Chapter 3. (Remake) Fire and Smoke
"Anything else, lad?" he asked, his tone friendly but professional.
Charlie hesitated for a moment. He had already recognized Nami's signature on one of the maps, and if she had made more, he definitely wanted them.
"Actually," Charlie said, keeping his voice steady, "do you have any other maps by this cartographer?" He tapped his finger on Nami's signature at the edge of the map.
The shopkeeper's eyes narrowed slightly, and he leaned forward. "Ah, her work's in high demand these days. I have a couple more tucked away, of islands nearby. Fine work, but not easy to come by."
Charlie nodded. "I'll take those too."
Larken disappeared behind the counter, returning moments later with a few more maps. They looked pre-owned, the parchment slightly worn but well-preserved. "That'll be a bit extra, but if you know the quality, it's worth it."
Without a second thought, Charlie retrieved the money from his inventory and paid the shopkeeper. As the final note landed into Larken's hand, the man gave him a thoughtful look. "You're not the only one who's been looking for her maps lately, you know. Careful where you show those around."
"Thanks for the tip," Charlie replied, stowing the maps carefully into his inventory.
———
Charlie stepped out of the store, the cool evening breeze brushing against his face. The sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the narrow streets. He turned, intending to find a temporary lodging—but something was wrong.
From just a few streets away, a thick column of black smoke was rising into the sky.
Before he could react, Oracle's voice chimed in, monotone as usual.
[Smoke detected near previous locations—the clothes shop and café you visited earlier.]
A bad feeling settled deep in Charlie's gut, his mind racing. "What happened? Pirates? A raid?"
[No enough information, investigation recommended.]
For a moment, he considered ignoring it, focusing on the maps he'd just acquired. But he knew better. This world had a way of pulling you into its chaos, whether you wanted to get involved or not. If he didn't check it out, there was a chance he could miss something critical—or worse, still becoming a target even when he stayed out of sight. But, he thought, if something's happening, I might be able to use it.
He gritted his teeth and set off toward the smoke, an edge of excitement creeping into his steps.
As Charlie approached the source of the smoke, the air grew thick with the acrid stench of burning wood and cloth. The narrow streets were now filled with townspeople rushing in the opposite direction, their faces twisted in fear. He pushed through the crowd, the noise of their panicked voices blending into the background.
He reached the edge of the street where the smoke billowed out from the gutted remains of the buildings—both the clothes shop and café were ablaze, their windows shattered and debris strewn across the ground.
For a moment, Charlie stood frozen, his mind reeling. He had just been here—both places were filled with people when he left.
"Damn it, what happened here?"
Before he could get closer, a group of marines rushed past him, barking orders as they attempted to form a perimeter around the area. He wanted answers, but he couldn't draw attention to himself—not yet.
"Oracle, what can you tell me?" Charlie muttered, keeping to the shadows, his gaze sharpening as he scanned the streets.
[Analysis complete: The fire is not accidental. Likely caused by external forces, possibly linked to or underground groups operating in the town. Probability of Don Krieg's pirates's involvement is more than 72%.]
Charlie muttered a string of curses. Don Krieg's men were already making their moves, and he could feel a pit forming in his stomach. Were they after me? he wondered.
[Insufficient data. However, correlation between your recent activities and this incident is plausible.]
Charlie's gut twisted with dread, almost certain that his recent acquisition of funds had not gone unnoticed. If Don Krieg's men were behind this, they were likely still in the area and possibly even searching for him at this very moment.
He retreated from the scene, blending with the scattering crowd. His mind was buzzing with questions.
"Oracle," he said quietly as he walked briskly away from the chaos, "I need to know everything you can do."
Oracle's voice responded promptly, emotionless but efficient.
[Certainly. I can assess threats, map out routes, issue and track quests, and offer support during combat. My analysis will optimize as you gain more experience.]
Charlie's pace slowed for a moment as he processed Oracle's words.
"So, you can help me with tracking enemies or avoiding them?"
[Correct. I can provide a general threat assessment based on your senses, the maps provided and your Appraisal skill in real-time.]
Charlie's mind buzzed with the possibilities. With pirates potentially on his trail, any help in how to avoid them was crucial. "Okay, I need you to help me stay out of sight and give me updates on anyone suspicious approaching my location."
[Understood]
As Charlie continued moving through the alleys, he glanced over his shoulder, his senses heightened. The lingering smell of smoke still hung in the air, but it was distant now. His heart raced—not just from fear, but from the realization that things were escalating fast. If Don Krieg's men were involved, this wasn't going to be the end of it, but he didn't feel the same panic he might have a few hours ago. He scanned his surroundings with confidence, already calculating his next move.
A notification pinged in his mind, cutting through his thoughts.
[Threat detected—multiple entities approaching your position. Likely pirates. Estimated time to interception: 20 seconds.]
