Mystery: Big Alarm Clock Ghroth Path

Chapter 235 On-the-spot killing, buy one get one free
After entering the "Swordfish Bar", Roger immediately went to the bar and found the bartender who had previously handled his business, explaining his purpose.

"Sir, please come with me."

The bartender nodded. Since "Swordfish Bar" had just opened, there weren't many people in the bar, which was perfect for discussing business.

Led by the bartender, Roger went to a small, private room with a floor-to-ceiling window through which he could see the swaying shadows of the Sunia palm trees and the ebb and flow of the ocean in the distance.

He looked around and spotted a small wooden door that let in light through a lattice-like opening, next to which was a small sofa and a matching small table.

"Sir, please have a seat here... Would you like something to drink? Wine or coffee?"

"I won't drink alcohol at midday, just give me a Dipsy coffee."

Roger said with a smile, then sat down on the sofa and casually picked up a copy of the Sunia Morning Post to read.

This is one of the most popular newspapers in the Rothschild Islands, somewhat similar in positioning to the Backlund Morning Post. Although both are mainstream media, it is more casual in both its language and reporting style.

Besides, the Newspaper was also popular, but Roger did not find it here.

"it is good."

The bartender nodded and left, returning shortly after to bring Roger a cup of coffee.

Roger had just taken a sip of his steaming coffee when a deep, resonant male voice came from behind the wooden lattice door:

"So you're the one who's going to take on the job of killing 'Raging Wave' Belon Schultz?"

Although they were speaking Rune, they had an Intis accent...

Roger quickly assessed the other party's origin in his mind, then continued:
"Exactly."

"Very well. But I'd like to ask you, what strength do you possess to kill him?"

The deep male voice paused for a moment, then continued:

"You know, Beron Schultz is a person with extraordinary abilities..."

"Who among those who dare to take on such a mission isn't extraordinary?"

Roger interrupted the other person very decisively:

"You just need to tell me about Belon Schultz, including his abilities, sequence levels, and information about the pirates who travel with him."

"Most importantly, the coordinates, I need their coordinates."

"Young man, you're a straightforward person."

The man with the Intis accent seemed very pleased with Roger's attitude, and even his tone became lighter:
"Beron Schultz is an Extraordinary of the 'Warrior' pathway, a Sequence 7 'Weapon Master', who is extremely skilled in close combat and can turn almost anything into a deadly weapon."

"He is currently staying on Simim Island with Mitron Gadirs. Their ship is anchored in Simim Harbor, preparing to resupply and then plunder merchant ships heading south."

“They stay on the island at night, but return to the ship during the day, and as far as I know, they should be leaving Simim Island the day after tomorrow, so you don’t have much time.”

"Weapon Master"... It seems that Mitrom really has a close relationship with Bratov.

Roger gave a soft "hmm," then asked:

"Sir, I have a question."

"Please say."

"If I happen to kill Mitron Gadirs while I'm at it, will you offer any other reward?"

"what?"

Roger's words completely baffled the other party, who seemed to have no idea that this seemingly very confident bounty hunter had such a big heart.

He only asked the other party to kill Belon, but he did not expect the other party to propose such a buy-one-get-one-free, on-the-spot killing solution.

Do bounty hunters nowadays hold events for killing people? What's this? A huge discount?

However, Roger's words did indeed tempt him greatly, because when he was swindled out of money by Beron Schultz, Mitron was clearly behind the scenes.

“My budget is limited… but if you can take down that bastard Mitron, I can give you an extra 3000 gold pounds… that’s my limit, I can’t do anything more.”

The other party said through gritted teeth.

"make a deal."

Roger was in a great mood. He was going to kill Mitrom Gadirs anyway, so if he could get one more chance to fleece him, that would be even better.

Although Roger had already profited considerably from the sale of the phonograph, this should be his first income as a pirate, or rather, an adventurer.

This doesn't even include Mitrom's original bounty. Roger can collect the Intis bounty first, and then go to the governor's mansion to collect the official bounty.

With this ample cash, he could consider ordering one or two more ships as new members of the "Star Lord" fleet.

"However, I must warn you that Mitron can change his appearance, height, and even gender, so it is not an easy task to identify him."

The Intis first described the characteristics of the ships in Mitron's fleet, then paused and continued:
“I can also tell you that Mitrom’s hearing on the right side is not very good, so he will subconsciously tilt his head to the left.”

"Thank you, this message is very important to me."

This was a completely unexpected bonus; even Mitrom's "clown" and "cousin" hadn't told Roger about it.

