Alex entered the grand council meeting room with a stoic expression, his face an unyielding mask of iron. The council members, seated at a semicircular table, awaited him with expressions ranging from anticipation to concern. This official and public meeting was not only meant to resolve recent tensions but also to offer a formal apology from the city for intervening in Alex's affairs, along with monetary compensation.
The council leader, a venerable-looking man with a gray beard and a robe adorned with symbols of authority, rose to speak. "Alex, we understand the gravity of the recent situation and wish to offer you our sincerest apologies. Our intervention was ill-conceived, and in recognition of that, we offer this compensation as a gesture of good faith."
Alex accepted the compensation and apologies with a slight nod, his blue eyes observing every movement and expression in the room. Although his exterior seemed calm, there was palpable tension in the air. Everyone present could sense his displeasure. They knew well that, had they been attacked in their own homes, they would have reacted with far greater severity.
When the meeting concluded, Alex stood and left the room without interacting with anyone else. The speed with which he exited led some to think he had let his emotions get the better of him. However, the truth would soon be revealed.
In the following days, Alex's mansion became a hive of activity. All sorts of people were constantly coming and going: renowned mercenaries, independent captains, and mysterious figures of dubious loyalty. While most remained silent about the reasons for their visits, some details began to leak.
In a large and luxurious mansion, three people sat in a private room, discussing in low voices.
"What are the mercenaries saying?" asked a petite woman with sharp eyes and short hair.
"We couldn't get most of them to talk," replied an androgynous man with a prominent Adam's apple. "Those who did talk said they weren't accepted."
"And what did those few say?" insisted the woman.
"They said they were being interviewed for a job outside the city, something about assaulting an area with natural defenses," explained the man.
"Natural defenses? What does that mean?" asked the larger woman in the group, frowning.
"A terrain difficult to assault due to its geography," the man responded.
"Only one place comes to mind," the petite woman mused.
"Well, spit it out," the petit woman demanded, irritated.
"The Treacherous Seas Passage," said the larger woman. "To the north, there's an area very difficult to navigate, full of land spikes and treacherous currents."
"If Alex plans to attack that area, he must be looking to eliminate the pirate threat and secure a safe navigation route," the man concluded. "That would give him immense strategic control over maritime trade to the north."
"And how does he plan to use that?" asked the larger woman. "I don't think he wants to turn to piracy."
"To gain the trust and respect of the captains," the man replied. "The captains' guild has been incredibly restless lately. The city has done the bare minimum to help, and this could be Alex's chance to take advantage."
"If this is true, it would be a bold move," the larger woman commented. "To think that, with so little time and influence, Alex could start playing at our level."
"We must assume he's not stupid," said the petite woman, biting her thumb. "We need to test his contacts and see who is backing him."
Meanwhile, Alex continued with his preparations. Meetings with mercenaries and ship captains were intense and strategic. No one outside his inner circle knew exactly what he was planning, except Alaric, his trusted confidant.
Finally, Alex gathered enough troops and mercenaries to execute his plan. The large-scale operation would require a coordinated attack on several pirate strongholds in the Treacherous Seas Passage. The goal was not just to eliminate the pirates but also to secure a vital maritime route.
"Are you sure about this plan, Alex?" Alaric asked, his tone laden with concern. "It's very ambitious."
"Don't worry about the forces," Alex replied. "Kragash and I will take down Pegleg Cove. Grant will secure Iron Passage, and the other forts will be attacked by land in coordination with my ground troops. Additionally, Atarra will participate with full force. Her troops are top-notch."
Kragash, Alex's second-in-command, nodded and detailed the personal forces they would use for the attack. Grant, a veteran mercenary leader, selected the best men for the most critical positions.
"Dregg will lead the rest of my army by land. The only uncertainty is the ships," added Alex.
All eyes turned to Alaric, who met their gazes steadily. "The ships will be ready," he affirmed. "I've negotiated with the most experienced and loyal captains. They will support us."
Alex nodded, satisfied. "Then everything is set. We can't afford any mistakes. We'll attack with precision and without mercy."
