Pirate Kingship
Chapter 87 - 86: The Mad Hunt Legion, Calamity Strikes

Chapter 87: Chapter 86: The Mad Hunt Legion, Calamity Strikes

Time moved slightly backward, to the second-floor atrium in the Valhalla Hall of Valor.

Although Redbeard’s state—wavering between drowning and being nailed to death—was uncertain, he had ultimately "died."

The Pirate Codex, which oversaw the Military Governor election, responded accordingly, its ancient voice mechanical and flat, "Candidate number one, Redbeard Edward, confirmed dead. Candidate number two, Violet, may choose to continue the Great Secret Treasure trial or exit Valhalla now. If you continue the trial, you may obtain full Military Governor privileges after finding the Great Secret Treasure. If you exit now, as the sole candidate, you can automatically assume the position of acting [Military Governor]. Your term will last until a motion for a by-election is initiated by a majority of council members, or until the next election three years from now."

Without any hesitation, Violet immediately replied, "I choose to leave Valhalla right now."

Her main objective had been completed; she had no leisure or interest to explore the remaining seven layers of the secret realm.

"As you wish."

「The next moment.」

Whether on the first or second floor, all living people from both sides in the Hall of Valor were expelled.

The *Goddess of Vengeance* had been entirely depopulated by the deaths; it fully met the conditions for a ship-coffin to sink with the vessel. Logically, it was supposed to remain here, becoming a new ship-coffin occupied by Bayfolk Heroic Spirits, and a nightmare for all future treasure seekers. But Violet was quick-witted. She commanded her hundred-plus crew members to restart it, and it followed the main fleet back to Iron Anchor Bay.

"This is a mostly intact Third-Rate Battleship!"

Even though they knew another test awaited them, a group of Third Order Great Pirates gazed at the colossal ship with envy. Of course, all preparations in the defense plan had long been made; there wasn’t much they could do now. Should they charge out and fight the Strait Fleet with their pirate ships? They just needed to wait for the enemy’s attack.

Why had Redbeard secured the position of Deputy Speaker before revealing his Undying Body, if not because of this pirate ship? Keep in mind that a Third-Rate Ship, perfectly balancing speed, firepower, and cost, required the felling of over 2,000 high-quality oak trees planted a hundred years ago on the Strait Islands. It then took six whole years to build. Moreover, these oaks had to be premium timber, cultivated in private estates, along riverbanks, and by roadsides. Only oaks that had slowly grown for a hundred years, basking in ample sun and rain to reach heights of over twenty meters, could produce a length of timber from their trunks suitable for building the ribs of a warship. The construction cost alone for a Third-Rate Ship in the Kingdom’s shipyards reached an astonishing forty thousand Gold Pounds. For an outsider to acquire one, even with solid connections, they would have to pay at least double that base price to even have a chance of obtaining such a treasure. And that wasn’t even mentioning the formidable Figurehead, the [Goddess of Vengeance], mounted on it.

One could easily imagine: what vast quantities of sturdy timber, what lengthy growth cycles, and what a staggering purchase price would a nation require to assemble a battleship fleet of this caliber? Therefore, it was no exaggeration to say that the outcome of a major naval engagement could affect the nation’s destiny. If a country’s foundational arsenal was destroyed, it would be impossible to quickly replenish, no matter how wealthy the nation. No wonder young Norwich felt such profound heartache over his investments going down the drain.

Byron, who aspired to raise a Pirate Fleet, or even a military dispatch company, naturally could not escape this sentiment.

Pity, taking this thing out is just asking for trouble, and my weak frame, as a First Order Attendant, simply can’t handle it. Besides, it doesn’t fit my ’low-profile and restrained’ nature. I don’t covet it at all, Byron thought, struggling to look away. He clamped his mouth shut, barely stopping the drool from dripping from the corner of his lips.

Just then, Violet gestured. The thick yardarms of the *Flame Rose* turned, and several thick ropes stretched out as nimbly as tentacles. Acting as a makeshift crane, they pulled the Figurehead, [Goddess of Vengeance], down from beneath the bowsprit.

And then... placed it right in front of Byron.

Seeing his dumbfounded look, the girl gave a sly, playful smile, "Finders keepers, Good Citizen. I’ll give this to you."

"This... isn’t this a bit too much?" Byron couldn’t help but swallow his saliva. Feeling the amused gazes of the surrounding Bayfolk Great Pirates, he suddenly felt thorns on his back.

But Violet waved her delicate hand magnanimously, "A Bayfolk racial proverb states: ’A grudge must be avenged.’ But we also believe: ’A favor must be repaid.’ We are completely different from those Remit People who always repay kindness with ingratitude and turn against their benefactors. Without you, the [Mad Hunt], we wouldn’t have even gotten past Redbeard, let alone the Calamity that followed. Don’t worry. With me, a Third Order [Artisan], to modify it for you, I’ll preserve its main functions while ensuring no one recognizes it."

"Mad Hunt?"