“I will bring the heads of Mitron Gadirs and Belon Schulz here within two days. It should be noted that I also expect to collect the official bounty, so I cannot give you their heads.”

"You don't need to hand it over to me. I just need to verify that you did kill them."

"Because I feel disgusted just looking at those two bastards."

"The Intis man said bitterly."

Roger couldn't understand what kind of humiliation this guy had suffered at the hands of Mitrom and Belon, and could only express his sympathy in his heart.

"By the way, there's one more thing."

Roger paused:
"I've heard rumors that Mitron seems to have a connection with 'Twilight General' Blatov. Are you aware of this?"

"No need for rumors, no need for speculation."

The Intis immediately replied, “Mitron is Bratov’s dog, under his protection, but he also needs to do things for him regularly and pay tribute with money and supplies.”

"clear."

Roger took a deep breath:

"We'll see you again soon."

"I'm waiting for your good news."

After the other person finished speaking, silence returned behind the wooden lattice door.

Roger finished his coffee, stood up, and headed back towards the Santis Hotel.

Good afternoon, Mr. Santis.

Mr. Santis had just gotten up and was taking over his shop's duties. He seemed to have slept so long because he was so engrossed in cooking for Roger and Emily the night before.

Good afternoon, John. How was your day?

Mr. Santis also spoke enthusiastically.

"I'm very good."

Roger smiled and continued:
"Please extend my room subscription for another three days. If anyone comes here looking for me, just have them leave a note."

"no problem."

Santis understood the hidden meaning in Roger's words and immediately agreed.

After paying the fee, Roger went to the address Rossman had given him the day before and knocked on the door of a seaside villa.

"Who are you looking for?"

A moment later, a burly man opened the door.

This was the same bodyguard Roger had met the day before. He paused slightly when he saw Roger clearly.

“I’m looking for Mr. Zorn to help Rossman pay off his debts.”

Roger said, waving a wad of banknotes in his hand with a bright smile.

"This……"

"Let him in."

As the bodyguard hesitated, he heard Zorn's voice behind him.

"Yes, Mr. Zorn."

After saying that, the bodyguard made way for Roger to enter the living room.

"drink wine?"

Zorn, dressed in brown pajamas, drinking a glass of wine and smoking a cigar, greeted Roger with a rather pleasant attitude.

"No need, Mr. Zorn."

Roger placed a wad of banknotes on Zorn's table:
“This is the five hundred gold pounds that Rossman owes you. It’s all here, plus the fifty gold pounds I paid earlier as interest. I hope you can forgive and forget about it.”

"Young man, you may have misunderstood."

Zorn exhaled a smoke ring:
“If I remember correctly, I said yesterday that I would repay double, so Rothman should give me 1000 gold pounds instead of 550 pounds.”

These words made Roger's expression turn sour. In fact, he had already anticipated this outcome and had prepared for the worst.

He can make deals with people, but he will never accept blackmail, even if the other party has "made it clear" beforehand.

"However, I do have a suggestion."

When Zorn saw Roger's expression turn sour, he didn't panic at all; instead, he laughed out loud.

"What proposal?"

"You are an extraordinary being, aren't you? If you can help me find something, I will not only waive your money, but also give you an extra two thousand gold pounds as a reward."

Zorn, seemingly prepared, replied without hesitation.

Roger's expression softened considerably upon hearing this:

"Tell me what you want."

"Two weeks ago, a rare piece of jewelry I owned was detained by the authorities upon arrival in Bayam on the grounds that it was a large item that had not been declared. Later, it was taken by a senior official in Bayam."

"I would like to ask you to help me find it."

After Zorn finished speaking, he took another sip of his drink and watched Roger's reaction.

"Is the recipient of that item anonymous?"

Roger immediately grasped the hidden meaning in Zorn's words.

"You are a very smart person."

Zorn paused for a moment, then sighed and admitted it.

He didn't want to tell Roger about this, because it would only become a bargaining chip for Roger to blackmail him.

The symbolic meaning behind registered and unregistered items is completely different. If the jewelry were registered, the conflict between Zorn and the Bayam officials would be out in the open, and Zorn would not be able to let Roger steal the item directly, as it would easily draw their attention and escalate the problem.

Zorn was just a merchant, and the principle that the common people shouldn't fight against officials applies everywhere. On the other hand, this also shows that Zorn's goods were of dubious origin; they might be stolen goods or looted from some tomb, which is why it had to be received anonymously.

