The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 644: Volume Seventeen: Dark Descends on Earth - Fifteen: Big Moves

Chapter 644: Volume Seventeen: Dark Descends on Earth - Fifteen: Big Moves

The colossal cannon barrel, tugged by the force of the springs and ropes, began to tremble violently as though ignited by something, slowly lighting up. A few seconds later, the whole barrel was shrouded by an odd orange-red light mist, leaving the sailors operating it dumbfounded. Until now, not a single pirate had any idea what the contraption was. They only knew that this mortal, flanked by several Half-Beastmen, must be an important figure, and what he brought was even more treasured. This could be understood from the significance the helmsman had placed on it. Aside from a few operators, no one was allowed to approach the object; perhaps its true nature would only be understood once it demonstrated its power.

Gote, too, watched the Magic-armed gun about to ascend intently, the grand light mist already expanding more than a meter from the gun. The scorching power made the operators subconsciously take shelter two meters away. Except for two sailors in special sealed outfits who clenched their teeth, steadfastly stabilizing the gun’s support, everyone else focused entirely on the bizarre behemoth.

When the light mist swelled to over a meter, a huge luminous flame burst forth from the muzzle without any sound, but all present were instinctively forced to step back by the dazzling flame’s sudden eruption. After a brief blinding moment, they saw that the flame, which shot out of the muzzle, quickly expanded in the air, becoming a light ball over a meter wide in just a few seconds, bearing intense heat as it streaked towards the target three hundred meters away.

Gote could not help but stand up. The massive light ball’s burst made him squint, the ball whizzing across the sky like a giant fireball, except that the brilliant flame had no tail, reminding one that it was a magic flame and not a tangible fireball. Unfortunately, the operators seemed not yet familiar with this intricate instrument, and to Gote’s disappointment, the massive light ball fell into the sea ten meters from the target––a wooden mid-sized vessel––raising huge waves that instantly turned into vast water vapor under the ball’s thermal force, engulfing everything within ten yards in a blanket of mist.

"Idiots! A bunch of idiots! Magus, what the hell are you doing?!" Unable to contain his fury, the usually composed Gote rarely lost his temper like this, roaring and scolding the commanding operator, "Calm yourself and take aim, do you think this is a catapult?"

Seeing the helmsman so enraged, all the operators frantically started to readjust the position and angle. The thin-faced man called Magus even lashed his subordinates with a whip, barking orders. He was the only one clear about this being a recently acquired secret weapon by the organization. The off-target shot just now had also proven its immense power; if it hit the ship or the people, what would have become of them?

"Mr. Magus, please hold on, after firing, there must be a cooling period; otherwise, the cannon barrel won’t withstand such a strong magic impact. I wouldn’t want to see my product fall apart after just a couple of uses," Komer said, still leisurely seated, swirling his wine glass with an annoyingly lazy smile on his face.

Magus, did you hear that? Don’t mess up again, or I’ll have your head!" Gote’s teeth were clucking. He was aware of the basic principles of the Magic-armed gun; Komer had told him that no matter how superior the magic metal, it couldn’t withstand such a high-intensity magic impact for long. Continuous use would significantly reduce the cannon barrel and the magic spring’s service life. After maybe just a dozen or more uses, it would be utterly destroyed. One had to wait for some time until the magic metal was completely devoid of power before firing again.

Unfortunately, the second shot missed just like the first, hitting the water three meters away from the target vessel. Immense water vapor rose, and Gote couldn’t hold back any longer. With a roar, he jumped down from the viewing platform and stood right beside the Magic-armed gun, his shark-like cold gaze nearly causing the operators to tuck their heads between their legs.

After a "pfft" sound, the luminous flame ball crossed the sky again, the intense air friction emitting a piercing scream. The third shot finally hit its target, striking the vessel’s hull. Upon contact, the huge luminous flame ball almost instantly expanded into a massive fireball. This was the energy transformation resulting from the collision of light-based energy with wood material. The high-temperature energy ball instantly ignited the point of contact on the vessel, swiftly burning it to blackened charcoal, with the surrounding wooden body also igniting violently. Towering flames and thick black smoke quickly shrouded half of the sky.

"How about it, Mr. Gote?" Komer asked, finishing his drink with a half-smile, glancing at the Gray Skull Chief, his wrinkles seemingly vanishing with excitement.

