Anchor, Stop Pretending, You're in Chaldea - Chapter 162

“Ha ha ha, that stupid bearded fool ran away with his tail between his legs! Even his pirate ship bearing his flag sank – how utterly satisfying!”

Drake returned to their stronghold with his band of pirates and resumed their drinking spree.

“No pirate can match our Anego in these waters! With the help of her new friends, dominating the seas is just a matter of time!”

“You’re right, cheers! This lad holds his liquor well; here’s another round!” A pirate clad in a red shirt continuously refilled Bai Qiu’s wooden cup from a barrel.

“Ah, um, Senpai really shouldn’t drink any more…” Mash intervened, preventing the pirates from further pressuring Bai Qiu to consume alcohol.

As usual, Jeanne Alter sat at a distance, untouched by any daring pirate to disturb her.

“I’m not sure what happened, but it seems everything is under control for now.” Dr. Romani’s holographic image, projected from the bracelet, appeared visibly relieved.

“By the way, Doctor, can you locate Mordred and Johanna?” Bai Qiu promptly asked about Mo-san and Johanna’s whereabouts.

Honestly, not having seen them for so long did cause some concern.

“Hmm, I’ve found that since their Rayshift, they’ve been staying on a small island approximately 200 nautical miles southwest of your current location. However, for specific directions to get there, we should consult with your resident great pirate, Drake.”

“Oh wow! What kind of treasure is this?!?”

Drunk but intrigued, Drake leaned closer, staring at Dr. Romani displayed on the communication device held by Bai Qiu.

“Heck, where did you find this little gnome?”

“I’m not a gnome!” Dr. Romani helplessly explained.

“Is this some divine artifact? It even talks back! Is it one of your servants perhaps?!”

Drake continuously examined Dr. Romani’s image, fascinated.

“I’ve already said it—I’m not some dwarf sealed inside a device, you know~~~”

“Captain Drake, I’d like to set sail on your ship tomorrow to search for our companions. Is that alright?” Bai Qiu directly stated his request.

“Ah ha ha, of course it is!!!” The drunken Captain Drake forcefully patted Bai Qiu’s shoulder.

“It’s getting late though, and we just had a fight. How about departing tomorrow instead?” Drake suggested amicably.

“Huh?!” Bai Qiu was momentarily taken aback.

“What’s wrong? Do you not want to leave so soon based on your expression?” Drake asked, puzzled.

“No, naturally, the sooner the better. But isn’t sailing dependent on timing, wind direction, weather conditions, and such? Besides, you don’t even know where I need to go.”

“You’ve already proven yourself as one of us by teaching Blackbeard a lesson! If you wish to set sail, no matter the destination, the Golden Hind will forge ahead without hesitation!” Drake raised his wooden mug and gulped it down audibly.

“Well spoken, Anego!”

“That’s the spirit of pirates, indeed!”

“Wahh, Mom, adventuring with such remarkable pirates like Anego is just too exciting!”

Listening to the cheering of the surrounding pirates, Bai Qiu sighed.

If possible, he still hoped for cautious navigation.

“Imprudent sailing leads to tears from grieving kin.”

“What fantastic ale! Young man, why aren’t you drinking? Come to think of it, I haven’t seen that flying witch lately. Where did she go?”

“Well, about Medea-san…”

“Mashu, let me explain.” Bai Qiu interrupted as Mashu hesitated, preparing to speak.

He briefly recounted how Medea was ambushed by Hector, leading to her Saint Graph’s destruction and subsequent disappearance.

“I see…” After hearing Bai Qiu’s account, Drake gazed at the bonfire under the moonlight.

“In my gut feeling, she seemed like a good woman, unfortunately paired with the wrong man. It’s truly regrettable. However, these were her own choices; we cannot judge whether they were right or wrong.”

Embers from the burning fire continuously drifted towards the boundless sky, then vanished into the dark night.

