Chapter 7: The Black Contract, Section 3

“Boom!!!”
A deafening roar echoed across the entire desert, shocking all creatures within several kilometers with its thunderous sound. Sand worms shuddered and sank underground, while mutated vultures screeched as they soared into the sky. Even the desert scorpions, which usually charged around with their hard shells and deadly venom, hid quickly like ostriches.

Amidst the terrified gazes of these creatures, a colossal steel monster, nearly a thousand meters in length, rose from the ground. Massive amounts of sand and gravel flowed down from its various parts, creating a bottomless pit on the surface.

“Leader…”
Though terrified by the sudden appearance of this monstrous weapon, the sand pirates were still most concerned about their leader. Facing that dark cannon muzzle, almost everyone paled.

Although the muzzle was covered in dust, no one doubted its effectiveness. The destructive machine gun fire earlier had made that clear. This ancient warship, dormant for who knew how long, had fully regained its strength.

“Clang!!” A huge shield fell to the ground, sparking as it hit the surface. Baroka’s plump body seemed to lose all strength as he slumped to the ground. His fat face trembled violently, with sweat beading on his forehead.

“Damn it, am I going to die here?” Such thoughts suddenly flashed through Baroka’s dazed mind.

But to his surprise, the more desperate the situation became, the quieter the cannon muzzle stayed. The room was utterly silent, with only breathing sounds audible. No one knew when the deadly flames would engulf them. The suffocating pressure made everyone feel as if they were in a steamer.

The vibrations of the warship gradually subsided. If they could see outside now, they would realize they were already thousands of meters in the air. The vast desert stretched endlessly beneath them, with fierce winds howling loudly.

Finally, Baroka could no longer hold back. With a wave of his hand, as if brushing away his fear, his face twisted into a monstrous expression.

“Who is it?! Who the hell is it?! If you’re going to attack, do it already! Stop fucking delaying us!”

A thunderous roar made the entire room vibrate. At that moment, Baroka looked like a fierce demon, with blood-red eyes that were terrifying. The sand pirates around him also shuddered at the sound and rushed to gather around him. Though still terrified and trembling, each of them had a glimmer of determination in their eyes.

As a sand pirate, Baroka was undoubtedly a symbol of brutality. Yet toward his subordinates, this burly giant never failed to treat them well. Whatever he could eat, he made sure his brothers could have as well. From the moment they joined his group, he taught them how to fight and how to survive, helping them support each other as they searched for their place in the desert.

It could be said that without Baroka, they would likely have been captured as slaves in their childhood and never have survived to this day.

“Do you really want to die?”

As if in response to Baroka’s words, before the roar faded, a sudden voice rang out in the empty room. It came from all directions, making it impossible to pinpoint its source.

“Who are you?” Baroka’s pupils constricted sharply. He knew he had finally spoken to the real culprit.

“You can call me Blackhair,” the voice replied.

It was him!! The image of that dark-haired, fierce man flashed through Baroka’s mind, stirring a mix of emotions within him. He never expected that this disaster was actually caused by his own actions. If he hadn’t captured that airship back then, that terrifying plague lord would likely still be nowhere in sight.

“What… do you want?” Baroka asked with difficulty.

“Hmph…” Blackhair let out a cold laugh from the control room. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette, lighting it before taking a deep drag.

“You destroyed my airship, captured my companions, and plundered my supplies. Big guy, it seems I should be the one asking what you want.”

“I… I didn’t know…” Baroka’s chubby face turned slightly red.

“You mean you didn’t know I was up there?” Blackhair smiled slightly, watching the embarrassed expression on Baroka’s face. He felt a sense of satisfaction.

“Then let me ask you: if you had known I was up there, would you have stopped attacking? Or would you have treated me well with food and drink?”

After a moment of hesitation, Baroka thought for a while before shaking his head firmly.

“No!”

“Leader!!” The sand pirates cried out in alarm. They certainly knew what consequences such words would bring.

“Shut up!” Baroka roared, lifting his head as the fat on his face twitched violently, like that of a vengeful spirit. “Have you forgotten what I taught you? A sand pirate is a glorious profession! Not those despicable slave traders!! There’s nothing to be afraid of. Since I’ve already struck, I’m not afraid of them seeking revenge!!”
“Blackhair, since I’ve lost, there’s nothing left to say. Your companions are in the next room. Out of respect for the fact that I haven’t hurt them, release my children. Do whatever you want to me!”
“Oh?” Blackhair was stunned. He brought the cigarette to his mouth but stopped, letting the smoke blur his vision.
“Really?”
“Really!” Baroka stiffened his neck. “I know you want my resources. Fine, release them, and I’ll give you everything.”
“Idiot!” Blackhair suddenly sneered.
“You’re all under my control now—how dare you negotiate with me? I want your resources. But it’s just a matter of time. Since you’ve captured my companions, be prepared for my revenge. Stop pretending to be righteous. How can a sand pirate talk about morality? Do you even have any?”
“You…” Baroka felt as if his throat was choked, his face turning red as he couldn’t speak.
Although the city guards had warned him to be careful of this man, he hadn’t realized just how terrifying he really was until they clashed. He didn’t even leave them a shred of chance. For a moment, Baroka felt as if his heart had fallen into an abyss, with no thought of resistance left.
But the next moment, Blackhair’s words made him jump.
“Though I can give you a chance.” Smoke filled the control room, obscuring Blackhair’s figure.
“This ship is too dirty; it needs a laborer for chores. You seem strong enough—take on the job…”