Anomaly

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

Jaden recalled the scene from two months ago...

After the destruction of the Shark and Quik gangs, the ranking of pirate forces in the Northwest Bay naturally underwent changes. Amidst this chaotic situation, "Eel" Jaden made an important decision: to wait and see.

He gathered the leaders of various sizes from his gang at a temporary base and announced this decision.

"From now on, keep a low profile. Let's wait until the situation stabilizes before resuming our usual activities."

One of the leaders asked, "But chief, now that Shark and Quik are finished, if we seize the opportunity, we might become the largest pirate force in the Northwest Bay. With our strength, isn't it handing our position to someone else by staying low-key?"

There was a hint of dissatisfaction in the leader's tone, as if questioning Jaden's leadership.

But Jaden scoffed at his words, "The nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Right now, Lord Paul Grayman of Alden is feeling quite pleased with himself. Competing for a superficial ranking at this time would just be painting a target on our backs."

He stared at the subordinate leader, "If you want to go for it, you can go solo. But don't drag your brothers into a death trap."

The subordinate leader visibly recoiled, clearly taken aback by Jaden's words.

He hurriedly explained, "Chief Jaden, I was just expressing a suggestion. Heh heh, I know my place, you'll always be my boss."

Jaden snorted. He suspected this subordinate wouldn't dare harbor any dissent.

"Dismissed! I need to think carefully about our future strategy."

Jaden waved his hand, signaling his men to disperse.

One by one, they bid farewell and soon the room fell silent.

Except for one person who remained—the subordinate who had expressed doubts about his decision.

Jaden squinted, "Why are you still here?"

This person seemed somewhat strange. Usually silent and obedient, he did as he was told without question. Today, however, he dared to voice objections to his decision?

The subordinate didn't answer but nervously twisted his neck, straightened up in his seat, shedding the earlier timid demeanor.

Jaden felt a sense of offense building up. He was starting to feel irritated and decided he needed to teach this subordinate, who seemed to underestimate him, a lesson.

But the next moment, he felt as if he had stepped into an icehouse, shivering involuntarily. The weather had just cooled down; it couldn't be this cold.

Looking at the subordinate again, he noticed a strange smile on his face, staring straight at the pirate leader.

Jaden sensed a hint of danger, like being targeted by a venomous snake.

Quietly, he reached behind his back, feeling for the poisoned dagger strapped to his waist, which brought some reassurance.

In those few seconds, a series of dreadful thoughts flashed through Jaden's mind:

Is this guy planning a mutiny? Could it be that my trusted men on guard duty outside have already been taken care of?

Seeing his confidence, has he made sufficient preparations? Despite my usual caution, could this be the end of me?

What gives him the confidence to act so boldly before me? I haven't seen any weapons on him.

Jaden forced himself to calm down and asked in a deep voice, "Who are you... really?"

The "Swordfish," still seated, visibly paused, then responded with a smile, "Oh, have I been exposed already?"

"Hmph! Swordfish wouldn't be this bold in front of me. And your laughter just now was a dead giveaway. I know Swordfish's voice very well."

Jaden revealed how he had seen through the impostor's disguise.

After clapping his hands a second time, "Swordfish" said:

"Oh dear, my momentary slip-up gave away my voice. I was hoping to keep you guessing for a while longer, but it seems I can't have that laugh."

"It's true, 'Eel' suits you well. Your strategy of not standing out right now truly lives up to your nickname."

Jaden demanded, "Who are you? Why are you here? Where is the real Swordfish?"

The impostor met Jaden's gaze squarely, a glint of amusement in his eyes. He leisurely extended three fingers, "That's three questions. Let's make a deal. For each answer I give you, you..."

"To hell with your deal!"

Before "Swordfish" could finish, a dagger flew at him with lightning speed. Jaden launched his weapon with precision, astonishing himself at his impulsiveness. When did he become so reckless, acting without fully understanding the situation?

It was strange. Almost as soon as the idea to eliminate "Swordfish" crossed his mind, his body acted on its own, without giving his brain a chance to consider.

Oh well, what's done is done. He didn't want to get involved in any more messes.

Confident in his poisoned dagger and precision, Jaden watched in disbelief as the dagger struck "Swordfish" squarely between the eyebrows.

"Thud," it fell to the ground.

(End of the chapter)