Chapter Ninety-Nine: The Ghost Lingers
"Based on what I've observed in my dealings with them over the years, none of those smugglers should have the courage to take the initiative to lure pirates into the city." Pastor Gartzby nodded with certainty, "If they had the guts, they wouldn't have stayed in a small place like Wintersprings after they had the capital." β
You have to know how bad it is to help sell the stolen goods and actively collude with pirates to attack the port. Most of the time, even the believers of the notary lord do not dare to kill them all. And in the case of the latter, you are waiting for a joint hunt from the secular government to the mainstream faith!
Of course, such a hunt cannot be called a net. For example, if someone really wants to do something like collusion with pirate attacks in Wintersprings, they can also escape to the Mammoth Dynasty, which is hostile to the Seven Cities Alliance and most of the gods have little influence.
If you are still not at ease, you can even transfer to the Eastern Continent, which is beyond the influence of the gods of the Western Continent - as long as you have enough capital and have passed the initial period of danger, you can still live a very prosperous life.
After all, it is one thing to be wanted, but it is another thing to actually arrest it. If the impact is not too great, even the church will not send a strong team to chase after it.
And if you don't care about enjoyment, you can officially join the pirate group after the raid. However, this way, unless the smuggler has a blood feud with one of the powerful missions in the harbor, this can only be used to retaliate. Otherwise, no one wants to live the life of not being able to make it to the continent once in a few years.
Of course, in either case, the smugglers involved will say goodbye to their original lives. The networks and channels they originally operated will also be swept away in the official counterattack. So not everybody dares to get involved in this kind of thing -- unless they're tired of their current lives. And find a new way out for yourself.
"If there is no inner ghost. The threat from pirates is much less. Clematis muttered this. Rubbing his index finger and thumb through his hair, "After all, with the state of the docks in Winterspring Town, it won't be easy for those guys to play a surprise attack. Are they going to use sampans for short bursts? β
Generally speaking, pirates are rarely active in attacking ports. Because to do so would make them give up their own few advantages. So much so that whenever there is such an attack, it is often a raid on the port. Before the guards could react, the ship had already taken advantage of the wind to quickly stick to the dock.
If the port had already spotted these guys' movements while they were still halfway there, and had been prepared to deal with them. Then this attack has basically failed.
Even if they end up plundering a covetous fortune, their casualties will definitely hurt the captain - knowing that pirates are not as convenient as the guards in the towns. At the same time, if the port residents are transferred in advance. The fruits of their raids will be greatly affected.
That's why Clematis felt that as long as there were no traitors harboring the pirates' sneak attack troops in advance, they would set fire to the city and cause chaos when the pirate army approached. Then there should be no pirate who would take such a risk to play with his life.
But at this time, Barrett also had a different opinion: "Do you remember those rowing sailboats we encountered when we went north before?" If I'm not mistaken, there should also be a sailless version of the boat that relies entirely on the row. And the small row boat should also be suitable for the environment of Winter Springs. β
"Those guys from the Mammoth Dynasty again? Why do I think in Barrett's eyes, it seems that everything can be related to them! Rielly couldn't help but complain, "Could it be that those mammoth guys are born bosses?" β
"I think the tall gentleman said it very well. Those guys from the Mammoth Dynasty may indeed take advantage of this to attack. Speaking of this, Pastor Gartzby gritted his teeth, "If there is an opportunity to rob the Seven Cities Alliance, the other party will definitely let it go." What's more, now they are also tearing their faces with us. It was inevitable that the Church's strength in the Northland would be attacked. Why didn't I pay attention to this before! If I had known......"
Pastor Gartzby's voice immediately became inaudible, but judging by his previous words. Barrett had reason to suspect that he was regretting that he had not chosen to abandon the temple in the first place. Even if you are punished by the church, it is better than losing your life.
Barrett, who found that the situation was wrong, left to cheer the other party on: "Don't worry! Even on the sea, we have defeated the mammoth dynasty's bootlegging ships. Now on land, we have no reason to fail. Besides, we only need to defend the temple now, with this location, as long as they don't come to the profession above the black lead, there is no possibility of breaking through the defense line at all. β
After hearing Barrett's assurance, although Pastor Gatsby was not completely relieved, his expression softened a lot. The guy was casually aware of his previous gaffe, but he still said without a red face: "Several ladies and gentlemen from Walkerson have worked this journey. It's not too early now, so let's take a break! From tomorrow onwards, the safety of our temple will depend on you. β
The players who heard this didn't know that the other party had already issued an eviction order in disguise. Although in their respective hearts, the players somewhat despise such cowards. But on the surface, it was very useful: "We really feel a little tired when we say this. Then Pastor Gatsby, we'll see you tomorrow. β
When the players arrived at the quarters that Pastor Gatsby had arranged for them, they did not fall asleep immediately. Instead, they gathered in Barrett's room to discuss their views on the mission.
"Speaking of Barrett, are you so sure, will there be mammoths this time?" Claudia couldn't help but ask as soon as she closed the door.
Barrett, however, was not prepared to answer Claudia's question so quickly, and turned his gaze to Laru. The catboy who waited for the prompt immediately walked to the position of the gate. With superior perception and good listening skills, he now temporarily takes on the job of the original noodle - to prevent anyone from eavesdropping outside the door.
