The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 358: Volume 6: Cautious Planning - 12: Bait

Chapter 358: Volume 6: Cautious Planning Chapter 12: Bait

"Is that so? If we can’t even agree on this point, then I suppose Mr. Kudan and I have no need to continue our discussion any further. However, I have heard that Mr. Gote has always been committed to becoming a powerful force across the Mediterranean. Are you saying that his men lack even this bit of discernment, or perhaps they don’t dare to take this risk?"

The cold sarcasm, like a chilly wind, squeezed into the whiskered man’s wide-open mouth, causing him to cough repeatedly to cover his embarrassment, "Lord, it’s not that Kudan doesn’t trust you, but anyone would first think such a thing is pure nonsense when hearing about it. After all, this stuff of legends has been passed down for hundreds of years, with no one ever laying eyes on it. Don’t you agree?"

"Indeed, but are you unaware of the legendary exploits of Pirate King Morgan from over two hundred years ago? Could it be that no one recognizes the powerful weapons that supported his reign as the king of the seas anymore?" Komer eyed his counterpart disdainfully.

The Mirror of Thousand Miles and the Magic-armed gun were the unparalleled treasures upon which Pirate King Morgan’s privateering fleet relied to dominate the seas. Morgan’s fleet, armed with these two weapons, not only destroyed the mightiest Imperial Fleet of the time and the joint fleets of many countries around the Mediterranean but also established the new order of the Mediterranean Sea’s surface. All passing merchant ships invariably submitted to his tyranny, and all pirates within the Mediterranean bowed before him. No one knew how these two items came into his possession, but the Mirror of Thousand Miles predicted the enemy’s movements, and the Magic-armed gun rewrote the tactics of naval engagement. The now-popular boarding battles were worthless against Morgan’s fleet. He could use the Giant Demon Armored Cannon to blow your ship to smithereens from three to five hundred meters away, preventing any chance of engaging him in traditional close-quarters combat. Just on that account, Morgan cemented his supreme status in the Mediterranean.

Nearly everyone went to great lengths to obtain the Mirror of Thousand Miles and the Magic-armed gun, along with their manufacturing techniques, but no one succeeded. These two items were always in the hands of Morgan himself and his confidants. To keep the secrets of these weapons, countless pirates, swayed by money, ended up hanging from the noose. Even when Morgan’s fleet foundered in a storm, no one could unlock the secrets of these two weapons. From then on, the Mirror of Thousand Miles and the Magic-armed gun became part of legend, their enigmas no longer to be glimpsed.

"Oh, Lordship, you exaggerate. Although we have never witnessed such treasures, it does not mean we cannot discern the authenticity of these items. According to what we know, the three great ships that bore Magic Cannons belonging to the predecessor Morgan have long vanished into the depths of the sea. Even if we were to salvage them now, after hundreds of years, such items could hardly possess their original power. When you say you have these items, may I infer that you have acquired the technology to manufacture them? If you can really provide a genuine Mirror of Thousand Miles or a Magic Cannon for us to behold, I could, on behalf of the Chief, agree to all your demands," the whiskered man slyly smiled, having regained his composure from the initial thrill, now pondering the truth behind the other’s words. If the other party used such lies to deceive him, the consequences would undoubtedly be disastrous. No organization could tolerate such humiliation, and one that feels tricked would seek retribution even at the cost of its own ruin.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Kudan, but neither the Mirror of Thousand Miles nor the Magic-armed gun can be made in just a few days. However, I can tell you for certain that I do possess the skills to craft these treasures. Give me three months to half a year, and if you can provide some necessary materials, I believe I can produce a satisfactory product as an answer. However, the food problem I need to solve cannot wait that long. If you think I am making empty boasts, then there is no point in continuing our conversation. If you think the trade is worth it, then we may as well continue our discussion," Komer finally revealed his conditions. He was confident that they could not refuse his proposal, though the man before him probably couldn’t decide on his own. However, he was patient.

After a moment of silence, the whiskered man still could not decide. It was a hypothetical premise, yet his side was expected to fulfill the trade conditions in advance. Normally, this would completely contravene the principles of their organization, but the offer was too tempting. Any seafaring person would find it hard to resist. He could not say no, and he believed the Chief would likely struggle to refuse it as well.

"Your Lordship, this matter is of great significance, and your conditions are somewhat harsh. How about this: Ten days later, I will give you a definite answer," the whiskered man said, having made a difficult decision. He had to relay the news back to headquarters. Despite the potential risks, it was worth the gamble.

"Of course, I look forward to your response," Komer replied with a polite nod and a smile, believing this to be the prelude to success.

Three days later, on Rhode Island. The whiskered man reappeared in the guest room on the second floor of the three-story building. The sun was setting in the west, casting a golden shimmer on the sea’s calm surface, now so serene and peaceful. Even the banner on the rooftop’s flagpole hung low, submissively drooping. A gentle breeze caressed the evening air.