Perhaps the bright prospects made it almost impossible for Gote to contain his emotion. His behavior today was exceedingly abnormal. Such emotional display was unbecoming of a leader, but the shock of today was simply too great for him.

All aboard were left speechless by the thunderous cannonade, and after a long while, burst into a resounding cheer. Headscarves, hats, belts, and even weapons were tossed into the sky in a frenzy. Everyone realized the significance of this device for the Gray Skulls. While the locals still had to resort to rockets and catapults, this catastrophic weaponery could nearly incapacitate a mid-sized vessel in one hit, no doubt could rewrite history. Now that the Gray Skulls possessed it, who could rival them?

"Not bad at all, Viscount. I don’t want to hide my feelings. I am very satisfied with the power of the Magic-armed gunnery, but I do have some regrets about aiming and operating this weapon. If it were easier to handle and more reliable in accuracy, it would be perfect," Gote said, grinning. He really didn’t want to hide his joy, although it took three shots to destroy the target, that was still quite notable. And the low efficiency was mainly due to unfamiliarity with this new kind of weapon. In time, precision and efficiency would surely improve. He just wanted to use that as an excuse to push back against whatever demands might soon be asked.

"Hehe, Mr. Gote, your demands are truly steep, yet I still accept your proposal. I will consider this aspect in future developments. However, I believe that if you devote more effort into the training of the operators and commanders, the results might be even better," said Komer with an elegant smile. He didn’t want to expose the other party’s tricks. As a veteran in such maneuvering, he knew that as long as they needed something, they would obediently follow his plan. He wasn’t afraid of any tricks they might play.

"Viscount, I formally propose to you a plan to purchase four more Magic-armed guns. May I know how long it will take for you to bring me this surprise?"

Gote did not dwell on the price, but he was now urgently considering the issue of time. Katrina’s growing influence had severely affected the survival of the Gray Skulls. The reason he had almost all members loyal to him observe this performance today was to boost morale with the equipment of these new weapons and strengthen the cohesion of the Gray Skulls. The effect seemed quite impressive; everyone appeared as if they had taken stimulants. The first goal had been achieved, and what remained was figuring out when to give Katrina a taste of their strength. Thinking of the provocative and unbridled gaze of that bewitching red-haired girl, an uncontrollable desire to conquer her ignited within Gote. The sacred and solemn profession of piracy being dominated by a woman was a shame to every pirate chief, and especially humiliating to the Gray Skulls, who were constantly suppressed by her. Perhaps his last wish in life was to trample this busty woman underfoot, making her clean his feet with her tongue.

"Oh, Mr. Gote, you are quite impatient. Do you know how much effort I’ve put into the development of a single Magic-armed gun? You ask for four at once, aren’t you afraid of scaring me?" Komer said with a slight smile, intentionally wanting to prolong the negotiation.

"Viscount, I think there’s no need for us to beat around the bush. I need this thing, and you can make this thing. That’s enough. You may state your conditions. I need the time and the goods, and as for you, I can give you what you want, can’t I?" Gote didn’t show any displeasure. He had anticipated the other party would have demands. After all, this was a transaction where each party sought to get what they needed.

"Good, Mr. Gote, you are indeed straightforward," Komer clapped his hands, "Then I won’t waste words. Three million Gold Shields, money up front, and in half a year, I’ll give you a satisfactory resolution."

"No, that won’t work. The price is not the issue, what I need is time," Gote said, his expression unchanged as he raised his glass. Three million Gold Shields was not a small amount, but the Gray Skulls could afford it.

"What are your terms?" Komer frowned.

"Two months from now, I need to see the first one. The second one to be delivered three months from now, and then one each subsequent month, completing the transaction within five months. Furthermore, I don’t have that much cash on hand, but I can pay with other goods, of course, goods that you will find acceptable," Gote replied with a steady countenance.

After some thought, Komer nodded and reached out his hand, which was met by Gote’s. They clapped hands to seal the deal, "Agreed. What kind of substantial goods do you have?"

"Jewelry, slaves, Magic crystal ore, or even a picturesque little island. Your choice," Gote said with a laugh and once again lifted his glass after the clap.

"No problem, I have standard assessors and appraisers. I’m confident this transaction will be satisfactory to both of us," Komer’s eyes gleamed with amusement, this was yet another enticing big trade.

(To be continued. For further information, please visit WWW.CMFU.COM. More Chapters, support the author, support authorized reading!)