Southeast of the New Continent, Misty Sea, Sunken Ship Bay.

The sky above remained the same ancient and unchanging scenery, with low visibility as the thick white mist covered the entire sky, forming a dome of vapor.

Within the dome, a violent vortex would occasionally form, as if some indistinguishable giant creature was constantly gliding and frolicking in the mist.

Underneath the dome, it was calm without wind or waves.

A pirate ship decorated with various giant animal teeth, slowly traversed the lifeless water surface littered with sunken ships, like charred gravestones, under the towing of a small rowing boat.

Among the recognizable teeth on the ship, a pair of five-meter-long curved tusks didn't even make the top three. The largest pair could probably only be traced back to a Sea Monster, even though it had become a collectible, it still exuded a fierce aura.

The emblem on the black pirate flag was a grim white skull with a mouth full of sharp teeth biting a Blood Dripping Saber, but it shared a common feature with the emblem of "Octopus Ghost" Hawkins - both had a skull crowned with a crown.

To every pirate mingling in the "Golden Sea," this emblem would not be unfamiliar.

Because it belonged to the vessel "Chisel Teeth" of the "Golden Sea" Pirate King "Oathbreaker" Bradley!

Thud—

The "Chisel Teeth" slowly docked, lowering the gangplank.

A man, over two and a half meters tall, wearing a tricorn captain's hat and a leather coat, with a saber in a red scabbard hanging at his waist, akin to a giant compared to the others, was the first to disembark.

Creaaak... Creaaak...

With immense pressure, every step he took caused the wooden dock beneath his feet to emit a creaking sound as if it might collapse under his weight at any moment.

Behind him, a group of similarly leather-clad pirates disembarked one after another, armed with sabers and firearms, surrounding him like obedient hounds.

No one would doubt that these "obedient hounds" would immediately transform into ferocious wolves when facing an enemy!

He took two steps.

As if suddenly thinking of something, the giant man turned back, his voice like thunder, inquiring the dock manager: "I didn't seem to see Rudolph's 'Winged Bone Dragon,' what, he hasn't arrived yet?"

Upon hearing this, the manager, with a red headscarf, hurriedly bowed and replied:

"Lord Bradley, we just received the signal from the guide.

Lord Rudolph and his 'Winged Bone Dragon' have already sailed into the 'Misty Sea' from another direction, and they'll probably arrive at Sunken Ship Bay in about an hour."

The giant man, Bradley, the Pirate King of the "Golden Sea", had yet to respond upon hearing the news. However, among the "obedient hounds" behind him, someone expressed indignation:

"Tch, he sure is putting on airs! We deliberately arrived late, yet he's even later!"

Uh... These words, after all, none of them are virtuous.

Leading the group, Bradley didn't seem to mind, only silently thinking to himself:

'Perhaps when there is only one king in the "Golden Sea," he will know how to be punctual.'

Exactly.

Currently, the Pirate King of the "Golden Sea" wasn't just Bradley himself but shared the throne with another powerful pirate.

In the currently explored world map, although the "Golden Sea" isn't particularly large, due to its unique geographical location, the number of pirates in this region is the highest in the world.

It's also the center of the world's "plundering business," creating a place teeming with hidden talents.

The two unanimously acknowledged strongest individuals each have a loyal following, neither yielding to the other, and are called the Golden Sea Twin Kings!

One is the just docked "Oathbreaker" Bradley.

The rank is Tier 3 Great Knight, and he is also one of the main leaders of the Oathbreaker unit of the Black Wing Order's armed forces in the New Continent.

Due to his unmatched activity outside the Order, the name "Oathbreaker" was directly attached to him by the pirates.

It's said that Bradley possesses the blood of giants from myth, and should never be regarded as an ordinary Great Knight.

The other Pirate King of the "Golden Sea" is the one just mentioned, "Dead Bone" Rudolph.

However.

This Rudolph is not from a knightly background on the physical side but is a powerful wizard!

Originating from the Necromancy School, known for its terror, evil, and bizarre nature, Rudolph himself is a Tier 2 Peak Official Wizard and possesses a "Sewn Corpse" with physical strength surpassing a Senior Grand Knight level.

Among the Pirate Kings, he is someone others prefer not to provoke. Even pirates who fear nothing are intimidated by someone who manipulates corpses and plays with souls all day.

One hour later.

The center of this Pirate City.

Opposite the Divine Hall of the God of Black Wings "Sessi," is the administrative hall managing this city.

In this place where a democratic system is practiced, every Pirate King has their own seat, granting them certain privileges in the city.

It's also the best place for pirates to "peacefully" resolve conflicts and disputes.

However.

It was evidently unfortunate today; other Pirate Kings, including "Octopus Ghost" Hawkins, who hadn't shown up since advancing to Tier 4, were absent.

Only the two Pirate Kings of the "Golden Sea" and Edward Teach, the Guardian of the Pirate Code, were present for today's meeting.