The final plan involved a large-scale assault on Pegleg Cove. According to secret information, there was an unprotected area where a small boat could land no more than twenty people. This group would launch an initial assault on the docks to allow the main forces to land. Meanwhile, Grant would take Iron Passage, allowing the rest of the ships to pass through and begin a general assault on all pirate bases.
"Father, what's my mission?" asked Liora, reviewing the plans and not finding her name.
"You haven't completed your training yet. To participate in the war, you must be fully prepared," Alex responded seriously.
Liora wanted to argue, but the serious atmosphere in the room stopped her. The mercenary leaders and captains present looked at her with distrust. Finally, resigned, she replied, "I understand."
The wait for the right day began. Advisors had suggested Alex wait for more favorable weather, and he knew that entering under the cover of fog would be much better for maintaining the element of surprise.
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The day of the assault finally arrived. The morning fog enveloped Alex's ships as they approached the Treacherous Seas Passage. The soldiers, nervous but determined, prepared their weapons and steeled themselves for the battle ahead.
Upon reaching Pegleg Cove, the small landing team, led by Alex and Kragash, moved silently. Their steps were barely a whisper in the dark. The cold water and thick fog concealed their advance, allowing them to reach the docks undetected.
"Move out!" Alex whispered, and the team launched the attack.
The first pirate guards were caught completely off guard. The battle erupted with sudden and brutal violence. Kragash, his magical tattoos glowing brightly, moved like a force of nature, taking down enemies left and right.
Kragash's Gnolls, powerful and fierce, attacked with relentless brutality. Their claws and fangs tore through the pirates, while Alex led with precision and strategy. Every move was calculated, every strike planned.
From the docks, Alex's reinforcements began to disembark. The battle intensified as more and more troops joined the fray. The pirates, though brave, could not withstand the relentless advance of Alex's forces.
Meanwhile, Grant, with his group of mercenaries, secured Iron Passage. Using guerrilla tactics and taking advantage of the rugged terrain, his forces broke through the pirate defenses and secured the passage, allowing Alex's ships to advance unimpeded.
Finally, Alex and Kragash reached Bota de Palo's fortress. The infamous pirate awaited them, a formidable figure marked by scars on his weathered face and a wooden leg worn from years of plundering and battles.
"Finally, the great Alex in person!" Bota de Palo roared, his voice a mix of contempt and defiance.
"And not a moment too soon for you, Bota de Palo," Alex replied, his sword glowing with magical light. "Today marks the end of your piracy."
For a few tense seconds, both sides measured each other. The pirates held the advantage from their elevated positions. Their archers, perched high above, could harass Alex's troops and minimize their own losses. But Alex knew they had to neutralize this advantage quickly.
With a determined motion, Alex activated his tattoos. They began to glow on his skin, appearing on his head and sliding down his arms and chest. A crimson light illuminated his eyes, and his aura spread like a wave of power, reaching the Gnolls and Resh present.
"Charge!" Alex shouted, his powerful voice echoing across the battlefield.
The Gnolls, potent and ferocious, surged forward, their eyes glowing with the same crimson light. Kragash, with his own tattoos burning in an emerald glow, led the advance, his mace smashing everything in its path. The Gnolls attacked with inhuman brutality, tearing flesh and breaking bones with their claws and fangs.
Alex's troops faced a rain of arrows, but their advance was relentless. Using shields and magical barriers, the soldiers protected their comrades as they moved forward. Kragash led the charge, felling enemies with every blow, his strength amplified by Alex's magic.
The pirate archers, from their elevated positions, unleashed a hail of arrows, but the Gnolls and Alex's soldiers pressed on, using shields and magical barriers for protection. The battle was a whirlwind of steel and blood, with war cries and the clash of weapons resonating in the air.
In the midst of the chaos, Alex moved with lethal grace. His sword cut through the air, each strike precise and deadly. With every enemy that fell, his power seemed to grow, fueled by adrenaline and the magic of his tattoos. Beside him, Kragash fought like a unleashed beast, his mace crushing enemies with devastating force.
At last, they reached Bota de Palo. The pirate, with a cruel smile, drew his heavy mace and advanced toward them. The tension was palpable, the air charged with electricity.
