Chapter 2: Accept a Duty

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However, just as Byakuya was contemplating, the base suddenly erupted with chaotic noises. 

Then, the piercing alarm blared suddenly! Through the window, Byakuya saw many Marine soldiers running outside in a panic. 

Byakuya's originally joyful expression turned serious.

On the island, when the alarm sounded, it could only mean one thing: pirates were attacking! 

As knocking sounded on the door, it was then pushed open, revealing a square-faced middle-aged man. 

The middle-aged man was nearly two meters tall, with a burly build that exuded a sense of oppression.

Byakuya was the first to speak, asking, "Captain Vaughan, are there pirates attacking?" Captain Vaughan nodded, 

"The patrol unit observed pirates heading towards our island, but we don't know which pirates yet. Byakuya, stay inside the Marine base for now, to avoid any accidents."

Every time pirates attacked the island, Captain Vaughan would always have Byakuya stay inside the Marine base. 

This time was no exception. Byakuya was very grateful to Captain Vaughan for this. 

If it weren't for Captain Vaughan's care over the past three years, he might have died at the hands of pirates long ago. 

Not to mention activating the system. But such a situation would completely change starting today. 

He, Byakuya, am now very strong. "Captain Vaughan, let me join the battle too!" 

Captain Vaughan's expression turned serious, "Hmm? Don't be reckless!"

Seeing Byakuya about to speak again, Captain Vaughan softened his expression a bit and continued, 

"Your father died in the hands of pirates to save me. Before he died, he asked me to take good care of you."

"If something happens to you, how can I explain to your father after I die?" 

Looking at Byakuya, Captain Vaughan's expression was complicated. 

It was because of the battle three years ago; that Byakuya's father died at the hands of pirates while trying to save him. 

His right arm was also cut off in that battle, and his strength was greatly diminished.

If Byakuya had been able to participate in Marine training normally over the past three years, he might have had some self-defense ability when facing pirates. 

Captain Vaughan wouldn't have opposed it so much. 

But over the past three years, all Captain Vaughan saw was Byakuya's ineffective training. Once encountering pirates, it would likely mean certain death.

So he no longer hoped that Byakuya could become a true Marine soldier. Captain Vaughan patted Byakuya's head with rough hands and sighed softly, 

"Obey orders, stay obediently in your room." Just as Byakuya was about to explain the situation to Captain Vaughan, a sharp voice suddenly sounded at the door.

"Sure enough, here you are, Captain Vaughan. Isn't your approach a bit inappropriate?" 

The person who arrived was Lieutenant Commander Harry, tall and with a sinister demeanor. 

He was the second in command at the Marine base, never quite agreeing with Captain Vaughan's decisions. 

He almost always went against Captain Vaughan in everything. 

Meanwhile, the individuals who had previously mocked Byakuya followed behind Harry, their faces full of disdain. 

As Harry entered the room, he unabashedly scrutinized Vaughan's empty right arm, showing no restraint. 

Vaughan paid no attention to Harry's almost provocative gaze and sternly asked, "Lieutenant Commander Harry, what do you mean by that?"

Harry looked at Byakuya with a playful expression and said, 

"Captain Vaughan, I remember over these three years, you said you didn't let Byakuya participate in battles because he wasn't yet of age, right?" 

Vaughan's expression shifted, seeming to recall something, and he replied solemnly, "That's right."

Harry clapped his hands together, squinted, and chuckled, 

"Exactly. If I'm not mistaken, Byakuya should have come of age a few days ago, right?" 

Byakuya didn't refute it because what Harry said was indeed true. Seeing this, Vaughan couldn't help but sigh deeply.

Seeing the two men silent, Harry continued, 

"So, Byakuya is now at the age to contribute to the Marines, isn't he?" 

Harry looked at Vaughan with a glint in his eyes. He had no grudge against Byakuya; he just wanted to annoy Vaughan.

Since Vaughan wanted to protect Byakuya, Harry did everything he could to put Byakuya in danger. 

It was as simple as that. In his view, Vaughan, as a cripple, should have stepped down from the position of Captain long ago. If you're not strong enough, step aside.

Over the years, by constantly targeting Vaughan, Harry had gradually gained the obedience of some Marine soldiers in the base. 

If it weren't for Vaughan's sufficient qualifications and his habit of leading the charge against pirates, saving the lives of many soldiers. 

Some older Marine soldiers would have been more inclined to follow Harry. Otherwise, this Marine base would have long been under Harry's control. 

Vaughan looked uncomfortable, took a deep breath, and said, 

"Harry, I know you want to take my position, but you don't need to keep targeting Byakuya. He—" 

Harry rudely interrupted, "Captain Vaughan, I'm just doing my duty!"

After hesitating for a moment, Vaughan suggested, 

"How about this? As long as you don't force Byakuya to fight the pirates after this battle is over, I will submit my resignation report to the higher-ups and recommend you to be promoted to Captain of the Squall Island Marine Branch."

Harry was stunned for a moment, perhaps taken aback by the sudden good news, and asked somewhat incredulously, 

"Are you serious?" Vaughan nodded slowly as if determined, "As long as you can ensure Byakuya's safety, I can—"

Before Vaughan could finish his sentence, Byakuya cut in decisively, "I will participate in this battle."

"You brat, do you even know what you're saying?"

Harry narrowed his eyes, emitting a dangerous aura, like a coiled snake ready to strike, staring fiercely at Byakuya. 

Vaughan was also startled by Byakuya's words and hurriedly advised, 

"Byakuya now is not the time for jokes. You need to understand that facing pirates, even I can't guarantee survival."

Byakuya nodded and said, "Captain Vaughan, don't worry! This is my own choice. Besides, I'm already an adult. I can't live under your protection forever." 

"As a Marine soldier, resisting pirates is our duty. If even we choose to evade, what will happen to the island's residents?"

Hearing this, Vaughan didn't insist further. He knew the child in front of him had truly grown up. "All right, since you're prepared, then join me in resisting the pirates!"

Then, turning to Harry, he scolded, "Even a just-come-of-age kid understands the significance of the Marines better than you."

"At a time like this, you're still playing tricks. I think you've wasted the past few decades!"

Harry's face turned livid with anger. He hadn't expected the duck to fly away just as it reached his mouth.

Watching the frustrated Harry, Byakuya smiled innocently and said, 

"Lieutenant Commander Harry, I need to get ready to gather at the pier. Could you please leave my room first?" 

Harry didn't say anything but gave Byakuya a deep look before leaving.

Although this time he didn't force Vaughan to step down, Harry's actions weren't a failure. 

It's just that he didn't expect Byakuya, who usually seemed insignificant, to speak those words. 

Harry muttered coldly, "Hmph! Since you all want to die, I'll grant your wish."

Harry first dismissed his subordinates following behind him, then walked into the shadow of the corner and took out a transponder snail from his pocket, dialing a number.

<End Chapter>

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