I Refused To Be Reincarnated
Chapter 496: The Pirate’s Philosophical Thoughts

Chapter 496: The Pirate’s Philosophical Thoughts

The regular humans hiding in the hull witnessed the gruesome massacre of their officers and protectors, praying for this calamity to be nothing more than a horrible nightmare.

Yet, the boy’s figure reappeared. His footsteps, a relentless rhythm that sent their minds into chaos, reverberated as he approached.

Meanwhile, Adam strolled to the hull to check what the frigate transported before obliterating the other two’s crews, unaware of the terror seizing the cooks’ and sailors’ hearts.

Without warning, he barged in and scanned the surroundings, noticing the many sealed wooden containers and barrels with a frown.

Uncaring about their chattering legs and unwilling to waste time checking them one by one, he gripped the closest cook by the neck and spoke.

"What shipment requires the escort of three frigates? You have ten seconds to answer."

Eyes bulging, the young man blurted words as fast as possible, too scared to think about lying.

"I don’t know about the mission, but we peeked inside. The boxes are filled with engraved detached parts. I-It’s only a theory, but I think they’re siege weapons."

"Mhh. I’ll inspect them later."

He unclenched his fingers, letting the man drop to the ground before scrutinising the other trembling individuals.

"I claim this ship as mine. I don’t need you and am a respectable man. So, I’ll offer you two options. Take a barque and return to Oceanview by your own means, or stay and accompany me to Skullcove."

Without bothering to wait for an answer, he left a remnant image in their eyes as he repeated the same operation on the other frigates.

In a short five minutes, he had effectively obliterated a small fleet.

Even better, his lips curled into a greedy smile at their intact appearance.

’I’ll ask that captain or Flintwaters to sell them for me.’

As he imagined the windfall of gold coins, he dashed on the pirate ship’s deck and stared into the captain’s disbelieving eyes, the corner of his lips raising to form a mischievous grin.

"I’ll travel on these beautiful babies, so send some men to stir the oar and manage the sails. Oh! And help me sell them and the things inside when we reach Skullcove."

He winked at the captain’s dropping jaws.

"Consider this opportunity a gift. You’ll keep twenty percent of the selling price!"

The stench of alcohol and old clothes reached him once again as he pinched his nose.

"But first, change those rags and take a good bath. Where is it stated that pirates are disgusting pigs? Because you look like one!"

The delighted smile tugging at the captain’s lip froze as the words registered.

With a deep frown, he raised his arm and smelled his shirt to confirm. Yet, it only added to his confusion.

"I think you have a misconception about us. We all bathe twice a month, making us one of the cleanest pirate crew in Skullcove."

He massaged his temples at the ridiculous claim as the ship approached the frigates, and the crew perked their ears to listen at how their captain would defend their honors.

"You must wash yourself two to three times a week, and that’s only the minimum! Honestly? I’m wondering how you reached your age."

He shrugged in dismissal. They could do what they wanted after he provided the knowledge.

’At least, they can’t say I didn’t warn them.’

He nodded, not minding the crew’s doubtful path in life.

’Why would I? It’s not like the so-called official mages and nobles are acting any better. They squeeze their citizens and the weak for their benefit, offering them two options: struggle like slaves or engage in banditry.’

Of course, he knew some twisted minds would choose these paths because they were easier, but he doubted they accounted for the majority. After all, despite their outwardly attractive lives of freedom and fun, be it because of storms, military ships, or rival pirates, they could die on any day, their bodies sinking into the ocean’s dark abyss.

He sighed, the world’s nuances beginning to seep into his mind.

Was someone born evil, or did unfortunate circumstances compel him in that direction?

Amidst the bunch of stinky pirates, he pondered the question until they boarded the frigates a moment later.

’I’ll think about it another day.’

Philosophical considerations, even if fascinating, would gnaw at the little free time he had and go against his desire to enjoy the travel.

’Am I not here to have fun before looking for the tendons? I won’t burden my mind.’

Pointing a determined finger to the south, his voice pierced the waves’ noise and echoed his commands.

"Let the civilians leave without harm. The ones who want to accompany us to Skullcove help man the ships. We’ll pay for your safe return after reaching the island!"

Some scrutinised him, doubts twisting their lips and foreheads, while others jumped on a barque and gestured for the others to join them.

Despite the exhausting return trip, their hearts beat with hope as they could reach the port in two days if they rowed at fixed intervals.

He nodded at the few who stayed, then turned to the ones lowering their embarkation with hasty movements.

"Give them a barrel of water, food, and harpoons or blades to protect themselves."

Despite their affiliation with the Aurora kingdom, they weren’t part of its military. Killing them wouldn’t hurt the arrogant arcanist, and truthfully? He hadn’t and wouldn’t kill defenseless individuals in the first place.

Brows raised, the pirate observed him, confused by the generosity. Still, they scrambled to the kitchens of each ship and carried back the demanded items.

After wishing them a safe return, and watching them row in desperation, as if he would change his mind and his generosity was a facade, his brows creased into a frown.

’Well, I know a bastard who would have done that... only to bombard them when they think they’re safe.’

Shoving the smiling bastard’s image into a dark corner of his mind, he stepped into the hull with the captain.

Eyes sparkling in glee, they estimated the total profit together, including the expensive magical cannons and the dismantled siege weapons.

"We’re rich, little friend! The three frigates alone are worth sixty thousand! The ninety magic cannons are worth another twenty thousand, and the siege weapons... There are twenty of them! I’m no specialist, but there’s no way we’ll earn less than a hundred thousand!"

Carried by his excitement, the captain forgot all notions of fear, slapping the table and laughing like a child.