Pirate Kingship.

Chapter 323 Assassination! The World's First Matchlock Gun
To the [Insect Swarm], as long as it can allow them to achieve immortality, what does it matter if they sacrifice a mere disciple who becomes their apprentice halfway through their studies?
Even if it means sacrificing the lives of all his disciples, or even the lives of all members of the Bloodthirsty Cult, it is totally worth it.

The faint light flowed between the hyphae of the mushroom man's cap, constantly flashing various dark thoughts.

But he comforted Byron kindly:

"Byron, although you are on a different path from us and cannot experience the wonderful benefits of becoming a mushroom man, you don't have to be discouraged.

Whether it is [Heart of the Swarm], [Mushroom Colony], [Blood Feast Holy Grail] or even the second best [Gluttonous Monarch], they all have their own strengths.

The Midnight Demon created by the Blood Feast Holy Grail is the closest to Lilith, the source of knowledge and the mother of creation, among all the non-human beings in the second ritual stage of the Bloodthirsty Cult.

Although it requires more effort to achieve combat power comparable to mine, it is purer and easier for him to receive the knowledge released by that super-sized being.

I was really surprised that you were able to gather all the prerequisites for the second ritual in such a short time.

If the ceremony is held in the 'Blood Source Secret Realm' in the holy land, not only can the best promotion effect be achieved, but there is also a certain possibility of stealing additional forbidden knowledge from the Mother of Creation.

The secret realm can only be opened a limited number of times each year, so you must seize this opportunity."

Hearing his words, Byron immediately put away the "regret" on his face, and assured with tears of gratitude:

"Yes, thank you teacher for fighting for the opportunity for me to enter the secret realm. I will definitely not let you down."

Speaking of the Blood Source Secret Realm where countless sacrificial ceremonies were held, Byron couldn't help but think of the "Sleeping God Kraken" who "still dreams even after death".

The other party can rely on the power of dreams and still be able to plan resurrection after his death.

If Jörmungandr had not chosen the international port as his target, he might have succeeded.

The blood of creation and transmutation that extends from the power of [Mother of Creation Lilith] seems to have the same mission.

The more sacrifices are made, the faster Lilith will recover.

But now the focus of all dark wizard organizations has been on the forbidden knowledge attached to the sacrifice, and they seem to be completely unaware that there may be huge risks hidden behind their constant blood sacrifices.

These are the old gods and dark wizard organizations that he knows about, and there are countless more that he doesn’t know about.

Each one is a ticking time bomb.

Byron couldn't help but feel a strong sense of urgency.

It feels like in the unknown distant sea, dark clouds are gathering before the storm, and earth-shattering changes may come at any time.

Of course, this kind of sacrifice has been going on for at least several hundred years, and this "anytime" time scale may be longer than an ordinary person's lifetime.

However, since we have already gained inspiration from the "resurrected" [Zhi Shen].

This time, Byron plans to see how complete the face of Lilith, the Mother of Creation, is, and perhaps he will be able to roughly infer the progress of her recovery.

The Zerg was very satisfied with Byron's attitude and nodded:
"Very good, it's getting late, let's go now."

The tall black mushroom man and the [Zhi God] holding hands looked at each other tenderly, and suddenly exploded into colorful spores all over the sky.

The latter disappeared without a trace and reintegrated into the ecological system of the cave, while the former condensed into a normal human figure in a black robe in front of Byron.

It was the human form of the Great Wizard Swarm. He straightened his wizard robe and walked out first.

Byron was about to catch up, but with the help of the [Ship's Log], he accidentally noticed a detail.

A part of the extremely fine spore cloud, which was smaller than dust, gradually descended under the cover of the spectacular scene of spore explosion like fireworks in front of the eyes, and landed on the disciples in strands.

Many of them even entered the bodies of these half-human, half-insect dark wizards through their breathing.

But none of them noticed anything unusual.

"This is?"

The hairs on Byron's back suddenly stood up.

Looking at the combination of "bugs" and "fungi" in front of me, for some reason I suddenly subconsciously thought of a very famous medicinal herb, Cordyceps sinensis.

They are living insects in winter, and after being parasitized by fungi, they are eaten from the inside out and become empty shells.

In the summer, they will die as insects, and the hyphae in their bodies will break out from the insect's head and grow into rod-shaped fungal fruiting bodies.

Then the mature spores are spread to infect the next wave of bugs.

The range of sixty meters is the range where the [Navigation Log]'s ability can be exerted. Byron can see the status of his fellow insect people clearly.