Charlie cursed under his breath and quickly scanned his surroundings. The narrow street was lined with buildings, but nothing that offered immediate cover. He couldn't afford a direct confrontation right now, especially with his limited combat experience. He needed to slip away unnoticed.
"Oracle, give me a route out of here, fast."
[Analyzing...] Oracle's voice chimed, then after a brief pause: [Go trough the gate to your left in 6 meters. Leads inside an empty side garden. Probability of encountering hostiles: low.]
Charlie breath quickened as he sprinted ahead, weaving between panicked townspeople. The gate was thankfully unlocked as he slipped inside the overgrown garden, the rusted hinges creaking slightly as he closed it behind him. The space was small and cramped, with weeds sprouting up between cracked paving stones. A few gnarled trees provided meager cover.
He crouched behind one of the trees, his breathing shallow as he listened intently. The sound of heavy footsteps and rough voices echoed from the street outside, growing louder as the pirates approached.
"Where'd that little rat go?" one of them growled. "Boss ain't gonna be happy if we let 'im slip away."
"Yeah, Don Krieg don't let no one cross him. The old lady found that out the hard way" the second pirate grumbled, kicking at a loose brick in the street. "She wasn't talking." he complained. "Stubborn hag. We even set her shop on fire to loosen her up, but no dice."
Charlie's stomach dropped. They torched the place because of me. His mind reeled as the reality sank in. The old woman hadn't given him away, and she'd paid the price for it.
The first pirate chuckled darkly, "Should've just told us where that guy went. Could've saved herself a lot of trouble. Could've saved us some time too."
Charlie clenched his fists, staying frozen in place. His pulse quickened, each word twisting the knot in his gut tighter. They're burning down shops looking for me. Because she didn't give me up.
"Doesn't matter," the second pirate said. "We'll find him. Nobody hides from Krieg for long."
Charlie stayed crouched, barely breathing as the pirates' footsteps faded into the distance, leaving behind only the crackling sound of the fire consuming what was left of the buildings.
[Immediate threat neutralized. Recommend staying hidden until the area is clear.]
Oracle's voice was there, steady, but Charlie barely registered it over the pounding of his heart. His thoughts were racing—anger, guilt, and something more.
He clenched his jaw, pushing the emotions down as best he could. She didn't give me up. They burned her shop for it.
"Thanks, Oracle," Charlie whispered, his voice tight. "But I wasn't the one who needed saving."
He remained hidden for a few moments longer, letting the tension ease out of his muscles before slipping out from behind the tree. The pirates were gone, but the consequences of his actions were still burning in the streets.
I have to stop them before anyone else gets hurt.
Once the streets quieted, and the pirates were out of earshot, Charlie slipped out of the garden, his mind buzzing with anger and a new sense of responsibility. He couldn't just let this slide. The bastards needed to pay.
"Oracle," he whispered as he moved cautiously through the quieter streets, his jaw clenched. "Where's Krieg's main force in town? I need leads, now."
[Analyzing… Current data suggests multiple potential pirate hideouts in the southern district near the docks. Probability of locating Don Krieg's central operation: 42%. Additional intel required.]
Charlie's mind raced as he considered his options. Heading to the docks was risky, but it was the best lead he had. He couldn't confront all of them directly—that was suicide. But if he played it right, he could weaken them, gather intel, and take control of their supplies.
"Alright," he muttered, the plan solidifying. "First, I need to grab one of their lower-ranked guys. Someone who won't be missed right away. I'll get information out of him—where they're storing supplies, their numbers, and what they're planning next."
[Interrogation is risky,] Oracle cautioned. [If you're discovered, the entire crew could be alerted. Are you confident you can extract the information without drawing attention?]
"I don't have a choice," Charlie replied. "Once I've got what I need, I'll tip off the marines. They'll create enough chaos to keep Krieg's men occupied, and in the middle of that mess, I'll sabotage their supplies."
[Using the marines as a distraction is efficient,] Oracle agreed. [However, timing will be critical. A misstep could reveal your involvement.]
Charlie rubbed his chin. "After sabotaging the supplies, I'll make sure most of them are too tied up or captured by the marines to board the ship. Once the chaos hits its peak, I'll sneak aboard."
[This approach increases your chances of success,] Oracle said. [But it will require precise execution. Capturing a pirate for interrogation is your first challenge.]
Charlie nodded. "I'll grab one of their guys quietly, get the information, and set things in motion from there."
[The southern district is your most viable option. I will assist in identifying potential targets.]
Charlie's heart steadied as the plan fully came together. He'd capture and interrogate a pirate, alert the marines to cause a large enough distraction to keep Krieg's crew occupied, then sabotage their supplies. After that, he'd slip onto the ship before anyone could stop him.
"Oracle," Charlie said, his voice low but determined, "track anyone suspicious near their hideout. Once I've got the information, I need you to guide me out of there without getting spotted."
[Understood. Tracking will be initiated.]
Charlie allowed himself a brief smile, feeling the first flicker of control return.
