even so, that boat can truly sail against the wind."

"So exaggerated?"

Cheng Lang immediately became interested, "What about that cloak? Does it exist?"

"It is worn by Saint Barbara"

The magic mirror gave an unexpected answer, "That cloak was given to her by the Valkyrie, who personally helped her put it on. Since then, she has never taken it off."

"That cloak."

"I do not know"

The magic mirror sighed, "I don't know what's so special about that cloak. Saint Barbaya didn't instill anything about that cloak when she created me."

“If I have the chance, I must go and meet this Saint Barbaya.”

Cheng Lang muttered to himself and asked casually, "Tell me about the location marked on the nautical chart."

"In the opposite direction from us," the magic mirror replied immediately, "less than 17 nautical miles from Pier 20 of the Su-Niao Islands."

"Is our artillery usable?" Cheng Lang asked vigilantly.

“Of course it works”

As the magic mirror spoke, the situation on the gun deck was already reflected in the mirror. At this time, some gorillas were busy wiping the guns that they had bought at a high price.

"Keep your distance first"

Cheng Lang said as he turned the steering wheel, "Left 45!"

"Whoa whoa!"

The gorillas on the deck responded immediately, manipulating the sails to change course, and sailing slowly on the calm sea driven by the gentle sea breeze.

He ran in this direction for three or four hours until he was sure that there was no ship following him. Then Cheng Lang turned around and headed for the sea area agreed upon with Captain Senfa.

This place doesn't seem to be on a shipping route, so there are almost no ships in sight.

After glancing at the time displayed on the ship's clock, Cheng Lang called out to the vine goblins to stop the boat, retract the sails, and wait patiently.

"Dear Captain, are you really going to help Captain Senfa?" Magic Mirror asked flatteringly after the ship stopped.

"I'm not helping him," Cheng Lang explained again, "I need friends."

"Friends are meant to be robbed"

The magic mirror urged, "After we help him solve his problem, how about we take care of this friend as well? On their ship."

Halfway through his words, the magic mirror suddenly lowered its voice and said, "Captain, your guest has woken up."

After saying that, the magic mirror disappeared into the mirror, and soon after, footsteps were heard on the stairs not far away.

When Cheng Lang turned his head to look over, Gerta and Yafuso had already walked up together.

At this time, they were still wearing their respective cloaks, the only change was that Yafusuo's hair was tied up.

"Captain, you have earned my trust."

Yafuso said, "Unconditional trust. At the same time, thank you for giving me the Black Elf Dagger."

"So you know what happened?" Cheng Lang asked casually.

"I know"

Yafuso replied, "I will keep it a secret. Grandpa Gerta and I haven't told anyone about this."

"I'm willing to believe you too"

Gerta took the initiative to extend his hand to Cheng Lang, "We are willing to work on your ship, Captain, please arrange the work."

"Tell me what you can do first," Cheng Lang asked as he locked the steering wheel and led the two of them towards the meeting room behind him.

"I"

Gerta scratched the back of his head and answered honestly, "I'm just a farmer. I don't know what I can do on the boat, but I have plenty of strength."

"I have been helping out on Grandpa Gerta's farm. My cooking skills are pretty good. At least Grandpa Gerta is very satisfied."

Yafuso thought for a moment and added, "I can also see everything around me in complete darkness."

"The talent of the elves?" Cheng Lang asked with interest.

"The Talent of the Dark Elves"

Yafuso corrected him, "All living dark elves must hide in the darkness if they do not want to be exiled."

"Let me introduce this ship," Cheng Lang snapped his fingers. "My name is Cheng Lang, and this ship is called the Valkyrie. Currently, neither I nor my ship have decided whether to operate as a legitimate merchant ship or a pirate plunderer. Is this acceptable to you?"

"Yes," Gerta and Yafso answered in unison. They were planning to hide in the Pirate City, so how could they care about these things?

"We have a fight tonight."

Cheng Lang continued, "You will need to help and do what you can when the time comes."

"No problem," the grandfather and grandson answered again.

"If we can survive this battle, I have prepared some soil and vegetable seeds in the lower cabin. I hope you can help us think of a way to eat fresh vegetables on the ship." Cheng Lang continued.

"This shouldn't be too difficult for us," Gerta replied confidently.

“Usually I need someone to help me sail the boat.”

