Chapter 2: Perilous Buccaneer
Standing several hundred meters away from the main village in the lush green area, Tarot noticed a separate ship on the opposite side of the island. It was large enough to accommodate a couple of hundred passengers, but what surprised him was that it belonged to the marine force, stationed near Bloomsque Hazard for an unknown purpose.
"Did you guys see those marine ships over there in the distance?" Tarot pointed out, causing everyone to turn and stare at the marines, frozen in perplexity.
"Those aren't just marines. They're WPDA. How convenient for them to show up right where we are," Yumiko remarked, signaling that the mission might not be as straightforward as they had initially thought.
Meanwhile, near the heart of the WPDA ships, marines gathered around a higher-ranked individual who held a note and pen, jotting down unidentified information.
"Three significantly different temperatures within meters of each other..." The young man showed a drawing he had created, depicting the islands of Bloomsque Hazard.
"I didn't sign up to be a meteorologist. How am I supposed to gather intel on these strange atmospheres? It's like sketching line art for the higher-ups..." The marine sighed as he scanned the distant islands.
A marine rushed to the front and bowed deeply. "Chief Codey, some of our WPDA units sent to explore the hot and cold zones haven't reported back. They may be in danger, but we're unable to establish communication with them. We lack sufficient specialized gear for both extreme environments... The uniforms we did have are all worn by officers stationed across the islands."
Codey slammed his notebook shut forcefully but maintained his composure, treating his subordinates with respect. Twirling his pen thoughtfully, he posed a few questions.
"You can't reach them via their chips? Those chips aren't designed to endure extreme temperatures. If we can't establish contact, we'll have to locate them physically. It's not ideal, but those officers could prove invaluable in the future. We can't afford to lose them just because we sent them alone into hazardous areas."
Codey observed Xasha, dressed in a red uniform with a blade at her side, sitting under the sun and using her hat to shield her face.
"Xasha, I have some orders for you..."
Xasha, clad in the red uniform signifying her status as a chevalier, approached Codey with poise and elegance.
"Your commands, Sir Codey," she said, stepping forward with an air of anticipation, prepared to receive what she assumed would be a comprehensive lesson in directives.
Codey unrolled a map of the Bloomsque Hazard, revealing an additional photograph of a clandestine factory hidden within its folds.
He placed his finger firmly on the map, outlining the route.
"We've been tasked with locating this factory," he began, his voice steady and grave. "It's said to house a perilous device that must be neutralized before it triggers an explosion, endangering countless civilians. Xasha, I need you to assemble our team and pursue this lead relentlessly until you find it."
Codey leaned closer to the map, his finger tracing the path with precision. "Listen carefully, Xasha. The route to the factory is fraught with dangers, but it's the only way to get there undetected."
He pointed to the starting point. "We begin here, at the edge of the forest. From there, we'll follow the old logging trail north until we reach the abandoned mill. It's a good place to regroup and ensure we're not being followed."
His finger moved along the trail. "Next, we continue east along the riverbank. The dense foliage will provide cover, but we must remain vigilant for patrols. This stretch is known for its wild animal encounters, so be prepared for anything."
Codey paused, letting the gravity of the mission sink in before continuing. "After about five miles, we'll come to a fork in the path. Take the left fork, leading us into the heart of the Bloomsque Hazard. It's a treacherous marshland, but there's a narrow causeway that will get us across safely. It's imperative to stay on this path; one misstep and we'll be swallowed by the mire."
He then pointed to a small clearing marked on the map. "Once we've crossed the marsh, we'll enter the Glade of Echoes. It's a serene-looking meadow, but don't be fooled. Sound travels strangely here, making it easy for enemies to pinpoint our location. We move quickly and quietly through this area."
Finally, Codey's finger landed on the factory's location. "The factory is nestled within the cliffs just beyond the glade. There's a hidden entrance on the west side, camouflaged by overgrowth. We need to approach under the cover of darkness and infiltrate the factory without alerting the guards."
He looked up, meeting Xasha's eyes with a steely gaze. "Gather our men, and remember: every step is crucial. This mission depends on precision and stealth. We can't afford any mistakes. Now, go and prepare."
Xasha absorbed the directions thoroughly, yet a few potential obstacles continued to weigh on her mind.
"The instructions are clear, chief," she began, her tone thoughtful. "However, I'm uncertain about the patrols around the island. I know it's currently under the command of the devious pirate Yipsiv, but I've never heard of this island being heavily guarded by random soldiers. It might be wiser to launch a direct assault and take the shortest route. We're not undercover agents, after all. Besides, the civilians are already aware of our presence."
Codey shook his head, his expression resolute. Grabbing the edge of his sharpened boomerang, he swung it around his shoulders, letting the blade catch the sunlight as he pointed into the distance.
"Do you see that tree, right in the middle of the village?" he asked, his voice firm. "That's where the pirate is holed up, and you can bet he has a few bodyguards with him. If we charge in without careful planning, we might end up facing an entire army of Bloomsque Hazard soldiers..."
"Are Yipsiv pirates really that dangerous? Since I became commander, I haven't heard much about their reputation," Xasha insisted, standing firm in anticipation of a detailed account of Yipsiv and his crew.
"Yipsiv the Gambling Gun is more than just a pirate sailing the seas. While he may not seem very active in the Vast Expanse, he did seize this island from its former ruler. In the past, he was deadly, albeit with some good intentions, growing increasingly cruel over the years. His bounty of 750,000,000 bolts wasn't earned through luck and gambling alone. He committed some terrible acts..."
Codey continued to exchange glances with Xasha before concluding with a cough, "You don't need to know more right now. Just understand that he is far more dangerous than some people believe. Be prepared for trouble if you cross paths with him, which we inevitably will."
To be continued...