Before moving further he accessed his inventory and summoned his tactical gear: the stab-proof uniform, gas mask, gloves, boots and raincoat.
He quickly stripped off his casual clothes and slid into the lightweight but tough uniform. The military boots fit snugly on his feet, perfect for running or fighting. He flexed his fingers in the reinforced gloves before securing the gas mask over his face, next the raincoat went on top. With a sense of protection now covering him, he continued by testing his ability to make his weapons,the Stun Baton, Hunting Knife, Machete,Pepper Spray and LED Flashlight appear and diaper on command and with a bit of exercise he was able to do it seamlessly .
Once fully equipped, Charlie nodded and tightened his backpack strap. "Ready," he said confidently.
Oracle confirmed that he was fully prepared for tactical operations as they made their way towards the southern docks under the cover of darkness. Charlie kept to the shadows, avoiding main streets where Don Krieg's men might be patrolling. His senses were heightened as he focused on reaching their destination without being detected.
"Good," He said, his pulse steadying as he headed toward the docks. "Oracle, give me some quests."
Quest 1: Pirate Interrogation
Objective: Capture and interrogate a low-ranking pirate to extract key information about Don Krieg's supply locations, numbers, and next plans.
Success: You gain critical intel to manipulate the pirates' movements and prepare the next steps of your sabotage and infiltration.
Reward:
Interrogation (Beginner): Improves your ability to extract information from enemies.
Strategic Insight (Beginner): Enhances decision-making based on intel gathered.
Failure: The pirate resists interrogation or is rescued, alerting the crew to your presence.
Quest 2: Assist the Marines
Objective: Discreetly inform the marines of Don Krieg's hideouts and supply lines, creating a large-scale distraction to split the pirates' focus.
Success: The marines catch most of the pirates.
Reward:
Tactical Coordination (Beginner): Improves your ability to coordinate with external forces while staying hidden.
Covert Operations (Beginner): Enhances your stealth and behind-the-scenes work.
Failure: The pirates discover your involvement, putting you in direct confrontation.
Quest 3: Sabotage Pirate Supplies
Objective: Locate and sabotage Don Krieg's weapon and supply shipments, crippling their ability to fight effectively.
Success: The pirates are left without critical resources, causing chaos and weakening their operations.
Reward:
Sabotage (Beginner): Gain proficiency in sabotaging enemy resources or equipment.
Silent Movement (Beginner): Enhance your ability to move stealthily in enemy territory, making it harder for opponents to detect your presence during sabotage or infiltration missions.
Failure: The sabotage is detected, and the pirates tighten their security, increasing the risk of confrontation.
Quest 4: Infiltrate Pirate Ship
Objective: Use the distraction created by the marines to board Don Krieg's ship unnoticed before it leaves the dock.
Success: You gain access to the ship.
Reward:
Stealth (Beginner): Improve your ability to remain unseen in hostile environments.
Failure: You are detected and may be forced into a direct confrontation with the crew.
...]
"Stop, Oracle, that's good for now. Keep things updated when new quests become relevant."
[Understood. I will prioritize quests based on relevance and urgency.]
Charlie nodded, his mind already racing with the possibilities. "For now, focus on getting me to the docks unnoticed. Keep the threat monitor active."
[Acknowledged. Plotting optimal route to the southern district. Threat Monitor engaged.]
Charlie moved swiftly through the darkening streets, guided by Oracle's steady voice in his mind. His tactical gear allowed him to blend into the lengthening shadows as he wove his way towards the southern docks where Don Krieg's hideout was suspected to be.
[Threat detected. Multiple pirate patrols active in the area. Recommend avoiding main thoroughfares.]
Charlie nodded, his eyes sharp behind the gas mask as he scanned his surroundings. The streets here were dirtier, more run-down, with boarded-up windows and cracked cobblestones. The perfect place for a pirate crew to hole up.
He slowed his pace, hugging the walls as he crept closer. The smell of salt water and fish grew stronger, mixing with the lingering smoke from the fires Krieg's men had set.
Charlie placed a hand on one of the old stones, leaning for cover. It shifted slightly under his palm, unstable. For a brief moment, his mind raced—what if that stone had fallen on someone below? A wicked grin crept across his face as the thought solidified. It was dangerous, chaotic—and perfect.
"Oracle," he whispered, a spark of excitement lighting in his eyes, "I think I just found a new weapon."
[The boulders could indeed prove useful in combat,] Oracle agreed. [However, their size and weight would make them difficult to wield effectively.]
Charlie's grin only widened. "Not if I store them in my inventory."
He focused, visualizing the stone boulders around him, including the one he'd touched, being absorbed into his inventory. To his amazement, one of the stones vanished from the wall, leaving a small gap where it had once been lodged in the structure. He could feel its weight settling into his mental inventory, a strange sensation that defied physical logic.
[Boulder successfully stored,] Oracle confirmed. [However, using them in combat may prove challenging due to their mass and size.]
