Black Sail
Chapter 513 - 142. Striped Field

Chapter 513: 142. Striped Field

Because Magnus’s way of handling things was extremely awesome: if he could avoid using force, he would; if he could spare your life, he absolutely would.

Though a few resistance soldiers guarding the city were knocked down, they were only lightly injured, with no serious damage; at most, they had a few bruises.

When Liszt stepped in to deescalate the situation.

It naturally led to Magnus being invited inside the stronghold for a chat. Last time, there was an attempt to use mind control on this guy to make him a pawn, but he escaped too quickly. Now that they got another chance, they must make good use of it.

There were many people with deep, unresolved grudges against Zote. The people of Old Aran were all his enemies, but over these few decades, either they were outlasted by Zote, or the descendants of New Aran had long forgotten.

After all, Zote was imprisoned in the Northern Prison, tortured, and punished.

This handicapped guy was like a great pawn, with a +12 cushion that had to be used to improve pseudo-random enhancement probability.

Magnus, though indifferent to Mulong’s politics, could not allow Zote to gain power.

Now it was impossible to send the Princess to the Kelor Highlands. The second-in-command of the Resistance Army, Santilla, had already shown signs of treachery, and entrusting Uborio was not suitable either.

After consulting with the Princess.

While especially loyalists who committed great deeds connected to the Immortal might seem foolish, it made Suzana harbor unrealistic hopes about the East Sea Pirates, expressing a desire to talk with Liszt.

Inside the Black Sail stronghold.

In the commanding room at the uppermost level of the mountain fortification.

When the Black Robed Man took off his hood, revealing a side profile more captivating than a silhouette on a poster.

Liszt’s mental state and level of surprise were comparable to someone getting a bomb disposal expert job despite lying on their resume.

"More or less, it was like this: to protect the Princess, the doctor used his clothes to shield the Princess from dust. In the end, they got separated in the sandstorm. To put it bluntly, he might already be dead. I have to leave now, farewell."

Magnus gave Liszt a meaningful glance, "So this is the guy who killed Marcus?"

It didn’t matter anymore.

Marcus had met his end.

And so would he.

After saying that, he got up and did not linger, intending to ride Zhao Yue straight to Black Rock City.

Originally, Chuan Che, who had gone out for a jaunt with Rein and the others, returned early. In the bustling commercial area of Drifting City, clubs, bathhouses, and even some covert operations were in full swing.

But after having visited Duguli Sky Inn, Chuan Che’s tastes had been spoiled. Unlike the pirates like Rein, who didn’t mind as long as someone looked passably clean, he scrutinized everything equally.

As an experienced veteran, Chuan Che recognized right away, identifying Magnus as a Living Dead, whose right arm, including the scapula, had been replaced with a complete mechanical arm, easily identifiable.

Chuan Che informed Liszt about the situation.

Liszt, upon hearing this, immediately thought, "This is no small matter; the name does sound familiar." He remembered the Scissors Legs Sisters mentioning him before — although he was a Heroic Level adventurer, he was actually unbeatable.

If that guy were in a hurry to die, he would be restless to a fault and needed to see a specialist.

"Here’s the deal, brother. It’s easier to enter Drifting City than it is to leave. The frontlines are a mess. If you’re headed to Black Rock City, why not stay the night first? I’ll head to Uborio and have him get you a pass for the Resistance-controlled area, so you can move freely without hassle."

Liszt realized he couldn’t stop this restless soul, so he had to focus on his pain points. "Aren’t you after speed? I’ll make you fly. First, control you tightly, then create an output environment, apply some Golden Resin, and zap you dead."

Magnus found it very reasonable; this way, there wouldn’t be any trouble at the checkpoints later. "Thanks a lot."

Liszt then turned to look at Suzana, "She’s truly a rare beauty. If placed in a limited pool during a New Year event, while many limited items are coveted, she stands out stupendously."

Once a person’s attractiveness level reaches a certain threshold, their aura, style, and the accompanying tasks that build their character become crucial.

For an average-looking girl, you just had to make do with whatever. But a stunning beauty had to be carefully considered; it’s a quicker process for some.

With the dual identity of an almost fallen kingdom and a beautiful but sorrowful companion quest, this blue-haired exotic beauty was hard for even Liszt to think of desecrating.

"I’m sorry."

Liszt directly apologized to the Princess.

"Sorry for what? Mika... he had no obligation to protect me. I’m very grateful to you all."

