Deep underground, Aiven was unaware that the island beneath his feet, formed by the "Rock Giant," had already received a group of new "uninvited guests."

Crash——

Amidst the rumbling of thunder, the storm continued to rage.

A Black Sail Pirate Ship appeared on the sea near the island from a distance.

Unfamiliar with the conditions of the outer sea, and unable to avoid the sudden storm in time, the "Big Thumb" had been tossing in the furious sea for quite a while, with even the sails torn open by the fierce wind.

It was in urgent need of an anchorage for repairs.

The lookout had been replaced numerous times, as each sailor who climbed the crow's nest in this weather felt like they were heading to an execution ground. For if they were to be thrown overboard amidst the violent tossing, they would be immediately swallowed by the angry sea, with absolutely no chance of survival!

Suddenly, the excited shout of the lookout on duty spread across the ship through the wind and rain.

"There's an island ahead!"

On hearing this, from the captain to the ordinary sailors, the pirates all cheered jubilantly.

"Great! We've finally found an island to anchor at!"

"Damn storm, I feel like my bones are about to fall apart."

"..."

And in the dark, damp, and foul-smelling bottom of the pirate ship, a group of people, bound tightly together with ropes, also heard the commotion above.

This group mostly appeared dejected. Although dressed in navy uniforms, they had completely lost the vigorous spirit that should have belonged to the Navy.

But on careful thought, it was understandable. After being defeated and captured by pirates in naval combat, barely fed a bit of thin gruel, and tossed about for two days in the storm, it's impossible for anyone to be in a good state.

A sailor quietly asked the Captain Officer tied with him.

"Captain John...?"

"Don't worry, we'll wait until the pirates go ashore first."

The two whispered to each other softly, clearly indicating that this Captain John was the highest-ranking officer among the surviving navy.

This was a burly man around thirty years old with red curly hair, with scabs from bloodstains on his face. Although not in good condition, his eyes were firm and clear, not beaten down by the temporary setback.

He was even constantly brewing a plan of escape in his mind!

Soon, the sound of anchoring reverberated through the ship, and the noise on the deck gradually increased, indicating that the pirates on board were assembling.

Shortly after, the cabin door opened.

Two pirates holding gas lamps came down, cursing and waving their scimitars: "You damned navy, stay obedient, okay? Making us stay on the ship with you bastards!"

Having been tossed around for so long, even the pirates, with their strong life forces, could barely take it, almost puking their guts out. Originally, the two pirates thought they could go ashore for a rest, but were instead assigned the task of guarding the captives, which made them feel quite displeased.

The sailors, already prisoners, no longer dared to mouth off at the pirates, keeping their heads down humbly, which dampened the mood of the pirates looking for a target to vent on.

Swish, swish, swish...

The pirates rowed longboats to land on the island one after another.

However, landing from the other side, they didn't have Aiven and his group's luck, being able to immediately find the best landing spot and place to shelter from the rain.

A group of people could only set up stinky sheepskin tents in a place barely sheltered from the wind and rain, huddled together tightly like quails. But it was already much better than being on the ship, and many people fell asleep as soon as they touched the ground.

Only a few high-ranking pirate officers, including the captain, were respectfully led by their lackeys into a cave seemingly carved out by flowing water, where they lit a bonfire and sat around it.

"Duncan, where are you going?"

Just seated and receiving a cup of wine from his subordinates, the captain noticed his first officer and also the number one general of the ship, Duncan, getting up to walk outside, and asked a bit curiously.

"I'm going to see if there are any prey on the island, to bring back for dinner." This first officer named Duncan apparently wasn't the sociable type, answering without even turning his head.

"Alright, take care! Don't go too far and come back early." The captain didn't mind his attitude, just giving a reminder before letting him go, having full confidence in the strength of his first officer.

"Okay!"

The obviously unsociable first officer walked out into the rain, his figure flickering three or two times before disappearing into the dark jungle.

Behind him, sounds of praises faintly emanated.

"To a toast for our wise and brilliant Captain!"

"It's all thanks to the Captain that the 'Big Thumb' is what it is today. Once the news of us capturing the Navy captain and soldiers spreads, our bounty should reach twenty-five hundred Golden Lions, right?"