But Charlie was already considering the possibilities. He stepped back from the crumbling wall, excitement thrumming in his veins. "Oracle, I want to test something. Can I make items appear around me, not just in my hands?"
There was a brief pause before Oracle responded.
[Analyzing inventory retrieval mechanics… Stand by…]
[Affirmative. It appears you have the ability to manifest stored objects at a distance around your body.]
Charlie concentrated, picturing the boulder reappearing from his inventory. Suddenly, the massive stone materialized a few feet in front of him, hovering for a split second before crashing down onto the ground with a heavy thud.
"Oracle, are you seeing this?" he whispered, awe in his voice.
[Indeed, Charlie,] Oracle responded in its usual calm tone.
Charlie's grin grew wider. "If I can control the placement of these boulders… Imagine dropping one on someone's head?"
[This could provide a significant tactical advantage in combat,] Oracle agreed. [The element of surprise, combined with the crushing force, would be highly effective against most opponents.]
Charlie's mind raced with possibilities. He could see it now—pirates scrambling below while he rained down boulders from rooftops or cliffs. He could ambush enemies, block off exits, or even use the stones defensively, creating barriers between him and his foes.
"I need to practice this," Charlie muttered, excitement building in his chest. "Get a feel for how to control them, where to place them."
[Indeed. Further experimentation is recommended to refine control and accuracy. Misuse could result in significant collateral damage.]
Charlie nodded, the thrill of power buzzing through him. "Right. Don't want to crush myself, after all."
He spent the next several minutes experimenting with his new ability, positioning boulders at different heights and distances. The more he practiced, the better control he gained. He could manifest the boulders close by with ease, but placing them at a greater distance or height put more strain on his focus.
Still, the potential was undeniable.
"This is good enough for now," Charlie said, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. His mind hummed with the possibilities of what he could do next. "Oracle, keep an eye out for more large stones or objects I can use."
[Understood,] Oracle replied. [I will scan for suitable objects as we proceed.]
Charlie flexed his fingers, ready to continue with his mission. "Let's move. We've got pirates to crush."
He melded back into the shadows, his steps silent and sure as he moved toward the southern docks. The pirates wouldn't know what hit them.
As they approached the waterfront district, the buildings grew more dilapidated, the streets narrower and less maintained. The salty scent of the sea mingled with the acrid stench of smoke and refuse. Distant sounds of raucous laughter and clinking glass drifted from ramshackle taverns—likely pirate haunts.
[Proximity alert: High concentration of hostile entities detected ahead,] Oracle warned. [Pirate activity in this area has increased significantly. Recommend proceeding with extreme caution.]
Charlie pressed himself against the crumbling brick wall, peering toward the docks where a ship loomed in the distance. Out of habit, and with a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth, he quickly stored a couple of loose bricks from the wall for later use. Might come in handy. Too easy.
"That's gotta be their ship," Charlie muttered, keeping his voice low. He could see pirates milling about the area, but none seemed particularly focused on securing the perimeter—at least not yet.
[Affirmative. The probability that the vessel belongs to Don Krieg is 89%.] Oracle's voice chimed softly in his mind. [However, this is not where their hideout is likely located. I suggest proceeding with caution toward the nearby structures.]
Charlie nodded, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area. Hideout's probably somewhere they feel safer—someplace they think no one's watching.
"Let's find out what they're planning."
With Oracle guiding him, Charlie moved silently through the streets, sticking to the shadows. His movements felt smoother, more confident. Definitely getting better at this. The pirates were so preoccupied that he felt certain he could get much closer before any of them even realized something was wrong.
The sounds of raucous laughter and the clinking of glass floated out of the taverns, but Charlie kept his head down, moving with a purpose. He noticed now how the pirates weren't guarding well; they were arrogant, underestimating anyone who might be foolish enough to approach their territory. He couldn't help but feel a rush of satisfaction—he wasn't just avoiding them, he was practically ghosting through their operation.
[Hostile activity detected to the north,] Oracle's voice broke his thoughts. [Recommend avoiding the area.]
Charlie considered for a moment, glancing toward the northern streets. He knew Oracle's advice was sound, but he couldn't help wondering how close he could get without being detected. They wouldn't see me coming, he thought. They're too careless.
He crouched lower, deciding to take a calculated risk—just a little closer to test his limits. He peered around cautiously, spotting two pirates standing near a shabby warehouse door, their posture casual but alert enough to indicate they were on guard duty.
[Quick Appraisal Complete]
Name: Jax "Iron Fist" Kenton
Crimes: Theft, Assault, Murder, Smuggling
Threat Level: Low
Name: Milo "Whisper" Drayton
Crimes: Theft, Smuggling
Threat Level: Low
"Oracle, give me your opinion on these guys. Low-level?"
[Analyzing... Both are low-ranking crew members of Don Krieg's pirate band. Estimated threat level: minimal. Neither appears to be carrying firearms. Recommended course of action: stealth.]
