Pirate: My Piltover technology is far ahead!

Chapter 100: Mechs are cool, but what if they were used to attack you? (6k)

A prince riding a white horse is a hero, and usually, a series of love stories unfold around him.

If the person riding the white horse is a monk, you can listen to him chant some scriptures, and if you're brave enough, you can even trim his nails for him; you might even get some unexpected benefits.

But if it's an ugly half-orc, speaking an incomprehensible orc language, wielding a big club while drooling, it's hard to see him as a hero; instead, people would think of him as another monster.

Therefore, image is quite important.

If nothing unexpected happens, these mechs will eventually be converted into the Imperial Guard. As the Imperial Guard, in addition to combat power, they also need to have prestige.

"Hero... Is it really appropriate for us to say this? It feels a bit strange."

"Yeah, why don't you be the hero, Brother Oran? We'll just cooperate with you. After all, you invented all of this, and you prepared the plan."

Both Xiong and Ginny seemed a little hesitant about the word "hero," as they never imagined they would one day be associated with it.

Ginny wanted Oran to enjoy the glory of being a hero himself. In a sense, Oran was experienced; he had done something similar before, except that he was a masked hero and not many people even knew his name.

"You overestimate the word 'hero.' It's not as far-fetched as you think. Of course, I'm not suggesting you verbally call yourselves heroes; even plays don't portray it that way."

We simply want to prove ourselves through our actions, to make others genuinely call us heroes. Saving others in times of crisis—that's the perfect script for a hero.

It's a cliché, but it works.

The identity of a hero is frequently used on the high seas.

Doflamingo's actions in Dressrosa and Crocodile's actions in Alabasta are examples of how they both cultivated a positive image for themselves before taking action.

Those two countries had established monarchies, unlike here where order had long since collapsed. The appearance of heroes here is actually more reasonable.

"If you're really struggling with this, think about who the current naval heroes are, and how they became heroes."

"Well, if you put it that way, Brother Oran, I suddenly feel like there's no problem."

If saving the Celestial Dragons can make someone a great hero of the Navy, then it seems reasonable for them to be called heroes for liberating the people here from their miserable conditions.

They weren't just pretending; they were genuinely taking action.

"So, Dad, are we going to defeat all the bad guys and then, like the heroes in the picture books, receive cheers from everyone? Like the sky?"

Warriors of the Sea: Sky, a serialized picture book about the sea, published in Morgans' World Economic News, is illustrated by the Navy and is currently the most popular picture book about the sea.

The villainous boss is modeled after Germa. This comic book even made Oran discover some strange problems. After leaving MADS, Judge ran back to the North Blue to start his own research. He has not yet achieved his goal of reviving Germa.

In other words, the villain template of the Navy is the Germa of the past, and the abilities that Judge developed happen to match those in the manga.

For a moment, Oran was unsure whether Judge had chosen to replicate the abilities his ancestors had displayed in his research on bloodline factors in order to revive Germa, or whether his technology also came partly from archaeology, or whether Judge had gone a bit overboard and conducted research based on the Navy's illustrations.

Judging from the standard that ancient technology was the primary productive force on this vast sea, Gaji might actually be secretly conducting archaeology in the North Sea.

"Yeah, pretty much, but what we're going to do is much more complicated than what's in the picture book."

"So, Riley, want to be a hero?"

The meetings nowadays are more like family meetings, and the process is very relaxed. Even Leriana can participate, and Oran doesn't mind if she occasionally makes some childish remarks. Instead, he guides her to continue growing.

"If it's just about knocking out bad guys, I think I can do it!"

"Okay, you'll have your chance to shine then."

Afterwards, Oran and the others discussed some details and then left the book world. After all, this was still a naval warship, and it was not wise to stay in the book forever.

The first half of the Grand Line, Firefly Island.

The total area is comparable to Wano Country in the New World. This refers to the total area of ​​the inland sea including Wano Country, which is the size of the entire area within the walls of Wano Country from an overhead perspective.

Since losing its membership in the Union State 16 years ago, the island has been in decline, and its standard of living has plummeted. Today, its population is less than half of what it was back then.

Today, the island is home to a significant number of pirates and gangsters, and the native inhabitants have become the most vulnerable group.

In the original timeline, along Luffy's route, many pirates abandoned their plans to continue because the Log Pose was pointing towards Skypiea and gathered in Mock Town. The situation on Firefly Island was similar.