In fact, after Roger became a "leaker," it became instinctive for him to see through the loopholes and hidden meanings in other people's words, and now very few people can deceive him in direct conversation.

This is a dimensional reduction attack based entirely on extraordinary capabilities!
"Add another thousand gold pounds, in cash."

Zorn made concessions.

"make a deal."

Roger laughed, then asked Zorn for the specific information about the item, shook hands with the somewhat dejected Zorn, and turned to leave the villa.

Anyway, he had originally planned to participate in the rescue of Roy King at the Governor's Mansion, so this business deal was just something he did incidentally.

Roger did not return to the Santis Hotel, but went straight to the "Star Lord" and boarded the ship.

"Captain, you're back."

The boatswain Matteo was on duty today, and when he saw Roger return, he immediately bowed respectfully.

"Call Linssaya, Zeus, and Philip back to me. I need to hold a short meeting with them."

After saying that, Roger walked toward the captain's cabin.

"Yes, I will do it now."

Matteo nodded, watching Roger and Bandit go down to the cabin, then turned to give Roger instructions.

About twenty minutes later, Zeus, whose face and chest were covered with red spots, Philip, who was well-dressed, and Lindsay, who was slightly drunk, all arrived at Roger's captain's cabin.

"What have you been doing, kid?"

Roger looked at Zeus, whose face was still flushed, and said irritably.

"Hehe, Captain."

Zeus scratched his head: "It's not my fault, Bayam's girls are just too..."

Upon hearing this, Philip patted him on the shoulder with a hint of helplessness. Only then did the guy realize that he had spoken without thinking and shut his mouth.

"sit down."

Roger didn't mind, and simply had the three of them sit down in turn.

"The main reason I called you here today is to talk to you about some things and to arrange a secret operation."

"Secret operation?"

Upon hearing this, all three were somewhat curious.

"Yes, our conversation today is limited to the four of us. If anyone else finds out..."

Before Roger could finish speaking, Lindsay chuckled:

"Captain, don't worry, if they reveal the secret, I'll turn them into women."

"..."

Upon hearing this, Philip and Zeus felt a chill run down their spines, and their minds simultaneously flashed back to how Linsaria had tortured their treacherous "boyfriend" on the Obsidian.

"You should also keep your mouth shut."

As Roger spoke, a thick layer of frost formed on the surface of the table.

That means I can handle "pain," but handling your "pleasure" is a piece of cake.

Upon seeing this, Linsaya immediately dropped her playful smile:

"Yes, Captain, as you command."

"If you still don't believe me, how about I show you my sincerity tonight?"

Roger expressionlessly conjured an ice spear in his hand, which finally silenced the "Pleasure Witch" Linssaya.

"Linsea, you should know about role-playing, right?"

Roger asked.

As a member of the "Witch Cult" and having successfully advanced to Sequence 6, it's highly unlikely that she wouldn't know about the "Playing Method".

"of course."

Linselia nodded, then said with some surprise:
"Captain, you wouldn't..."

"Ah."

Roger nodded:

"This is one of the reasons why I require you to keep this a secret."

Linsaya looked enlightened and didn't say anything more.

"Captain, what is role-playing?"

Zeus was somewhat confused by the two men's cryptic conversation and took the initiative to ask a question.

"First, let me ask you a question."

Roger smiled and said:
"Under what circumstances can an extraordinary individual be promoted to the next rank?"

Faced with Roger's question, Philip answered without hesitation:
"According to the military's training guidelines, after becoming an Extraordinary, one must wait at least three years before one can 'master' the potion."

"After that, you can deliberately exhaust your spirituality. If there are no signs of loss of control such as auditory hallucinations or madness within a period of time, you can consider promotion... That's how I was promoted to 'sheriff'."

Zeus was completely bewildered, having no prior knowledge of this subject. In fact, his becoming a "sailor" was largely a matter of chance.

"really."

Roger nodded, and then explained the core concepts of the "role-playing method" to Philip and Zeus.

Zeus reacted fairly well, but Philip was extremely shocked.

In fact, this former naval officer had always had great doubts about the "potion mastery" theory taught in the military, because he found that every time he was promoted after "mastering" it, he would accumulate a little bit of mental, indescribable pressure and tension.

This sense of tension is not very noticeable in the lower sequences, but it becomes more obvious in the middle sequences. Philip once heard his superior describe a similar feeling. The sequence 7 "interrogator" said that he would have auditory hallucinations several times a month and believed that he had virtually no chance of being promoted to sequence 6.

