Chapter 578: Collision, crushing and overthrowing!
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Bear this in mind, not only was this naval ram of a black grade, its effects was impressive as well – [ After installing on ship, it deals 2.5x of normal collision damage against enemy ships, with a 33% increase chance of wrecking rival ship’s body ]
Under such a monumental collision, the naval ram instantly splintered into three. The degree of impact had vastly exceeded its durability. Nevertheless, the naval ram had already displayed its usefulness.
An unyielding ram! The ability to penetrate through the defence of the enemy.
Epic proportions of wood chunks and random object fragments were thrown into a chaotic upheaval. Some of the Black Pearl pirates were thrown overboard from the impact, brandishing their scrambling limbs as they splashed into the ocean.
The turbulent sea appeared as if a tremendous force had torn a gap within it, as awe-inspiring pulses of seawater was upsurge before plummeting down onto the Black Pearl!
Actually, the Black Pearl’s material composition was also exceptionally valuable, being constructed with european fir. Ship planks sawed with 7 inch thickness then boiled for 3 days, before softening and curved into its intended shape. They were then sun dried for 3 years along the beach, and finally used for the construction of the ship. During construction, its perpetual toughness was enhanced with various kinds of magic.
However, when faced with a monstrous ship like the Dingyuan, the solidity of the Black Pearl was simply not worth mentioning.
After a series of blustering creaks and cracks, a deep gash of more than three metres had been rammed into the left broadside of the Black Pearl; severely wrecking the interior composition where it struck.
Finally, the ram struck against the keel. Even the incredibly solid keel couldn’t withstand such astronomical impact, that cracks started to emerge. Fortunately, the Dingyuan finally met with the bouncing resistance of the Black Pearl, as the momentum of the ship’s bow was directed upwards.
A tremendous inertia was directed upwards! After the Dingyuan’s ram struck thrusted deep into the left broadside of the Black Pearl, the ram now scraped upwards as it tore open a deep wound through the Black Pearl’s deck.
Amidst the sonorous collisions piercing into the air, the entire Dingyuan was now compacting down against the left broadside of the Black Pearl. Splinters and water sprayed everywhere, where the Black Pearl finally succumbed and toppled towards the sea!
Such a brutal, ruthless and crazy collision!
Such direct crushing!
Ever since the Black Pearl was constructed till now, it had not experienced such a monumental insult before!
Such a barbaric form of direct compact, such madness brimming with hot-blooded resolution!!!
When this quasi-legendary warship and this legendary warship collided, the aftermath was the upsurge of 10 metre towering waves. Only until the peerlessly firm Dingyuan was recoiled back abruptly, did the soaring splashes of water come showering down from the sky. The crashing waves continued smashing incessantly against the Black Pearl, releasing repetitive creaks as the entire ship practically leaned fully!
Though the building material of the Black Pearl was excellent, it still couldn’t match up to the perverted fortitude of Ironwood. Hence, it suffered grave damages.
Although the pirates on board were undying, a third of them had been pathetically thrown overboard after getting caught off guard by the collision.
An insult! An insult of the absolute highest!
In truth, the scene of a ship being rammed over into the sea had only occurred a couple of times, throughout the entire battle history of all pirates.
Only after the Dingyuan retreated abruptly, did the shaky Black Pearl manage to forcibly rove back up from the sea surface. Dripping wet like a wretched drowned rat, this impact had thoroughly damaged the ship’s keel. This was definitely not a damage that could be mended hastily.
Meanwhile, the pirates onboard the Dingyuan were cheering and howling deafeningly, flinging their bandanas and hats towards the sky.
Philip had eyes brimming with tears of excitement as his body trembled intensely. Though he had been a former marine, the terrifying prestige of the Black Pearl has long resonated thunderously within his ears, and imprinted deep within his soul. He could’ve never expect himself to personally participate in such a naval battle, but more importantly, to counter and even defeat the Black Pearl!
"Cap’n! Let’s give’em another deadly one!" Big Beard Davies brandished his greatsword as he yelled delightedly.
Instead, Sheyan shook his head faintly.
"The ‘Ocean Merriment’ is about to expire. If we continue ramming but am incapable of occupying superiority in speed, we may unexpectedly lose our opportunity. Then, there wouldn’t be any chances of success. Instead, it would waste away the remaining duration of the ‘Ocean Merriment’."
Sheyan’s words weren’t without logic, and he ordered for the ship to swing back and navigate towards the nearest continent. Concurrently, the high-angled cannons were shifted towards the stern while being cleaned up.
Though the pirates of the Black Pearl were tireless, the massive damages dealt to their redoubtable Black Pearl wouldn’t be easily mended; what more, its keel suffered heavy damage. This entire ravaging process was like adding hail to the snow, as the Black Pearl pirates could only watch while the Dingyuan drifted away.