Most of the pirates who dared not continue sailing along this route gathered here.

Although this is a lawless zone and usually very chaotic, it hasn't degenerated into a post-apocalyptic wasteland. After all, gangsters and pirates also need to survive, and they know that if everyone on the island is gone, they will have no one left to exploit.

Those who remained on the island had no choice. The environment of the Grand Line was not such that one could set sail at will. Without adequate preparation, the day of departure would become the day of death.

On the day the country lost its membership, World Government ships stopped coming and going, and the islanders lost their chance to leave.

Those in power had already fled with the king, and the bolder ones went out to sea in search of survival; those left behind were mostly people with no other choice.

Whether struggling to survive in the cracks or becoming part of a violent gang, they maintain their quality of life by exploiting others. In this lawless place, the evil of human nature has been amplified infinitely.

"The Navy! The Navy is back!!"

A person busy at the beach ran towards the settlement next to the sea, shouting excitedly.

After sixteen years, naval warships reappeared on the coastline of Firefly Island. The residents were overjoyed to see this, thinking that the navy was finally coming to restore order to the island.

But the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. The navy did nothing, stayed for half an hour, and then silently left amidst the hopeful gazes of those people.

Aside from dropping off some people here, the navy showed no intention of taking any further action.

"well"

With a sigh, the people who had just gathered dispersed again and began to work hard to survive. As for those who came down from the warship, no one paid any attention to them. In the eyes of the locals, they were just a group of exiles.

Why would someone with power and influence return here? It seems those navy men were just escorts.

Initially, not many people were willing to leave the Kingdom of Sorbe with Oran and the others. In fact, it would have taken less than half an hour to disembark. The reason it took so long was because some people changed their minds.

The port here has become somewhat dilapidated over the years. Without management, no one will maintain the port every day; as long as it works, that's enough.

Even though Ginny had made it clear several times before they set off that their destination was not wealthy and might even be worse than the Kingdom of Sorbe, they had prepared themselves mentally in advance.

However, this environment still exceeded many people's expectations.

Oran did not force such people, but instead asked Dodori to take them to a nearby, orderly island before dropping them off.

They boarded the ship voluntarily, and there's always a price to pay for backing out at the last minute; sending them back to their original location is practically impossible.

Oran needs a core group of players who are willing to work hard and grow together, so naturally he won't force them to stay, as that would only leave thorns in his own core group.

After all that turmoil, exactly 200 people were still willing to stay.

"Dr. Siddirell, the mission is complete, and we should be leaving now. We wish you success in your future operations."

Dodori didn't linger for long. He knew that Oran was a Logia-type Devil Fruit user, and as a Logia-type user, he was sure he could protect himself in a place like this.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you will not regret your choice today. I assure you, in just a few years, this island will become an island that everyone else would be scrambling to immigrate to!"

After leaving his promise, Oran chose a relatively flat piece of land to set up camp temporarily. He had only researched the historical situation of the place before, and he still needed to investigate what the current situation was like.

"Zack, it's up to you. Find out the general situation around here."

"Leave it to me, my dear master."

Zack's body began to split open on its own, breaking into several pieces that then surged outwards. Meanwhile, Ginny returned to her old ways, using a Den Den Mushi to eavesdrop, trying to find some useful information.

"Bear, you and Fran go for a walk around the neighborhood and ask the locals for information. You can also go to the town center and observe the situation."

"Okay, don't worry, Brother Oran."

"Understood, Father."

Frankenstein and the bear walked together into the depths of the island. Both of them were ability users, so they could handle most situations here.

"Kate, keep watch over the area, I need to do some final adjustments."

"I understand, I won't let even a mosquito get away."

As she spoke, Kate released a surge of electricity, turning a mosquito that tried to approach Oran into ashes, literally doing what she had just said.

When the craftsmen and immigrants arrived at the chosen camp, Oran had already built a simple enclosure using huge books. The covers of the Book Fruits were controllable, so each book cover was given a ready-made rock skin, making it look like the city of Tu.

The group got to work, each doing their part, and Ginny quickly gathered some information.

"The largest force on Firefly Island right now is a pirate alliance, but their alliance is somewhat hasty and they are not harmonious internally. One of the pirate crews has already discovered us and is considering whether to take action."

There was a map on the table in front of Ginny, and she was marking the approximate location of the other party on it.

"There's a gang in town, a fairly large force, but not as powerful as the pirates; they can only maintain control of a small territory."

