NOTICE: Many of the novels have been removed because they might cause violations, which we were not aware of earlier.
Episode 374 – Second Missing Link (10)
Lee Kyung-bok arrived at the destination with Park Joo-ho.
“Hmm, that’s about it.”
“Oh, there’s a pirate ship over there.”
A single sailing ship bearing the Red Viper's pirate flag floated on the horizon. As I approached it, a cutscene began.
“Camilla didn’t come out.”
The protagonist, disguised as a merchant, was observing a pirate ship through a telescope.
Camilla was not visible on the pirate ship reflected in the lens.
-So it was another pirate impersonating you?
-That's something the other subordinates did without Kanu's knowledge!
-Can't you see it even with your three eyes?
-Please let's go happily!
As viewers each put forth their own theories, the sailing ship got closer to the pirate ship.
The pirates on deck immediately threw grappling hooks and tied the two sailing ships together.
“Hmm, I don’t think they called the Navy.”
The giant pirate spoke, scanning the horizon. The protagonist rolled his eyes and asked him.
“Where is Scheherazade?”
“…Don’t do anything stupid, just follow me.”
The pirate said so and gestured. The other pirates started moving busily.
-What is it!? Where is Se-Nun-Na!?
-Isn't this a hostage exchange?
-Are you worried that they might bring the Navy?
-But you came?
-Aren't you just trying to get HOXY supplies?
-Are you starting to feel the King Lee's heart?
While the viewers were trying to figure out the situation, the captain approached the protagonist.
“Captain, is this a trap?”
"That may be true. But it's too early to tell. First, we need to check on Scheherazade's safety."
“Yes, I understand.”
They also showed their anxiety.
But Lee Gyeong-bok's judgment was different.
'That's strange. He's not a villain?'
I didn't sense the typical villainous unpleasantness from those pirates. Then the screen changed and the location changed.
Across the sea, I saw a secluded island and a small village. I wondered what it was, but then I saw a pirate ship ahead lowering its flag.
-Huh?
-Hahaha, usually they disguise themselves as fishing boats or something.
-There's no need to act like a pirate when you're not pirating lol
-Come to think of it, is that wrong?
-If you're not at the level of the Navy to fight, then it's right to hide lol
-That's right ㅋㅋ Last time, Kanu said that other pirates were notorious ㅋㅋ
The Camilla Pirates' notoriety had been exaggerated in previous stories. In reality, their scale was far from what the protagonist had previously known.
As the sailboat approached the dock, the protagonist rolled his eyes. The boatswain approached him.
“Captain, I think this might be the Red Viper’s base…”
“I think so too. Scheherazade is probably being held there.”
He thought for a moment and then gave instructions.
"For now, listen to the pirates' demands. Now that we know their base, it's okay to give them supplies. Rescuing Scheherazade is our top priority."
-That's right lol We can subdue the pirate group later
-So, is it confirmed that Katongsu is here?
-I don't know!
-There must be something else going on!
-If they kidnapped her and demanded ransom, isn't it already over?
As soon as the ship was completely anchored, the pirates came up on deck.
“What about the promised supplies?”
“Scherazade’s safety comes first.”
“I guess you’re the captain. Follow me.”
The protagonist rolled his eyes at the pirate's words. He then pointed to Park Joo-ho's character.
“This friend will go with me too.”
"Well, whatever. One or two, it doesn't matter. I'll have to get it down with my bare hands anyway."
The pirate nodded as if nothing was amiss. The other pirates then surrounded the protagonist.
The captain and other sailors flinched and looked around, but the protagonist put down his weapon first.
-Disarm and rescue operation?
-But what the pirate said is right lol
-Ah haha it doesn't matter in any other sense
-Godple is so strong even with his bare hands, Imari.
-If you add the perilla leaves there, then you're done talking, right?
Then, as Park Joo-ho's character followed, the pirate nodded again and spoke.
——————
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“This way.”
The two men disembarked from the ship, following the pirate. After walking along the shore for a while, they came into view of the locals.
They showed no wariness toward the pirates. Instead, they looked at the protagonist with even more anxious eyes.
“It doesn’t feel like the pirates are forcibly occupying it or anything.”
