Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 112: Deal

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

The sharp dagger barely touched "Swordfish"'s forehead before bouncing off with a "thud," falling to the ground.

The pirate leader could hardly believe his eyes. If it had been any other unexpected situation, he, who always kept a few tricks up his sleeve, would have had plenty of follow-up moves. But faced with something so illogical, he was caught off guard, just standing there dumbfounded, staring at the other with an expression of disbelief.

"Oh my, you've got quite the strength. You've gone and damaged a perfectly good mask of mine."

"Swordfish" rubbed his forehead, then pinched the edge of the skin above it and pulled down slowly. A "skin" was gradually peeled off.

Jaden suddenly understood: the other person had disguised himself as Swordfish using a human skin mask.

He had seen such masks before—requiring the removal of facial skin from the disguise's subject and some secretive technique to create. This meant the real Swordfish had already been killed.

No! A thin layer of human skin couldn't withstand the force with which he had thrown the dagger. Otherwise, knights' armor would be a joke.

He stared intently at the other's forehead, finding no trace of injury. It seemed the other had indeed resisted his attack with just his flesh.

After completely removing the human skin mask, the person pulled off the wig with a complaint, "Wearing a wig is really uncomfortable!"

The mysterious person's face was fully revealed—a highly unusual visage: a bald head devoid of any hair, strange tattoos on the face that seemed to exude a peculiar, unsettling charm upon first glance.

Now, this strange face wore a mocking expression, as if the pirate leader before him were a mere pet to be toyed with at will.

This person was extremely sinister, incredibly so. Jaden reminded himself inwardly that the situation was completely under the other's control.

He calmed himself and asked again, "Who are you exactly? What is your purpose here?"

This time, the question finally received an answer.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Bennett, a member of the Arcane Order. I've come here to discuss a transaction with you."

Arcane Order? Jaden hadn't heard of them. The name of the organization was indeed peculiar.

Jaden struggled to recall any information about this "Arcane Order," but ultimately found no information whatsoever about this organization.

As if sensing his thoughts, the man named Bennett waved his hand dismissively, "Don't waste your energy trying to remember. Our organization has never shown itself to ordinary folk before."

Ordinary folk? Arcane Order?

A ridiculous thought popped into the pirate leader's mind: could this person be a wizard?

How could that be... Wait! This wasn't impossible. The knife thrown earlier would have finished off any normal human being.

Legendary things were actually unfolding before his eyes. Instead of feeling fear, Jaden's heart raced wildly. This was damn... too exciting.

"Heh heh, you've got quite the courage! It seems your caution is indeed prudence, not cowardice," the other said.

This mysterious Bennett could actually guess at his current thoughts. Jaden was once again amazed at the other's unfathomable depth.

He asked cautiously, "If you don't mind, may I address you as Master Bennett?"

Bennett chuckled, "Master? Looks like you've already guessed my identity. Yes, indeed, I am a wizard, though we prefer to call ourselves 'mages.'"

The fact that he readily admitted it surprised Jaden. He continued to ask, "So, Master Bennett, what kind of deal did you come here to discuss with me?"

Jaden felt a bit relieved knowing the other was here for a transaction; it meant there might not be any ulterior motives.

Considering carefully, Jaden wondered how long Bennett had been lurking around him. Given Bennett's current inscrutable demeanor, if there were any plans against him, why wait until now?

Bennett replied, "We want you to do a small favor for us, and we'll pay you in advance. How does that sound?"

Jaden asked, "A small favor? What kind of favor?"

"To divide the Kingdom of Aldor."

Jaden was speechless for a moment. "Um... pardon me, but is that considered a small favor?"

Bennett arrogantly retorted, "Heh heh! Compared to what we ultimately plan to achieve, this is indeed a small matter."

Jaden sneered, "Master Bennett, you've got the wrong person. With just over 200 men and a few old ships of mine, any minor lord could make me bleed."

Bennett waved his hand dismissively. "I already said we'd pay you first. Why don't you ask what the reward is? Once you know, you might find yourself more confident."

"Alright, what advance payment are you proposing?"

Bennett smirked, slowly saying, "To help you unify the Northwest Gulf and become the next Edward. How does that sound as a reward?"

The pirate leader's heart raced at the mention. To become a pirate king like Edward was every pirate's ultimate dream.

Commanding all the pirate crews in the Northwest Sea, forcing the major lords to recognize his authority—Edward's achievements were unprecedented in history, a legacy for future generations.

Of course, Jaden also dreamed of attaining such historical status when he joined the pirate industry. But until now, it had only been a dream.

"How about that? With the power of Edward, you should be able to challenge the lords of the Northwest?"

Bennett added, "We're not asking you to confront the Kingdom of Aldor directly on land. We just want you to hinder their army on the sea and coastal areas, and assist in transporting some soldiers and supplies via the water route. We've already arranged matters inland."

If achieving Edward's achievements were possible, the tasks he mentioned wouldn't be difficult to do. But Jaden had his doubts. Could this man in front of him or his organization really help him achieve this dream? It seemed highly unlikely.

Could it be done using legendary magic or wizardry, as the man had admitted to being a wizard?

"I know you're doubting whether we have the capability to pay this reward."

Bennett looked knowingly and pulled out a small pill, placing it on the table in front of Jaden.

"How about it? Dare to take a pill and try it out? This will bring some unexpected changes to your body, allowing you to have a preliminary understanding of the Arcane Order's power."

Jaden reached out and picked up the pill from the table, examining it carefully. The pill was entirely red, its composition indistinguishable.

He hesitated, to eat or not to eat?

Seeing the pirate leader's hesitation, Bennett said, "To be honest with you, this kind of pill does have some side effects if taken too often. But I assure you, once or twice won't cause any problems."

Jaden thought to himself that Bennett probably wouldn't harm him. After all, if he wanted him dead, he would have acted long ago.

For the sake of his grand ambition, he decided to go all in. He silently resolved himself.

The pill was placed into his mouth, and with a swallow, went down his throat...

(End of the Chapter)

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