Pirate leader Crabbe was badly injured by a combined assault from Allen and Sister Lion.
He was breathing heavily, and was on the verge of collapse.
Maria called in a fellow student from the Bear Academy who had awakened her "Healing Technique" and gave him first aid, keeping him alive.
The Harpy sisters had been captured by Kelly and Ella.
Allen headed towards the beach.
Adam and George teamed up to subdue the giant octopus.
The beach was dotted with the octopus's blue blood and broken tentacles.
Allen picked up an octopus leg and chewed it.
A giant mutant octopus, as tough as a rubber tire.
Alan infused his upper and lower jaws with "Bone-penetrating Strength" and chewed it easily, then received a system notification.
"Consume Special Ingredient: Giant Mutated Octopus Meat!"
"Potential +1!"
"Constitution +1!"
Current Attributes: Constitution 28, Agility 23, Spirit 32
Potential Reserve: 7 points
Alan smiled faintly, closed the system page, and returned to find Miss Lion, Brother Pig, and Brother Bear.
The three were interrogating the pirates, searching for the ill-gotten gains they had accumulated over the years.
Half of the loot would be used to offset three years of tax (withholding).
The rest was divided equally between Allen and his three adopted brothers and sisters.
Allen didn't kill Crabbe and his concubine, indicating he wasn't just a pushover.
After a friendly exchange, Crabbe was persuaded and voluntarily purchased a three-year privateering charter issued by the New Gwent Town Council.
With this charter, Crabbe and his crew could sail in the waters near New Gwent and resupply supplies ashore.
Within these waters, any ship not flying the New Gwent flag could be attacked.
If New Gwent engaged in a naval battle with a foreign enemy, Crabbe's fleet would be obliged to serve and receive naval status.
After three years, should the privateering license be renewed?
Alan didn't insist.
He was confident that within three years, he could build his territory ten times stronger than it was now.
By then, Crabbe would probably be begging him to renew his license.
...
Conquering the pirate power of "Easy Nest" had far-reaching consequences.
Even a powerful individual like Crabbe was forced to submit, and the weaker powers were all frightened.
Killing a chicken to scare the monkey had an immediate effect.
Wherever the armed tax collection group went, there was peace.
All forces cooperated and paid taxes obediently.
After paying, some people complained to Allen.
They had already paid protection fees to Akira, the orc warlord of Undergate, and didn't want to be fleeced twice.
At this point, Allen frankly told these gang leaders:
"In New Gwent, we will inevitably face the orc gang."
"You all pay taxes here and are good citizens. From now on, you won't have to pay protection fees to the orcs."
Soon after, news of Allen's words reached Undergate, deeply enraging the orc chieftain Akira.
These unruly people not only refused to pay their protection fees, but also stole the business and collected other people's protection fees!
How could this be allowed?!
Akira knew, of course, that the immigrants had the Silvermoon Monastery's backing, and they were no pushovers.
However, to defend his dignity and protect his territory, he had to take action!
The Silvermoon Monastery was powerful, but Akira also had backers.
The Orc Chieftain traveled through the "Umbilicus" overnight, returning to the Underdark to meet with the Dungeon Wizard Akuma.
After some conspiracies, Akira had a clearer idea.
First, there were fewer than a hundred Silvermoon Warlocks stationed in New Gwent.
Of these, only three had reached the late third stage of cultivation, making them worthy of serious consideration.
Furthermore, Akuma has secretly contacted the Silver Moon Monastery's archenemy—the Beast Cult!
The Beast Cult, for its part, wouldn't mind intervening and aiding the Orc army in destroying New Gwent.
In fact, the Death Warlocks from Red Moon Island have already secretly infiltrated the town.
They're just waiting for the Orc army to attack, sowing chaos within.
With internal and external support, capturing the town will be as easy as plucking ripe fruit!
…
On the last day of June, "Fire Axe" Akira led 800 Orc warriors from the Undergate Fortress and headed straight for New Gwent!
Eight hundred orcs, three-quarters infantry, and two hundred orc cavalry mounted on wolf worgs.
Akira's army also included thirteen two-legged wyverns!
These sub-dragons lacked the wisdom and magic of true dragons, nor could they breathe dragon's breath, yet their savagery and brutality were even greater.
