A Dragonslayer’s Peerless Regression

Chapter 96

"Peter Pan."

The captain of the Neverland and the Pirate King in Sieg's previous life.

Hook gritted his teeth and spoke.

"Younger brother, watch me. I will find Kidd's treasure island before that arrogant mermaid and become the Pirate King. Captain Hook! Doesn't it have a damned nice ring to it?"

Sieg responded moderately to Captain Hook's words while pondering about Peter Pan.

"The Pirate King wasn't supposed to appear until two years from now. Kali Draker would head out to subdue him around that time."

In this life, Sieg had to protect Kali Draker at all costs. Only then could he maintain a force able to check Abel within the Draker clan.

At that moment, slightly inebriated, Hook laughed and pulled something out.

"Younger brother, take a look at this. This is proof that I, Hook, will seize Captain Kidd's treasure and become the Pirate King before Peter Pan does."

What Hook took out was an old parchment. He unfolded it.

"This is the map that leads to Captain Kidd's treasure island."

Sieg, intrigued, looked at the parchment that Hook unfolded. But most of the content had been erased, and it was written in an unfamiliar language, making it impossible to decipher.

"It seems coded since it's a treasure map."

Since even Sieg couldn't make heads or tails of it, Hook showed it off confidently.

But just then, unexpectedly, the system activated on its own.

『Detecting ancient chart.』

『Scanning and analyzing the chart.』

『Analyzed and supplemented the erased portions of the chart, revising it. Indicating the location on the map.』

"Hmm?"

Unexpectedly, the system had analyzed the map as soon as Sieg saw it. Unaware of this, Captain Hook continued to chatter enthusiastically.

"No one can read this map right now. We know it's somewhere in the Sea of Death, but the exact location is still unknown. So, we're combing through the area."

While Captain Hook rambled on, the system concluded its analysis of the chart. It then revealed the accurate coordinates of the treasure island on a map before Sieg's eyes.

'... Once again, I realize the system's capabilities are boundless.'

Sieg had inadvertently seized the opportunity to become the Pirate King.

At that moment, a quest window popped up.

―Achievement Quest (Advanced Mission)―

『Find the Island of the Forgotten Sea God. (No time limit)』

『Quest Mission Reward: Title - Blessing of the Sea God/ Treasure of the Sea God』

'The Island of the Sea God?'

The map indicated an ancient relic rather than Captain Kidd's treasure island. Seeing the mission rewards of the Sea God's blessing and treasure suggested that finding this island wasn't entirely irrelevant to becoming the Pirate King.

'If Peter Pan found this island and obtained the Sea God's power, it explains how Kali faced such challenges.'

From how the system reacted, it seemed unlikely that one could access the island through ordinary means. Sieg closed the quest window and mused about the Island of the Sea God while echoing Hook's words.

"I must seize the Sea God's power before Peter Pan claims this island."

Realizing it would be difficult to bring Carus to the island, Sieg decided to ensure his safety first and then return.

Captain Hook only returned to his ship after exhausting a crate of whiskey hidden by smugglers. Learning about the Island of the Sea God, Sieg felt the encounter wasn't a loss.

* * *

The next day, Sieg's group loaded supplies and set sail again toward the southern continent. True to its name, the Sea of Death was tumultuous with many reefs.

Fortunately, the smuggler captain was quite a skilled sailor, navigating the Sea of Death without much trouble. They encountered pirate ships a few times, but each fled after Sieg and Boris quietly dealt with them.

Only after a week did Sieg and his party manage to reach the southern continent. However, just before docking at the port, the captain asked if they could dock elsewhere.

"Master, must we dock directly at Golpa Harbor? Smugglers like us are dead as soon as we enter Golpa."

Sieg reassured the captain.

"I'll guarantee your safety, so don't worry."

Thanks to Sieg's reassurance, the smuggler's ship reached Golpa Harbor. But the port was in disarray.

Rough-looking men were scattered throughout the harbor, which greatly frightened the smugglers.

"Sir, it's the Mechain Cartel."

Even though Don Juan had died, the Mechain Cartel retained its intimidating organization despite being diminished.

Without responding, Sieg, donning an iron helmet, leaped gracefully from the smuggler's ship.

Upon spotting Sieg, the cartel members assumed a defensive posture.

Then, a voice called out.

"Boss!"

In the distance, Simon and his subordinates were making their way over.

As Simon arrived, the cartel members, startled, sheathed their weapons and stood at attention.

Simon knelt before Sieg.

"Welcome, boss. We've been expecting you."

The smugglers couldn't close their mouths in astonishment.

Sieg, who was being regarded with such respect, was witnessed by Simon Sapatero, the new boss of the Mechain Cartel, and guardian of the Cusco royal family, who had taken control over the northern region of the southern continent.

Consequently, the rest of the cartel members also knelt before Sieg.

He approached Simon.

"It's been a while, Simon. How have you been?"

"Thanks to you, boss. Did you have any trouble on the journey?"

"It was a smooth voyage. I owe the captain and crew, so please reward them."

"Under the name of Simon Sapatero, I shall reward them generously."

Meanwhile, Boris and Carus, whose faces were hidden, disembarked and promptly boarded the carriage prepared by Simon.

Sieg also boarded the carriage, and only after Simon joined them did Sieg remove his helmet and speak.

"Can we transfer directly via portal?"

Simon shook his head.

"Boss, I regret to inform you that the portal at Tahuani is presently inaccessible."

"What do you mean by inaccessible?"

"The terminal is swarming with imperial troops."

Sieg was taken aback at Simon's words.

"Are the empire's forces here already?"

