Chapter 15: A Grand Display

The enormous cannon barrel began to tremble violently as the spring ropes were pulled taut. It seemed as though something ignited it, causing it to gradually glow. A few seconds later, the entire barrel was enveloped in a strange orange-red mist, leaving the sailors operating it in awe. To date, none of the pirates knew what this device was. They only knew that the mortal accompanied by several half-orcs must be an important figure, and what he brought was undoubtedly a treasure, as evidenced by the high regard shown by their dragon-headed captain. Aside from a few operators, no one was allowed to approach such a device. What it actually was might only become clear once it was used.

Goth also stared intently at the device, which resembled a magic cannon about to fire. The massive mist had expanded to within a meter of the cannon. The intense heat forced the operators to instinctively retreat two meters away. Apart from two sailors wearing special sealed suits who stood firm, gritting their teeth to stabilize the cannon’s base, everyone else focused their attention on this strange apparatus.

When the mist expanded to within a meter, a huge flame burst forth from the cannon’s mouth silently. Everyone instinctively stepped back at the sudden burst of brilliant light. After a brief period of blindness, they saw that the flame rapidly expanded after leaving the cannon, turning into a flame sphere one meter in diameter within seconds. Carrying intense heat, it flew through the air straight toward a target 300 meters away.

Goth couldn’t help but stand up. The emergence of the huge flame sphere made him squint. It resembled a giant fireball, but its brilliant light meant there was no tail to indicate it was a magical flame rather than a physical fireball. Unfortunately for Goth, the operators clearly weren’t yet familiar with this sophisticated device. The huge flame sphere crashed into the sea just 10 meters away from its target—a medium-sized wooden ship. The impact created huge waves, but they instantly turned into vapor due to the intense heat emitted by the flame sphere. An area of three zhang around it was completely covered in white vapor.

“Idiots! A bunch of idiots! Mags, what the hell are you doing?!” Unable to contain his anger, the usually calm Gott was rarely so furious as he roared at the operator, “Focus your aim, you idiot! Do you think this is some kind of slinger?”
Seeing the captain so enraged, all the operators hurriedly tried to adjust their positions and angles. The thin-faced man named Mags even yelled and whipped his subordinates, as he was the only one aware that this was a secret weapon the organization had just acquired. The previous missed shot had proven its immense power—what would happen if it hit a ship or a person?
“Mr. Mags, please wait. It takes some time to cool down after firing; otherwise, the barrel can’t withstand such intense magical impact. I certainly don’t want my creation to be destroyed in just a few shots,” Komer said leisurely, still sitting in his chair with a glass in hand, his lazy smile utterly infuriating.
“Mags, did you hear that? Stop making mistakes—or I’ll take your head!” Teeth gritting, Gott knew the basic principles of this magical cannon. Komer had told him that even the best magical metals couldn’t withstand such high-intensity magical impacts for long. Continuous use would only shorten the lifespan of the barrel and the magical springs, possibly destroying them after just ten or twenty shots. A break was necessary to allow the magical metals to fully release their energy before firing again.
Unfortunately, the second shot also missed, landing three meters away from the target ship on the water’s surface, creating a huge mist. Gott could no longer hold back. Roaring, he jumped down from the viewing platform and stood beside the magical cannon. His shark-like, cold gaze made the operator feel like he might be crushed between his legs.
With a “pop,” another flame ball crossed the air, emitting a shrill sound from intense air friction. The third shot finally succeeded in hitting the target ship’s hull. The massive flame ball expanded into a huge fireball almost immediately upon contact with the hull. This was an energy transformation resulting from the collision of light energy with wooden material. The extremely hot energy ball instantly turned the part of the hull it hit into charred charcoal, and the surrounding wooden hull also caught fire instantly. The towering flames and thick black smoke quickly covered half of the sky.