The wyverns were covered in dark green scales, impervious to arrows.
With their powerful physiques, they could easily snatch up a bull and soar into the air.
The wyverns' most terrifying weapon was the hook at the end of their tails, not only sharp but also capable of secreting a deadly poison! The most powerful of all dragons is undoubtedly Akira's mount.
This dragon is a mutant of its kind, its scales azure blue and its temperament extremely ferocious. Feared by the beastmen, it's known as the "Blue Devil."
The Blue Devil is twice the size of a typical dragon!
Its tail stinger is spiral-shaped, resembling a unicorn's horn.
Most dragon stingers secrete level 4 toxins, sometimes level 5 at most.
The Blue Devil possesses a level 6 toxin!
Even other dragons dare not approach this monster; a sting from it would instantly kill them!
...
The orcs marched at incredible speed.
In just six days, Akira's army reached the battlefield.
After more than three months of construction, the town of New Quint has transformed dramatically.
High city walls and numerous arrow towers stand tall.
The heavily closed city gates give residents a sense of security.
However, to Akira, this false sense of security is nothing more than a paper shield.
The orc chieftain, mounted on a blue dragon, landed in front of the city gates.
Under the watchful eyes of the city's militia, he inspected his troops.
Akira, holding a flaming axe high, demanded:
"Children, answer me!"
"Who is your king?"
"Who will lead you to conquer the barbarians?"
"Who will bring honor to your ancestors?"
"Who will dominate those cowards across the way?!"
The orcs and wargs roared in response:
"Akira!"
"Akira!"
"Akira!"
"Akira!"
"Akira!"
The chief himself, with a mighty roar, confirmed:
"A—Kira!"
The horns blared!
The drums boomed!
Under a hail of arrows raining down from their heads, the orc army launched a siege.
Enhanced by their bloodline gift, "Beastial Outburst," these fierce bandits ignored the pain and braved death without fear!
Like a green tide, they rushed towards the city gates.
The militia defending the city hoped the gates would hold off the orcs.
However, they soon discovered this was a delusion.
Akira raised his flaming axe and activated his atavistic transformation!
Fourth-level atavism, the Beast Titan!!
The orcs' ancestor is said to be a giant beast from ancient times known as "Behemoth."
Or, in the orcish language, a Behemoth.
Akira had awakened the bloodline of an extremely rare behemoth.
Though he was far from the size of the original Behemoth, when he transformed into a ten-meter-tall green-skinned giant, towering over the battlefield, he immediately captured everyone's attention.
"Whoosh..."
Akira, reverting to his ancestral form, blew a stream of scorching steam.
His massive fangs, like two oversized curved blades, gleamed pale in the blazing sun.
Akira's bronze armor, unable to adapt to the sudden change in his master's size, had long since shattered.
Only the flaming magical axe in his hand grew in size in tandem with his reverted form. Akira aimed at the city gate and hurled his flaming axe with all his might.
As everyone watched in astonishment, the axe transformed into a swirling ball of flame, shattering the city gate before flying back and landing safely in Akira's grasp.
With a single blow, the orc chieftain destroyed the city gate, opening the way for the orc army to siege the city.
This scene brought the defending militia to near despair.
Fortunately, in addition to the ordinary militia, the city also contained sorcerers.
Lady Sora immediately cast a spell, creating a field of animated vines in front of the shattered city gate.
Ella followed her mother's lead, casting "Entanglement" to expand the range of the animated vines.
The sorcerers from the Silvermoon Monastery also took action.
"Grease," "Pit," "Snake," "Thorn Bush"...
Various trap spells were cast inside and outside the city gates, temporarily blocking the orcs from entering.
These spells only created obstacles on the ground, stopping orcs and wargs, but not flying dragons.
Terrorizing shadows rose from the sky, and a fleet of flying dragons led by the "Blue Devil" circled the city walls.
The first to suffer were the arrow towers.
Ignoring the incoming arrows, the dragons swooped down on the arrow tower with unparalleled brutality!
With a resounding roar, the tower collapsed.
Next, the homes suffered.
The townspeople hid in their homes, shutting their doors and windows, afraid to leave.
However, staying home didn't guarantee absolute safety.
The dragons roared and swooped down, tearing the roof apart with a single swipe of their claws!
