Pirates

In the midst of the vast ocean of the Gaia continent, a cargo ship constructed from reinforced wood sailed on the water.

Two individuals were engaged in a conversation.

"So, Freddy, have you heard about the recent decrease in imports to Avalon? What's that about?" inquired a man dressed in a suit.

"I know, right? What's going on in their minds? Are they trying to starve their people? Haha," Henry replied.

He continued, "Remember, Willie, the moment they realize their mistakes, it will be too late, and commissions will skyrocket, allowing us merchants to earn a lot."

"Could it be that they've figured out how to solve their situation?" Willie pondered.

Freddy objected, "No way, have you seen the circumstances on that darn island? Anyone with a brain knows that different nations have been trying to conquer that resource-rich island, and with the recent decline over the years, it won't take long for that to happen."

Willie nodded in agreement. "I guess you're right. We'll just wait it out until they increase their demands, and then the Edenian Merchant Association will try to force them into an unfavorable deal."

As they conversed, a voice rang out from the lookout tower.

"Aye, there is a ship heading our way!" the lookout announced.

All eyes of the sailors turned towards the approaching vessels, and to their horror, it wasn't just one ship but three sea monster-drawn ships, which were quite costly.

As those ships drew closer, the crew could finally make out the flag flying atop them.

Their faces turned pale, and all they could think at that moment was:

"Oh no!"

The ship's captain acted swiftly and ordered, "Starboard! All escorts, prepare your weapons and aim the formation cannons at them!"

With that, the ship erupted into chaos as preparations for the impending battle took place.

Unfortunately for them, the pirate fleet was manned by expert-level cultivators, and their cannons were top of the line, equipped with formation arrays to stabilize their aim and increase power.

The skirmish lasted about ten minutes before the crew had to abandon the ship, leaving all the valuable cargo behind.

This same scene played out along the routes to Avalon, effectively creating a naval blockade.

…

In the royal office, King Henry was in the midst of reviewing state affairs when a knock resounded.

Knock! Knock!

"Come in," he responded.

Butler Alfred Winifred entered to deliver a report. "Your Majesty, it appears that pirate activities have increased exponentially, completely blocking our transportation routes to Eden. Admiral Saint Maritus has confirmed this."

"Sigh."

After some thought, Henry responded, "Send an emergency message to Emperor Edonia for support and to bolster security for essential imports. If even Admiral Maritus can't handle them, it means they have Saints on their side."

Contemplating the current situation, Henry couldn't help but feel a headache growing.

He added, "Also, bring Archie to me."

After Alfred had obeyed the orders and made the necessary arrangements, Archie entered the office and took a seat.

He inquired, "What's the problem, father?"

Henry calmly explained the situation, seeking his son's thoughts on the matter.

After thinking for a few seconds, Archie asked, "Are there weapons capable of taking down Saint's ranks?"

"Pfft."

Henry couldn't help but laugh and replied, "Haha, my son, such artifacts are hard to come by. The most powerful thing a ballista equipped with formation arrays can do is kill a king rank."

After considering it for a while, an idea dawned on Archie.

After refining the idea, Archie shared it with his father.

"Hmm, this could work, but it will require a significant amount of resources, and it will take at least a week to gather them," Henry responded with a sense of optimism.

"Good, the faster we complete this project, the sooner we can rid ourselves of those pesky pirates," Archie added.

With this, the plan to eliminate the pirates was set in motion.

Archie returned to his bedroom and accessed his system.

[Status Window]

Name: Archie Avalon

Kingdom: Avalon

Cultivation: Awakening stage.

Strength: 15

Agility: 15

Stamina: 15

Mana: 20

AP: 20000

Satisfied with his recent progress, Archie noticed that his mana had been increasing rapidly due to its frequent use, making him almost on par with apprentice-stage third-rate cultivators.

Looking to spend his achievement points earned from supporting the farming process, he accessed his system store.

[System Store]

[System Upgrade: 10000]

[Cultivation Manual: 20000]

[Emergency Item: 10000]

Since Archie already had a solid foundation in cultivation, he decided not to purchase anything related to it. What he needed the most was information, so he opted to upgrade his system.

[Confirm/Cancel]

"Confirm."

[System Update…]

[Installing System Interaction]

[Installing New Features]

[Progress… 1%]

[Progress… 5%]

[Progress… 10%]

[Progress… 25%]

[Progress… 75%]

[Progress… 100%]

[Undergoing Reboot]

[System Interaction Activated]

After a few moments, a robotic voice could be heard.

"Hello, Host."

"???"

Surprised by the situation, Archie asked, "Who are you?"

"I'm the System."

"Anything more than that?"

"No."

"What's your origin, then?"

Archie asked, he had always wondered about his reincarnation and the system's origin.

"There is not enough information to respond."

"Are you lying to me right now?"

"No, you aren't powerful enough, which is why I lack answers too," the system replied.

"Alright, what can you do for me?"

"I can recommend items for you to purchase from the system store and have discussions with you if you desire."

"Well, having someone to talk to about my feelings and secrets would be great, not having to bear this secret alone anymore." He said feeling depressed.

"Indeed, Host."

"Now, tell me, what should my next course of action be?" Archie inquired, trying to ascertain the system's capabilities.

"You should buy the [Divine Foundation Scripture] that you can distribute to your subordinates to increase their prowess."

"…"

"Hey, you aren't trying to rip me off and turn me into a beggar, are you?"

The system felt uneasy. It replied, "Why would I do that?"

"Of course, because I'm purchasing stuff from you, you are probably receiving a commission per sale, right?"

"…"

"You overthink too much, Host."

"Hmph."

"Very well, I'll purchase the scripture since it seems useful, not because you recommended it."

Item: Divine Foundation Scripture

Effect: Enhances the physique and clears mana circuits.

Advantages: Beneficial for cultivators at the awakening stage, as it strengthens their bodies and increases the success rate of leveling up their circle by 50%.

Drawbacks: Only for cultivators at the awakening stage.

Price: 10,000 AP

Level: Sage-level cultivation technique.

Archie's eyes sparkled. "Good stuff!"

"Confirm!"

[Added to your inventory]

"I should be able to train using this and give it to Mars."

"Ding! Only the leader and their followers can cultivate it. If any follower betrays the kingdom, leaks any information from the scripture, or is discharged, their memory of the cultivation technique will be erased."

Archie expressed in surprise, "Wow, this function is really useful. Does this cover all the scriptures I purchase from now on?"

The system confirmed, "Yes."

"Very well, with this, I can ensure my followers remain loyal without the risk of our enemies uncovering our methods. Haha," Archie rejoiced.

One week later, Archie stood in front of a pile of metal scattered on the ground, ready to forge weapons to combat the pesky pirates.