Chapter 4: The Battle Against the Pirates

Chapter 4: The Battle Against the Pirates

Although he initially maintained respect for Airael’s status as a Mage, Hank’s demeanor gradually shifted back to that of a mercenary.

More carefree, more relaxed!

Hank’s attitude had a noticeable effect on Airael, who chuckled lightly, “Captain Hank, my magic will surely leave those pirates with unforgettable memories for life.”

Moreover, she didn’t call him just Hank as he had suggested, but added the more respectful title of “Captain.”

Respect begets respect.

Since Hank had shown her respect, she had no problem elevating him at this moment.

Upon hearing Airael’s words, Hank looked quite pleased, “Then I shall await your display.”

The surrounding members of the Blue Whale Mercenary Group lowered their guard against Airael after this exchange.

After reaching a simple agreement, Airael stayed close to Hank.

Hank, in turn, was keen to protect Airael, the amiable Mage.

Not only did he position himself in front of Airael, but several mercenary members also received the order to protect her.

They stood beside Airael, shielding her.

Airael accepted this without refusal.

After all, the melee capabilities of human Mages aren’t that impressive.

Though they couldn’t see her face, it was clear that these men had subconsciously accepted her as one of their own.

This was just what Airael needed.

Even though she had assumed a human form, she still required an opportunity to integrate into human society.

The Blue Whale Mercenary Group was perfect!

Captain Hank may look like a roughneck, but his heart was quite meticulous.

Just then, the distance between the pirate ship and the merchant vessel closed significantly.

Even those with weaker eyesight could now clearly see the pirates on the ship.

“You scumbags, row faster! No slacking off!”

On the pirate ship, menacing pirates urged the slaves on board to row with all their might.

Noncompliance earned them harsh lashes, and the slaves could only endure it, rowing even harder.

Seeing the pirate ship approach rapidly, Hank shouted, “Everyone, prepare for battle! Archers, get your arrows ready!”

As soon as he finished, he turned to Airael and whispered, “Lady Ailia, we’re about to engage in battle.”

“I know.”

Airael nodded gently.

Then she began preparing her magic.

Beneath her feet, the familiar Golden Magic Circle materialized, followed by a row of Fire Arrows appearing before her.

Meteor Fire Arrows!

Among mid-level spells, it was considered quite powerful.

The Fire Arrows radiated intense heat, causing the surrounding mercenaries to instinctively back away from Airael.

Airael didn’t mind this at all and smiled at Hank, saying, “Captain Hank, I’m all set.”

Hank nodded appreciatively at Airael and, turning around, shot a fierce glare at the few mercenaries who had hesitated.

Those mercenaries, realizing their mistake, obediently returned to Airael’s side, ready to protect her.

Meanwhile, the captain sent over extra sailors.

Even if the sailors weren’t very powerful, at least they were human, and the captain thought they could still contribute in some way.

Every little bit helps!

As the pirate ship closed in on the merchant vessel, Hank commanded, “Fire!”

The archers from the mercenary group and some sailors immediately loosed their arrows toward the pirates on the ship.

The scattered arrows sliced through the air, heading straight for the pirate ship.

“Defend!”

The pirates raised their shabby round shields, hunkering down behind them, relying on the ship’s cover to shield themselves from the arrows.

As a result, the archers’ efforts yielded little fruit.

Only a few pirates sustained minor injuries.

But soon after, the pirates paid a heavy price.

After aiming carefully, Airael unleashed her magical fire arrows.

While it was difficult for the magical arrows to strike the pirates directly, they exploded upon hitting the ship or the pirates’ shields.

The shockwaves and splintering flames left the pirates in agony.

While no one was in immediate danger, their formation was completely shattered.

Witnessing the power of Airael’s magic, confidence surged among the crew of the merchant vessel.

“Lady Ailia, your magic is truly impressive!”

A female mercenary assigned to protect Airael praised her.

Under her cloak, Airael’s lips curled slightly, “Next, I’ll show you something even more powerful!”

With that, Airael turned her gaze back to the pirate ship.

Despite having suffered from her magic earlier, the pirates showed no signs of retreat.

On the contrary, it seemed to have awakened their primal aggression.

One after another, they wore fierce expressions.

The pirate captain yelled at the rowers among the slaves, “Row faster! If anyone slacks off again, I’ll kill them on the spot!”

Hearing this, the slaves desperately put their all into rowing.

They had long grown accustomed to the oppression from the pirates, doing everything they could to survive.

The speed of the pirate ship surged significantly, hurtling toward the merchant vessel ahead.

After barking orders at the slaves, the pirate captain shouted to his crew, “Brothers, once we collide, make sure to take down that Mage! We can’t let her escape!”

Listening to the pirate captain’s boastful words, Airael showed a scornful expression, “You bunch of trash think you can talk big in front of me? I’ll show you what true battle looks like!”

As the Elven Queen, Airael’s experience far surpassed that of these men.

Besides, she had participated in ancient wars three hundred years ago.

Thus, the battle unfolding before her, involving these pirates, was nothing she took seriously.

“Thunderstorm!”

Airael calmly called out, unleashing her well-practiced high-level Lightning magic.

The lightning orb she conjured surged into the sky, then rained down bolts of lightning upon the pirates on their ship.

Faced with the oncoming lightning, only a few pirates managed to avoid it, and the pirate captain was among them.

He dodged in a rather undignified roll.

Those who failed to escape were struck by the lightning, their bodies left charred, smoke rising from them, hair standing on end.

One pirate who had narrowly avoided the strike looked at his unfortunate comrades and instinctively touched his bald head.

“Damn it!”

The recovering pirate captain cursed angrily.

At this moment, fear was evident on the pirate’s faces as they gazed at the merchant vessel.

Because on board was a powerful Mage.