I, the prince in distress, send money

Chapter 519 The Beginning of Revenge

Players are a very capable group, just like Xiaodaoji's butt and others on the Stormship.

When they boarded the ship, they were a group of complete novices who knew almost nothing about navigation and warships. Even firing a cannon on the ship would result in the target being off by a huge margin.

While the Storm, leading a small fleet consisting of three large armed merchant ships and two fast reconnaissance sailing ships, was passing through the storm belt, their naval guns were already firing quite effectively.

Although the accuracy is still not very good, if the target is more than 300 meters away, the accuracy must be compensated for by the density of fire.

However, at least artillery players can now effectively fire in sequence from the first to the third artillery decks when the order to fire a salvo is given, firing shells in one direction in the shortest possible time.

This is a very good performance.

A salvo from a warship does not actually mean that all the cannons fire at the same time. Instead, it means that the cannons are fired in batches and in a rhythmic manner, depending on the structure of the warship, the distribution of the cannons, and the tactical requirements.

True simultaneous salvo firing was extremely rare and generally not advocated in the era of wooden sailing warships, especially for large warships with multiple gun decks.

Why?

The structure of a warship cannot withstand the recoil generated by multiple cannons. It can withstand it once or twice, but it will definitely fall apart if it does it too many times.

Even steel battleships during World War II would not fire all their guns at the same time. In actual combat, a salvo usually refers to "alternating firing in groups" or "layered salvo".

The salvo that players on the Storm learned was a type of alternating group firing, firing sequentially from left to right, firing half a ton of iron cannonballs from fifty-two cannons within three seconds.

The accuracy of such shooting is still unknown, but its momentum is spectacular and intimidating.

Meanwhile, in order to achieve such training results, players also wasted one-third of the Storm's gunpowder and steel on the vast ocean.

Fortunately, the three armed merchant ships following behind were able to replenish its supplies in time, allowing the Storm's combat reserves to return to their peak.

The Vengeance Fleet's journey through the storm belt was not easy, but it wasn't too difficult either, because they were traversing well-established shipping lanes provided by the Marquis of Dirac.

Secondly, each ship in the revenge fleet had statues of the goddess of agriculture and the earth goddess. Their presence minimized the possibility of the fleet being capsized by the storm and reduced the losses significantly.

Although neither the goddess of agriculture nor the earth goddess is a marine deity, they have contributed to the divine power that constitutes the storm belt. Because of the current situation in the Kingdom of Bagnia, the high-ranking officials of both churches are being controlled by Chris.

When Chris asked them to provide shipboard idols for the official fleet of the Kingdom of Bagnia, they had no other means or courage to retaliate except to request that trainee priests be allowed on board.

The revenge fleet suffered minimal losses crossing the storm belt, giving them more and more freedom of choice... Knife in the buttocks led the fleet to bypass the supply depot on Casarina Island, controlled by the Macon Alliance, without intending to repair ships or resupply there.

The players weren't stupid. The First Fleet had a minor disagreement with the Macon Alliance, and the mercenary players had just left Casarina Island when they were attacked and boarded by a magic ship before reaching the storm belt.

It's highly unlikely that the Macon people weren't behind this whole affair.

Therefore, even at the risk of stabbing himself in the buttocks, Xiao Dao decided not to give the Maconites a chance to inform the elves.

……

As the morning light pierced the thin mist on the horizon, it scattered golden scales across the boundless blue canvas. The Wave Chaser swiftly sliced ​​through the smooth, satin-like sea, leaving behind a white trail that gradually widened.

The half-elf merchant ship was sailing along a familiar trade route towards its destination, the Blue Flame Islands.

Captain Los Whisper, a half-elf with bronze skin and long, pointed ears, leaned leisurely against the railing of the stern, squinting as he enjoyed the warm sea breeze.

The winds are stable today, making it perfect weather for sailing.