"Hahaha, the Navy's bounty is a pirate's honor. Maybe it won't be long before we earn the right to enter the 'Sunken Ship Bay' Pirate City!"

The Pirate Captain smiled and received the compliments from his officers one by one. However, still sober before drinking, he understood who the true hero was that had brought the pirate ship to its current state.

It's true that he's the Captain, and he considers himself to have some leadership skills. But if we talk about personal strength, which is highly valued on the sea, he is merely at the Peak of Apprentice level.

He got to where he is today thanks to that eccentric First Mate, Duncan, who just went out!

If he hadn't fished the heavily injured Duncan from the sea back then, how could he have subdued such a formidable Extraordinary?

Although he never knew about this First Mate's past, and Duncan didn't get along with most of the officers on the ship, he is... incredibly useful! At the thought, he couldn't help but smile even more joyously.

Swoosh—

First Mate Duncan transformed into a blurry shadow, swiftly shuttling through the jungle.

Wearing a black headscarf, with a face utterly ordinary and unrecognizable, deep black eye circles, and skin with a bluish-green tint. Wearing only a loincloth, double swords strapped at his waist, bare-chested and barefoot, at first glance he might even be mistaken for a pillaged corpse.

However, everyone who thought that way has already been turned into real corpses by him!

The Extraordinary Path "Ghost Lizard Shadow Thief" grants him the ability to blur his traces and hide himself even while moving at high speed. Especially in the complex terrain of the jungle, this ability is a great asset.

This is the origin of Duncan's nickname, "Chameleon."

The constant rainstorms over the past few days are actually his favorite weather. Because it was in such a rainy weather that he managed to escape the largest assassin organization on the continent, "Vulture's Nest," avoiding the repercussions of mission failure.

Although he was gravely injured and on the brink of death, forced to hide upon the boundless sea where the influence of "Vulture's Nest" was weaker, he ultimately survived.

And because of his careful concealment, letting all the "credit" go to the crew of the "Big Thumb" pirate ship, he still hasn't appeared on the Navy's wanted list.

Isn't concealment his greatest skill?

"Huh? Someone's there?"

The storm had driven all prey in the forest to hide, but Duncan was unconcerned. Hunting was just an excuse to get away from the self-proclaimed smart fools.

Just as he was about to turn and leave, he unexpectedly saw a faint warm yellow flame shimmering through the leaves.

"Hmm?"

His body's reaction was faster than his thoughts. Before he could decide on an action, he had already leapt gracefully like a black panther up to a treetop, disappearing quietly amidst the barely moving foliage.

Gently parting the thick leaves.

"Who are these people... Phaletis Navy? Are they sheltering here because of the storm? And what's with these buildings?"

A little ways off, a cluster of wooden buildings appeared in Duncan's sight, many lit by fire. Their conditions for regrouping in the rain were far better than that of the pirate crew.

However, that wasn't Duncan's concern. His only concern was whether the presence of these Navy personnel threatened his safety! Now he only lived for himself; any threat to his life had to be eliminated!

Beyond a doubt.

Trapped on an isolated island by the storm, these Navy personnel were indeed the enemy!!!

One, two, three.....

Having been rigorously trained from a young age, Duncan was best at infiltration and assassination as he silently counted the perimeter sentries.

As a highly skilled former senior assassin, he knew well that attacking the sentries in this situation would quickly expose his operation due to their fixed patrol routes and handover times.

However, if he used his extraordinary abilities to infiltrate directly into the buildings, it would be much easier, especially since he only needed a tongue.

In absolute silence.

The shadow lying on the ground gradually faded, merging into the rainy night. Ultimately, only a barely noticeable shadow moved quickly across the ground like a snake, sliding unnoticed past the outer sentries and into a wooden hut in the corner of the area.

It didn't take long.

He slithered back out of the cabin like a snake, but this time, clutching a fainted figure in his hand. Amazingly, the figure was also in a "camouflaged" state like him.

With his target now larger, Duncan cautiously took a slightly longer route, but still ultimately re-entered the jungle successfully, silently slipping away with his "prize."

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