Suzana replied timidly. She had something important to discuss with Liszt.

The others didn’t understand.

But Fen and Wolman, both tactically equipped with dark faces, knew from Liszt’s illusion realm — Suzana was very pitiful.

"I have a request for you."

In Suzana’s eyes, the East Sea Pirates came for profit — that was normal. It wasn’t that she looked down on them, it’s just that entrusting them with the task would maximize the benefits.

"Speak freely."

Liszt began silently gathering his power; earlier at the hospital, he hadn’t found the chance. Now the timing, location, and people were all set, and he wasn’t going to let her go.

The moment he felt drowsy, he found a pillow. Now with the Princess under his control, she became a bargaining chip. In the future division of Mulong, he would take the lion’s share.

Just as Vadinia was Aran’s presence nailed at sea to the west, Mulong was his presence nailed to the Western Continent.

"I want you to hand me over to the Eternal Sect stationed in Black Rock City. This will end the war. No more senseless sacrifices should occur."

Suzana didn’t listen to what Mika said before his disappearance. Days later, with the army of Crocodile Island close, who could stop them, especially with the Eternal Sect’s support?

Even with Lostra’s Black Glove and East Sea Desperados as external support, they were no match for a regular army.

Not just the people of Black Sail, but Santilla’s elite ten-man squad, the Chiliarch, and even Magnus were all stunned.

"What courage!"

Wolman was taken aback. "Damn, this young lady has guts. Look at Mulong’s Royal Family, then look at Murphys of the Great Wetland, what a numbskull."

"Are you out of your mind, sister?"

Liszt was perplexed.

The Chiliarch clenched his fists, eyes hollow with national disgrace, contemplating how it had come to the point where the Princess had to sacrifice herself for the survival of her people.

"I’m serious. It’s a decision I made after thorough consideration."

In Drifting City, all the soldiers capable of fighting were kept to maintain morale. All severely injured and incurable troops were sent to the rear to die in the Kelor Highlands.

Suzana was already in despair, not believing in any miracles. Even if it meant becoming second-class citizens like Mika said, as long as they lived, there was still hope. They couldn’t succumb to temporary honor and disgrace.

Emperor? Let him conquer if he wants to.

"I can’t let Mika’s sacrifice go in vain. You came here for money, right? The Eternal Sect will reward you. After collecting your rewards, you can go back home."

Though Suzana lowered her eyes, her words were firm and resolute.

Celeste really wanted to slap that woman. "You are of the royal bloodline of Mulong. If you die, the last unifying force will be lost, and there will be no hope of turning the tide — complete defeat."

Fen, with his hand on his chin, was deep in thought. "Mika’s death is a good thing. Although we’ve lost an excellent technician, the exchange rate is great, very cost-effective. Getting this result is beneficial. Of course, with Black Sail’s current stance, such an approach isn’t possible. But..."

Using the woman’s influence, Black Sail could transition from a ragtag foreign aid unit to part of Mulong’s regular army, an officially sanctioned force, no longer seen as mere profiteers.

The Chiliarch was choked up, wanting to speak against it, but he had already betrayed his country once and was forgiven by the Princess, leaving him with no face to object, looking utterly defeated.

Liszt was speechless; sacrifice actually seemed like a viable option. Mika’s situation was merely lost; the guy had the survival skills of a dog and should pull through. If not, they should at least erect a memorial for his clothes and have a communal meal. After all, he did save their lives eleven years ago. With the number of beauties he’d encountered in his life, Liszt felt it wasn’t a wasted existence.

He didn’t immediately respond to Suzana but sat in the sea beast leather chair, pausing for a while.

"Your Highness should be aware that we’re part of the underworld, right? This isn’t how business is done. I control much of the East Sea; reputation is everything. Numerous eyes are on me. If I handed you over, I’d become known as a trafficker. How would I continue in this line of work? I’ll handle the Aran situation personally; I assure you."

Liszt said calmly, knowing that tomorrow everyone would be watching when he built the platform on East Sea, indicating that reputation mattered greatly.

Celeste: "!"

Wolman: "!"

Fen: "..."

Fen truly wanted to slap Liszt. The logic was correct, but it was obvious he was trying to impress the beauty.

Magnus was stunned by the display.

This guy was too much of a show-off.

Liszt, in his current act of showing off, was like sending a comment in a criticism forum about mediating a ridiculous war, being a bit too over-the-top.