The rustling sound of the bow cutting through the waves, mixed with the gurgling sound of the Chinese-style hard sails on the mast being blown by the wind, creates an eternal sea symphony.

On either side of the wave chaser, several dolphins were racing and chasing each other, sometimes leaping out of the water and drawing beautiful arcs.

On deck, the sailors were all doing their jobs, and the atmosphere was relaxed.

"Hey, Karan, do you see that shadow over there in the water?"

A young sailor pointed to a deep blue expanse of sea off the starboard side of the ship and spoke to the older sailor beside him who was tidying up the ropes.

The old sailor, Karan, glanced at it and snorted dismissively.

"It's just a deep area. There might be cold water rising up from below. Fish like to stay there. It's nothing strange, kid. Don't make a fuss."

The young sailor scratched his head, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"I just feel that I can never get enough of the sea. Sometimes it's as calm as a mother's embrace, and sometimes it's..."

He recalled the breathtaking sight he had witnessed not long ago—the towering waves whipped up by a storm—and instinctively shrank his neck.

"Or like a raging behemoth?"

Karan replied, a weathered smile spreading across his face.

"That's the charm of the sea, child."

Another sailor, who was wiping a brass compass, joined the conversation.

"I heard that a batch of silk from Yongju Island recently arrived at the market in Mooncrown City. Its luster is so beautiful it seems otherworldly. When I go back, I must get a piece for my daughter."

"Just spoil her!"

Karan laughed.

"However, this voyage has indeed been smooth. Under the protection of the Mother Tree, the seas were calm and the cargo was safe. Once we arrive in Mooncrown City and unload the cargo, we absolutely must go to the Siren's Song Tavern for a few drinks..."

Their Moonlight Beer, wow, it's mixed with a touch of Moonlight Flower from Yongju Island, giving it a unique flavor you can't find anywhere else."

Captain Los listened to his men's idle chatter, a slight smile playing on his lips. He took a deep breath of the salty air, feeling the steady undulations of the ship beneath his feet.

The sky was a clear blue, with a few wisps of cirrus clouds like brushstrokes casually drawn by the gods. Looking up into the distance, a flock of albatrosses glided gracefully and calmly on the updrafts.

This is the blissful moment of sailing, far from the hustle and bustle of land, somewhere between departure and arrival.

A ship is a mobile home, carrying their hopes, their labor, and a little longing for wealth in the distance, sailing steadily towards a familiar harbor on this vast blue plain.

Everything seemed so harmonious, as if the sea, the Wave Chaser, and the half-elves on board had reached a tacit understanding about the pleasure of the journey.

However, this tranquility did not last long.

"Captain, unidentified vessel spotted to starboard aft!"

From the lookout tower at the top of the mast came the sharp, urgent shouts of the lookout, his voice trembling almost imperceptibly.

Captain Los's relaxed expression vanished instantly. He straightened up abruptly, grabbed the iris with Eagle Eye activated beside him, and strode toward the starboard side.

The casual conversation on deck abruptly ceased, and all the sailors stopped what they were doing and looked nervously in the direction indicated by the captain and lookout.

Through the lens of the iris, Los clearly saw the two figures cutting into their flight path at an astonishing speed.

Two long, fast sailing ships with unique sails were approaching the Wave Chaser at a well-trained angle, like sharks that had smelled blood. They had shallow drafts and sails that were so bulging they looked like they were about to burst.

Captain Los's brows furrowed quickly.

Although I've never seen such ships before, their speed far exceeds that of ordinary merchant ships, and is even faster than many elven light warships known for their speed. In addition, their sailing trajectory clearly indicates that they have ill intentions.

"Are they pirates?"

The first mate strode over to him, his voice tense.

Los shook his head, his expression grave.

"Uncertain... This shipping route is close to the Blue Flame Islands and is protected by the Blue Flame Kingdom's fleet. Pirates have long been eradicated, so there shouldn't be any pirates here..."