Charlie smirked behind his mask. This was his chance. Two low-ranking thugs—easy pickings. He could grab one, interrogate him, and find out what he needed about the supplies and their next move. As Oracle fed him real-time information, he slowly advanced.
Crouching behind a barrel, he watched as one of the pirates lazily scratched his head and turned to speak to the other. They were distracted. Perfect.
Charlie moved like a shadow, gliding across the cobblestones with barely a sound. The ease with which he summoned it made him feel like he had been doing this for years, and a small grin tugged at his lips. They wouldn't know what hit them. In one fluid motion, he closed the distance and jabbed the weapon into the first pirate's collarbone. The man grunted, his body going rigid as the electric shock coursed through him, then crumpled to the ground.
Before the second pirate, Milo could react, Charlie was on him, gripping his collar and slamming him against the wall, his voice low and threatening. "Make a sound, and you're next."
The pirate's eyes widened in fear as Charlie's mask loomed over him, the dark lenses giving him a menacing, inhuman appearance. He struggled for a moment but quickly realized the futility of it. His breathing grew rapid, his gaze darting around, looking for an escape that wasn't there.
"I have a few questions for you," Charlie growled, tightening his grip on the man's collar. "Answer them, and you might make it out of here in one piece."
The pirate's eyes were filled with fear, but he nodded frantically. Charlie slowly removed his hand from the man's collar and, out of nowhere, a machete materialized with its tip pointed at his neck "Tell me when the ship is leaving and where it's headed." he said with a low and threatening voice.
He's eyes darted around wildly, his lips trembling as he stammered, "I—I don't know much, I swear! I'm just a chore boy! Please, don't kill me!"
Charlie leaned in, the tip of his machete drawing a shallow line of blood. His voice was low, controlled, and dangerous. "Let's not drag this out Milo. You have two options—talk now, or I'll find another way to make you talk. And believe me, you won't like it."
The pirate's eyes widened in terror at the mention of his name, and after a few moments of hesitation, he started to reveal everything. "We're setting sail at dawn... going to Loguetown!
"Why are you all in town"
"We're supposed to stock up there before heading to the Loguetown."
"Where are your supplies?"
"It's all stored in the old warehouse with a red roof by the docks I swear!. That's where the weapons and rations are. Their almost ready for transport We're supposed to move 'em before dawn."
Charlie felt a surge of satisfaction as the pirate babbled. His plan was coming together faster than expected. He couldn't deny the small thrill that came with it. For now, everything was under control. "Good. What about Don Krieg? Where's he holed up?"
The pirate shook his head frantically. "I swear, I don't know! He doesn't show his face here much—just leaves orders. We're supposed to clear out soon, though. Somethin' big's coming."
Charlie's eyes narrowed behind the mask. "Big, huh? What is it?"
"I... I don't know all the details!" the pirate stammered, sweat beading on his brow. "But I heard them talking about stocking up on more weapons and supplies before heading to the Grand Line. They want to make sure we're prepared for anything."
"Good. And how many men will be on the ship?" Charlie demanded, pressing the machete a little closer.
The pirate swallowed hard. "M-maybe thirty five or so, I don't know exact numbers! Please, I'm just a low-ranking grunt, I don't have all the details!"
Charlie studied the man's face, looking for any signs of deception. But the fear in his eyes seemed genuine. He was likely telling the truth. He nodded, the pieces falling into place.
"One last question," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Where's the best place to hide on the ship?"
The pirate's eyes darted back and forth nervously. "H-hide? I... T-there's a hidden compartment in the cargo hold," he stammered. "Behind the third stack of crates on the left. It's small, but you could fit in there. They never check it.B-but why would you want to...?"
Charlie paused, considering the information. It wasn't as much as he'd hoped for, but it was enough to get started. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "You never saw me. Understand?"
The pirate nodded frantically, beads of sweat rolling down his face.With a swift, practiced motion, Charlie brought the hilt of the machete down on the pirate's head, the dull thud echoing in the alley. The man crumpled like a ragdoll. The move felt natural, almost effortless. He'd seen it in movies before—and it worked like a charm.
Almost too easy, Charlie mused, dragging the unconscious body into the shadows with the same effort he might use to move furniture. They really had no idea who they were dealing with.
[Quest Complete]
[Pirate Interrogation]
Reward Unlocked:
Interrogation (Beginner)
Strategic Insight (Beginner)
As Charlie moved through the narrow streets after successfully interrogating the pirate, he noticed a group of kids loitering near a dimly lit corner. Despite the late hour, they were still out, laughing and pushing each other with a mix of mischief and street-smarts in their eyes. These weren't just any kids—they were survivors, the kind who knew how to navigate a town infested with pirates.
He stopped, assessing them for a moment. They could be useful.
He approached them with steady steps, his voice calm and measured. "Hey, you kids want to earn some money?"
Immediately, their heads turned, curiosity lighting their eyes. One of the older boys, probably the leader, stepped forward, squinting up at Charlie's masked figure. "Depends. What's the job?" the boy asked, his voice trying to sound tougher than he looked.