“How about it, Mr. Gott? Is my merchandise to your satisfaction?” Drinking the wine in his glass in one gulp, Komer gave a half-smile at the leader of the Gray Skulls, whose excitement had even made his wrinkles disappear. Perhaps the promising prospects made it hard for Gott to control his emotions; his behavior today was already quite abnormal. Such outward displays were not befitting a leader, but today’s shock to Gott had been simply too great. Everyone on the ship was stunned by that powerful blast. It took a long time before thunderous cries of shock erupted. Headscarves, hats, belts, and even weapons flew into the air. Everyone could realize what this weapon would mean for the Gray Skulls. While the locals could only rely on rockets and slingshots, such a deadly weapon that could render a medium or small ship combat-incapable with just one shot could undoubtedly rewrite history. And now that the Gray Skulls possessed it, who could match them?

“Not bad, Viscount. I don’t want to hide my feelings. I’m quite satisfied with the power of the Magic Armored Cannon, but I’m still a bit disappointed with its aiming and operation. If it were easier to use and more accurate, it would be perfect.” Gott grinned. He truly didn’t want to hide his joy. Although it took three shots to destroy the target, that was already quite impressive. The main reason for the low efficiency was his lack of familiarity with this new weapon. With time and practice, both accuracy and efficiency could improve. He just wanted to use this as an excuse to counter any demands the other party might make soon.

“Hehe, Mr. Gott, your demands are too high. But I’ll accept your proposal. I’ll consider these aspects in future developments. However, I think if you could invest more effort in training the operators and commanders, the results might be even better.” With an elegant smile, Komer didn’t want to expose the other party’s trick. He was an expert at such tactics. As long as the other party needed it, they would obediently fall into his plan, unafraid of any tricks.

“Viscount, I formally propose purchasing four more Magic Armored Cannons. I wonder how soon you can bring me this pleasure?”

Gott didn’t say much about the price. What he needed to consider urgently was the issue of time—Caterina’s arrogance had severely impacted the survival of the Gray Skulls. By having almost all of their loyal key members witness this demonstration today, he aimed to boost morale through the introduction of this new weapon and strengthen the unity of the Gray Skulls. The effect seemed quite good; everyone appeared as if on stimulants. The first goal had been achieved. Now, it was time to show Caterina what real power looked like. Thinking of that seductive, provocative red-haired woman’s unrestrained gaze, Gott couldn’t help but feel the desire to conquer her. For the sacred and honorable profession of pirate to be dominated by a woman was a shame for every pirate leader, and an even greater humiliation for the Gray Skulls, who had always been under her control. Perhaps his last wish in life would be to trample that woman’s breasts under his feet and make her lick his feet clean with her tongue.

“Oh, Mr. Gott, you’re too hasty. Do you know how much effort it took me to develop this magic cannon? You’re already asking for four—aren’t you afraid of scaring me?” Smiling slightly, Komer intended to stall.

“Lord Viscount, I think there’s no need for further words. I need this, and the fact that you can manufacture it is enough. You can put forward your conditions. As for the time and goods I need, I can also give you what you want, right?” Gott didn’t show any displeasure. He had expected the other party to make demands—it was after all a transaction where both sides got what they wanted.

“Good, Boss Gott is truly straightforward.” Komer clapped his hands. “Then I won’t waste any more time. Three million gold shields upfront, and I’ll give you something satisfactory in half a year.”

“No, that won’t do. Price isn’t the issue; what I need is time.” Gott remained calm, raising his glass. Three million gold shields wasn’t a small amount, but the Gray Skulls could afford it.

“What are your requirements?” Komer frowned.

“In two months, I need to see the first one. The second one in three months, and one more each month thereafter—complete the transaction within five months. Also, I don’t have that much cash, but I can pay in other goods, of course, goods you’ll accept.” Gott’s expression was steady.

After some thought, Komer nodded and extended his hand. Shaking hands with Gott, he swore, “Deal. What substantial goods do you have?”

“Jewels, slaves, magic crystal ore, or a beautifully scenic island—your choice.” After clapping, Gott laughed and picked up his glass again.
“No problem. I have qualified appraisers and assessors on hand. I’m sure this deal will satisfy us both.” A smile appeared in Komer’s eyes—another tempting big deal.