15: Rectification and liquidation

"Water... Water..."

It was unknown how much time had passed, but Linn struggled to wake from his stupor. He felt as if his throat were parched and filled with grit, every swallow bringing a stinging pain.

"Young Master! You're finally awake!" Elise, who had been guarding by the bedside, immediately stepped forward, carefully helped him up, and handed him a waterskin.

Linn took the waterskin and drank greedily. As the cool liquid slid down his throat, he felt the burning thirst slightly alleviate. He shook his still-heavy head, his voice raspy from just waking. "Elise, how long have I been unconscious? How is the situation on the island?"

"Master, it has been three days since we conquered Blood Claw Island." Elise reported softly, her haggard face unable to hide her exhaustion. "After you defeated Bartley, the remaining pirates all surrendered. Lord Morton and Lord Clay were more seriously injured and are still recuperating. Karl and Lord Angus have been responsible for the subsequent clearing and settlement work; all captured pirates have been rounded up and detained."

Feeling the scent emanating from Elise at such close range, Linn noticed the dark circles under her eyes and her pale complexion. Clearly, during his coma, this loyal maid had kept watch without sleep or rest. His gaze could not help but linger on her face for a moment.

Since setting out from Tianhai City, Linn had never skimped on the diet of those around him. Sufficient nutrition had made Elise's originally thin, bone-visible body much fuller, and her skin, once pale to the point of transparency, now radiated healthy vitality. The exquisite bone structure and ethereal temperament innate to the Elf Race were finally able to truly shine.

She possessed a head of soft, pale golden hair like woven moonlight. It was simply tied behind her head now, with a few stray strands hanging by her cheeks, making her skin appear even more delicate. Her signature pointed ears peeked slightly from within her hair, outlining an elegant curve. Beneath long eyelashes lay a pair of emerald eyes like clear forest springs; though they lacked some of their usual liveliness due to exhaustion, they remained clear, as if holding the secrets of an ancient forest. Her straight, graceful nose bridge and soft-lined lips combined to form a stunningly beautiful countenance.

Linn tightened his focus. "Elise, you should go get some rest first. I'm feeling much better." His tone was gentle but left no room for argument.

"But, Master, you..." Elise's gaze fell worriedly upon the faint traces of gray hair visible at his temples, her emerald eyes full of concern and unease.

Linn immediately understood her worry and waved his hand to console her. "It's nothing, just a small price to pay. I'll be fine after resting for a few days. Go on."

After Elise left, Linn immediately gathered his focus, his consciousness sinking into the breath of life space. Upon entering, he collapsed to the ground, feeling somewhat drained.

"Master! Did you use a Forbidden Spell? A few days ago, I sensed your life aura plummeting!" Dolia sensed his arrival and immediately fluttered her light wings to fly closer, her voice filled with anxiety as she stared intently at his pale face and the jarring gray hairs.

"I was attacking Blood Claw Island a few days ago. Forced by the situation, I had no choice but to use the secret technique you taught me, which consumed a bit of my Lifespan." Linn's voice carried unconcealable fatigue.

"Master, quickly! Go to the spring!" Dolia urged anxiously. "That is the core of the breath of life. The spring water contains extremely strong life energy and has miraculous effects on healing wounds and extending Lifespan!"

"Oh? It has such miraculous effects?" Linn's spirits lifted. It was indeed a treasure left behind by the Goddess of Life. He forced himself to stand, staggered to the clear spring water, and leaned down to drink deeply.

The spring water was sweet and refreshing. Upon entering his mouth, it turned into a gentle, warm current that rapidly nourished his dried-up Meridians and damaged Foundation. He could clearly feel his bodily functions recovering rapidly; his heavy injuries were reduced by more than half, and even the jarring gray at his temples returned to black at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Linn stood up and stretched his limbs. A long-lost feeling of health and vitality flooded his entire body, and he could not help but exclaim, "The feeling of being healthy is truly wonderful."

He did not delay, immediately returning to the real room. He took several glass bottles, carefully filled them with the spring water, and handed them to Elise, who was waiting outside. He instructed her to distribute them to Morton, Clay, and the other severely wounded. "Time is tight. We must recover as quickly as possible and head to Iron Sand Island."

By evening, the Council Hall of the former Blood Claw Pirate Group was brightly lit. Nourished by the spring water, everyone's injuries had greatly improved, and those with minor injuries had almost fully recovered.