Charlie didn't miss a beat. He pulled out a small pouch of coins and dangled it in front of them. "Simple. Take a letter to the marines. No questions. Deliver it and you get paid. Deal?"
The boy's eyes flickered to the pouch, the sight of coin enough to quiet any doubts. His friends murmured behind him, excitement in their voices. After a moment of silent consideration, the boy gave a quick nod. "Deal."
Charlie nodded, and without another word, he crouched beside a nearby barrel, pulling out a piece of paper and a pen from his inventory. He took his time, carefully choosing his words. He had to make the marines think this information came from someone on the inside—someone who knew Don Krieg's operations well enough to expose them. And he needed to link the pirates to the fire earlier in the day.
He wrote:
To the Marines at Porttown,
This is a tip from someone who's seen what Don Krieg's men are up to. They were responsible for the fire earlier today at the clothes shop and café, burning down innocent people's livelihoods to cover their tracks.
They're storing weapons and supplies at the old warehouse with the red roof near the docks. It's all ready to be shipped out by dawn on Krieg's vessel. They're planning to set sail for Loguetown next, fully armed and prepared to cause more damage.
You have a small window to stop them before they move out. They won't expect an attack this soon.
Charlie folded the note carefully and handed it to the boy, along with the pouch of coins.
"Take it to the marine base. First officer you see. No hanging around, no questions. Got it?"
The boy nodded, grabbed the note, and took off running, his gang trailing behind him, excited about their reward.
Charlie watched them disappear down the alley.
Perfect.
With the message sent, Charlie needed to focus on his next task: Don' Krieg's supplies. He had no intention of letting them make it onto the ship. He'd promised himself that when the marines arrived, the pirates wouldn't have anything to fight back with.
Charlie moved silently through the dark streets, guided by Oracle's steady voice in his mind. He had already scouted the warehouse earlier and knew exactly how to get in without being seen. The pirates were cocky, assuming they were safe in their own territory. That overconfidence would be their downfall.
As he approached the warehouse, Charlie stayed low, pressing himself against the walls of nearby buildings. The structure loomed ahead, its red roof barely visible in the dim light. A couple of guards stood at the entrance, but they were lazily chatting, not paying much attention.
He had intended to wait for the arrival of the marines before taking action, but then he noticed a guard breaking away from his post and heading towards the rear of the building. It was an ideal opportunity. A window he had been watching was now unobstructed and easily accessible.
"Now or never," With the guard temporarily away from his post, he moved swiftly and silently towards the unguarded window at the rear of the warehouse.
[Guard approaching in 20 seconds,] Oracle warned in his mind. [Recommend immediate entry.]
Charlie didn't hesitate. He reached the window and, with practiced ease, pried it open just enough to slip inside. The room was dark, but his eyes adjusted quickly. Rows of crates and barrels stretched out before him, all marked with Krieg's jolly roger.
"Bingo," Charlie whispered, a grin tugging at his lips. "Let's see what we've got here."
He moved silently between the stacks, activating a quick Appraisal as he went. Weapons, ammunition, food supplies - everything they would need for their journey. Charlie's mind raced with possibilities, a bit further away a handful of pirates sat around a table, deep in conversation. Their voices were low, but Charlie could hear enough to piece things together.
He crouched low in the shadows and started listening to them.
"The fire in town was perfect," one of the pirates said with a smirk, leaning back with a satisfied sigh. "The café and that extra shop? Brilliant! The marines are too busy handling that mess to even notice us. They're probably still scratching their heads, thinking it was some random arsonist."
"Yeah," another added, grinning broadly. "By the time those idiots realize what's happening here, we'll be sailing off with all the supplies we need. The marines can chase our smoke for all I care."
Charlie felt a twist of bitterness in his gut. So, the fire hadn't just been because of him—these pirates had torched those places as a deliberate distraction, to buy themselves time. He clenched his fists. The old lady hadn't given him up, but she'd paid the price for something much bigger.
His lips pressed into a thin line as he continued listening. He could use this. If the marines thought they had been kept busy while Krieg's men made their move, they'd come running straight for them soon.
He carefully continued his sabotage, swapping out most of the crates insides with debris from his inventory. His movements were quick and efficient, but he stayed mindful of his surroundings, ears tuned to every word from the pirates.
"We need to hurry up," one pirate grunted. "Captain's orders are to set sail at dawn, and those supplies need to be on the ship in the next couple of hours. The longer we wait, the more risk we take."
Charlie glanced toward the window. He knew the marines wouldn't stay distracted forever, and now that he had relayed the information about the hideout, it wouldn't be long before they showed up.
[Quest Complete]
[Assist the Marines]
Reward Unlocked:
Tactical Coordination (Beginner)
Covert Operations (Beginner)
Oracle's voice chimed in right after.
[Based on current information and map data, they are estimated to reach the warehouse in approximately ten minutes.]
