Chapter 116: Feint to the East, Strike in the West

Chapter 116: Feint to the East, Strike in the West

TL: Etude

Based on our analysis, its now certain that Gaden is plotting an attack against us, and we believe his real intention is to launch a feint to draw our main force away, with his actual target being Port Fran.

In the naval bases conference room, officers were discussing the latest intelligence from Clement. One officer, specializing in intelligence analysis, spoke up.

Austin was somewhat incredulous. Port Fran was the main base of the navy.

If thats the case, then theyre quite bold.

The intelligence officer speculated, According to other captured pirates, Gaden has recently absorbed several pirate groups, boosting his strength significantly. His forces have grown to six or seven hundred men, which might have given him the confidence to confront us.

Austin nodded, It seems while we are targeting Gaden, he too is plotting against us.

Captain Quik of the Hope inquired, Commander, what should we do? Should we take the bait and keep our main force in Port Fran, waiting for Gadens attack?

Austin shook his head, We need to consider this further. We dont have direct evidence that theyre trying to lure us away to attack Port Fran. We cant just sit idly in the base and let them plunder other areas. What if their attacks elsewhere are not a feint?

If only the navy had more manpower. After the fall of large pirate groups like Shark and Quik, which numbered in the hundreds, the remaining groups were small, barely exceeding a hundred members, allowing the navy to split forces without worry. But now, with Gadens Mudfish Pirate Groups significant increase in strength, spreading forces thin seemed risky.

At this point, someone spoke up, If we had sufficient manpower, we could ensure the safety of Port Fran while assisting other areas. Major Joyces Third Infantry Battalion is currently training nearby.

The rooms attention shifted to this officer, a captain of a galley warship named Arman.

As everyone looked at him, Captain Arman shrank back slightly, hesitantly suggesting, Uh maybe we should utilize the armys strength. If we receive a distress signal, the Third Infantry Battalion could help us defend Port Fran, allowing us to concentrate our forces at the point of attack.

This how can this be? Eliminating pirates is a task Count Grayman entrusted to the navy. Asking the army to intervene would make us look incompetent, someone immediately objected. It was Captain Quik of the Hope.

Quik, who had been defeated by the First and Second Battalions at Lakeheart Town when he was a pirate, harbored some resentment towards the army.

A week later, on the afternoon of October 17th, the Hope and several other ships returned to the base port after a drill. Recently, they had been practicing how to use the new flag signals for communication at sea.

The sailors lowered the sails and inspected the ship. After confirming everything was normal and leaving a duty crew behind, the rest went ashore towards the mess hall, discussing the lunch menu along the way.

Suddenly, the base bell rang, signaling an alarm.

Quik muttered, I hope this is for real this time! Damn that Gaden. He immediately rushed to the operations meeting room with other officers, while the sailors regrouped, ready to depart at any moment.

In the operations meeting, Austin decided to have the navy stay in Port Fran and send the Third Infantry Battalion for the rescue, as the signals location was most conveniently reached by land.

The falcon carrying the message The navy has left was once again sent flying into the distance.

Hours later, near the waters of Port Fran, ten pirate ships flying the skull and crossbones appeared. Gaden, having received the message, immediately directed his fleet towards Port Fran.

Standing on the deck, he loudly ordered, Once we land, loot as much as you can. Make it grand and establish our pirate groups reputation.

Then he emphasized, But remember, we only have five hours. After five hours, everyone must return to the ship. Regardless of whether everyone is back or not, I will order the fleet to retreat.

Long live Gaden! Long live! The pirates responded enthusiastically to their leader, ready for action.

Gaden unsheathed his sword and pointed east, Order the slaves to speed up! Assault on Port Fran!

But boss, somethings wrong!

A shout from the lookout broke the atmosphere.

Gaden, trying to suppress his irritation, shouted, Whats wrong!

The lookout, with a face full of fear, pointed eastward, The navy hasnt left. They theyre coming towards us!