*****************************
The continent was now in sight.
The Black Pearl had been tossed afar, where its mast could no longer be seen.
At this moment, Sheyan mustered his entire crew. He had already gone through careful deliberations, and thus issued three orders.
"Ye pirates shall not ascend to shore, but sail the Dingyuan towards the west. If your captain doesn’t return after a long while…..Taitish, Ol’Seadog, Redbeard and Philip will assume command and agree on affairs of the ship."
"Henceforth, the Dingyuan’s objective shall have two goals. To carry on smuggling our booty through the favourable relations with Port Royal, and continue hunting for rare and powerful legendary creatures; plunder their spirits to perfect our Baladine Bloodsail."
"As for this chest of accursed Aztec gold, us three shall bring it ashore. With this, it will be impossible for the Black Pearl to continue tracking down the Dingyuan."
Despite Big Beard Davies and other loyally devoted pirates voicing their objections and demanding to accompany him, Sheyan rejected them. Because according to his plans, the following affairs would be immeasurably treacherous. He definitely couldn’t bring along unecessary manpower.
After the Dingyuan departed, the trio then rowed a jollyboat as they approached the outskirts of the continent.
Reef and Mogensha leapt off the boat, but the distracted Sheyan remained inside the boat.
"Oi, buddy, hurry up man. We are rushing for time, you know." Brother Black splashed his face with seawater while urging.
The shore here was filled with craggy reefs and wasn’t suited for a jollyboat to directly approach the shore. The trio still had to haul along a cumbersome stone chest within this 3-4 metres deep waters, while swimming for 30 metres to the shore. They would then have to race across a long stretch of beach before entering a forest. Actually, they already detailed their plans through the map they purchased way beforehand.
In lieu of constant hurricanes or the threat of tsunamis, the closest village here was roughly 20 miles away. From there, they would gain access to means of transport like oxens or horses.
The trio’s ultimate aim was to reach a city that was more developed and flourishing. They would then be able to access better means of transport to continue evading the undying and inexhaustible Black Pearl pirates. If they were to persist in utilizing the strength of their legs to escape, they would undoubtedly be throwing themselves into the pirates’ embrace in due time.
However, Sheyan remained seated on the boat, and paused silently for a while before muttering.
"Take some Aztec gold with you and leave! I will remain here with this chest."
"What??!" Brother Black and Reef were both startled. "Are you suicidal?"
"No." Sheyan’s countenance was additional rigid now. "I’ve decided on this after deliberate reflections. Bring along some Aztec gold and leave! Hurry!"
"Why? Why can’t we stay behind?" Reef was evidently unable to accept this fact. "We’ve braved through fire and water for so long now, why are you behaving this way? Could it be even a Growth-hunter like me isn’t of assistance?"
Sheyan’s dried lips twitched slightly.
"That is because we only have a single ‘Unmodeled Amnio-tank’. Even I do not possess great confidence in this risk I’m taking. Fortunately, we still have that to preserve a life. If you accompany me, one of us will very possibly become a casualty."
At this moment, Brother Black gazed at Sheyan and replied sincerely.
"Boss, I can roughly understand your plans now, could it be, you....wish to take that step, that same step Jack Sparrow did?"
Sheyan faintly nodded.
"Don’t forget, I still have the hints indicated by the ‘Dead Sea Scroll’. Without doing that, I wouldn’t even stand a chance."
Brother Black pondered solemnly before replying.
"You’re right. Then….good luck brother. I believe you will definitely succeed."
Sheyan reached out his hand. Though his expression remained rigid, his eyes burned with additional passion and brimmed with ambitions.
"Let’s look forward to the moment we meet again!"
**********************************
Five minutes later, the masts of the Black Pearl appeared from afar. This heavily wounded legendary ship was maneuvering straight towards here.
50 metres away from the jollyboat, it ran aground by the sand. Its bow heavily scraped against the shore before it finally halted.
Plop! Plop! Plop! Sixteen pirates leapt down like dumplings before swimming towards here.
Amongst them, was a skinny pirate with a wooden eye and another bald headed pirate, who appeared like their leaders.
They were the trusted aides of Barbossa. The skinny pirate wiped his drenched face while yelling loudly.
"Where did that bilge-suckin’ ship wit’ the wicked lizard jollyroger run to? I can sense the beckonin’ of the Aztec gold nearby, honestly!"
"Shut yer useless mouth!" The baldy revealed a set of rotten tooth as he chided menacingly.
"Don’t state the obvious fool! Use yer eyes to inspect carefully and yer nose to smell. Regardless of where that ship flees to, might they still be our prey."