-Aren't they all the same pirates? Just disguised?
-Doesn't it look too innocent to be considered that way?
– Judging by their appearance, are they vicious criminals?
-omg!
-You're worse…
The pirate soon stopped in front of a building.
“Here it is. It’s not a difficult path, so you won’t need any guidance on the way back.”
After saying that, he left the place.
“Aren’t you going to keep an eye on it?”
“Could it be because we are unarmed?”
The protagonist was puzzled, but went inside anyway. As he opened the door and stepped inside, he heard her voice.
“So, multiplication is a grouping. If we have three groups of four fish each, how many are there in total?”
"uh…"
“I don’t have enough fingers…”
The protagonist's eyes widened at the sound of a young voice. He passed through the hallway and entered the room, where he saw Scheherazade.
She was teaching children how to count by drawing pictures in front of them.
-????
-What is Se-Nun-Na's Math Classroom? LOL
-Ah haha if Seonunna was a math teacher, I would have been top in science too haha
-You're right that you're bad at math, right? You don't know fractions.
-You're the one who beat the listener with your words lol
-Integrated attack of humanities and sciences ㅎㄷㄷ
While the viewers were surprised by this, Scheherazade also noticed the two people's appearance.
“Ah, the letter arrived safely…”
Her once delighted expression quickly turned to shock. Her eyes shook, and her voice trembled.
“Pur, Purple?”
“There doesn’t seem to be any injuries.”
Something felt off in the atmosphere.
Both the protagonist and the viewers sensed something was wrong from her reaction.
“I don’t think you wanted me to come.”
“No, that’s not it… Guys, just draw for a moment!”
Scheherazade said that and hurriedly went out into the hallway with the two people.
“What the hell happened?!”
“I heard you were kidnapped by the company.”
“Oh, my God. I told you not to send the Navy…!”
Scheherazade covered my mouth and quickly rolled her eyes. Question marks filled the chat window as the situation unfolded.
-Why are you doing this, Seonunna?
-Is it a problem that you came to save me?
-Is this Stockholm syndrome or something?
-Are you attached to pirates? Lol
While the viewers were confused, the main character figured out the situation.
“…You weren’t kidnapped, were you?”
"As expected, you're quick-witted. I wasn't kidnapped, I was rescued."
"structure?"
"Yes, during our expedition, we were attacked by a Zaratan. A giant sea turtle. It happened literally in the blink of an eye."
She shuddered as she remembered those days.
"The naval escort ship sank, and my sailboat was completely wrecked. I barely managed to escape with my life, but I was left adrift, clinging to a plank. I thought I was going to die… but I was discovered by the Red Viper pirates."
“So the goods you asked me to send were not a ransom but a reward?”
"Yes. Of course, there was also the intention of securing my safety, so I can't say it wasn't a ransom."
-WA! Kanu is confirmed!
-Those who said "katongsoo" should take care of it themselves lol
-Fortunately, it leads to a happy development?
-Rival is not a word that means villain! (Eom Geun-jin)
Scheherazade's explanation revealed the truth. Viewers were relieved, but she still looked uneasy.
Park Joo-ho's character frowned as if he didn't understand her.
“If it was simply a reward, why didn’t you tell the Navy not to tell?”
"that…"
"Sherazade Trading Company has a contract with headquarters. No matter how good it is, it's not good for pirates and goods to be known."
The protagonist offered the answer in her place, as she hesitated. Scheherazade sighed.
"You've figured it all out. That's right. It was supposed to end well. I just had to repay the favor and get on board and sail away…"
“But the people at Sanghoe valued you more than you thought, and they asked headquarters for help.”
The protagonist immediately put his index finger to his lips.
"There's still a chance. As long as our identities aren't discovered, your plan will go as planned. If you have anything to grab, hurry."
The pirates still believed the protagonist was sent by the company. Scheherazade's plan was still valid.
“Oh, I see! Just a moment!”
Realizing this, she was delighted and hurriedly packed her bags.
* * *
Lee Kyung-bok and Park Joo-ho returned with Scheherazade the way they had come. They occasionally received suspicious glances from the locals, but fortunately, they remained undiscovered.