Perhaps he couldn't see the gender of the insects clearly, but he could clearly see that there was an abnormal status of "infested with fungi" behind each person's name.

Moreover, the spirituality of each person has a vague connection with the [Insect Swarm], and the synchronization is deepening as time goes by.

After reading the subsequent ability details, Byron almost shuddered on the spot:
'Parasitic bacteria!
After successfully parasitizing other flesh-and-blood creatures, the fungus can steal the host's nutrients, flesh and blood, and spirituality to nourish itself, greatly increasing the spiritual growth rate of the mushroom-man at the source of the fungus.

Become a spiritual exploiter and consumer, rather than a decomposer.

Even when its own body is completely dead, it can still use the mature bacteria to directly take away everything from the host and be reborn in the host.

Note: For hosts on the same extraordinary route who practice the same or homologous forbidden knowledge, the best effect will be achieved.

Although the [Insect Swarm] at this time is not as powerful as the Zhishen, which is equivalent to an ecosystem, it is already extremely difficult to kill.'

At this point, Byron finally realized why the Zerg was so confident in competing for the position of the current high priest of the Bloodthirsty Cult.

Just like [Night Demons] can easily suppress [Ghouls] that serve as their servants, [Fungus People] can also easily control and digest those [Insect People].

Even if there is a lucky person who relies on the [Insect Swarm] to transform the original mushroom-man into a new mushroom-man, it is just the "grass" growing on the insect's tail.

It has already turned into a swarm of insects from the inside out.

One person makes a group, one person makes a group!
If this great wizard can be ruthless, it is not impossible that the entire "Giant Insect Book School" will become his fungal culture dish.

Moreover, Byron's forbidden knowledge has the same origin and must be guarded against as well.

In order to avoid being secretly plotted against by this old fox who pretends to be a pig but is actually a tiger.

Well, you must be very, very careful within the 24 hours before using [Immune Blood] to produce the Cordyceps vaccine!

"Besides, this thing is too dangerous, it's best to find a way to snatch it away when you get the chance.

It is safest only in my hands."

The [Swarm] walking in front had not yet realized that its biggest trump card after becoming a mushroom man had been quietly exposed in front of Byron.

The reason why he only parasitized those first and second level disciples and did not take action against Byron immediately was not because he did not want to, but simply because he was not sure.

Even though the Zerg acquired a new form, the core's spiritual level still could not exceed the third level.

Apart from his survivability and strange methods far surpassing Byron, he is most likely no match for Byron, the Storm Admiral, in a head-on confrontation.

The risk of trying to plant a hidden weapon on Byron without him noticing was too great.

The promotion ceremony: Blood Feast Holy Grail has not yet been held, and he still needs to continue to maintain his image as a good teacher.

It's best not to take risks rashly, as you may end up making things worse.

Anyway, the other party is a principled and loyal "fool", and the moral shackles in the mind may be more effective than the physical ones.

There is no need to rush.

“The holy place is located in the Bahamas on the edge of the Sea of ​​Monsters.

I will take you there once, and after you complete the promotion ceremony and obtain the right to pass as a third-level great wizard, you can travel on your own."

Byron nodded. He knew that the Bloodthirsty Cult had a tradition of holding a small ceremony every month and a large ceremony every quarter, with all members participating.

"Teacher, please, the Golden Deer and the fiddler crab's deep sea jump are ready.

The Bahamas, 3,000 kilometers away, are within reach in a flash.”

Hearing this very satisfactory arrangement, the Zerg became more and more satisfied with Byron:

"Yes, I have heard about your exploits in seizing fiddler crabs from the Barbary pirates.

The base of this gang of pirates is also in the Bahamas. In the past, they relied on the support of the [Ocean Throne] and caused troubles to the peripheral forces of the cult.

You can make them suffer, and you deserve the title of Sea Hunter."

The master and disciple, who seemed to be in harmony on the surface, walked out of the mushroom forest talking and laughing.

The remaining dozen or so insect disciples all turned their heads at the same time and saluted in the direction where the two men left, with the corners of their mouths curled up into a "kind" smile that was exactly the same as that of the [Insect Swarm].

In the dim cave, it looked particularly creepy.

And this may be the real meaning of "insect swarm"!
Soon, the two flew out of the Zhishen Mine Cave one after the other and landed on the pier of Jiliu Port.

