Elemental Cats

Before anyone noticed, the Pirate Meet island was already on the verge of completion. Even the barrier was up. The only thing missing was the actual pirates, but they slowly trickled onto the island as soon as it opened. The pirates either followed the bridge or, if they could, used boats to get to the island.

However, the island didn't have enough room to accommodate the number of boats required to deliver all the pirates who would participate in the meet. In addition to the boats on standby from the big three crews, ships with various designs and sizes took up most of the available space in the Void around the island and Pirate Haven.

After enough pirates crawled out of the woodworks and gathered on the island, the Pirate Meet only lacked someone to proclaim it had begun.

Wulf, the leader of the Bunglehoppers, the crew in charge of overseeing the island's construction, took it upon himself to also oversee the Pirate Meet itself.

The pirates on the island were anxious about the big three and their relationship, but Wulf knew it wouldn't be as simple as setting the stage for the three of them to talk, so he began the Pirate Meet by inviting everyone to sit down and eat and drink. The stage was also open to anyone who wanted to perform or lift any subject unrelated to the main issue that would be brought up later on.

After a few comedy skits and a few trivial issues like the price of spices skyrocketing getting brought up, a pirate who had drunk a little too much and a little too soon raised his voice.

"Where are the big three?! I didn't come here to party! I wanna know when I can go back to my business without worrying about some stupid shit like getting rammed in the ass by a cultist!"

The drunken man's shout caused those around him to move away while avoiding eye contact with anyone who turned to look at the source. However, there were some who didn't only just look at the person who openly ignored the silent agreement to not mention the situation regarding the big three until they did it themselves.

The drunken man's words had slandered the members of the Cult of Nihiltas, who, despite their attempt to achieve nihility through emptiness, weren't empty of emotion. If anything, they were more emotional than others since they didn't overcomplicate things.

The three cultists pulled down their hoods and roused their mana as they moved toward the drunkard, who had barely begun to realize he had made a mistake. However, before he could back away from the cultists, someone stood up and patted the drunk pirate on his shoulder.

When the drunk pirate turned around, he saw a tall pirate in blue clothes glare at the cultists.

"Don't worry. You only spoke the truth. Take a seat and enjoy the show."

After pushing the drunk pirate to sit down, the Blue Lounge pirate and his companions moved to meet the cultists.

Despite both parties looking like powder kegs about to explode with their mana and martial energy surging wildly, no one launched an attack since it would mean total anarchy. It would also lead to an escalating conflict that would render the Pirate Meet either useless or turn it into an opportunity for all the pirates to rightfully target one of the big three crews.

As more and more pirates gathered and joined the spectacle, the atmosphere grew intense enough to distort the air. It was a wonder that no one failed to restrain themselves. However, it wouldn't be long until someone couldn't hold back anymore and let a punch or a jeer slip.

Fortunately, Wulf intervened before things became irreversible. He clapped with enough force to send a shockwave across the island that swept through and cut apart the tense atmosphere. Wulf had successfully calmed down the stirring pirates with nothing more than a clap, and he smiled as he noticed everyone turned to watch him.

Wulf's steely smile made the initial instigators shiver, and they avoided meeting Wulf's cold eyes.

"I guess it's about time we settle things regarding the current worries of Pirate Haven. If the big three continue fighting, there might not be a Pirate Haven tomorrow, after all."

Wulf's voice rang out, just like his clap had done. Wulf's words caused the pirates to stir as everyone looked at the members of the big three crews and at the ships belonging to those three crews that were resting around the island.

Wulf's words also invited the higher-ups, executives, and strongest of each of the big three to the island. Red Hook, Stris, and the Representative all showed themselves on the boats that they were watching the spectacle from. Wulf's words beckoned them to come down to the island and settle their matters with a peaceful discussion that would unite the pirates against the armies and laws of the kingdoms.

At least, that was what the ordinary pirates thought would happen.

While the three leaders of the big crews did indeed leave their boats and step foot on the island, it wasn't to hold a peaceful discussion. It was so they could bring out as much of their strength as possible.

However, before any fighting could take place, it was time for Wulf to set the record straight and begin the Blue Lounge League of Pirates' execution.

Wulf waited for the stir that the three leaders' appearance caused to die down before opening his mouth.

"Unfortunately, the threat to Pirate Haven's continued existence lies right among us. This whole debacle wouldn't have escalated if it wasn't for the true identity of the Blue Lounge League and their chairman being exposed. As members of the Starsling Kingdom's military, Chairman Stris and his followers are undeserving of being pirates. As such, they have no right to exist within Pirate Haven!"

Wulf's words caused many gasps and exclamations among the lower level pirates who had only heard rumors about Stris' affiliation with the Starsling Kingdom. However, rumors from a stranger on the street, high on drugs or drunk up to their nose, were different from a proclamation from the leader of the fourth strongest pirate crew. Especially considering how Wulf said it during the climax of the Pirate Meet.