They leaned down, devouring their chosen prey!
The arrows fired by the militiamen struggled to pierce their scales.
They could only watch helplessly as the dragons wreaked havoc, moving and reappearing with ease.
Fortunately, the city still had the security forces from the Silvermoon Monastery.
Among the security forces were several sorcerers who had mastered the "Magic Armor" skill. As soon as the battle began, they would enchant their companions' weapons with spells.
Mundane iron weapons were temporarily transformed into Level 1 enchanted equipment.
The powerful bows and crossbows imbued with "Magic Armor" were powerful enough to pierce the scales of a two-legged dragon.
Soon, three dragons were struck by arrows and fell, their blood staining the streets.
The remaining dragons, sensing the threat from below, dared not fly too low.
Only the "Blue Devil" remained arrogant.
This mutated dragon's scales were so thick that even enchanted arrows struggled to penetrate them!
It flew from street to street, deliberately targeting crowded areas, wreaking more havoc than all the other dragons combined!
As the fighting spread to residential areas, causing panic, the beast worshippers who had been lurking in the city began to take advantage of the chaos.
Red Moon missionary Charles, accompanied by three bat-man sorcerers wearing matching robes,
Taking advantage of the fact that the militia were busy fighting at the city gates and had no time to visit the residential areas, they went from house to house, inciting the elderly, the weak, women, and children.
"Fellow villagers! The town is no longer safe!"
"Look up! The messenger of Death is circling!"
"Those with unsteady faith will be devoured by the dragon!"
"If you wish to escape this disaster, please come with me!"
"Women first!"
"Children first!"
"Men should stay in town and continue the fight!"
"As for women and children, please follow me!"
"I swear in the name of the Lord, I will lead you to a sanctuary of absolute safety!"
"Evil beasts, dare not invade the sanctuary protected by the Lord!"
Charles preached passionately to the panicked women.
"Ladies, you can't help on the battlefield, but in the Lord's temple, your prayers will bring miracles that are more powerful than thousands of troops!"
"When the beasts are repelled does not depend on how bravely your husbands, fathers, and brothers resist."
"It depends on whether you are willing to follow me to church and on the sincerity of your prayers!"
"Disasters are also tests. "Doomsday brings rebirth!"
"Ladies, now it's your turn to be tested!"
"You hold two invincible weapons in your hands."
"Love and faith!"
"Follow me, ladies. The church is your battlefield!"
"Wait until the disaster is over, and then return to reunite with your families!"
Charles and his three fellow apprentices preached passionately, inspiring the people.
In such a chaotic time, the common people were like lambs without their leader.
Especially the women whose men had gone off to the battlefield were utterly panicked and at a loss.
In the name of faith, aided by his charm magic, Charles quickly incited a group of shaky women and children to escape the town through a tunnel secretly dug by the Beast Cultists.
"Haha... progress is smoother than expected."
Beside Charles, a black-robed sorcerer smirked.
"This is all thanks to the Beast Cultists, who frightened our lost flock."
Charles glanced back at the women following him, a hint of lust in his eyes.
Of course, he wouldn't be so kind as to protect these ignorant country women.
His true intention was to abduct the women and children during this period of chaos and take them to the Beast Cult's secret lair outside the city.
Women will be reduced to their toys there.
Children will undergo bloodline aptitude tests, and those who pass will be shipped to Red Moon Island.
They've done this sort of thing countless times and are already very adept at it.
"Don't rush off, you three."
Charles lowered his voice, his expression sinister.
"That kid named Allen Panthers is so shameless, he thinks he's some big shot. It's time he got a lesson!"
"Charles, that kid isn't that strong, is he?" a black-robed sorcerer asked.
"They say he's in the late second stage," Charles replied.
"At this point, is it really necessary for the three of us to attack together?" the black-robed sorcerer scoffed. "Three early-stage level three warriors assassinating a late-stage level two warrior together? It sounds like a joke!"
"Don't underestimate Allen Panthers. That kid is no pushover!"
Charles frowned and solemnly warned the three not to be careless.
"Not long ago, Dorn, the insect-type drone butler, died at his hands!"
"Dorn is no weaker than any of you!"
"Even so, there's no need for the three of us to attack together, right?" another black-robed sorcerer remained unconvinced.