Charlie blinked in surprise, momentarily stunned by the information. He hadn't expected such an calculation. The fact that Oracle could predict movements with this level of detail was beyond anything he'd experienced so far.
"Oracle, how—?" he began to ask, but cut himself off. There wasn't time for questions now, only action.
Ten minutes. That was all the time they had left. The pirates were ready to move the supplies, but they had no idea that most of their stock will vanished into Charlie's inventory. The few crates left would fail them when they needed them most, thanks to his disruption.
With renewed urgency, he moved from stack to stack, swapping out the contents with debris and trash as quickly and quietly as he could.
As Charlie crept toward the back of the warehouse, his eyes landed on a small crate. Inside, packed beneath some tools, he found a large ball of fuse.
He glanced toward the barrels of gunpowder stacked precariously in the corner, inspired by the pirates and with payback in mind a wicked thought crossed him. One final touch to ensure they didn't get back on their feet.. Pulling the wick free from the crate, he stretched it between his fingers, gauging its length.
"Oracle," he whispered, rolling a bit of the wick between his fingers. "How long until the marines arrive?"
[Estimated time until marine arrival: 6 minutes.]
Charlie smirked beneath his mask, already calculating. 6 minutes was enough time, but not too much. He wanted the explosion to happen at just the right moment—just when the marines were closing in, so the pirates wouldn't have time to react.
"How long does this wick need to be to burn for about 4 minutes?" he asked, holding it up for Oracle's inspection.
[Analyzing material... Based on the composition of the wick, you will require approximately 2 meters to achieve a 4-minute burn time.]
Charlie quickly unraveled 2 meters of the wick, using his knife to slice the length free from the rest of the ball. As he worked, he couldn't help but marvel at how far he'd come. Just the previous morning, he wouldn't have known where to begin with something like this—setting up explosives, timing everything perfectly. He attached the wick to the small incendiary device, hands moving swiftly and confidently.
"Who would've thought I'd be sabotaging pirate supplies like some covert ops agent?" Charlie muttered under his breath, shaking his head.He then carefully placed the wick along the path between the crates, ensuring it was out of immediate view but still capable of burning unimpeded.
This should do the trick,he thought as he pulled out a lighter from the same box, testing the spark briefly. With the wick in place and the setup complete, he crouched down near the barrels, giving one last look to the carefully placed explosives.
[Warning: Explosion will cause significant damage. Ensure distance is maintained.]
"I plan to be far away when it happens," Charlie whispered, though his pulse raced faster with each passing second. Every creak of the warehouse, every distant shout from the street made the clock in his head tick louder.
"Oracle, confirm once again, how long do I have before the marines are on-site?"
[Time until marine arrival: approximately five minutes and thirty seconds.]
Perfect timing. Charlie flicked the lighter open and sparked it to life, holding it carefully to the end of the wick. The flame caught instantly, its flicker small but deadly as it began its crawl along the length of the wick toward the barrels of gunpowder.
Charlie's heart thudded in his chest, a pulse that seemed to sync with the slow burn of the wick. "That gives me at least a good two minutes to get out of here before everything goes boom," he whispered, the grin on his face not fully masking the rising tension thrumming in his veins. His fingers twitched, eager to move but held in place by the need to watch, to make sure everything was perfect.
Charlie slipped out of the warehouse through the same window he had entered, his heart racing as he put distance between himself and the warehouse.
He scaled the side of a nearby building, his fingers finding holds in the rough stone. As he pulled himself onto the rooftop, he could see the warehouse in the distance, still quiet and unassuming. For now.
[Time until detonation: two minutes and forty-five seconds.] Oracle reminded him.
Charlie crouched low, his eyes scanning the streets below. In the distance, he could see movement—the marines were approaching, right on schedule. They moved with purpose, weapons at the ready, unaware of the impending explosion
Charlie's heart raced as he watched the scene unfold from his vantage point on the rooftop. The marines approached the warehouse, their steps hurried but cautious. They had no idea what was about to happen.
The pirates outside the warehouse had noticed the marine's approach by now. Shouts of alarm rang out as they scrambled to defensive positions, drawing their weapons. But it was too late - they were caught off guard, unprepared for an attack so soon.
[Time until detonation: one minute and thirty seconds,] Oracle intoned in Charlie's mind. The countdown made his pulse pound even faster.
Gunshots cracked through the night air as the two forces clashed. Charlie ducked instinctively, even though he was well out of range. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the scene below.
The marines pressed forward, their superior numbers and training giving them the advantage.
As the seconds ticked down, Charlie watched as the marines pushed the pirates back, forcing them to retreat into the warehouse, a knot formed in his stomach. The realization hit him—he'd never dealt with explosives on this scale before. His mind raced, replaying the steps, second-guessing every detail.
"Did I... overdo it?" he muttered, a chill creeping up his spine as the countdown continued. His heart pounded as dread coiled around him.
