Chapter 680 - My Doomsday Territory

**My Post-Apocalyptic Territory Chapter 680: The Bounty of the Black Skull Pirate Group** The island was small, boasting a crescent-shaped coastline. In the deeper waters away from the shallows lay several large warships over two hundred meters long, all of them flagship-class without exception. These ships maintained a certain distance from each other, and the shadows of numerous pirates could be seen on board. Within the observation range of the "Deep Sea Shark," more small vessels could be observed—speedboats and lifeboats—each carrying a handful to over a dozen figures, all speeding toward the beach. Many of these pirates were humanoid. Among them were the Blue Veined people, standing two to three meters tall, with intricately patterned blue skin, and the amphibious beings with webbed hands and feet and grotesquely fierce heads. Although able to breathe underwater like other races, they too suffered from the erosive effects of the Endless Sea's waters. Only in the freshwater lakes on islands could the amphibious beings fully utilize their abilities. There were also giants over ten meters tall and the ethereal Illusion Spirits, who floated around like souls. Yet, genuine humans were a rare sight. Tyran, whose physique would be striking in the human world, was nothing noteworthy amidst this pirate assembly—there were plenty with even more unusual appearances. The pirates had one thing in common; their formidable strength. Formidable auras stirred the seawater into distinct zones, causing the waters near the beach to swirl with rapid currents. Within the Deep Sea Shark, the newly installed energy detector (manufactured by Green Shade 10 Military Industries) emitted rapid beeping sounds. Lorraine's expression grew serious, and Shay and others ceased their idle activities to gather before the energy detector. "They're all transcendent. No wonder it's an assembly of over half the pirates of the Endless Sea," remarked Star Spirit. "Indeed. After all, weaker pirates wouldn't even be eligible to join, and might not even know of it," Xingyue nodded vigorously, agreeing with her sister. "There are already two energy clusters indicating Transcendent Level 3, and this is only a small portion—most are either on the island or haven't yet arrived," Shay grumbled. "We can finally have a serious battle," Kong said, appearing in the cockpit without anyone noticing. Piracy is a high-risk profession, constantly facing sieges from maritime nations, assassination attempts from rivals, and attacks from sea monsters. Even a small or weak pirate group must have at least a Void Step stronghold. Ordinary Awakening Stage individuals? They either join other pirate groups or go back home to raise pigs. It's impossible to form a fleet at the Awakening Stage. Outside, Tyran, listening to the murmurs, scratched his bald head in confusion. Soon enough, he lost interest and picked up a car-sized rock, gnawing on it with crunching sounds—it's common sense to replenish energy before a fight. As they discussed, the Deep Sea Shark moved forward a bit further. It neither fully surfaced nor approached the island too closely. Showing a portion of its hull, the Deep Sea Shark launched a small speedboat. Lorraine, Kong, Shay, Bamboo Rat Li, and Tyran embarked. When Tyran boarded the small boat, it was akin to a human of normal size standing on a tiny sheep-motorbike in proportion. The boat wobbled slightly, but thankfully of good quality, it chugged toward the island. Star Spirit, Xingyue, and other Awakening Stage crew members stayed behind, just like several other large vessels in the surrounding seas left ordinary crew and enough powerful pirates to guard. Those who disembarked were all transcendent. There were visibly more small boats than large battleships since many experienced pirate groups were adept at hiding their vessels elsewhere. The visible Deep Sea Shark and other flagship-class battleships were considered 'rookies' in the pirates' eyes, though it was possible they were brimming with confidence—a notion entertained by the newly awakened Tang Yu 13th's goofy avatar, assuming they were a bit of both. ... "The 'White Flame' Robert with a bounty of seven million." "The 'Blood Mage' Sapien with a bounty of thirteen million." "The 'Dark Whisperer' Mirosil with a bounty of twenty-four million." Lorraine had done her homework, pointing out each renowned pirate upon disembarking. However, with her eyes almost turning into $$, one couldn't help but second-guess her motives. Bamboo Rat Li exclaimed, "Wow, three big sharks squealed! Wait, how come that 'Dark Whisperer' can fight ten giant sharks, yet his bounty is only three times as much?!" In her perception, 'Dark Whisperer' Mirosil was a Transcendent Level 3 entity, precisely one of the two Level 3 entities detected earlier by the device! As for the other, None have been identified in person—it may have ventured deeper into the island. Amidst the countless intertwining formidable presences, remote sensing proves inaccurate, just revealing immensely strong energies at the island’s core—equivalent to the energy detectors where, when few people are around, red dots vary in size, glowing brighter with higher energy levels, but, surrounded by dozens, or hundreds of transcendent beings, the display appears entirely red. Poor quality detectors might even explode. But not one made by Green Shade 10 Military Industries—it can withstand even Saint-level energies. Eh? Why did it suddenly seem like an advertisement slip? Was it because I'd taken too many endorsements recently? That previously agreed-upon 'Height Increasing Potion endorsement', the fee was so high, how did it end up failing in review? While Lorraine's group appraised other pirates, the pirates were also glancing at their small assembly. The "Black Skull" Pirate Group wasn't well-known, but nonetheless someone recognized them. "Five million bounty for 'Sword Master' and a three million bounty for 'Gunman'." And then, nothing further was said. Bamboo Rat Li strained to hear, yet failed to catch her name, her cheeks puffing in resigned frustration. What 'Sword Master', 'Gunman'? Those titles were too casually conferred, similar titles floated on the seas, ten if not eight, most were lesser-known—real powerhouses, like Pirate Generals, bore unique titles. If existing, options were to rename or perish. The bounties were pathetically low, nearly the lowest among major pirates. Not that Kong's strength was underestimated; after all, he had slain the eight-million-bounty Giant Shark. His individual worth should be at least above the giant shark. However, unlike having no notorious deeds, the Black Skull Pirate Group seemed 'innocent', with the Blue Waters and Rageous Blue Empires merely getting swindled—but how could free-trade agreements be called swindles? The bounty guild posted bounties for both due largely to the Deep Sea Shark, already confirmed as an animated flagship-class battleship, under the Black Skull Pirate Group's possession. Some pirate chatterbox mentioned this. Whether intentional or incidental, his voice wasn't dampened, clear to all—even transcendent beings miles away. "The Deep Sea Shark is indeed a fine vessel, even the lackluster Giant Shark fellow managed to thrive with it. He finally lost this time, but who knows what trap the Black Skull Pirate Group laid." The 'Sword Master' and 'Gunman' only have late-stage Convergence auras, though defeating the 'Giant Shark' might indicate some skill... hmmm, maybe not, Giant Shark's combat ability seemed rather limited." "Hey, where's your Deep Sea Shark hidden? Bring it out for a spin." "The chick there is a stunner... huh, that one's way too young." Many pirates with not-so-good intentions had their eyes on them. Yet, none acted first, respecting the Crimson Emperor's assembly—no fights allowed on the island and, frankly, the stake wasn't great enough. The Black Skull Pirate Group’s depths were still untested. Capturing the Deep Sea Shark, though? For such gains, defying the Three Emperors' face seemed trivial—get the battleship and dive, who cares about being a pirate whether it's for Three Emperors or Twelve Generals if sticking to rules.