Violet, wearing a gentle white dress, tortoise-shell glasses, holding the contract conch in her hand, and three large sea monster fiddler crabs have been waiting here for a long time.

The time of Byron's promotion is yet to be determined. It is certainly impossible for these three "Mr. Crabs" who carry half of Westwind Express to go with him.

Wasting transportation capacity is a small matter, but delaying making money is a big matter.

Seeing Byron fall in front of her, Violet knew that his progress on the path to transcendence would soon surpass her.

But I didn't care about it. I was just happy from the bottom of my heart.

She raised her hand to tidy up a strand of silver hair by her ear and smiled playfully at him:
"It's a deal. When you complete your inhuman transformation and all the blood in your body turns into [Transmutation Blood], you must use it to engrave a curse seal for me."

When Byron completes the second ritual, his blood will be sublimated and his life essence will be transformed. The blood in his body will be completely transformed into [Transmutation Blood], and new blood will continue to be produced without killing anyone.

Not only does he possess all kinds of incredible abilities, but even birth, old age, sickness and death are beginning to drift away from him.

Transmutation means transformation and replacement, and it is also the magical substance that represents "change" in this world's extraordinary system.

It is of a higher level and more universal than the blood of sea monsters, and can fully meet the requirements of "deep sea tracing".

Especially since the blood of the Octopus Battleship is connected to the dream of the [Sleeping God], it is very necessary to find another being of the same level to neutralize it.

"Of course, no problem, leave it to me."

Byron immediately nodded with a smile and agreed, and at the same time temporarily put aside the worries in his heart.

Worrying about the revival of the old gods all day long is like worrying that the sky will fall one day. It is completely groundless.

The only thing we can do now is to improve our own strength and the strength of our companions, and face all changes with our fists.

With her own transmutation blood, Violetmon has already reached two-thirds of the prerequisite for the promotion number 666, and becoming a witch is just a matter of time.

Now I am already looking forward to the girl's three monster forms.

[The Swarm] didn't understand what they were talking about, but they were happy to see that Byron had a stronger desire to advance on the inhuman path.

Reach out and pat his shoulder:

"Byron, even though you have followed me for the shortest time.

But among all the disciples, the one I value the most is you. I have always regarded you as my most trusted disciple and successor.

My child, I believe that with your qualifications and unique resources, one day in the future, we can achieve immortality together as master and disciple."

The words have not yet fallen.

squeak--!
Suddenly, a series of shrill screams of insects came from the chests of the swarm.

All the dark wizards of the "Giant Insect Book School" know that this is a must-have for their adventures: [Dark Magic·Agile Heart]:
"Cultivate a very special parasite that lives on your heart.

It has powerful senses and intuition far superior to humans, and can warn its owner in advance, especially when encountering life-threatening situations.

Sharper than the wild instincts of an adventurer."

When Byron subconsciously heard the sound and looked over, he tilted his head slightly.

A bullet flashing with a strong and extraordinary light happened to fly from a small hill far away from the dock to the west of the port city and arrived in an instant.

Carrying a violent airflow, it just brushed past his ear, tore off a strand of hair from his temple, and in the process blew up the head of the [Insect Swarm] beside him!

Snapped!
The head that still had an encouraging smile on it was like a watermelon smashed by a sledgehammer. Brain matter, broken bones, and scalp were blown everywhere.

If Byron had not turned his head just now, this powerful bullet would have hit his head!
"Oh no, there's an assassin, at least a third-level elite sniper!"

Byron immediately realized that the bullet was aimed at him.

It was just that [Insect Swarm], this "teacher" who respected him very much in the eyes of others, was too close to him, so he was caught in the trap and suffered instead of him.

Byron's first reaction was to stir up a gust of wind, pushing Violet towards the Golden Hind which was docked on the shore.

At the same time, the bullet that blew up the Zerg's head actually carried a bright orange-red line of fire, turned back at a sharp angle, and blasted towards him again.

Byron used his unrivaled hand speed and his well-honed sword-drawing skills to draw the sword with his backhand like lightning.

clang!
Along with the sound of metal exploding like an artillery bombarding an armored chariot, a silver bullet with red flame patterns was skillfully blocked by Bai Shuang's tilted sword blade.

Even though Byron was in the "flow" state and tried his best to unload the huge kinetic energy carried by the projectile, he still couldn't stop taking several steps back.

It seemed that this was not a bullet from a gun, but a close-range shelling from a small-caliber artillery.