"You three, not only are you going to assassinate Allen, but you're also going to do me a favor."
To convince the three to take action, Charles had no choice but to reveal the truth.
"That guy has three beautiful women with him, including his sister and a mother and daughter."
"Kill Allen first, then find a chance to capture those three women... Be careful! They're all sorcerers too!"
"Haha... Charles, you're just amazing! I knew you had bad intentions!"
"Capture those three women, and we'll have a good time tonight!"
"Country girls are too boring, sorceresses are more fun to play with!"
At the mention of beautiful women, the black-robed sorcerers became interested and no longer refused Charles's commissions.
...
Near the city gate.
Alan was standing on the corpse of a flying dragon, concentrating on performing a "communication spell."
A lion emblem with a pink bow on its head gleamed on his fingernail.
This is Sister Lion's "Secret Mark."
"Third sister, are you making good progress?"
"Don't rush into anything yet. You're just a country woman deceived by Charles. Find the cult's base and wipe them out!"
"I'll leave things there in your hands. Be careful."
After sending the magic message, Allen received a reply from Sister Lion.
A red ball of light, encased in the emblem of a lovely lioness, appeared before Allen.
He grasped the ball of light and read the reply.
Maria's slightly nervous voice seemed to echo in his ears.
"Alan! Charles' three fellow apprentices are about to assassinate you!"
"Those three beasts are at the early stage of Level 3."
"Hurry and find my eldest and second brothers. Don't get left alone!"
Alan appreciated Sister Lion's concern, but he had no intention of seeking protection from Adam and George.
In fact, he had long anticipated that the enemy would take advantage of the chaos to send assassins.
But at the time, he wasn't sure whether the assassins were from the Beastmen or the Beast Cult.
Maria's letter helped him answer this question.
Alan had deliberately chosen a secluded spot, away from the crowd, to provide the assassins with a convenient environment.
Lure them out and kill them all!
If it were a beastman master, it might be a bit troublesome.
Since they were beastman sorcerers, Allen felt relieved.
Three figures came swiftly like ghosts!
"Alan Panthers, why are you alone?"
The black-robed figure in the lead, wearing a silver bat mask, looked around.
"Where are those sorcerer mother and daughter, and your beautiful sister, hiding?"
"Call them out quickly, don't let us make this trip in vain!"
The three black-robed sorcerers surrounded Allen.
They chatted back and forth, talking loudly to themselves.
Allen frowned slightly, his expression quizzical.
"Excuse me... are you three all from Red Moon Island?"
"Nonsense!" a black-robed sorcerer replied impatiently.
"Then you must be Charles's companions?"
"Why would you, a dying man, ask such questions?" another black-robed sorcerer said in a cold voice.
"I'm just not sure if you're assassins who've come specifically to kill me."
Allen raised his right hand, as if holding up a bright moon.
"Your attitude is so unprofessional, it's not like a competent assassin."
"Frankly, I really don't like your frivolous behavior!"
"Your behavior makes me feel uneasy, and I have to ask a few more questions to avoid killing the wrong person."
"Kill us? Just because of you?"
"Haha! You're either boasting or you're mentally ill!"
The arrogant laughter of the black-robed sorcerers completely infuriated Allen.
He suddenly clenched his right fist, his expression suddenly becoming ferocious!
"What are you laughing at?! Kill me!"
Bang!
The palm of his hand roared, and the moonlight suddenly appeared!
The fourth-tier "Moon Shadow Bullet" suddenly exploded!
The three bat-man sorcerers collapsed, their bones and tendons ripped apart.
They bore no visible wounds.
They were simply dead.
Looking at the three bodies at his feet, still dazed,
Alan shook his head and sighed, feeling rather disappointed.
"How can you be such assassins?"
"You have no professionalism at all!"
"You're a disgrace to the profession!"
While complaining, Alan's hands were busy, skillfully searching the bodies.
Three storage bags, totaling over 800 magic stones, along with some other miscellaneous valuables.
To get rich, you have to kill and rob.
After the looting, a bone spur popped out of Allen's palm.
Three corpses, one by one, injected with digestive fluid.
The destruction was as smooth as a factory assembly line.
A perfect example of "practice makes perfect."