Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 128: Surrender

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

In a room at the pirate stronghold of Jaden, the remaining leaders gathered to discuss their strategy.

The atmosphere in the room was somber, everyone furrowing their brows in silence.

Finally, it was the eldest, Old Donaldson, who broke the silence, "Speak up if anyone has any good suggestions. This might be our last chance."

Someone finally spoke softly, "I reckon they've already found out about our base from the captured brothers."

"You don't say! Do you think that ship outside is here for sightseeing?"

"So... maybe... we should surrender!"

"Cowards!" one leader slammed the table, loudly objecting, "Was it easy for us to build such a fortune following Jaden? If you ask me, we still have four or five ships, some of the drug left. When the Blue Stripes Dogs come, we'll fight them tooth and nail."

"Four or five ships? More like four or five skiffs!" Someone immediately poured cold water on him.

"You coward!"

"You're just a reckless fool!"

As the argument threatened to turn violent, suddenly a distant thunderous sound echoed. Though faint by the time it reached them, it startled the already nervous pirates.

It was the sound of cannon fire from the Hope.

...

"Adjust the angle! Let's get the next shot right!"

Captain Quik and the gunnery officer held their spyglasses, observing where the first shot landed. The cannonball missed its target, splashing into the water not far from the pirate ship.

After entering the harbor, the pirate ship responsible for guarding the dock immediately spotted them and approached. The naval officers responded with heated cannonballs.

On deck, a roaring fire burned in a stove fueled by coal. Several cannonballs glowed red-hot inside.

Using specially made tongs, the loader gripped a red-hot cannonball and placed it beside the cannon. A comrade had already inserted a wooden stopper into the breech, preventing the ignition of the charge inside.

After loading the cannonball into the barrel, the gunners reset the cannon together, adjusted the angle, and aimed at the pirate ship moving away from them.

The pirate ship on guard duty was only about ten meters long, with about a dozen people aboard. Compared to this ship, the Hope was a formidable presence.

The sudden cannon fire scared the wits out of the pirates on the ship. In that moment, everyone on board felt something whizzing past their scalps at a tremendous speed, followed by a splash of waves in the distance.

It was terrifying—such speed! What if it hit their own ship or their bodies?

"It's the terrible weapon of the Aldens!" exclaimed people on the ship. Among pirates, rumors spread about a powerful weapon Alde's army possessed for long-distance projection.

They immediately rowed with all their might towards the dock. Faced with an unknown force from the sea, they preferred the grounded feeling of solid earth.

Most of the pirates left at the stronghold were elderly or infirm, making it difficult for them to face the enemy who had come knocking so boldly at their door.

Based on the impact point of the first shot, the gunners swiftly adjusted the cannons. Then, four cannons on the broadside fired together, officially opening fire.