-Oh lol safe!?
-A mission that requires infiltration in another senseㅋㅋㅋ
-Since you're going out, isn't it called infiltration rather than escape? lol
-Is this some kind of exciting mission?
Back at the dock, another cutscene occurred. The protagonist and Scheherazade were about to board the ship.
Pirates blocked the way.
“Oh my, you’re leaving without even saying goodbye?”
The protagonist froze in place at the sound of a voice from behind. Over his shoulder, the red-haired pirate, Camilla, was smirking.
"Ah, Camilla. I owe you so much. I will never forget this favor."
Scheherazade quickly controlled her expression and expressed her gratitude. However, Camilla's gaze was not directed at her, but at the protagonist.
"Oh, of course. You shouldn't forget kindness. I do the same."
At Camilla's gesture, the pirates drew their weapons. While Scheherazade looked flustered, she continued.
“Wouldn’t it be even more unforgettable if someone was your enemy but then became your savior?”
“You’re making things complicated.”
As the protagonist turned around, Camilla's smile grew wider.
"That outfit suits you quite well, Your Majesty. But didn't I tell you? I told you not to see me again if possible."
"Now, wait a minute! Camilla! No one needs to get hurt!"
Scheherazade immediately tried to mediate, but Camilla shook her head.
"Scherazad, you're fine. You can't reveal anywhere that you made a deal with us. But this gentleman's case is different."
"I can't let you go now that I know your base. Is that what you mean?"
"Our lord knows this too! Well, Scheherazade isn't wrong. If you surrender meekly, no one will be hurt."
Viewers sighed at the series of events. But there was another variable at play.
“Captain!”
Something flew from the deck with a shout. The pirates' attention was drawn to it, and the protagonist snatched it up.
-Oh lol Nice deckhand!
-Senior subordinate behavior lol
-Did you make a quick decision?
-You gave the sword to Godple? Are you done now?
The captain had handed over the weapon the protagonist had left on board. The other crew members then took out their guns and took cover.
“These kids!”
The pirates responded immediately. They aimed their guns at the sailing ship and confronted it.
The situation was tense on both sides, and if someone pulled the trigger, casualties would occur immediately.
"stop!"
Among them, the protagonist raised his voice. Everyone's eyes were focused on him.
"Don't rush in! No one needs to get hurt!"
At those words, Camilla's smile disappeared.
“I’m sorry, but that would be difficult.”
“Camilla, trust me.”
“That’s because I believe what you say.”
Her reply caused a question mark to appear in the chat window. What does this mean?
"You said that when we first met, my lord. The Navy doesn't bow to pirate threats."
Camilla gestured with a cold expression.
“Capture him alive. If he resists, you may kill him.”
With those words, the cutscene ended and we entered battle. The chat window quickly popped up.
-No;;; This is just too much!
-There's no need to fight, so why are you making us fight? LOL
-Isn't this a battle scene that no one wants?
-What is it? Why is there a timer?
[00:05:00]
Lee Kyung-bok looked at the time that appeared in his field of vision and understood the situation.
“It seems like it’s a survival mission.”
“Five minutes shouldn’t be too hard.”
While Park Joo-ho also agreed, Lee Gyeong-bok put the cutlass back into its sheath.
"Let's not kill them, because we don't know how the situation will be reflected. Can we do it with our bare hands?"
At his words, a question mark appeared in the chat window.
-?????
-No;;; Why are you fighting with bare hands!?
-King! You're going to have a hard time clearing it again!
-Deckmaster: Captain? Captain? Captain?
-I tried so hard to return the weapon, but it still feels unfair lol
-No lol Even if that's true, what about you, hyung? lol
However, contrary to viewers' expectations, Park Joo-ho immediately put the weapon away.
"I understand, but 1:1 is my limit. You handle the rest."
“That’s not difficult.”
So, both men confronted the pirates barehanded. The pirates, waiting for their opportunity, immediately pounced.
The sharp blade fell, but Lee Gyeong-bok took a light step and turned to the side.
“I will peacefully disarm the pirates.”
He leisurely threw out a comment and grabbed the pirate's wrist. He then twisted it with force, causing the pirate to groan.
“Kwaaaaak!”