Besides, our ship is just an ordinary merchant vessel, carrying only some basic raw materials that aren't worth much!

pirate!?
The word sent a collective gasp through the sailors who heard it, causing them to subconsciously ignore the rest of the captain's sentence.

Fear, like icy seawater, quickly seeped into the deck. The relaxed atmosphere of just moments before, filled with talk of silk and ale, vanished, replaced by a suffocating oppression.

The young sailor's face turned pale, and he instinctively gripped the short knife at his waist. The old sailor, Karan, squinted, staring intently at the two rapidly approaching ships, his cloudy eyes filled with worry.

"Are they trying to intercept us?"

The first mate's voice was hoarse.

"Yes."

Los put down the X-ray glasses, took a deep breath, and forced himself to calm down.

"Brothers, full sails, hard to starboard, let's turn and see if we can shake them off."

The order was carried out swiftly, and driven by fear, the sailors rushed to their posts.

The sails were quickly adjusted to the optimal wind angle thanks to their exceptional skill, the heavy rudder was fully loaded, the Wave Chaser groaned and began to tilt violently, attempting to change course and use the wind to shake off its pursuers.

However, the two fast reconnaissance sailing ships had clearly anticipated the reaction of their target. When the Wave Chaser adjusted its sail angle, their course also shifted slightly, but they still held on tightly to the target, and the distance between them was visibly decreasing.

Soon, half an hour later, Los could see with the naked eye the sharp ram of the other ship's bow, gleaming ominously in the sunlight.

"The captain and his crew are too fast, we can't shake them off!"

The lookout's voice was filled with despair.

Los's heart sank. He looked at the two enemy ships that seemed to be a persistent menace, and then at his own merchant ship, which had sacrificed some speed to carry cargo. He knew that the hope of escape was extremely slim.

This azure sea, which originally symbolized hope and wealth, now seems to have become a huge trap.

The unknown enemy, the unfamiliar ship type, and the precise and ruthless intent to intercept all sent a chill down Los Whisper's spine.

They were being watched, and the other party's intentions were clearly not friendly.

"Prepare signal flares to warn any potential friendly forces. All combat personnel, assemble on deck and prepare for boarding action!"

Los drew his scimitar, his voice cold. He knew the leisurely voyage was over, and the real test was just beginning.

At the command, chaos erupted on deck. Although the half-elf sailors looked fearful, they quickly sprang into action, drawing their scimitars and crossbows to form a defensive line along the ship's sides, their eyes fixed intently on the approaching enemy vessel.

The novice wind mage who accompanied the ship also emerged from the cabin. She was a female mage who had just graduated from her mage apprenticeship. Although her spellcasting ability was not strong and the contract she signed with the Wave Chaser did not include combat, this half-elf mage had no intention of avoiding battle.

The female mage was more intelligent than the sailors, and she understood better than them how dangerous it was to encounter pirates on a safe route.

In other encounters with pirates, surfers might be able to secure the safety of their ships and crew by surrendering their cargo.

However, here, to avoid being discovered and hunted by the Blue Flame Kingdom's fleet, the pirates are highly unlikely to leave a single survivor on the Wave Chaser.

So, the female mage stood on the stern tower, her knuckles white from the effort, and mustered her courage, creating a faint vortex of air around herself, preparing to use her Wind Blade spell to deliver a head-on blow to the enemy when they came within range, thus giving the Wave Chaser and herself a chance to survive.

However, the enemy did not give them a chance to engage in close combat.

When the two fast reconnaissance sailboats approached to within about 100 meters, they turned gracefully to keep parallel to the Wave Chaser.

Immediately afterwards, the two ships with unknown intentions roared and burst into flames from their bows.

what happened?

The female mage and Los were both stunned.

However, reality will not change because of their ignorance.

Amidst the roar, the sharp-eyed half-elf sailors aboard the Wave Chaser could see several black dots flying from the enemy ship's bow toward their own vessel. These black dots were not flying fast, and their trajectories were somewhat strange, with a slight rotation.