“I must admit, I don’t really understand this whole Servant, Holy Grail thing you guys mentioned. But as pirates, we believe that treasures will never abandon us as long as we laugh and sail forward with determination.”

Drake displayed a relieved smile.

“In any case, I’ll remember to give that bastard Jason a punch for her sake. Maybe even put a few holes in him; would that fulfill my promise?”

“Indeed, we also need to find Jason eventually.”

“Well, since we’re departing tomorrow, let’s make tonight one to remember – cheers until dawn!”

Faced with Drake’s enthusiastic invitation, Bai Qiu reluctantly joined in for a few drinks.

After several rounds of drinking, multiple intoxicated pirates gathered around the bonfire, passionately singing off-key tunes to fuel their spirits.

Drake had already passed out, lying on the ground snoring loudly.

Bai Qiu set down his cup and glanced at Heracles sitting near the stone wall not far away.

Ever since returning from battle, he hadn’t uttered a word, with Berserker’s massive axe-sword still stuck in the ground beside him.

After exchanging a glance with Mashu, Bai Qiu approached Heracles directly.

Even sitting against the rock wall, Heracles appeared remarkably imposing and tall.

“…Master.”

Noticing someone near him, Heracles turned his gaze straight towards Bai Qiu.

“Heracles, I’m sorry I couldn’t provide much assistance,” Bai Qiu immediately apologized, knowing he couldn’t directly supply Magical Energy to Heracles.

Heracles shook his head.

“My body inherently contains the Magical Energy from the Age of Gods; even the most proficient Master would struggle to adequately replenish me. You need not feel guilty, Master.”

Despite exuding immense presence, this Heracles maintained a remarkably calm demeanor, devoid of any hint of Berserker’s frenzied aura.

“I’ll fetch the Holy Grail for you. Use it first to supplement your Magical Energy.”

Unexpectedly, Heracles shook his head and outright rejected Bai Qiu’s offer.

“I have no desire for the Holy Grail; its misuse would only invite unnecessary troubles.”

“But what about your Magical Energy?”

Heracles pointed to the belt around his waist.

“This is Ares’ Military Belt, imbued with divine power. Apart from enhancing my abilities, it can also replenish my Magical Energy.”

As one of the King’s Order treasures, possessing such formidable capabilities was not surprising.

Seeing Heracles explain this, Bai Qiu decided not to insist further.

“Master.” Heracles’ expression suddenly turned serious.

“Why have you summoned me to this era? What do you truly seek?”

His words carried a subtle pressure, and he scrutinized Bai Qiu with a stern gaze.

“Of course, it’s to reclaim humanity’s future,” Bai Qiu responded naturally but hesitated before continuing.

“No, it’s not such a grand goal. It’s merely to survive.”

His wish wasn’t as noble as saving the Human Order.

He simply didn’t want to perish amidst this calamity; that was his simple reason.

“The will to survive…,” Heracles continued scrutinizing Bai Qiu closely.

“Even if it means utilizing the power of ‘Beasts,’ would you still pursue it relentlessly?”

Bai Qiu felt the overwhelming pressure emanating from Heracles.

It seemed he greatly cared about Bai Qiu’s response to this question.

After pondering for a moment, Bai Qiu replied:

“If ‘Beasts’ represent disasters humanity must overcome, then aren’t they also part of what makes us human? Bearing sins and persevering forward is truly the right path for mankind!”

Facing Heracles’ gaze, Bai Qiu firmly stated these words.

The Evils of Humanity embody human love itself.

“Bearing sins while moving forward…” Heracles looked down at his hands.

Due to being cursed with rage, he had indeed killed his closest family members, just as Master said.

Isn’t he currently carrying these sins and continuing forward as well?

Even though half of his Saint Graph belongs to a Divine Spirit, ultimately, half of his bloodline is still human.

With this thought, Heracles nodded.

“I understand now. Master, feel free to use my power.”

“Thank you, Heracles.”

Bai Qiu secretly sighed in relief.

It seemed that his response had temporarily satisfied Heracles.

