33: Head to Thunder Island

A few days later, the Stormy Sea appeared calm after the storm subsided. Well-equipped with four ballistae mounted on both sides of the hull, the Iron Sand Island No. 1 drew closer and closer to Thunder Island.

On the bow deck, Linn stood watching ahead. "Clay, how much longer until we reach Thunder Island?"

Clay was wearing a full set of Silver Rank equipment; just the night before departure, he had successfully achieved a Breakthrough to the Silver Intermediate Rank. "My Lord, this ship's speed is much faster than a cargo ship's. At our current speed, we will reach Thunder Island in one day."

The iron sand no. 1 was like a vigorous petrel, cleaving through the azure waves as it sailed westward. After a day and night of smooth sailing, on the afternoon of the second day, the sailor in the lookout tower shouted, "Land! Large island spotted to the front right!"

Linn and Clay walked onto the bow deck together and looked into the distance. At the end of the horizon, the outline of a massive landmass gradually became clear. Unlike the primitive landscape of Iron Sand Island, which was dominated by hills and woodlands, the island before them showed obvious signs of long-term development and management. However, its area was three or four times that of Iron Sand Island.

As the distance closed, the details became clearer. On the higher ground along the island's coast stood several watchtowers and beacon towers built of stone, with the figures of patrolling soldiers faintly visible. In the core area of the island, a port far larger than the Iron Sand Island pier appeared. The port was arc-shaped, with two long, thick breakwaters like arms blocking the surging waves and guarding the calm within the harbor. The pier was constructed from massive stone blocks, sturdy and orderly, with dozens of ships of various sizes docked—mostly fishing boats and cargo ships, but also several warships flying the Nocturne flag, equipped with rams and ballistae, their sizes a full circle larger than the iron sand no. 1.

Behind the port was a well-arranged cluster of buildings. Most were stone and wood structures with roofs covered in dark tiles, appearing orderly and durable. A clearly planned main road extended straight inland from the pier, with signs for shops, taverns, and workshops visible on both sides. Pedestrians, carriages, and horses came and went; though not as bustling as a continental city, it was full of life and the atmosphere of daily life. Further away, built against the mountain, was the castle of Baron Nocturne.

The castle occupied the highest point of the island, its greyish-white walls looking solid and cold in the sunlight. The main body of the castle was built of heavy boulders, with towering turrets overlooking the entire port and territory. The walls were riddled with battlements and arrow slits, and the outlines of fixed heavy ballistae could be faintly seen. A winding stone staircase led from the town to the castle gates, making it easy to defend and hard to attack. The entire territory felt like a miniature yet sturdy border town of a kingdom; its level of completion and development was indeed far beyond that of the newly started Iron Sand Island. Twenty-odd years of management had left a deep imprint of continental civilization on this overseas land.

"This old fellow has quite a substantial foundation," Linn couldn't help but mutter as he looked at the scene of the port, but a trace of solemnity also appeared in his eyes. This was the true heritage of an established pioneer noble.

Guided by a small pilot boat, the iron sand no. 1 slowly entered the port and docked at its designated berth. On the pier, a squad of soldiers wearing leather armor with the Nocturne Family crest was already lined up waiting. A knight leading them stepped forward, politely confirmed Linn's identity, and then respectfully led them off the ship.

"Your Excellency Linn, the Lord Baron is waiting in the castle's council chamber. Please follow me."

Linn nodded slightly and stepped onto the soil of Thunder Island, surrounded by Clay and twenty guards. The guards were all dressed in fine leather armor with sharp blades at their waists, their expressions solemn and their steps in perfect unison. The faint Evil Qi and toughness radiating from them immediately drew sideways glances and whispers from the people and soldiers around the pier. This small guard silently demonstrated that Iron Sand Island's military appearance was not to be underestimated.

Passing through the bustling streets and ascending the stone steps, the group arrived before the castle gates. The heavy iron-clad wooden doors slowly opened, revealing the interior of the castle. The courtyard was spacious, paved with stone slabs, with functional buildings like stables and barracks on both sides. More soldiers were stationed everywhere, their sharp eyes sizing up the visitors.

Finally, Linn was led to the council chamber of the main keep. The hall was spacious, with tapestries depicting hunting and war scenes hanging on the stone walls, and a burning fireplace dispelling the unique chill of the stone fortress. At this time, several people were already seated around the long council table.