Bota de Palo lunged at Alex, his mace descending with brutal force. Alex dodged the blow with agility, countering with a slash that cut through the air with a deadly whistle. Bota de Palo blocked the attack, the sound of steel ringing across the battlefield.
The fight between Alex and Bota de Palo was a spectacle of power and skill. Each strike of the pirate's mace was like thunder, and each movement of Alex was a flash of magical light. The two combatants moved with superhuman speed and strength, their attacks and defenses intertwined in a deadly dance.
Seeing an opportunity, Kragash launched himself at Bota de Palo. His tattoos flared intensely as he unleashed a burst of magical energy that hit the pirate, destabilizing him. Bota de Palo roared in pain and fury but did not falter.
"Now, Alex!" Kragash shouted, seizing the pirate's moment of weakness.
Alex surged forward, his sword glowing with blinding intensity. With a battle cry, he broke through Bota de Palo's defense, driving his sword deep into the pirate's chest. Bota de Palo, with a final look of defiance, collapsed to the ground, dead.
With their leader fallen, the remaining pirates lost their morale. Some attempted to flee, while others dropped to their knees, surrendering to Alex's superior forces.
The battle for the fortress was won, but not without cost. Bodies of soldiers and pirates lay everywhere, the ground soaked in blood. Alex, his breath heavy, surveyed the scene. He had secured a crucial victory, and while small pockets of resistance would persist, they were isolated enough to be dealt with in due time.
The fortress was now under his control, along with the Treacherous Seas Passage. This strategic blow would secure his dominance over the maritime routes and strengthen his position in the region. From here, Alex could regulate maritime movement if he wished.
As the mist began to clear, revealing the battlefield and the faces of the victorious, Alex looked toward the horizon. The mercenaries had borne the brunt of the casualties, but they didn't seem disheartened. To them, the scale of the operation and the promised payment made the cost worth it, though Alex saw the nervousness in their faces and understood why.
Gradually, the remaining pirates were captured, and the various mercenary captains gathered around Alex. Grant was the last to arrive, and with that, Alex finally addressed the questions on everyone's minds.
"According to our contract, you will be paid the promised half. Additionally, you may keep the weapons and armor provided, along with the final negotiated point: the house of Bota de Palo. According to captured pirates, his treasure is hidden somewhere within. Half of it will be distributed among you, and the other half is mine. We will enter together to avoid any claims of unfairness later."
The mercenaries grinned from ear to ear. This was their main concern. Though the payment promised by Alex was substantial, it was only slightly higher than their usual rate. The key was the pirate's hoard. All were incredibly eager, and as Alex entered, they rushed behind him, furiously searching for the secret location.
It took nearly 30 minutes before someone found the mechanism releasing a false wall, revealing the great treasure: large piles of coins and other valuable items.
When the vault was opened and the accumulated wealth from years of plunder was exposed, the captains felt their hearts stop. Instead of feeling elated, they were nervous. They never imagined the infamous pirate would hide such a massive fortune, fearing Alex might silence them to keep it all for himself.
Slowly, they turned to face the young human and his guards, fearing his decision. However, Alex soon diffused the situation. He walked out from his men's protection and stood before the pile of coins, embracing two nearby captains.
"Friends, dividing this will be quite difficult. There are many different coins and some items that are really hard to appraise. Does anyone have any ideas?"
Most present sighed with relief, seeing no ulterior motive in Alex, and murmured plans began, though none were quite good.
"What if we move everything to one of my warehouses for now? We'll conduct a detailed study of the goods and coins present and determine an appropriate amount to distribute at a later date. To avoid leaving you with nothing, each of you will receive a weekly portion of money that will be deducted from your shares when the final amount is determined. Any objections?"
No one opposed Alex's plan, and soon everyone cheered for the resolution of the conflict. Alex had devised a plan that would bind these mercenary groups to his side. Until all the goods could be appraised, they would depend on these weekly payments from him.
"Good. Grant will oversee transporting the riches to the ships and guard them. Meanwhile, I need to check on the other locations. Excellent work, everyone."
Alex departed, pleased with their accomplishments. They were fortunate to catch all the pirates on land. Had they fought them at sea, Alex was sure the outcome would have been drastically different.