There were many Den Den Mushi (snail phone) exchanging information on the island, and Ginny gradually pieced together some valuable intelligence from those snippets of conversation.

Firefly Island is quite large, and Oran and his group are only at one end of the island. Although the group that went deeper into the island has sent back information, none of them plan to return tonight.

The people on the island were welcoming their first night in a foreign land.

Those who left the Kingdom of Sorbe with Oran and the others, and ultimately did not regret it, were mostly immigrants from outside the Kingdom of Sorbe, and these people had long since adapted to immigrant life.

Although the current environment is simple, they do not feel uncomfortable. The guard mechs around them give them a great sense of security, and the gun muzzles, which are as thick as forearms, look quite reliable.

"Orlan, a group of about thirty people are approaching the camp. They're all armed. Should we take them out?"

In the nearby woods, Kate crouched on a tree, her crimson pupils scanning the unidentified group moving below.

"Correction: I saw the skull and crossbones flag on them. They're pirates."

"Received. Are you sure there's no one else here?"

"There aren't any in the woods, and I don't know about further away."

"Stay on high alert. We'll handle those guys. We just need one more practical test."

"clear."

Kate retracted her extended claws and went back to hiding, while Ginny made her move first in the camp.

"Brother Oran, let me do it. I've been simulating this with your abilities for almost a month now, so I should at least give it a try this time."

Ginny has already entered the mecha. She is not afraid of battle. In the original timeline, after joining the Revolutionary Army, she was also the commander of the Eastern Army leading troops on the front line.

"Go, take Number One and Number Two with you. Three units are enough to handle this situation."

Oran didn't stop Ginny. He had confidence in his creation, and if he were to go himself, he wouldn't bring any other mechs. Ginny shared the same idea as him.

"Orlando, you're being too cautious. If you ask me, one is enough."

"While you're at it, let's test your command skills. Go ahead, and don't be careless."

"Don't worry, don't worry. I've been working hard too when Xiongzai was studying. I'm the older sister, I can't let Xiongzai surpass me."

The mechs' shells closed, and a red light flashed at the head sensor location. The three mechs then walked out of the camp gate one after another.

"Brother, didn't the captain tell us to wait for news? Isn't it a bad idea for us to act rashly like this?"

"Yeah, didn't the boss say he wanted to discuss it with the other guys?"

"Are you all stupid! How many people did the navy release in total? The navy doesn't come here for vacation, those people must have been exiled. How much profit could such people possibly have? It's not enough for everyone to share."

"You absolutely must not act alone." What the boss meant by that was that we must act first, understand?

This is why you could only be the underlings, while I, who joined later, became the first mate. You must learn to understand the deeper meaning behind your words.

The man known as the eldest brother is named Stevie. He was originally a resident of the island, but due to constant harassment from pirates, he eventually joined a pirate crew. With his quick wit, he did quite well.

At this moment, he had a disappointed look on his face, seemingly very disappointed with his underlings' performance.

"Big brother, you have red fireflies on your head."

"Who gave you permission to control fireflies! What's so special about them?!"

He was furious at his younger brother's focus. He had put so much effort into teaching them to grow, but these people were actually interested in fireflies.

There are quite a few fireflies on this island, otherwise it wouldn't be called Firefly Island, but does that matter?

"Besides, fireflies don't glow red. When are you going to get any smarter?"

"Big brother, it really is! Now it's even on my chest."

Upon hearing this, Stevie looked down at his chest and indeed saw a red dot flashing there.

Stevie raised his hand to swat it away, but instead of touching the "firefly," it landed on the back of his hand.

Compared to a group of people whose average level of education was illiterate, Stevie was indeed smarter, but the problem was that he had never seen anything like a laser pen before; the island's technology level had not yet reached that level.

"What the hell is that?"

"Could it be a will-o'-the-wisp? I once heard the old folks in the village say that if someone dies unjustly, they will turn into a will-o'-the-wisp and follow the person who died. Is this a ghost looking for a scapegoat?"

"Is it that scary? Come to think of it, Brother Stevie seems to have wronged quite a few people. That girl yesterday said she wouldn't let them go even as a ghost."

"Don't fucking stand there! Get this thing off me!"

Listening to his underlings' gossip, Stevie's psychological pressure grew heavier and heavier. He immediately started cursing, but no matter what he did, the position of the red dot did not change.

"Brother Oran, I think... maybe we could lower the alert level a bit? If all the pirates here are this stupid, we can sleep soundly."