He was immediately filled with shock and anger, and looked towards the direction where the bullet came from with a fierce look in his eyes:

“This assassin is not only a sniper who is at least a third-level [Musketeer], but the musket he uses is definitely not an ordinary one.

Who on earth wants to kill me and send out a master of this level?
Is there any enemy I have provoked that I have not been able to eliminate?
It's too dangerous. Just wait, I'm going to kill your whole family!"

The next moment, he had the answer.

The information about the projectile just now automatically appeared in the [Ship Log].

——The first matchlock lead bullet fired in the world!

"It turns out to be him!"

Byron's eyes flashed. Just by the name, he instantly guessed the identity of the assassin and the mastermind behind the scenes.

Because that very famous [Holy Relic: The World's First Matchlock Gun] once belonged to the Strait Fleet of the Kingdom of Hastings (Chapter 20).

Even though the location where the other party was hiding was far beyond the log's observation limit of 60 meters, Byron already knew the ability of the treasure very well:
"The earliest matchlock gun - the [snake-barrel matchlock gun].

Before the invention of the flintlock, a smoldering match was used to ignite fire, hence the name matchlock.

Usually a linen string or cloth strip was soaked in saltpeter or vinegar for 24 hours and then dried to act as a slow-burning tinderbox.

The earliest matchlock gun was also very simple in structure, consisting of a barrel, a gun body, a snake-rod ignition device, a matchlock and bullets.

The ability is not simple.

1. The first projectile.

When it is activated for the first time each day, the flight speed is forced to increase to three times the speed of sound, and the headshot effect will definitely be triggered.

Just like the rule that many weapons will draw blood once unsheathed, it is extremely ferocious and will never stop until a head is blown off.

It can only be recalled after being stained with blood.

2. The first musket.

Only one projectile can be fired at a time, but the fired projectile can dodge and twist in the air at will according to the shooter's will.

Only after at least ten attacks, or after striking ten targets, will the power gradually decrease and the kinetic energy be exhausted.

Even though it is not as good as the automatic aiming of [Guaranteed Hit Gun] and requires the shooter's eye aiming, it is still an extremely tough weapon.

It carries the power of weapon transformation in the tide of history, and is far more powerful than an ordinary third-order mid-sequence transcendent. "

And at the moment when the Yorkists inherited all the heritage of the Kingdom of Hattings.

It is obvious who would use such a powerful weapon to attack me.

“It must be you, [Kingmaker] Warwick!

This old guy is so insidious. Just two days ago he praised me for my good vision in person, but he turned around and stabbed me in the back.

According to the time calculation, the assassins should have been sent out more than a month before I succeeded as governor.

Apart from killing a ship of tax inspectors of yours, using you as a shield, and passively becoming a hero of the royal party, I haven't offended you in other places, right?"

clang!
With quick eyes and hands, he blocked the incoming bullet again.

Fortunately, Byron clearly knew the destiny and weaknesses of every holy relic that was officially released by Hastings.

Although only the crown prince was qualified to know this knowledge, his cousin Edward was completely transparent to him.

As the military strategist and the mastermind behind countless troubles, Byron knows more secrets than that straightforward guy.

For example, the historical destiny of [the world's first matchlock gun]:

"Starting with the snake-barreled matchlock musket, individual thermal weapons have completely changed the form of warfare that has existed for thousands of years, and have achieved a thermal weapons revolution.

The user will never be able to use a sword or any melee weapon again in his life, otherwise he will surely die by the sword."

No matter who uses this musket, close combat ability will be a big weakness.

This is the chance to kill him!

Byron shouted decisively:
“This is an assassin sent by the [Kingmaker] Earl of Warwick.

It was obvious that he couldn't bear to see the great Majesty being able to achieve immortality.

They want to kill us directly, delaying or even interrupting the possibility of the emergence of [Eternal Blood] from the source.

The time has come to serve Your Majesty with loyalty.

Teacher, please lend me a hand! I will contain this most dangerous bullet. "

Byron shouted as he took a step back, protecting his beloved teacher in front of him.

"Warwick? Yes, it's probably him!"

The [Insect Swarm] that had just blocked a bullet for him had already recovered. Upon hearing this, it immediately felt that this speculation was completely reasonable.

He was not a fool like Byron, the "loyal king". Being loyal to Edward IV had nothing to do with him, but anyone who stood in his way of achieving immortality deserved death.

"squeak--!"

Suddenly, the spot exploded into a dark cloud composed of countless black locusts, which swarmed towards the direction where the gunman was hiding.

(End of this chapter)