Black Sail
Chapter 120: CXX. Actor

Chapter 120: CXX. Actor

Black Robed Man, Ben.

He had decoded all the ciphers on the note; it took him a long time, only to find it was the simplest form of code.

On Earth, it was known as Morse code.

Here, it had another academic name.

In short, it was composed of brief signals, two long and one short, two short and one long, or other combinations, representing a character or a phonetic symbol. Although the transmission speed was slow, it could convey a complete meaning.

The Magic Energy Industry in the Western Continent had long invented something similar, but this device was an idiot’s version, not requiring instructions, simple to use, and portable.

Ben had disembarked early this morning, and although he mingled in the underworld and hailed from the Thief Guild, he had never seen such a chaotic place.

In this lawless land, the barbaric rule thrived, formulating a civilization unlike any other.

In short,

So many tents onshore and the men and women coming and going were indeed an eye-opener.

It was even more thrilling than some of the Thief Guild’s schemes involving trafficking hallucinogens into cellars.

But his visit wasn’t for tourism; it was to retrieve the Netherworld Stele.

He held ten Magic Purple Crystals worth eight hundred Golden Dragons, which could serve as bargaining chips; he also needed to consider devising a strategy for those pirates, anyway, since a verbal promise was more credible.

To swindle the stele back without any bloodshed was a good thing.

Diaz had not explicitly mentioned executing the traitor Swan; it seemed he was blinded by anger and disregarded the guild’s principles, focused solely on retrieving the stele.

Ben entered Heaven Port, a remote place but vast, surprisingly divided into an Outer City and an Inner City.

He inquired about Black Sail’s influence on the island.

Hmm?

Ben was greatly shocked; it differed from the intelligence reports, which claimed it was one of the most formidable pirate gangs in the East Sea Domain. But in the words of these people,

It was like fucking Heaven Port Boss, recently dominating almost all the territory here, achieving both fame and people’s support.

Moreover, even the local powerhouses hadn’t touched him, either out of fear or some collaboration.

In any case, Liszt was a hotshot on this island, someone everyone wanted to connect with.

Ben suddenly didn’t know whether to stick to the original plan—to sneak in or pretend to be a liaison discussing a deal.

This was the big problem created by incorrect intelligence.

What a mess, this was their headquarters; everyone here was his man. Even if he could fight his way out, on this isolated island, what boat could he take to escape?

So, he abandoned the plan to pretend to be a liaison, opting to sneak into the Black Sail Inn instead, to find the stele quietly and steal it.

However, nothing is perfect.

This damn transmitter seemed to be paired, and it had already received a signal, activating the transmitter.

Ben was caught off guard, hurriedly ducking into an alley, staring blankly at the transmitter, not expecting to make such a blunder after all these years.

The transmitter’s lights flickered for a while, then transmitted a signal; the two lights blinked rhythmically, forming a complete sentence.

"Have you arrived on the island?"

Caught in a difficult position, Ben struggled to decide, knowing he couldn’t just give up without replying. Failing to respond would only alarm them, causing them to guard the Netherworld Stele tightly—how then could he succeed?

Less than half a minute later, Ben made up his mind; as long as he didn’t expose himself, it should be simple. Pay the money, make a verbal promise, take the goods.

"Arrived."

Ben entered the signal, and the gang leader’s note had a corresponding cipher—a nursery rhyme, only it was backwards.

With a turn of the wooden calibrated wheel,

Both sides successfully matched the ciphers.

Simultaneously,

On the second floor of the Black Sail Inn,

Goria looked bewilderedly at Liszt; she had already hardened her heart, considering that those people wouldn’t die; they would just temporarily serve as Dreya’s slaves.

Now, however, the plan was completely disrupted, with Lostra people already on the island.

"Hmm, the code is correct, it’s definitely their people."

Caroso was already feeling suspicious of Goria; she had been out of sorts these past few days, and he worried she might have changed her mind, which was not acceptable.

At this moment, Fafna too had donned a black robe and mask, clutching at Goria’s dress in fear, as they were about to be led to a completely unknown location by a group of strangers.

"The agreement with the Earl was that we must complete the handover; then, and only then, will we be promised our deserved privateer certificate. Did they say where the exchange would take place? Is it here with us, or somewhere outside?"

Liszt forced himself to appear calm, glanced at his wife, and relied solely on her to facilitate the other party’s rage and killing, to take advantage opportunistically, and then discuss terms with Caroso afterward.

Fafna was indecisive; she did whatever the two adults told her.

"The location is set at... Twin Bar, do you know where that is?"

Caroso, although internally panicked, feigned calmness, knowing his task would be over after this.

"Of course, we know."

Liszt suggested he take the three people there.

The opposing party really knew how to pick a location. After inquiring about the power distribution on the island, they chose a rival venue, displaying their meticulousness.

Twenty minutes later.

In a private room at Twin Bar.

Being a professional, Ben was skilled in the Disguise Technique. He had now removed his hood, adopting the characteristic appearance of a Lostra native—high cheekbones, thin lips, and deep nasolabial folds.

This custom adhesive clay, mimicking skin texture, was extremely lifelike; Ben now looked completely like a native Lostra.

At that moment, someone pushed the door open.

It was Caroso and Goria, along with the masked Dragon Lady, as well as Black Sail’s Liszt and Fen.

The five were astounded to see only one person handling such a significant matter. But it did not rule out the possibility of others in support. Perhaps this one came ahead to verify the authenticity to avoid falling into a trap.

Liszt knitted his brows, this person looked too damn much like a Lostra native.

Ben was also confused; weren’t these supposed to be all Black Sail people? Why were there two women and one who looked like a charlatan?

Maybe it was Black Sail’s local influence.

Everyone sat down.

Ben carefully chose his words and began to sound official.

"You have come a long way, and we appreciate that you have kept the items safe for Lostra. This is the reward we promised you."

Ben pulled out ten Magic Purple Crystals from his bag, sparkling brilliantly.

Fen recognized their value; although their price fluctuated continually, given the quality and color, each was worth at least eighty Golden Dragons.

That would be eight hundred in total.

Liszt was not polite and reached out to take them.

"Wait, where is the merchandise?"

Ben covered the crystals with his hand, needing to confirm the goods first.

Goria frowned; indeed, the Lostra only regarded Fafna as a tool, using such terminology.

Fafna simply bowed her head, following the arrangement of the two.

Caroso found something eerie, after all, the extra compensation for Black Sail hadn’t been mentioned; something seemed off, but since the code matched, there was no point in discussing it.

"In a while, I will hand over the remuneration. Captain and First Officer, please leave the room."

This was Caroso speaking.

Liszt and Fen exchanged glances, having nothing to add, could only comply for the time being.

They went out and closed the door, already preparing to call Dreya to take action.

"Right here."

Caroso instructed Fafna to remove her mask to show Ben.

Fafna did as told.

Today.

Was the most bizarre day in Ben’s life.

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