Is it a catapult?

The moment Captain Los had that thought, those black dots burst open in the air.

They were not solid iron bullets, but specially made iron chain shells.

The two hemispherical iron projectiles were connected by a short iron chain. After leaving the barrel, they spun at high speed into chainsaw-like projectiles, which fully unfolded in the air during flight, like a bird-catching net, and rather inaccurately covered the Wave Chaser's most critical mainsail and foremast sail.

"Bang... Sizzle..."

Several muffled thuds accompanied by the ear-piercing sound of canvas tearing came. Captain Los turned his head and saw that some of the projectiles missed and fell into the sea, while others landed on the deck, sending two sailors flying. Only one chain shell hit the sail and mast rigging.

This led to very serious consequences. The originally billowing sails were torn apart by this strange attack, the power was reduced sharply, and the speed of the Wave Chaser slowed down visibly, causing the ship to suddenly stop.

"They are attacking our sails, and our sails are being torn apart!"

The sailors on the mast screamed in terror, and chaos erupted on the deck, because the two sailors who had been hit by chain shot were not dead... they were just cut in half.

The second round of shooting followed immediately.

More specially designed shells came hurtling in, this time with a clearer target: to concentrate their attack on the spars and the key ropes controlling the sail angles.

The fragile jib groaned under the onslaught of iron balls and chains, more rigging was torn and broken, and the wave rider's power was rapidly fading.

"It's over..."

The female mage looked at the chaotic mess of the sailing system before her, and the vortex of air around her suddenly dissipated due to the shock to her mind.

As a novice mage, her spellcasting range was limited, and the enemy was simply not within her attack range. She now had power but nowhere to use it, a feeling that made the mage extremely desperate.

The half-elf sailors fought back fiercely, but most of their scattered arrows fell futilely into the sea due to the distance and the ship's swaying, failing to even touch the edge of the enemy vessel.

A sense of powerless anger and utter despair enveloped the Wave Chaser.

The enemy didn't even get close; they simply and ruthlessly deprived them of their mobility, turning them into sitting ducks floating on the sea.

Having completed its mission, the fast reconnaissance sailboat gracefully traced two arcs, moving away from the almost stationary Wave Chaser, silently monitoring the distant sea like a wolf guarding its prey.

This situation made Captain Los realize something, and he quickly turned around to stop the bosun from launching the magical fireworks.

Just as Captain Los was pondering the enemy's next move, and the sailors grew increasingly uneasy due to the eerie silence, a huge shadow slowly emerged from behind a cape in the distance.

The first thing that catches the eye is the towering hull of the ship, which resembles a moving castle. Its massive size makes the two fast reconnaissance sailing ships look like toys.

The gun ports on both sides of the ship are arranged in dense rows, like countless cold eyes on the body of a giant beast.

Although most of the gun ports were closed, the silent deterrent effect was more suffocating than the deafening artillery fire.

The appearance of this giant ship brought an invisible pressure, making even the sea breeze seem to freeze.

"Oh, Mother Tree..."

The bow in the old sailor Karan's hand fell to the deck with a "thud," his mouth agape, his eyes filled with unprecedented fear.

He had never imagined that such a sea fortress, designed solely for pure destruction, existed in the world.

The young sailor was so frightened that he turned pale and his body began to tremble uncontrollably.

Captain Los's hand, gripping the scimitar so tightly that his knuckles had turned white, was also relieved.

Sure enough, his idea was right. As long as the magical fireworks weren't launched, everything was fine. But if the fireworks had gone up, then everything would have been irreversible, and everyone on the Wave Chaser would have died.

He turned around abruptly and shouted at everyone on the deck below the sterncastle.

"Put away your weapons! Everyone, put away your weapons immediately!"

The moment the order was given, everyone on deck froze, including the sailors who were preparing to fight to the death and the half-elf mage whose fingertips were still shrouded in a faint aura.

(End of this chapter)