That red dot was naturally the laser indicator of the mecha weapon. Because Ginny adjusted the light source to a low level, those people did not notice the source of the red dot.

Seeing that these people were about to research exorcism methods, in order to prevent herself from seeing anything unclean, Ginny adjusted the intensity of the light source, creating a bright red beam of light in the night.

At the same time, Ginny turned on the loudspeaker and shouted at the group of pirates.

"Hey! Pirates, look here!"

"A woman's voice?! Is it really that girl's ghost? She's come for revenge!"

However, this seemed to have the opposite effect, as the pirates who were busy putting out the will-o'-the-wisps even associated it with something more terrifying.

"Idiot, there are no ghosts in this world! It's all that guy's doing!"

Not everyone is blind; at least Stevie saw Ginny walking out from the direction of the camp and approaching.

The special material did not reflect moonlight, so only a dim figure could be seen.

Realizing he had been tricked, Stevie slapped away the henchman who had "intimidated" him and pulled out a three-barreled pistol, aiming it at Ginny.

"You coward, how dare you play me! Show yourself now!"

"Brother Oran, can't I just kill this guy? He seems so stupid. I feel like every word I say to him is affecting my intelligence."

"Be patient. This should be a leader. We might be able to get some information out of him."

Ginny calmly maneuvered her mech forward, complaining to Oran about how useless the enemy was.

Seeing that they had been discovered, the pirates stopped hiding and lit their torches to illuminate the area ahead.

The black and red armor pierced the night and appeared before the group of pirates, while the "ghost fire" released from the crimson eye swept across them one by one.

"That's so cool!"

"This armor is so cool! It even has a cape, I love capes!"

After a moment of silence, a commotion arose among the pirates, but it wasn't panic; rather, it was excitement. They were actually discussing and commenting on the mecha.

"This is the epitome of male romance! How could you let a young girl wear it?"

"Why not just take it? The armor is ours, and the people are ours!"

Although their brains are a bit distorted, these guys are still pirates, and their plundering nature hasn't changed.

"I can't take it!"

"I can't take it!"

The same voices came out at the same time, but this time it was a man and a woman. At this moment, Stevie was so angry with his underlings that he almost had a stroke.

That thing was really cool. Even without touching it, you could tell it was made of metal and was much taller than them.

Even if you just punch them, they might not be able to withstand it.

Most importantly, those were enemy weapons. A group of people saw the enemy's weapons and actually thought they were cool?

Stevie could agree with this, after all, the coolness of the mechs was undeniable, but the problem was, this thing seemed to be used to fight them.

In the control room, Ginny reached for her waist, and the mech did the same. She grabbed a black metal tube and threw it forward with all her might.

Bang!

The immense force contained within sent a pirate flying, and after bouncing several times, he landed back on the ground.

Sizzle!!

A hissing sound came, and a large amount of white smoke billowed out, instantly filling the entire forest.

"Cough cough. What is that?!"

"Kill her, get rid of her quickly! Cough cough!!"

Irritation from the thick smoke caused a group of people to cough incessantly and run around in a panic, trying to get out of the smoke's reach, while Ginny had already raised the big gun in her hand.

Through the thermal imaging system, she could clearly see the pirates running around.

boom!

A gunshot rang out, and a barrage of bullets shot out from the muzzle, instantly felling a group of running pirates.

This shot seemed to point the pirates in the right direction, and scattered gunshots suddenly rang out from the smoke.

A few bullets shot through the smoke toward Ginny, but they couldn't even leave a white mark on the mech.

Tap, tap.

Despite the pirates' attacks, Ginny walked into the smoke and pulled out Stevie, who was hiding in the fallen leaves with his shirt covering his mouth and nose.

"Cough cough..."

The thick smoke made Stevie cough incessantly, unable to speak coherently, and his eyes were irritated and bloodshot. However, Ginny didn't care about any of this. They were just a bunch of pirates; eliminating them was the right thing to do.

"Target acquired, annihilation mode activated."

To Stevie's horror, two identical mechs emerged from different directions and began unleashing their firepower into the smoke.

boom!boom!

Their shotguns roared like heavy artillery, each shot accompanied by screams of agony, and trees as thick as bowls were smashed in half like withered grass.

This situation did not last long. After four gunshots, there was no more sound coming from the woods, only deathly silence.

It's difficult to break the chapter, so the remaining six thousand are grouped together.

(End of this chapter)