"I presume they anticipated your arrival in the south."

Behind Abel Draker was the Zimmens. It's no wonder they were known as the Zimmens of Strategy.

Sieg sank into contemplation.

"We cannot leave the prince here in the south. It's too unstable, and anything can happen..."

The southern continent was rife with assassins and rogues. Sieg couldn't constantly protect him. Some measures could be taken, but it was impossible to fend off all assassins coming from all directions.

He had to somehow make it to the central continent and place him under Kali Draker's protection.

Simon spoke cautiously.

"Boss, there is one way."

"What's that? Speak."

"We can traverse the border through the desert and head to the Holy Kingdom. The influence of the Empire does not reach the Holy Kingdom."

Hearing Simon's words, Sieg pondered deeply.

If they couldn't use the portal, the only feasible way was overland travel.

Upon reaching the Holy Kingdom, there would be various methods to reach Central Continent, whether by land or sea.

Sieg turned to Simon and said.

"For now, that seems to be the only option. But can we pass through the lawless border zone? Imperial knights are likely stationed there."

"Because it's a lawless zone, we might find an opening. Soon as we reach the upper border area, there's a tunnel leading to the desert. Since it operates illegally, even if the imperial army follows, they'll face delays."

It was a suggestion Simon could make because of his past as an outlaw.

After a pause, Sieg nodded.

"Fine. Let's proceed as you suggested."

"Understood, boss. Tonight, please rest at the hideout, and we will depart first thing tomorrow."

* * *

The next day, Sieg's group changed into southern attire before setting off on horseback towards Tahuani.

With Simon and his subordinates escorting them, there was no need to worry about small fry troubling them.

The issue arose in the border zones north of Tahuani. Commonly referred to as lawless areas, this region consisted of several towns established in a wasteland exempt from the law.

The reason behind its lawless nature was the formation of a massive Black Market City.

Stolen goods that couldn't reach the Dortha Republic or items and money tied to crime all flowed in here. Criminals often hid their identities, seeking employment or committing further crimes to earn money.

Naturally, the place became an area where ordinary laws weren't enforced.

While Dortha was a glamorous city of pleasure, this place was a city erected on the lowest foundation of desire and vice.

Given its dangers, upon entering the wasteland en route to the lawless zone, Simon warned Sieg's group.

"From here on, trust no one except our group."

Sieg nodded in response to Simon's warning.

Carus, though slightly nervous, couldn't help but express eagerness at visiting the rumored Black Market City in the lawless zone.

Sieg's group advanced slowly, reaching a fence made of barbed wire—a pathway into the lawless area.

Guard posts dotted the area; one of these outposts marked the entrance to the zone.

Simon approached and showed something to the guards stationed there.

They whispered among themselves after seeing Simon's badge, then entered the outpost to contact somewhere.

Shortly after, they returned, handing back Simon's badge.

"The atmosphere's tense lately. Keep your guard up."

Simon retrieved the badge and led his group through the barbed wire, moving onwards until a small village appeared.

Turning to Sieg, Simon spoke.

"Boss, it's best to rest here for today. Tomorrow we'll head to Black Market City to meet a tunnel broker and make our move."

Sieg agreed with a nod.

As the village marked the entrance to the lawless zone, it was relatively safer.

Upon reaching Black Market City, one essentially gambled with their life, so taking a pause for preparation was sensible.

Sieg's group settled into lodgings Simon had arranged to unpack their belongings.

To protect Carus, Sieg opted to share a room with him.

While unpacking, Carus approached Sieg to show something.

"Sieg, take a look. What do you think?"

Having spent much time together on the run, Carus now spoke comfortably with Sieg.

Sieg, in return, spoke casually to Carus.

"It's a drawing. You drew this, Carus?"

"I told you I'm an artist. Once the painting is complete, I'll add a poem to accompany it. Then it's done."

"A bard, huh. Is that your dream, Carus?"

Carus tucked the picture back into his chest and spoke.

"If I were a regular prince, perhaps. Given the circumstances, I'm unsure if I can be just a bard. It seems more likely I'll be chased my whole life or live as an exiled royalty."

Carus's self-deprecating words elicited a wry smile from Sieg.

Then Carus asked Sieg.

"Sieg, how about you? Do you have a dream?"

Carus's question left Sieg momentarily speechless.

He had told Arthur Draker that his goal was to become the continent's strongest.

To become the continent's strongest and wield control over the Draker clan was his aim.

"A dream. Is that really a dream?"

Having lived again after dying and returning, Sieg had poured all his efforts into achieving what he couldn't in the past.

He looked at Carus and replied.

"To be the strongest in the continent. That's what I dreamt of."

Carus nodded.

"Becoming the continent's strongest... certainly not an easy feat."

But just then, Sieg sensed suspicious movement.

"What was that?"

He told Carus to stay quiet and hide under the bed.

Silently complying, Carus did as instructed by Sieg.

Sieg pressed against the wall and used the Dragon Eyes to survey the surroundings.

He noticed unusual movement from the building across the street.

"That's not the movement of mere outlaws. These are trained individuals."

Though they could have been assassins raised by the cartel, it was apparent they weren't approaching with good intentions.

Sieg tapped on the wall to signal the adjoining room.

Boris soon entered the room in response.

Sieg spoke to Boris.

"Boris, inform Simon to prepare for immediate departure."

"Understood, boss."

As Boris exited, Sieg quickly gathered their belongings and prepared to leave with Carus.

Just as they were about to leave the room, however...

"Whoosh!"

An arrow flew in through the window.

"Get down!"

As he finished speaking, the incoming arrow exploded.