Cheng Lang pointed to the mirror on the side of the control console and said, "It's very simple. Just turn the steering wheel according to the instructions on the mirror."

"It sounds easy," said Yafuso, reaching out to grasp the steering wheel which was almost as high as her shoulders and trying to turn it. Unfortunately, her small body made it impossible to turn the steering wheel.

“In the end, it’s your salary.”

Cheng Lang thought for a moment and said, "How about three gold coins a month for the two of you? I don't know if this price is high or low, but as long as my ship is profitable, you will also get a share of the spoils."

"As long as you can protect my Yafuso from being taken away by the demon hunting group of Boerlan, I will be very satisfied," Gerta said gratefully.

"Then it's settled"

Cheng Lang said as he looked at the sunset in the distance, "And then there's the last thing. The Valkyrie was cursed by Poseidon."

After saying this, Cheng Lang deliberately paused for a moment, but neither Gerta nor Yafuso seemed to react.

"Don't you care?" Cheng Lang couldn't help but ask.

"Is there any other ship willing to take us in?" Gerta asked.

"makes sense"

Cheng Lang waved his hand and led them downstairs while asking, "How old are you?"

"I'm 53 years old," Gerta replied, "and Yafso is only 15."

“This is my office.”

Cheng Lang pointed to the left and right and introduced them again, "The rooms on both sides are for you to use. Now you can go change into the clothes prepared for you. Also, remember to cover the mirror when you are not using it. This is very important."

Although they didn't know why there was such a strange rule, the grandfather and grandson nodded and wrote it down.

"Yafso, if you're willing, the kitchen work is also up to you."

"I'd love to have this job!" Yafuso said happily.

Cheng Lang pointed towards the bow, "Follow this passage forward to the open deck. Go through the open deck and into the forecastle to find the kitchen.

There are two prisoners currently held in the forecastle. You must be careful with them and don't let them fool you."

"I will stay away from them," Yafuso answered honestly.

"In that case, please prepare dinner for me, Gerta, and yourself. I just bought enough vegetables and fresh meat before leaving the port."

Cheng Lang said, taking out three gold coins he had prepared in advance and handing them to Gerta, "This is your salary for this month. From this moment on, your work begins."

"You are such a generous captain"

Gerta took the three gold coins and held them in his hand. "I'll help prepare dinner too."

"Thank you for your hard work."

Cheng Lang watched the grandfather and grandson walk along the corridor to the open deck. He finally breathed a sigh of relief. "I watched them and whispered something to them."

"Leave it to me, dear Captain."

Among the mirrors of all sizes hanging on the pillars, the shadowy magic mirror answered softly.

With anticipation for dinner, Cheng Lang continued to go downstairs and walked into the spacious captain's room. He lay on the soft big bed and closed his eyes.

At the same time, Gerta and Yafso, with her hair wrapped, also walked into the forecastle and saw the two prisoners in the corral, as well as the goats and hens kept next to them.

Of course, they had seen more than once before those gorillas who actively and enthusiastically greeted them, shook hands with them, and even offered to buy them drinks.

"This is different from the big ship we took when we went to the Suzaku Islands," Yafuso whispered in surprise.

"We could only hide in the lower cabin at that time," Gerta smacked his lips. "Yafso, what should we make for dinner to entertain our boss?"

"Let's go see what ingredients we have! I can already smell the aroma of mushrooms. How about forest stew?"

As Yafuso spoke, she actually found the storage room next to the kitchen by relying on her sense of smell.

"Newcomer, give us something to eat, too; we have had enough of bread and bacon."

The younger pirate brother captured by Cheng Lang, a tall and thin man named Belvik, said arrogantly, "We want to eat. Oh!"

Before he could finish his words, the vine goblin who was in charge of watching over them whipped him on the butt. Amidst the crisp sound of the whip, the tall and thin man who didn't seem to have a very bright brain also let out a scream.

Gerta and his grandson looked at each other, ran into the storage room, picked out some familiar ingredients and started preparing dinner.

As they were busy, the aroma of food wafted out of the kitchen as night fell.

When the meal was brought to the conference room next to the indoor driving console, Cheng Lang "happened" to arrive at the reminder of the magic mirror.

“Try Yafuso’s cooking”

Gerta brought the freshly baked bread to the table and said, "There are only three of us, so we only made two dishes and a soup, but I baked the bread again."