But it was already sufficient, as today's agenda had nothing to do with outsiders.

Bam—

A loud crash echoed in the circular council hall.

Even with just the two Pirate Kings present, it was clear that reaching a consensus was difficult.

A "man" with black centipede-like stitches exposed on his skin slammed his palm heavily on the thick round table, making it seem like the entire council hall shook.

Under "his" protection, a Wizard wearing a gray robe with short white hair, face pale and openly mocking:

"A joke! We are pirates, possessing the most valuable 'freedom'. When did it come to us being dogs for the Kingdom?

Moreover, we are the wolves of the sea, and the merchant ships of Hilus loaded with riches are merely sheep. How dare they negotiate with us?

Just rob others? Even attack colonies? I despise them all for being too poor!"

Clearly, apart from his role as a Wizard, Rudolph deeply identified with his pirate status, mercilessly denying Bradley's proposal to accept the olive branch from the Hilus Kingdom.

"You...!"

Bradley, never good with words, was about to explode upon hearing this, but recalling his own goal, had to forcibly suppress his anger.

"Can you, Rudolph, represent the will of all pirates of the 'Golden Sea'? The conditions offered by the Hilus people allow us to choose a piece of land in the New Continent to establish a Kingdom!

Just think about the world's first pirate-owned nation, not just a Pirate City. How pleased would the Great God of Black Wings be?"

"Hehe, I don't know if the God of Black Wings would be pleased.

All I know is if you truly establish the so-called pirate nation, the final outcome would inevitably be no different from other nations on the mainland.

Some would become lofty rulers, others enslaved and exploited. In such times, we cease to be pirates."

Rudolph was unimpressed, dismissing the temptation of nation-building.

"Edward! Since we can't reach a consensus, I will initiate a Pirate King summons alone. I believe I have this right, right?"

Seeing his old rival's firm stance, Bradley knew that further talk was pointless, so he turned to the Guardian of the Pirate Code sitting beside him.

"Pirate City serves as a sanctuary for pirates, just a place for gathering. As long as it doesn't violate the Pirate Code, we won't interfere with each captain's free choice.

As the Pirate King, you certainly have this right to summon pirates willing to follow you in Pirate City."

With a thick black beard, dressed in a neatly maintained vest and shirt, Edward agreed to his request, expressionless.

"Haha, good! I believe most captains will make wise choices!"

Laughing thunderously, Bradley ignored the two and turned to leave.

Thud.. thud.. thud..

The sound of footsteps fading away.

"Bradley, that ambitious guy, it's clear he's already secretly sided with Hilus. Why didn't you stop him? Talking about the God of Black Wings—maybe he isn't as devout as a newbie pirate, haha..."

With a smirk, Rudolph lacked the gloom people imagined a Necromancer would have, instead speaking frankly, even more bluntly than Edward beside him.

"Sigh! I can thwart his summons but can't curb the pirates' ambition! Without a Pirate Emperor, the group easily fractures!"

Edward sighed lightly, equally helpless.

In reality, among pirates, many hold vague beliefs, yet it doesn't hinder their identity as "God of Black Wings" believers, since the thriving piracy business itself is part of the "God of Black Wings" power.

Every pirate is a link in this chain, impossible to escape, like the divine favored of the Black Sea Goddess, Hawkins, and... the same Bradley just now.

As long as they walk the "correct" path, what they think doesn't matter.

At the same time,

Every pirate ship is a small society with its own creeds, styles, and interests.

Some pirates claim the title "Heroic Thief," plundering goods to provide for the poor (including themselves).

If merchant ships don't resist, generally after successful plundering, they'll only take the gold, silver, and needed materials, often the most valuable items, spare ship parts, canvas, etc.

Most times, they return the ship to the owner, sometimes gifting them some loot upon departure, rarely involving killing or prisoner abuse.

Of course, if they dare resist, then things are unpredictable.

Iron Bone William, a familiar face to Aiven, is among such representatives.

However, such pirate groups are quite rare.

The sea is filled with various rogues, the indulgence in "evil" and bottomless "desire" is the mainstream here.

Most pirates are ruthless, cruelly killing resisters, brutally interrogating for wealth's whereabouts, even deriving pleasure from pure slaughter.

Many pirate captains are infamous, striking fear into sailors across the sea.

Regardless of being "heroic" or "evil," or whether they brand themselves, they can't change their self-serving nature.

If there's benefit, no matter the obstacles ahead, it won't stop their paths.

Edward's prediction.

The Hilus, originally dominant and hardline, for unknown reasons, gave the lousy pirates an olive branch, immediately stirring many interests.

"I'm going!"

"I'm going too!"

"..."

Soon outside, lively clamor arose.

The two left in the council hall knew that although the reason for Hilus's attitude change was unclear, from today, the landscape of the "Golden Sea" would shift.

"What on earth are Hilus people plotting?"

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