12: Raid on Bloodclaw Island 1

Inside the captain's cabin, the atmosphere was heavy. A nautical chart was spread out on the rough wooden table, simply marked with the information about Blood Claw Island obtained from Hogan. Linn stood at the head position. To his left were Knight Commander Clay and the maid Elise; to his right were the pirate Hogan, recently enslaved by a Soul Contract and appearing extremely subservient, along with Squad Leaders Angus and Karl, who were in charge of soldier management.

The light from the oil lamp flickered, illuminating their serious faces.

"Hogan, elaborate once more on what you know about Blood Claw Island, especially the defensive layout, the location of the sentry posts, and the daily routines of the High Silver Rank First Chieftain and the Silver Elementary Third Chieftain."

Hogan quickly bowed, his finger trembling as he pointed to the island shape he had marked on the chart: "Yes, Master. Blood Claw Island is not large; it is crescent-shaped and has only one main harbor, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. Their lair is located beneath the cliff inside the harbor, a camp made of a mixture of wood and stone."

He swallowed hard and continued, "Normally, there are between eighty and one hundred resident pirates on the island. After the recent battle, they lost over fifty people, including Second Chieftain Scarface. Now, there should be about fifty people left on the island, roughly twenty of whom are veterans with Apprentice Knight strength. The First Chieftain, 'Bloody Hand' Bartley, is a High Silver Rank warrior, very strong and short-tempered, usually residing in the largest house deep inside the camp. The Third Chieftain, 'Water Snake' Snake, is Silver Elementary, skilled at using Poisoned Daggers, and quite cunning, often patrolling between the dock and the camp."

"Regarding defenses, the main lookout post is set up on the cliff top at the harbor entrance. The view is excellent, and it's difficult for any approaching ship to evade detection. Two people usually man it. The dock is typically guarded by four or five people. The camp itself has wooden walls, and there are guards at the gate, but the security loosens considerably at night."

Linn listened silently, tapping his finger lightly on the table. The disparity in strength between the enemy and themselves remained vast. On their side, counting everyone, the only ones capable of fighting were Clay (Silver Elementary), Elise (Bronze Intermediate, ranged), Morton (Bronze High Rank, severely injured and temporarily unable to participate), Angus and Karl (Bronze High Rank), plus ten Apprentice Soldiers in decent condition, and... Hogan (Bronze High Rank) and six Apprentice Pirates who had just been controlled by the Soul Contract. The total number was less than thirty, and most were injured or exhausted. In contrast, the island still held over fifty pirates, including two Silver Rank Chieftains.

Using the recently intimidated slaves to supplement the low-end fighting force meant that the numbers were roughly comparable to the Blood Claw pirates, but the two Silver Rank leaders posed a significant problem. Since the Blood Claw pirates held the terrain and were fighting on their home ground, a direct confrontation would undoubtedly be suicide.

"My Lord, we must rely on strategy," Clay said gravely. "In a frontal assault, even if we win, we will pay a huge price."

Elise nodded. Her elven keenness allowed her to raise a crucial point: "That watchtower must be dealt with first. Otherwise, we will be spotted before we even get close."

Linn also nodded in agreement. He had only this small amount of assets in total. It wouldn't be worth it if they were all used up before reaching Iron Sand Island.

"Hogan, what if we disguise ourselves as a victorious returning fleet? For example, having your three fast ships in front, followed by the 'sea wave,' claiming to have captured a large vessel. Is it possible to deceive the lookout post and the dock guards?"

Hogan's eyes lit up, as if grasping a chance to atone for his mistakes: "It's possible, Master! The 'sea wave' is much larger than our ships, and capturing it would indeed be a great achievement. Especially... if I am the one who speaks. I have some standing on the island and usually handle negotiations."

This was a feasible plan, but the risk was immense. If they were exposed in the narrow harbor, the 'sea wave' would become a sitting target.

"The risk is very high," Angus frowned. "What if they inquire about Scarface, the Second Chieftain? Or what if they get close and realize everyone on our ship is a stranger?"

Karl added, "Furthermore, even if we deceive the dock, how do we simultaneously deal with the two Silver Rank Chieftains once we enter the camp? We must separate them, or create an opportunity to eliminate one first."

Linn pondered for a moment, and a bold and risky plan gradually formed in his mind.

"We need a performance and a precise decapitation strike." Linn's gaze swept over everyone. "Hogan, you and your contracted subordinates will be key to this performance. You must play the roles of 'victoriously returning and escorting captives' well."

Linn detailed the deployment:

"First! Hogan will lead the original pirate members, driving two lightly damaged pirate speedboats ahead, with the 'sea wave' following behind, displaying the pirates' Black Skull Flag on the mast as a deception. Hogan is responsible for negotiating with the watchtower and the dock, claiming that they encountered two merchant ships, captured one important vessel and its cargo (including a Mage and an Elf), and requesting entry into the harbor. Furthermore, he must explain that the haul was huge, and the Second Chieftain sent him back ahead of time to request reinforcements to pursue the other merchant ship."

Linn continued the deployment: "Most of the soldiers, Karl, and Angus will hide below the deck of the 'sea wave,' or disguise themselves as guarded 'captives.' Clay, Elise, and a few Elite Soldiers will mingle with Hogan's 'escort' team, wearing clothes stripped from the dead pirates, disguised as pirates, and tasked with controlling the dock and eliminating the sentries immediately."

"The primary target is the Third Chieftain, 'Water Snake' Snake. He is most likely to be at the dock. Once his position is confirmed, Clay will lead the assault, with Elise providing ranged support, ensuring he is swiftly killed before he can raise the alarm. Hogan and his men must cooperate by restraining the other pirate guards."

Linn paced around the captain's cabin, looking at everyone as he systematically laid out the plan.

"After eliminating Snake and securing the dock, a signal will be immediately sent out. The main force hidden on the 'sea wave' will quickly land and rush straight to the camp. Simultaneously, led by Hogan, Clay, Elise, and I will form an elite squad, targeting the First Chieftain, 'Bloody Hand' Bartley, to engage him in a decisive battle."

Linn's tone shifted, becoming sharp: "In short, we must fight this battle, and we must win. Our food and water supplies won't last until we reach Iron Sand Island. You can imagine the consequences of failure without me having to spell them out."

Hogan's body trembled, having already experienced Linn's unique methods: "Rest assured, Master, Hogan has no second thoughts! I will definitely do everything in my power to help Master capture Blood Claw Island!"

Clay took a deep breath and nodded: "Although it's risky, this is our only chance right now. My Lord, I will eliminate Snake the moment we get close to the enemy."

Elise also said softly: "I will be in the shadows, ensuring my arrows target the most crucial objectives."

Angus and Karl exchanged glances and said in unison: "We swear to follow you, My Lord, even unto death!"

Linn looked at the consensus reached by the group, his eyes sharp. "Very well. We still have some time before we reach Blood Claw Island. Everyone, seize the opportunity to rest, check your weapons, and familiarize yourselves with your tasks."

As the night deepened, the 'sea wave' adjusted its sails, following the two small pirate ships ahead like a hunter in the shadows, quietly sailing towards Blood Claw Island.