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Chapter 363: The Red Hawk
🕑 Added 2025-04-05 16:03:01 +0000 UTCA woman of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight descended from the sky. Her appearance lacked distinct features associated with Fars or any other nation of the Old Continent. She was neither an orc nor someone recognizable from any known group; instead, there was an indescribable aura about her. Though undeniably a stunning beauty, she exuded an air of mystery and a faraway elegance.
Her attire was peculiar as well—not resembling the style of any Old Continent nation. It was highly practical, akin to the hunting gear popular in Fars but modified for long-distance travel, complete with numerous straps for attaching small tools.
The woman, maintaining a cordial demeanor, asked, “I am merely a passerby. May I inquire why all the cities near the Red Dragon Strait are deserted?”
Charlot Mecklenburg, slightly surprised, replied with a question of his own, “Haven’t you noticed the nearby orc encampments?”
The woman frowned slightly. “Of course I’ve seen them. That is precisely what puzzles me. Can you explain why?”
Charlot answered, “The orcs launched a massive offensive against the Fars Empire. Although they suffered a devastating defeat outside Strasbourg, they did not retreat to the Southern Continent. Instead, they fell back to the Red Dragon Strait, capturing all Fars cities in the region, most of which they subsequently abandoned.”
The woman was utterly shocked but then responded angrily, “You’re lying! How could the orcs possibly invade Fars?”
Charlot shrugged indifferently and replied, “Believe what you want. It’s none of my business.”
The woman’s body briefly emitted a glow of magical energy but quickly dimmed as she decided against taking action. Adjusting her tone to one of calm inquiry, she asked, “Could you explain the full sequence of events to me?”
“And by the way, you don’t look like a local resident.”
Charlot, curious about this female Saint rank’s origins, explained, “Fars went to war with Byron. Byron allied with the Southern Orc Tribes, leading to a large-scale orc invasion. They besieged Strasbourg...”
The mysterious woman’s expression changed to one of realization. “It’s the Void Crown—one of the ten great divine artifacts of the orcs! Only the Void Crown could transport so many troops.”
Charlot was taken aback. He hadn’t known the orcs possessed such a powerful artifact. However, this revelation brought another thought to mind. He recalled how Frederica had once transported leopardmen to Machubi Fortress Labyrinth. He mused inwardly, Could this orc artifact somehow be connected to Frederica?
The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.
As the two continued their conversation, the commotion had already drawn the attention of the other Saint ranks, who began to arrive one by one.
When the female Saint rank saw the gathering, she became slightly wary. She was about to inquire about Charlot and his companions when a familiar voice interrupted her.
The Golden Ram Herolf spoke in his rare, deep tones, “Red Hawk! Why have you returned from the New Continent?”
The female Saint rank, visibly startled, exclaimed, “Old Ram! Why have you left Saint Michael Island? And how did you end up on land, disguised as an orc?”
Herolf, clearly annoyed by the question, snorted coldly and refused to answer.
Red Hawk, however, was genuinely astonished. She knew of Herolf’s identity—the Golden Ram, the greatest pirate in the Giant Whale Sea, and a figure on par with herself in terms of infamy. Yet within this group, Herolf was clearly not the leader. This realization sparked a sense of caution in her heart; it implied someone among them was even more formidable.
Despite her wariness, Red Hawk hadn’t expected to encounter multiple Saint ranks while merely asking for directions.
Charlot stepped forward, gesturing amiably. “So it’s the famed Red Hawk, one of the ten great pirates. It’s an honor to meet you.”
“I am Charlot Mecklenburg. Whatever questions you may have, I will answer them.”
“But for now, we must move. The orcs’ scouts are everywhere, and staying out in the open is too risky. Please, come to our hideout. Allow me to host you properly.”
Although intrigued, Red Hawk, being one of the rare female Saint ranks, wasn’t overly concerned. Even if someone stronger than Herolf were present, she believed she could escape if needed. Few in this world could truly hold her down.
Charlot refrained from introducing the others, as he surmised that if Herolf knew Red Hawk’s moniker, Sabastine would likely recognize her as well. As fellow members of the ten great pirates, even if they hadn’t met, they would undoubtedly have heard of each other.
Once inside the simple yet practical hideout, Red Hawk seemed slightly impressed by the efficient setup.
In the Old Continent, whether in Fars or elsewhere, nobles on long journeys preferred the comfort of oversized carriages. Meanwhile, commoners often couldn’t afford specialized travel gear.
Charlot summarized the recent events of the Old Continent for her.
Red Hawk finally grasped the gravity of the situation. Her expression became anxious as she asked, “Are you saying that the people from the cities near the Red Dragon Strait have all been eaten by orcs?”
Seeing her distress, Charlot guessed she might have family in one of those cities. With a sorrowful sigh, he confirmed, “That’s correct.”
Anger flashed in Red Hawk’s eyes as she closed them momentarily before reopening them with renewed determination. “If you’re with the Fars army and preparing to attack the orcs, I’m willing to join you temporarily.”
Sabastine, who had been observing silently, resisted the urge to contradict Charlot’s grim statement. She knew that many people had fled the cities rather than being devoured, but revealing that truth might deter Red Hawk from joining. Given her formidable strength, she would be an invaluable ally.
However, Sabastine couldn’t help but wonder why Red Hawk had returned from the New Continent. This pirate, long thought to have left to build her legacy across the ocean, now appeared alone near the Red Dragon Strait. Clearly, her ventures in the New Continent had ended in failure.
Curious, Sabastine asked in a calm tone, “Red Hawk, why have you returned from the New Continent?”
Red Hawk’s face darkened. After a moment of silence, she answered, “The thirty-six great evil gods of the New Continent suddenly began waging war against each other. Countless cities were destroyed in the chaos. My fleet was annihilated by the evil god Tolerthang. I was the only one who survived.”
“The New Continent has become a living hell. Every day, countless people perish under the devastation wrought by the evil gods.”
“City after city has been reduced to rubble in their battles.”
“Even Saint ranks struggle to survive there.”
“I’m not the only one. Soon, more people will flee back to the Old Continent.”
“But I never imagined that the Old Continent would also be embroiled in war.”
Charlot hadn’t anticipated such a bombshell of news.
The thirty-six great evil gods of the New Continent were at war? He couldn’t help but think, The Old Continent seems better in comparison. At least the nine great gods have reached a truce. There are no divine wars here, nor would they allow evil gods to act so wantonly.
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