The Vastness of Magical Destiny-Chapter 176 - Eight Ambition_3
Chapter 176: Chapter Eight: Ambition_3
Chapter 176 -Eight: Ambition_3
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However, since the other party has brought it up, they naturally intend to ensure its success. If I refuse, then I’m afraid our cooperation will also come to an end here.
A Mirror of Thousand Miles would certainly improve my own, or even my flagship’s command capacity, but to rely on this alone to reverse the disadvantage in the confrontation with Katharina, would still be insufficient.
But the opening of the port is no small matter either, which inherently means that I cannot attack the incoming and outgoing merchant ships. This implies that this long-sealed land will henceforth open its doors, exchange resources, and foreign merchant ships will continuously come and go here, essentially exposing my base to everyone.
Mattdam is only 300 miles from Rhode Island and can be reached in a day and a night. If I set sail on a fair morning with favorable winds and tides, I could arrive by dusk.
Although Gote does not believe that the other side has the power to attack his base, nobody wants a nail hammered in front of one’s own throat, even if this nail seems harmless.
Between two evils, one should choose the lesser.
Once Mattdam opens as a port, despite the numerous risks, it is not altogether useless. At the very least, my logistics and resupply operations could be much more convenient. With the merchants as cover, some of my activities at times could be supported, and in the end, Katharina of the South remains the true bane of my existence.
Based on the current demeanor of the other party, without new forces joining in, it seems it is only a matter of time before Gray Skull fades from history. Keeping myself at the peak forever is impossible, but recognizing problems and adjusting strategies to rebuild in times of low tide – that’s the real skill.
“Lord, it seems you have forgotten on what we subsist. If we agree to open Mattdam as a port, as per your idea, it would signify the end of our right to plunder in these seas. Can you tell us how we are to sustain our livelihood?”
Gote has always been characterized by his polite demeanor. Although he has already made up his mind deep inside, he doesn’t intend to give up just yet.
“Mr. Gote, is Gray Skull still relying on the harvest from these seas to survive? To my knowledge, no legitimate merchant fleet has appeared in these waters for many years. Do you intend to survive on fishing?” Komer said, lightly mocking, while packing away his smile.
“Plunder can only sustain one momentarily, unless the area of one’s activities is continuously expanding. I haven’t seen any signs of Mr. Gote extending his reach northward. With Katharina’s people to the south limiting your movements, why would a merchant fleet enter this area willingly? They would rather take the land route, which is probably your biggest problem right now.”
Gote’s heart shook, and he finally set aside his contempt.
It seemed that this young Lord had indeed taken the time to thoroughly understand Gote, while Gote had thought he had the measure of his counterpart, but instead he finds himself at a disadvantage.
Gray Skull’s situation has declined over the years. The collaboration with the colonies and Slave Hunter Teams was snatched away by Katharina, and the northern waters were off-limits due to an agreement with Philip. Only a meager profit from the Bruce River Port and Odessa was left, which was barely enough to maintain a living, but not enough for meaningful growth. More importantly, the organization lacked opportunities for training and honing its strength.
A new generation has yet to emerge from the shadow of their predecessors and take control of the situation, which is Gote’s greatest concern.
Although there is less risk in today’s life, becoming a pirate means never fearing risk. Yet, not fearing risk doesn’t equal blind impulsiveness, and Gote is clearer on this than anyone. To wisely balance these aspects requires ample wisdom and experience.
“Lord, since you’re so clear on this, might you have better suggestions?”
There was no more time for Gote to ponder. Gray Skull has dominated the seas for decades and cannot tolerate sinking further. As long as a breakthrough from the current predicament can be achieved, what does opening a port count for?
Pirates have never confined themselves to any piece of land; the boundless ocean is the true stage for pirates. And this young Lord here is ambitious and recklessly bold. The fact that he dared come to Mattdan shows his propensity for taking risks and subtly indicates that he has the backing of the Central Kingdom. If Gote were to cooperate with him, he might well carve out a new realm in the entire Mediterranean.
“It’s simple. Mattdam will fully open as a port. I will find a way to produce three to five Mirrors of Thousand Miles of the same standard for Mr. Gote within three months. Furthermore, I believe that within half a year, I could provide Mr. Gote with the first Magic-armed gun! However, my funds are limited, so I hope Mr. Gote can provide some capital upfront to select specialized tools and materials, as well as to recruit professional personnel. If luck is on our side, there might even be bigger surprises for Mr. Gote.”
Komer nodded calmly, presenting his conditions in one breath.
By now, a decided Gote displayed the demeanor and generosity of a true pirate king: “No problem, I will instruct Mr. Kudan to transfer 500,000 gold shields to you in the shortest time. As for the opening of Mattdam, we, Gray Skull, agree! However, I hope that Lord can make as many Mirrors of Thousand Miles and Magic-armed guns as soon as possible. If there are any financial shortcomings or difficulties with materials, a simple message to Mr. Kudan will suffice, and I believe Gray Skull will become your most loyal ally, Lord.”
The Mirror of Thousand Miles can indeed provide intelligence to anticipate the enemy, but the true mastery of the seas will ultimately be determined by direct combat.
The introduction of the Magic-armed gun will overturn the balance of power at sea, where crossbowmen or even magical archers and catapults will no longer dominate naval warfare. The age of deciding the victory of naval battles based on boarding actions will become history, replaced by the far-reaching power of Magic-armed guns and long-range assaults!