“This kid!”
Another pirate immediately rushed at him, but Lee Gyeong-bok easily grabbed the pirate's scruff and turned around.
As the pirate was caught and turned around, the pirates' swords clashed with a loud clang.
“It’s dangerous, so let go!”
Lee Kyung-bok moved the pirate's wrist, which he was holding. Then, as if by magnet, the pirate's sword, which had been attached to him, slipped from his grasp.
“What, what is it!?”
“I can’t use my hands… my hands…”
The pirates, now completely naked, retreated, leaving viewers in awe.
-There's no way to do anything (it's true)
-Huh!? You're fighting with your bare hands!
-Ah lol I didn't use my sword, I used a pirate's sword
-This is Black Navy swordsmanship lol
-What on earth did they teach you at the military academy? LOL!
-Black corporate peace agreement lol
But what surprised viewers even more was Park Joo-ho's reaction. He calmly observed the advancing pirate, then dodged the stabbing blade and wrapped his arm around it.
Then, as he turned his waist, putting his weight on the pirate's body, it spun around and fell to the floor.
“Crack!”
The pirate groaned as if he couldn't breathe, and his body trembled.
-What's a clean way to carry it?
-This isn't beginner's work, is it?
-Did you guide Mr. Perpago?
-Really lol this is coming out right away
-A duo that is strong even with bare hands lol
But there were still many pirates left. Watching the pirates continue to charge, Lee Gyeong-bok shifted his stance.
“You have to use what you learn, right?”
The fight between Lee Kyung-bok and the others that unfolded afterward was something familiar to viewers.
-????
-Isn't that a curved river?
-Oh my gosh lol what's with the handshake lol
-You're using other game skills here?
-Mimic Cree's appearance is funㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-???: This isn't our fighting game!?
-Advertisers are confused!
Lee Kyung-bok demonstrated various moves of the Metal Punch characters. Of course, due to the different game engine, they didn't float in the air or anything, but they were enough to subdue the pirates.
-Oh my god, this must hurt;;
-Huh? This is supposed to be resolved peacefully, right?
-Ah haha anyway I don't see any blood
-Isn't this a complete bat-man-style immortalism?
-???: I don't kill! (Making people disabled)
Viewers felt pity for the pirates who were being attacked. Eventually, the timer reached zero and a cutscene ensued.
Everyone who was confronting them stopped in their tracks at the sound of a gunshot.
“Sir, why don’t you just give up now?”
Camilla said, aiming at the protagonist with a stern face.
“If you don’t want to see blood, don’t do anything stupid anymore and surrender.”
But soon the gun was pointed at Scheherazade, who was behind her. She trembled as she looked at the gun.
-No;;; Why are you doing this!
-Do you think I'd last 5 minutes to see something like this?
-Story writer: This won't work!
-You're putting this out as an advertisement?
-You're not really going to shoot me, are you?
-Ah, okay! Let's go happily!
The chat room was a mix of discontent and tension. Amidst all this, the protagonist took a deep breath and calmly replied.
“Camilla, your pretense no longer works.”
"what?"
“You and these people already know that you are not that kind of person.”
Camilla's face was distorted.
“What the hell are you talking about?”
"If you were going to kill them from the beginning, there's a simpler way. Why not just shoot them all?"
The screen showed exhausted pirates, each with a gun strapped to their waist.
"The same goes for using knives. They only target shoulders and legs, not vital points. It seems like they're all unfamiliar with killing, don't you think?"
-You didn't intend to kill him in the first place?
-Oh? What is it? Is it real?
-I don't know how to use a knife lol
-They all got killed before the pirates could do anything lol
The atmosphere in the chat room changed with the protagonist's words.
"Huh? Don't you know how many naval forces we've dealt with? You know better than anyone, don't you?"
Camilla laughed, but the protagonist's attitude did not change.
"No, you took credit for the pirates who plundered. You already know that reputation is a lie."
The pirates eyed him. Camilla gritted her teeth and turned her gun toward him.
"I don't care what you think! What matters is now! Surrender! Do you really want to die!?"
“It is not I who must surrender, but you.”
The protagonist took a step toward her. The pirates, Park Joo-ho's character, and the crew were all startled.
