Ghost Shipyard Island.
The No. 1 dry dock, which had been calm for many years, suddenly caught fire. The flames shot up into the sky, even dispersing a part of the drifting mist. Because of this, the scene was noticed by people at the other docks.
At Dock No. 4, on the Moonlight Osprey, a group of people gathered on the deck.
"The flames reaching the sky... that direction seems like Dock No. 1?"
"That’s Boss Man’s territory. Could it be a fire accident?"
"Even if Boss Man is that foolish, he would have taken some fire prevention measures. I have a feeling that there might be an earth-shattering change at Dock No. 1 tonight." The speaker was the Navigator of the Moonlight Osprey, who looked at the distant sky, where even the mist couldn’t overshadow the sparks, and spoke softly.
"Oh, what do you mean?" someone asked, with others turning their attention to the Navigator.
People who lived by the sea often had faith in the Navigator, as they were the ones who guided ships by observing celestial bodies and ocean currents, a skill that to the uninformed seemed almost prophetic.
Thus, when the Navigator spoke, especially with such mysterious words, it indeed caught everyone’s attention.
"Could it be that you’ve prophesied something?"
The Navigator contemplated for a moment, then assumed a composed posture before addressing their expectant audience: "It’s actually very simple. Because earlier, when I was walking by the river, I saw Captain Baro sneaking toward Dock No. 1."
The crowd: "..."
"You mean the fire at Dock No. 1 was started by Captain Baro?"
"I know Captain Baro is ambitious about Dock No. 1, but does he have the guts to do that alone?"
"Right, we don’t believe Captain Baro has that much ability, does he?"
Seeing the crowd’s skeptical discussions, the Navigator shook his head: "If it was just Captain Baro alone, perhaps he couldn’t cause such damage. But, take a look around, isn’t someone missing?"
Everyone turned to look around.
Not long after, someone hesitantly spoke: "How come we don’t see Mr. Renko?"
Once these words were uttered, there was a moment of silence followed by a burst of discussion on the deck: "Could Mr. Renko have gone with Captain Baro to set the fire?"
"That seems unlikely, isn’t Mr. Renko known for not initiating attacks on other docks?"
"He doesn’t initiate because he adheres to the knight’s code. And what is most important in the knight’s code? Justice! Mr. Renko representing justice to punish the evil Boss Man, doesn’t that align with the code?"
"That’s true, but before... "
"Stop arguing, I think the Navigator is right. I just saw Mr. Renko leave, and the direction was indeed Dock No. 1!"
As soon as these words were finished, people looked at each other, their eyes carrying a hint of suppressed excitement.
They didn’t believe Captain Baro alone could harm Boss Man. But Mr. Renko was different; he was a knight with unfathomable strength. Even if he couldn’t take on the entire Dock No. 1 by himself, he could wreak havoc in cooperation with Captain Baro. Besides, Dock No. 1 was a collection of scattered forces; Mr. Renko could very well conduct a beheading operation, directly threatening Dock No. 1!
With this thought, everyone was somewhat excited. After all, Dock No. 4 wasn’t the best place to live, and even the land wasn’t fertile enough. They secretly wished for Dock No. 1, though they never dared to express it before.
If they could occupy Dock No. 1, they’d be more than pleased.
While the crowd was lost in thought, the Navigator’s eyes showed a trace of concern. The others were still too optimistic; what he referred to as "earth-shattering change" didn’t just pertain to Dock No. 1; it could affect Dock No. 4 as well. What if Mr. Renko fell to the enemy? Or if he made a mistake and walked into a trap? After all, Mr. Renko was strong, but he was still a human.
If they lost Mr. Renko, Dock No. 4 might become prey.
The Navigator didn’t want to share this suspicion with the others, so he could only look at the blazing spot in the distance, praying silently.
Meanwhile, near Dock No. 1.
Several figures quickly fled from the flames, with Renko, wielding a knight’s rapier, leading the way, followed by Baro and Little Birch. Baro was carrying an unconscious woman on his back.
At first glance, they all seemed fine, but upon closer inspection, both Baro and Little Birch were covered with wounds, with Little Birch’s arm twisted at an odd angle, clearly broken.
Renko appeared to be in the best condition, but not long after they left Dock No. 1, he started showing abnormal reactions.
Soon, Renko stumbled, his knee hitting the ground.
"You’re hurt?" Baro rushed forward, attempting to help Renko up.
"No... nothing, keep going..." Renko refused Baro’s help, struggling to stand up with sweat streaming down his face, only to stumble and fall again.
Baro glanced back at the burning dock, vaguely seeing shadows rushing out, and hearing the sounds of fighting.
Gritting his teeth, despite Renko’s refusal, he seized Renko’s arm and quickly darted into the forest.
Dragging Renko along, with an unconscious person on his back, and having already fought in the dock, Baro’s stamina was running low.
After a few steps, he was already gasping for breath.
Behind him, Birch was sweating with anxiety, wanting to help ease Captain Baro’s burden, but with his broken arm, he could hardly exert any strength. Keeping up was already taking all his effort.
The pursuers were close behind, and with their energy drained, they were still far from Dock No. 4... what now?
Just as Birch was on the verge of tears, he suddenly heard a familiar whistle in his ear.
Baro heard it too, and they looked in the direction of the sound.
Behind a large tree not far away, a small head popped out sneakily. Seeing Baro and the others, his eyes glinted with delight.
"Little Flea!" Birch immediately recognized him as his childhood friend, the ship doctor in Dock No. 1.
Little Flea ran over, taking a glance behind. Although he couldn’t see anyone, the sounds of shouting and pursuit had already reached them, estimating they’d be caught up within a minute or two.
Birch asked, "Little Flea, what are you doing here?"
Little Flea shushed him and quickly whispered: "They’re right on your tail. Follow me, I know a hidden stone cave nearby."