The surrounding Great Pirates had been speculating about the identity of this young man who had killed Redbeard and seemed to have some secret relationship with their princess. Upon hearing this recently resounding title, many previously unclear things suddenly clicked into place. They had personally executed the clearing of the dungeons, dragging free pirates, trade companies, and various large groups into the fray. Thus, they were naturally aware of the role the [Mad Hunt] played in the plan. Moreover, his merit in defeating Redbeard alone thoroughly deserved this Figurehead; now, there were no objections whatsoever.

Byron turned his head to see Violet blinking her radiant, large eyes at him. He realized she was boosting his reputation among her few trusted Great Pirate confidants. It was just the tip of the iceberg, though, with the persona of the [Mad Hunt] still acting as a veil; the true identity of Byron Lancaster was their little secret. Byron had already been planning to foster a good relationship with the largest pirate forces of the Old Continent, so he was more than happy to befriend these Bayfolk leaders with whom he shared common enemies and had fought side-by-side. He nodded to them and graciously accepted Violet’s gift.

"Then it would be impolite to refuse, Miss Artisan."

But that wasn’t all. Suddenly, Byron heard the distant tolling of a bell in his ear—three times in succession. This was no illusion. His legendary status, which had already reached 19 (as mentioned in Chapter 73), had finally hit the critical threshold of 20, gaining the recognition of the Silver Law. Just like the Child Guardian’s [Inexorable Form], he had acquired a transcendent ability exclusive to himself.

—Mad Hunt Legion!

"Legends say the Mad Hunt was never an individual, but a legion. They were led by the Wild Hunt King, riding black steeds and appearing en masse, fully armed, carrying swords that wielded Lightning Storms. Anything that stood in their way was utterly destroyed. Wherever they went, they brought storms, war, and death!

Effect: For every enemy you personally kill, a shred of their spirit will be stripped away, becoming a ghost that joins the Mad Hunt Legion under your command. The stronger they were in life, and the more intense the fear you instilled in them, the stronger the enhancement they provide after death. The current limit is twenty people.

If you sacrifice the entire gathered Mad Hunt Legion at once, you can summon a Phantom Warhorse and the complete armament of the Wild Hunt, transforming into the mythical Wild Hunt Knight. Moving unimpeded across the seas and overcoming enemies above your level will be no trouble.

As your legendary status and influence grow, the title’s abilities can continue to strengthen. For the next increase, legendary status must reach 25 points."

The power of the [Silver Law] materialized from thin air, infusing Byron’s shadow. He also heard two dog barks resonate in his heart—one thunderous, one shadowy. They were the pets of the legendary Wild Hunt King, specifically tasked with warning him and clearing his path.

It has its pros and cons compared to the [Pirate Flag] ability of a Second Order pirate, which consolidates the strength of their crew. I’ll need to test the enhancement effect in actual combat. Growing stronger by killing enemies, though, perfectly complements the [Storm Knight] path and my future pirating career. Combining them might lead to unexpected transformations.

Beyond [Mountain Goat Steps], [Mastery of Swordsmanship], and [Riding], Byron had truly gained his first offensive transcendent ability within his Sequence. He was even more excited than when he had received the Figurehead, itching to kill an enemy immediately and test it out.

At that moment, the island’s alarm bells suddenly rang out. It was the thousand-year-old [Pirate Codex] warning the Bayfolk. Immediately, the perpetual white fog that shrouded Iron Anchor Bay began to roil violently, as if some colossal creature was moving within it.

Everyone abruptly turned their heads southward.

A Third Order [Navigator] among the Bayfolk Great Pirates, who was also the chief of all Iron Anchor Bay’s gatekeepers, paled. His eyes instantly became vacant and distant, as if he were seeing something imperceptible even to Spirit Vision. He urgently said to Violet, "Your Highness, the outer Maze Lock on Iron Anchor Bay’s spiritual plane has been breached! The second layer, the third layer—the defenses can’t stop it at all! It’s too fast! That thing is inside!"

Then, after a month’s time, Byron once again heard that irritating, nauseatingly chaotic flute music (from Chapter 2), along with that dreadful, pervasive stench. It was as if he had returned to that nightmarish night of the tempest.

Yes, it’s that thing!

His fists clenched, veins bulging on the backs of his hands. He used all his willpower to restrain the reckless impulse to draw his gun and fire.

Violet, the only one who knew Byron’s true identity and his past, immediately sensed his turmoil. She walked straight up to him and tightly gripped one of his hands. She offered no empty words of comfort, but her firm stance, standing with the last Lancaster, was undeniably clear.

Shouldn’t it be only natural for members of the Orphan’s Alliance to huddle together for warmth?

Byron’s eyes widened as he stared intently at a chaotic shadow in the seawater before him.

One second passed, then two... The shadow, which had been steadfastly extending towards the Bayfolk settlement, seemed to pause. Suddenly, like a headless fly, it began to scurry everywhere, instantly engulfing... the entirety of Iron Anchor Bay.

It tugged fiercely!

But... nothing moved.