Seated in the primary seat was Baron Nocturne. He appeared to be around fifty years old, with a resolute face and sharp features; his temples were slightly gray, but his brown eyes were bright and piercing, carrying the majesty of a long-time ruler and the steadiness of someone who had weathered many storms. He was not wearing a magnificent formal gown, but rather a set of dark hunting clothes suitable for movement, covered by a soft armor embroidered with the Family crest, and a knight's sword with a simple but extraordinary decoration at his waist. Although he was restraining his aura at the moment, Linn's sharp Soul perception could still clearly capture the majestic Battle Qi energy within him, like a dormant volcano—that was the power fluctuation of a Gold Novice expert, far more solid and heavy than the Silver Rank, carrying a natural sense of pressure.

Seated below Baron Nocturne were two other men. One was a lean middle-aged man with flickering eyes, while the other was a burly man with a scar on his face. Their clothing and temperaments differed, but their strength was around the Silver Intermediate Rank; they were presumably the other two pioneer lords who had been invited.

Seeing Linn enter, Baron Nocturne stood up, a fitting smile appearing on his face that was neither too warm nor lacking in respect: "This must be Knight Lynn Ellis? Truly, a hero comes from the youth. Welcome to Thunder Island."

"Your Excellency the Baron Nocturne, I have long heard of you." Linn performed a noble greeting neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"Please, sit." The Baron gestured for Linn to take the empty seat to his right, while Clay stood behind Linn like an iron tower, his gaze calmly scanning the room.

"Before we begin our formal discussion, let me make some introductions." Baron Nocturne pointed to the lean middle-aged man, "This is Knight Rodney of Black Rock Island." Then he pointed to the scarred man, "This is Knight Barlett of White Sand Island. Gentlemen, this is Knight Lynn Ellis of Iron Sand Island."

Both Rodney and Barlett nodded to Linn, their eyes filled with scrutiny and curiosity, clearly paying close attention to this young lord who had recently risen to fame.

After simple pleasantries, Baron Nocturne's expression turned serious as he cut to the chase: "Gentlemen, I presume you are all clear on the purpose of our meeting. The Flamingo Pirate Group has become the biggest cancer in the northern waters of our Saru Archipelago! Especially after their leader, Cedric, achieved a Breakthrough to the Gold Rank and recruited a Gold Knight as an assistant, his ambition has become clear—he intends to annex our territories and dominate the shipping lanes!"

His voice was deep and heavy, carrying a hint of gravity: "According to my various investigations, Flamingo has assembled its main force and coerced several small pirate groups like 'Rip Tooth' and 'Blood Sail'. Their total strength likely exceeds eight hundred men and over twenty warships. Their vanguard fleet has been frequently cruising the outskirts of my territory recently; a large-scale attack is imminent!"

Rodney frowned deeply: "Lord Baron, the enemy has two Gold Ranks. We are at a disadvantage in terms of high-end combat power. How should we deal with this?"

Baron Nocturne looked at Linn: "This is precisely why I invited Knight Linn. Despite his youth, Knight Linn is already an Advanced High Silver Rank Mage with extraordinary strength. Combined with myself and the elites gathered from our three sides, we are not inferior in Silver Rank combat power, and may even have a slight advantage. As for the opponent's two Gold Ranks..."

He paused, a sharp light flashing in his eyes: "Cedric will be handled by me personally. Although he ascended to the Gold Rank a few years earlier than I did, I, Nocturne, have managed this place for over twenty years and also have trump cards sufficient to stall him. As for that newly promoted Gold Knight..."

His gaze swept over Linn, Rodney, and Barlett: "We will need to rely on you all to work together to restrain him. There is no need to defeat him, just pin him down to create time for our army to crush the pirate main force. Once I deal with Cedric, or our army gains the advantage, we can join forces to surround and kill that Gold Knight!"

Barlett said in a muffled voice: "Lord Baron, the plan sounds good. But what are the specific deployments? Where will the battlefield be? And most importantly, how will the spoils and post-war interests be distributed?" His questions went straight to the core, which were also the concerns of Rodney and Linn.

Baron Nocturne was clearly prepared. He took out a nautical chart drawn on parchment, spread it on the table, and pointed to a sea area southeast of Thunder Island: "Here, called 'Eagle Beak Strait', is the strategic gateway to my Thunder Island's main port. The strait is narrow and the currents are complex, making it unfavorable for the pirate fleet to deploy their numerical advantage. I plan to set an ambush here, waiting for the exhausted enemy at our leisure..."