After saying that, Gerta also poured Cheng Lang a glass of blood orange beer from Xinweng Tavern.

"What are these dishes?" Cheng Lang asked with interest.

This one is a forest stew.

Yafuso introduced enthusiastically, "Another dish is roast meat with applesauce, and there's also a sea fish and mushroom soup. The fish was caught by the gorillas."

“I even went to the lower cabin to take a look.”

Gerta said, "We have quite a few mushrooms in our food supplies. We can use them as spawn to grow mushrooms in the lower cabin. Other vegetable seeds can be planted in the unused cabins in the stern. But I need an Elven Healing Potion."

"no problem"

Cheng Lang had already taken out the chopsticks he had carved himself from his arms while he was speaking. "Anyway, let's have dinner quickly."

Hearing this, Gerta and Yafso looked at each other and smiled, then each picked up a piece of bread, waved their forks and began to eat heartily.

After filling my stomach with a dinner which was not sumptuous but tasted very good, the stars in the night sky outside were covered by dark clouds, and even the originally calm sea surface was rippling with waves due to the sea breeze.

This is perfect weather for an ambush!
This was not the first time that Cheng Lang had done this. He commanded the gorillas to raise the sails that had become tattered due to the setting sun.

"That is Poseidon's curse"

Cheng Lang pointed to the tattered sail surrounded by a cloud of black mist outside the French window and said, "It will be fine after daybreak. Next, I will teach you how to steer the ship. This is the most important job."

Subconsciously withdrawing their gaze from the sail, Gerta and Yafuso looked back at the huge steering wheel.

Maneuvering the Valkyrie slightly towards the Vermilion Islands, Cheng Lang took the opportunity to teach Gerta and Yafuso beside him the essentials of steering. He even let the two of them try their hand at driving the boat.

In general, it was not easy for the young Yafuso to turn the steering wheel. Many times she even had to jump up and use her weight to force the steering wheel to turn.

But her eyesight at night is surprisingly good. With the help of the telescope, her observation distance even far exceeds that of the magic mirror.

Gerta's strength did not pose any major problems for steering. Although his night vision was far inferior to that of Yafuso or even the magic mirror, the hunting talent in his orc blood allowed him to see at least more clearly than Cheng Lang at night.

This was enough for Cheng Lang, and it could even be called a surprise.

"You will drive the boat when the battle starts." Cheng Lang gave the other party great trust.

"Shall I drive the boat?"

Gerta's tone showed a hint of panic. "No, no, no, I've never touched a steering wheel before. I..."

"Yafuso is also on this boat"

Cheng Lang reminded him, "At least steer the ship properly for her safety. When the time comes, just steer in the direction I tell you to."

Subconsciously glancing at Yafuso beside him, Gerta gritted his teeth and gripped the steering wheel tightly.

While a certain unscrupulous captain was strengthening the new crew, the vine goblins in the cargo hold and the bottom hold were busy using vines to secure the latest supplies.

With only one hour left before the intelligence auction at the Midnight Xinweng Tavern, the Valkyrie stopped again.

On the open deck at the stern, Cheng Lang released the only letter bird, then took out the mirage horn, put it to his mouth and blew it hard.

"beep--"

Amidst the low whistle, the sea surface within a circle with a radius of one nautical mile, centered around the Valkyrie, began to boil, and then thick sea fog rose up.

The sea fog easily obscured the Valkyrie and also blocked the vision of Gerta and Yafso.

But the sea fog had no effect on the magic mirror. For some reason, this flattering mirror seemed unwilling to appear in front of Gerta and the others.

With the battle imminent, Cheng Lang was too lazy to figure out what the mirror was thinking. He was currently on the gun deck personally inspecting the artillery pieces he had purchased at a high price, while also formulating the next battle plan.

After waiting for nearly three hours, which seemed a bit long, the magic mirror was the first to warn, "Dear Captain, our friends and our guests have arrived."

After looking at the picture displayed on the screen of his glasses, Cheng Lang couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. This time, there were actually three ships following the Flamingo armed merchant ship!

We have to fight all three boats!

Cheng Lang gritted his teeth and made up his mind. This battle was not only about making friends, but also about completing the initial accumulation of the Valkyrie - even if he did not intend to be a pirate.

(End of this chapter)