Linn sat at the head of the long table, with Morton and Elise standing quietly by his side. On his left, in order, were the Captain of Knights Clay, squad leader Karl, and Angus. On his right sat the surrendered pirate leader Hogan, as well as Barton, a former sailor Slave who had performed outstandingly during the storm and battle—he had been permitted to attend this meeting and appeared both terrified and excited. In the eyes of Linn, a lord from another world, ability was far more important than background.

"Everyone," Linn's clear voice echoed in the hall, "in this battle against the Blood Claw Pirate Group, your bravery and loyalty have deeply gratified me." He turned his gaze to the left. "Clay, first report the losses and spoils of this battle."

Clay picked up the prepared list and read in a deep voice, "Lord, our original personnel and equipment: 20 soldiers, 6 killed in action, 14 remaining; 200 Slaves, 25 casualties, 175 remaining; 1 medium cargo ship, 'sea wave'. Spoils of this battle: 36 captured pirates, 11 of whom possess Apprentice Knight strength; received 320 Slaves looted by the Blood Claw Pirate Group on the island; captured 470 gold coins, approximately 60 tons of grain, 1 small speedboat. These are all of our current personnel and supplies." (From now on, the list data will be recorded in numbers for easier reading.)

Linn couldn't help but sigh! Indeed, only through war does wealth come quickly.

Linn's slender fingers tapped gently on the table. After pondering for a moment, he asked, "Clay, how are those two lads, Shirei and Evan, doing?" He remembered the two talented youths he had bought from Tianhai City.

"Reporting to you, Lord," Clay's face revealed a hint of gratification, "their talent is indeed good, and they practice diligently. They have initially entered the gate and I believe they will soon be able to officially step into the ranks of Apprentice Professional."

Linn nodded slightly and began to make deployments:

"Clay, select 4 people from the captured Apprentice-level pirates. Add Shirei and Evan to make up 20 people. Form the First Combat Squad consisting entirely of Professionals, with you personally serving as captain."

"Karl, you lead the remaining 7 Apprentice pirates and draw 13 people from the well-performing Slaves to form the Second Combat Squad. You will serve as captain."

He turned his gaze to Angus and Hogan. "Angus, select 20 people from the remaining 36 pirates to form the Third Reserve Squad. You will serve as captain, and Hogan will serve as vice-captain, responsible for collaborative management and training. The remaining 16 pirate Slaves who have sailing experience will follow Barton and the other 4 sailors to establish a team to control the ships."

He paused, took a sip of water, and continued, "Morton, the management of all Slaves and supplies is entrusted to you entirely."

Finally, he looked at Barton, Hogan, and Elise, his voice raising a few decibels. "Barton, and your few deputies, Hogan, and Elise, you performed outstandingly during this voyage and battle. As a Pioneer Knight of the Aulai Kingdom, I pardon you. Your status as Freemen is restored immediately, and you will be issued corresponding compensation based on your contributions. Convey this order: all diligent Slaves, soldiers, and surrendered pirates all have hope in the future to exchange merits for Freemen status and due compensation!"

Barton and Hogan stood up abruptly in excitement, their bodies trembling slightly from thrill, their voices choked with emotion. "Thank you, Lord, for your grace! We will swear our lives to your loyalty!"

Elise appeared much calmer, but still said in a joyful voice, "Thank you, Young Master. Elise is willing to follow you, Lord, for a lifetime." Elise had also changed how she addressed Linn, calling him Young Master just like Morton did. The mysterious spring water, the terrifying Forbidden Spell, the outstanding leadership ability, and being a promising Apothecary made Elise willing to follow him from the heart. It wasn't just Elise; the others seemed to see the future as well.

"The above is the temporary reorganization plan. More detailed arrangements and rewards will be decided after arriving at Iron Sand Island. Everyone, go down immediately and organize your respective personnel. Morton, you are responsible for directing the Slaves to load the supplies. Tomorrow morning, the fleet will set sail on time. The destination — Iron Sand Island!"

"Yes! Lord, Young Master." Everyone acknowledged the order and left. Soon, only Linn and Karl, who had been asked to stay behind, remained in the Council Hall.

"Lord," Karl stepped forward and lowered his voice. "While counting the captives and supplies on Blood Claw Island, we discovered a special person. He was being held alone in the deepest part of the camp's dungeon. His injuries are very severe, but based on Hogan's account and his remaining aura, this person likely possessed Silver Elementary strength in his prime."

"Oh!" Linn became interested. "Take me to see him."