-??????
-What is this boldness?
-What if I really shoot you!?
-The main character gets a buff lol
The viewers were also surprised, but the protagonist did not stop and approached Camilla again.
“You think I can’t shoot?!”
“Camilla, once you pull the trigger, there’s no turning back.”
His finger was on the trigger, but the protagonist took another step closer.
"Think about it. Naval Headquarters sent me to rescue Scheherazade. But what if I don't return? Naval Headquarters can only assume the worst."
“What is that…”
“Look who you’re dealing with.”
The distance between the protagonist and Camilla was only a few paces. It was a distance where the aim could not miss.
Still, he did not hesitate.
"Sherazade is the owner of a company that has an exclusive contract with headquarters, and I'm credited with dismantling the Pirate Alliance. How do you think headquarters will deal with the pirate group that killed those two?"
“That… that is…”
Camilla's pupils trembled.
The viewers also realized what the main character was trying to say.
-If the current owner dies, the captain will turn his back on himㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-The loyal son of Godfather filled that void and achieved great results, but how can you lose such a subordinate?
-Really lol If you do this, a real buster call might come out later
-The military chief is here again?
-The owner really knows the facts well lol
The protagonist reached right in front of her.
“No matter how important notoriety is to a pirate, he wouldn’t want this level of notoriety.”
He further pointed her gun at his heart.
"Camilla, admit it. You thought you had the upper hand when you discovered my identity, but it was me who took the initiative."
The protagonist looked down at her calmly and gently held the gun barrel.
“The only thing you can decide now is the number of corpses.”
-Oh, this is it ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-Is the senior's situation analysis sharp?
-It was a fight I couldn't win anyway, Imari lol
-I should have just let it go lol
-???: Since when did you start thinking you had the upper hand?
-What kind of hardening is this? LOL
Camilla's mouth tightened. Her fingers trembled slightly, but she quickly let go of the gun.
“Everyone, step back.”
Camilla spoke briefly and handed the gun she was holding to the protagonist. The pirates were surprised, but soon retreated.
“You can’t just end it by arresting me, right?”
“The Navy does not negotiate with pirates.”
He said that and aimed at Camilla. The pirates and the viewers were all shocked by it.
The protagonist lightly turned the gun and gave it back to Camilla.
“But you can negotiate with a braggart who pretends to be a pirate.”
"what…?"
Everyone was surprised by the unexpected action. The protagonist spoke calmly to Camilla.
“Didn't I say it from the beginning? No one needed to get hurt.”
The protagonist then turned his back to her.
“Let’s talk.”
He concluded in a firm tone.
“This is not a request, it is an offer that must be accepted.”
* * *
Captain's cabin.
Camilla and the protagonist face each other.
“…What kind of story is this?”
She opened her mouth with a displeased expression.
"If you're going to spare me, then spare me. If you're going to stab me in the back of the head, then stab me. What do you need to talk about?"
“To set that standard.”
"standard?"
The protagonist didn't answer immediately, but instead looked out the window. Beyond the wary sailors, pirates and locals gathered with anxious expressions.
"The people here don't seem to be pirates. And they don't seem to fear you either. If they were occupying this place by force, that wouldn't be possible. What on earth is their relationship?"
“You want to know that?”
“It’s my turn to ask questions.”
“…Well, what is there to hide now that things have come to this?”
Camilla clicked her tongue briefly at him and sighed.
"We used to live in the same territory. Now we're practically family."
“You mean Yeongji?”
Not only the main character but also the viewers were confused.
-Huh? Where is the pirate's territory?
-Isn't that a reishi mushroom?
-Why is that territory here? LOL
-Do pirates use the word territory?
The protagonist's gaze changed. He asked with a look of incredulity.
“…Are you saying that they were originally from a noble family?”
“You can’t believe it, Your Majesty? A nobleman who became a pirate.”
Camilla let out a self-deprecating laugh, but then continued speaking with a serious expression.
"But it's true. They were a family of quite capable explorers."
“If you’re an explorer, surely…?”
“That’s ridiculous.”
She said with a shrug.
“I searched for the legendary underwater city, Atlantis.”