However, once they return to Chaldea, if Heracles discovers there are two more Beasts there, how will he explain it then?

Well, let’s cross that bridge when we come to it…

Bai Qiu looked around but couldn’t find any trace of Draco.

Where did she go???

Under the silver moonlight, a petite figure appeared on a rock at another corner of Pirate Island.

Clad in purple attire and wielding a staff, she observed the nearby pirate encampment.

“Oh? What brings you here?”

Without warning, a small blonde girl materialized from the shadows behind her.

The red-eyed newcomer displayed an evil grin.

“My apologies, I was just curious about the situation,” replied the innocent-looking Medea Lily, seemingly unfazed by being discovered, her tone friendly.

“In that case, why have you set up this tedious magic array here? It’s quite weak for my standards.”

With a wicked smile, Draco slowly approached.

“Tell me, what is your plan?”

“I’m sorry, but I cannot disclose that information to you,” Medea Lily responded apologetically.

“No matter, no matter. Truthfully, I have no interest in your plans. However, if you intend harm towards my Master…”

A red gleam flashed in Draco’s eyes.

Whoosh!

A blood-red energy blade swept directly towards Medea Lily!

Instantly, her figure vanished from sight?!

In its place emerged a magic array on the ground, trapping Draco within it.

“Zoooooom!”

Three purple beams swiftly shot forth from Medea Lily’s magic wand!

“Hmph.”

Draco snorted dismissively.

With a surge of Magical Energy, she effortlessly dispelled the confining magic array and blocked all three purple beams using her draconic arms.

“You’re far inferior to that Divine Age Magus. Seems like combat isn’t your forte as a Servant.” Draco immediately lunged forward, aiming to capture Medea Lily directly.

However, another pre-prepared magic array activated on the ground beneath her.

“BOOM——!!”

A fierce explosion erupted around Draco!

Once the attack subsided, Medea Lily’s figure had vanished within the magic array behind her, leaving only her voice echoing through the dark night sky:

“Please inform everyone at Pirate Island that Jason-sama and I will be waiting aboard the Argo for their arrival.”

Then she disappeared without a trace.

“Although unaware of whom my Master has provoked this time, it seems things are becoming increasingly intriguing.”

Gazing at the large, destroyed magic array on the rock, Draco waved his hand once more to completely dismantle it.

“Draco?! What are you doing here?” From afar, Bai Qiu approached with Mashu, running towards them.

“I heard loud noises from this direction, did something happen?”

“No, nothing significant,” Draco replied nonchalantly.

Draco nonchalantly replied.

“Really? But this on the ground…”

“Just some insignificant characters causing mischief. They seemed to want me to deliver a message for you all, but I wasn’t paying attention.”

“At least listen to what your enemies say…” Bai Qiu said helplessly.

However, considering the battle scene and the magic array on the ground, Bai Qiu could roughly guess who the opponent was.

Draco reverted the red dragon transformation on her arm, transforming back into the petite blonde girl.

Then, naturally, she took Bai Qiu’s hand right in front of Mashu, revealing that mischievous smile again.

“Let’s go home, Onii-sama~~~”

“——————!”

Seeing Mashu nearly petrified with shock, Bai Qiu quickly explained:

“Senpai…”

Disappointment filled Mashu’s face entirely.

“So… Senpai likes this kind of thing…”

“Wait, no, Mashu, it’s not what you think!!!”

Early morning on Pirate Island.

“Ah ha-ha! After a wild night of drinking and a good sleep, feeling this early morning sea breeze is truly delightful!” Drake exclaimed loudly to those around him.

“Guys, once preparations are complete, we set sail!”

“Anego… Ugh… You’re still as energetic as ever…” The hungover pirates clutched the railings, retching into the sea.

“Don’t even think about slacking off! We need to rescue our new companion first, so get your spirits up!!!” Standing at the ship’s bow, Drake smiled towards Bai Qiu and the group who had already assembled behind her.

“Welcome aboard the Golden Hind, young man!”