After having a basic secrecy space. Barrett finally spoke: "Before it happens. Who can be 100% sure! I just think it's possible. Who made those mammoth dynasty guys. There is both a reason to attack and the ability to attack! β
"That's right! Judging from our experience along the way, the performance of the Mammoth Dynasty is really very active! Klaimatis frowned and said, "You know, they just ended the battle with the Seven Cities Alliance. Those guys, who are defeated countries, should be in the midst of strategic contraction. Who would have thought that they would now go the other way around! β
"It's because no one thought they would do it! You should have experienced the miraculous effect of doing the opposite. Isn't the action of the Church of the Goddess of Wealth and Industry failed because of a miscalculation in this regard? Rielly immediately picked up the conversation. Because of the failure of this mission, the mages in the team obviously have no good feelings for the mammoth dynasty guys.
Hearing this, Claudia sighed: "Anyway, if you want to confront those guys directly." Just a few of us are a drop in the bucket! In the past, whether it was an attack on the sea or a battle in the valley, the other side sent a vast sea of people. I think that since this is an operation against the port, I am afraid that their number will become even larger. β
"If they had attacked, it could have been. But even if that's the case, I don't think we're in a big trouble. After all, our mission is to defend this temple, not the entire town of Wintersprings. "With the temple's sturdy walls and the winding corridors behind the gates, we have a way of keeping the enemy out. β
The temple of the 'Goddess of Wealth and Commerce' is both a bank and a fortress. So at the beginning of construction, they had already considered the possibility of attack. Even if it's a temple in a small place like Wintersprings. I also maintained this style.
Not to mention the outer layer of the temple and the thick city walls, after being immersed in divine power and faith, there is no fear of quite a lot of targeted divine arts. The small window has a unique opening that slopes upwards. At the same time, the safety is also given, so that the lighting in the temple is more dependent on strange objects. Even all the vents are kept private1 to prevent them from being used by those who want to do so.
Therefore, the only way to enter the temple is the gate that everyone is focused on. At the same time, on this possible invasion road, the 'goddess of wealth and commerce' has also invested a great deal of energy. The winding walkway not only slows down the intruders, but also facilitates ambushes by the defenders.
"In any case, this assumption is based on the premise that the mammoth kingdom will attack, or that there will be a large group of pirates raiding." Barrett paused, "I'm now worried about what we're going to do if those ruffians in the city get nervous and think they can make trouble from the temple." β
"Ruffian? I think Barrett, it's more accurate to define them as profit-hungry adventurers. Speaking of this, Clematis raised an eyebrow, "But if those guys are to say, we can deal with them carefully." β
"I mean, what the hell are you two bothering about! Are those adventurers more dangerous than pirates? Lalu, who was leaning back to the door, asked inexplicably.
Barrett, who glanced at the catboy, naturally began to reveal the mystery to his companions: "These possible troublemakers are naturally much less dangerous than the pirates. But they're even more troublesome to deal with. After all, it's not just our temple that needs to face pirates, it's the entire town of Wintersprings. And because of the strength of the other party, we can hold on in the temple. But if it's those adventurers, we'll have to take the initiative. β
"That's right! For the sake of the dignity of the Church, we must be tough on those who take chances. You even have to take the initiative to beat them so that they don't dare to think about this again. Clematis followed Barrett's words.
Although many people believe that the Goddess of Wealth and Commerce Church has no dignity at all. They are completely slaves to money, and there is nothing that cannot be sold in the face of profit. But in the eyes of those within this organization, they are naturally dignified - except that dignity is a deterrent to potential adversaries.
"That means you two are going to kill chickens and monkeys!" Rieli on the side could understand her companion's thoughts. But he still had a question: "It's just a task, do you need to be so calculating now?" We just need to keep the temple safe. β
"If you want to do it, do it as well as you can! And more importantly, as long as sufficient deterrence is demonstrated at the outset. Our next task is going to be a lot easier. But then Barrett changed his voice, "But the only thing to worry about is how to avoid the hostility of other adventurers in Winterspring Town after killing chickens and monkeys." You must know that we are outsiders, and although we have the identity of adventurers, we are not all the way with them after all. β
Clematis squinted his eyes and proposed, "It's really hard to grasp the degree here!" Why don't you ask Pastor Gartzby tomorrow? β
"Ask Pastor Gatsby? Clematis, you won't be fooled on horseback! How could that guy with a fat brain have experience with this kind of thing. If it's a business issue, I think he'll probably be able to figure it out. "Rieli didn't give anyone face at all.
In this matter, Barrett is relatively more inclined to Claymatis: "Don't underestimate anyone. And the other party has been operating in Winter Springs Town for so long, and he also knows more or less about those secrets and local taboos that we don't know. That's all we need to know before we act. So tomorrow morning, it's still important to meet with him. By the way, don't be prejudiced against fat people! Who knows if they will be potential stocks in the future! β
"Barrett, you're so nervous, you can't be a fat man in reality!" For Barrett's last quip, Rielly was naturally not ready to let go.
It's a pity that Claudia doesn't give face to her friend: "Although Barrett is a foodie in reality, he is definitely not a fat man." β
"That's right! Last time you met him offline. I almost forgot to ask how that guy feels about you? Rieli's eyes lit up at onceβtwo flames called 'Gossip', burning in her pupils. (To be continued.) )
PS: The modification is complete. Thanks to "chengmin98" and "clear night starry sky" and other two people who voted for the monthly ticket. And thank you to 'Trifalos' for the big tip.