However, those naval officers who actually rose to Sequence 6 or even Sequence 5 did not perform like that. Philip had always suspected that they had some special methods, and now, after hearing Roger's explanation of these things about "playing the role," he suddenly understood.

"Thank you, Captain. The knowledge you impart is more important than my life."

Philip Hoover rose and bowed respectfully to Roger. He was well aware of the value of the "playing method" and knew that it was precious knowledge that should never be easily shared.

With this method, Philip could digest and completely eliminate the uncontrollable tendencies that had accumulated within him, and would have the opportunity to be promoted to a Sequence 7 "Interrogator".

Although Zeus didn't quite understand, he still stood up and bowed.

"Once you have fully digested the potion, I will help you advance to Sequence 8 and Sequence 7."

"This is a perk for the management of the 'Star Lord' ship."

Roger's words moved Philip and Zeus once again.

Zeus was alright. If Philip had previously considered leaving the "Star Lord," after hearing Roger's words, he had basically given up on that idea.

Although Philip was a dutiful soldier, he wasn't stupid; he knew how important extraordinary power was in this world.

Becoming an extraordinary being in the middle sequence will definitely bring him broader development opportunities and life potential, allowing him to do whatever he wants.

Most importantly, he is now in better control of his own destiny and no longer feels powerless over many things as he did before.

"Next, we're going to talk about something else."

Seeing that Philip and Zeus had calmed down a bit, Roger continued:

"Tonight, we'll find a small boat and head out to the island of Simim to intercept and kill Mitrom Gadirs and his second mate, 'Raging Wave' Belon Schulz."

"All three of you have to go. This is our first team operation, and I hope you will do your best."

Upon hearing that there was a fight, "Joyful" Lyncel Louise immediately showed an excited expression.

Philip then inquired about the opponent's strength and various details, which Roger truthfully recounted, and he also told the three of them about the benefits they could gain after this operation.

"It is my duty to rid the people of harm."

Upon hearing this, Philip immediately expressed his determination, and Lindsay and Zeus had no objections.

"Then it's settled. Philip and Zeus will go find a ship, the kind that can sail fast, and Lindsay will go get some bullets and weapons."

"We have to get this done in one night. We'll meet at the pier after dark. Remember to eat beforehand."

"Now, the meeting is adjourned."

Roger finished speaking and stood up.

"Yes, Captain!"

All three responded and then went about their own business.

Roger returned to the Santis Inn to retrieve his meteorite and temporarily stored it in the captain's cabin.

He wasn't in a hurry to break down the meteorite, since it had already undergone countless years of sedimentation, and there was no rush to open it in the short term.

At 6:30, as the sun began to set, Roger, having finished his meal, appeared on the dock right on time.

Philip had found a small steam turbine ship, which looked quite ordinary and was no different from those civilian vessels.

Roger entered the cabin, where Lindsay and Zeus were already waiting. There was a large bag on the floor containing various guns and bullets.

Roger inspected the firearms and, after confirming that there were no problems, distributed the weapons and watched as the scenery of Bayam Harbor gradually receded into the distance, with the coastal scenery of Bayam moving along with it.

Since Simim Island is located in the southeast of the Rothschild Islands, the voyage will not take too long.

Since Philip was already at the helm, Roger and the other two played cards while discussing their battle plan for the night.

Around 10 p.m., the lights of Simim Harbor gradually came into view of Roger and his companions.

Also in their line of sight was a medium-sized pirate ship with a red mast and no flags, as well as three smaller ships with masts of the same color.

According to the intelligence of the Intis, the largest ship was the flagship of Mitroncardius, the "Musketeer"!
It was drizzling at sea, and it looked like a storm was about to break.

Under the cover of darkness and rain, Roger and his men quickly approached the "Musketeer" from an angle unlit by the harbor lights, and then boarded the ship.

"You are……"

The first to spot Roger and his crew was a sailor, but before he could even utter his fourth word in alarm, Lindsay's hand flashed with a cold light and knocked him down.

Philip quickly caught the sailor's falling body and laid him flat, then gave Lindsay a reproachful look, as if blaming her for not being careful enough.

Ignoring everything else, Linsaya gave a somewhat crazy smile and looked at the sailors on the lookout tower who had their backs to her and the others.

"Captain, it's too high up there, I can't get up there."

She said it in a coquettish tone.

"..."

Roger sighed, then stretched out his left hand and pointed it at the sailors on the high place.

(End of this chapter)