He gripped the edge of the rooftop, fingers trembling, a chill running down his spine. His heart pounded, and a cold sweat prickled at the back of his neck. "This wasn't what I—"
Oracle's voice interrupted his growing panic, fallowed immediately by other notifications.
[Detonation imminent. Brace for impact.]
[Quest Complete]
[Sabotage the Pirates]
Reward Unlocked:
Sabotage (Beginner)
Silent Movement (Beginner)
The explosion hit before he could even read it, an ear-splitting roar that shattered the night. The blast wave slammed into him, and all at once, heat and force engulfed him. He was flung backward, the world spinning as flames erupted below, licking the sky. Debris flew in every direction, and just as the shock began to register, darkness overtook him.
Time slipped away.
He felt weightless, drifting in an oblivion where sound and thought seemed distant.
A sharp, insistent voice pierced the haze.
[Attention: The ship is showing signs of movement. Sails are being raised. If you intend to board, you must start now.]
Charlie's eyes snapped open, his head throbbing. The acrid smell of smoke and burning wood filled his nostrils as he struggled to orient himself. He was still on the rooftop, but the world was bathed in an eerie orange glow, flames crackling below.
Blinking away the last remnants of unconsciousness, he caught sight of the harbor. The sails of the pirate ship were unfurling, the crew preparing to depart.
I can't miss this, he thought, pushing himself upright, heart pounding with renewed urgency. For a moment, he swayed, still dazed from the blast, but with Oracle's prompt echoing in his mind, he forced himself to focus. He couldn't let the chance slip away.
He took one last glance at the inferno behind, the scale of destruction left him shaken; he hadn't expected this much power. He'd need to be careful in the future. There'd be time to reflect on the explosion later—Charlie then blinked, snapping out of his spiraling thoughts then turned and bolted toward the docks. "The ship..." He quickly glanced toward the harbor. Sure enough, the ship's sails were being hoisted, the crew scrambling to prepare for departure.
His pulse quickened again, but this time with renewed focus. He could dwell on the happened later—right now, if he missed his chance to board the ship, everything would be for nothing.
Time to go.
The night erupted into chaos as the marines swarmed the docks, engaging Don Krieg's pirates in a full-blown fight. Shouts echoed through the air, clashing with the sounds of steel on steel as both sides collided. From his rooftop perch, Charlie watched the battle unfold with cold calculation, his eyes scanning the scene below.
The marines pushed forward in waves, outnumbering the pirates, but Don Krieg's men were no strangers to violence. They fought with brute force, slashing through the ranks with swords and crude weapons, determined to defend their position.
Charlie's gaze shifted to the pirate ship, where a few of the quicker pirates were already scrambling, sensing their crew's defeat "If I let them reach the ship then…" Charlie muttered to himself.
He couldn't let that happen so an idea struck him. "That'll do." Without hesitation, he positioned himself carefully above the path where the pirates were running.
With a swift motion, Charlie started dropping one brick after the other from his inventory, watching as they tumbled through the air, landing with a crack on the unsuspecting pirates. The bricks slammed into their shoulders and legs, sending them sprawling onto the ground with cries of pain. They writhed for a moment, incapacitated long enough to miss the ship as it began to pull away from the dock.
"That should delay them long enough," Charlie thought, but his moment of victory was short-lived. The ship was already moving. The marines were still occupied with the rest of the pirates, and it was clear the vessel wasn't going to stick around for long.
[Warning: The ship is moving. You need to move now if you intend to board.]
Charlie's heart pounded in his chest. "Damn it," he cursed, sprinting toward the edge of the rooftop. The ship was already more than a meter from the dock, the gangplank pulled up as it glided through the water.
He leaped off the rooftop, hitting the ground hard and rolling to his feet in one smooth motion. "I'm not missing this." His legs pumped furiously as he sprinted toward the ship, which was now nearly out of reach. He pushed himself harder, closing the gap, but it wasn't enough. The ship was just too far.
He launched himself into the air, arms outstretched toward the ship, but his stomach dropped when he realized the truth—he wasn't going to make it. "No—" His mind raced as the distance between him and the ship stretched out beneath him. He was going to hit the side of the hull, hard, and fall into the water below.
In a flash of desperation, Charlie remembered something. "Wait! The inventory!"
It was a crazy idea. But it was all he had.
"Oracle, I need a boulder, now!" he shouted mid-air, barely thinking as he willed the largest boulder in his inventory to appear.
There was a brief moment of stillness, and then—whoosh—a massive boulder materialized right under his foot, hovering in place for just a second. Charlie's foot slammed down onto it, and with a grunt, he kicked off with all his might, launching himself upward again.
The momentum from the second jump carried him just enough. His hand grabbed hold of the ship's railing, fingers digging into the wood as he hauled himself up and over, landing heavily on the deck.
Panting, Charlie lay flat on the deck for a moment, the sound of the sea crashing against the hull below him. He made it. Barely. His heart raced, the adrenaline still pumping through his veins.
[Boarding successful.]