Chapter 1189 - 654: Mysticism
"But can we really do it on our own?"
Although many of their infiltrators were caught, they still gathered a lot of information about Hamlet. The more they learned, the more they felt its power.
This place really had battles every few days. Even the brick movers on construction sites had undergone militia training, and those seemingly ordinary old farmers in the fields might have killed monsters with pitchforks.
Moreover, they were people from various organizations, acutely aware of the organizational capacity represented by that previous operation which affected the entire city.
And these are just the police. The stories about Hamlet’s Army are even more outrageous, almost legendary.
"What about the Church of Light?"
Someone asked. They didn’t like the Church much before because the Church would give them trouble. But now they actually needed the Church’s muscle.
"The Church hasn’t sent anyone, and Brother Martin refused our invitation."
"Hah! They say he’s a legendary martyr, yet when he was in Totnes, he was captured by the Lord and became so compliant."
The person spoke in a mocking tone, and it wasn’t hard for others to guess his grudge against the Church, so it was no surprise he was taking a jab now.
"Could the Church know something? Otherwise, why would they..."
They all felt the Church’s overpowering nature. But in Hamlet, there was no sound from them, and even their martyr Martin did not react after being beaten, which definitely hinted at some problem.
"Alright!"
Just then, the strongest few on the scene, who were also the organizers of this meeting, halted the increasingly strange situation.
"Church members are on their way, they just can’t sail."
"We’ve received news that the Order of the Holy Light is mobilizing, and the Holy Army is moving out as well."
The last statement was ambiguous. Everyone knew chaos was rampant in the empire, and those movements weren’t necessarily targeted at Hamlet.
But these words suppressed everyone’s doubts. They preferred to believe the Church was coming in a big way.
Yet, this news didn’t boost their confidence. Instead, it made them even more conflicted.
If the Church is like this, shouldn’t they just wait until the battle is over, and then help whoever wins?
Otherwise, if they fight now, and the Church arrives later, wouldn’t they have to bear the Church’s pressure?
How could they easily give up the cake once it’s in their mouths?
"Do you know that in this sea area, after the Pirate King Black Jack disappeared, his fleets split apart? And do you know who controls the surrounding sea territory of Hamlet now?
Redbeard, a great pirate with seven large ships. Not to mention the rumors about Hamlet in Shipwreck Bay now, countless pirates want to come over; they just lack an opportunity."
The person spoke with a slightly confident smile on their face, but the mockery in their eyes was hard to hide, nor did they intend to hide it.
"And we’ve received news that tonight those guys will arrive in Hamlet. I’m advising everyone to board the ship and leave Hamlet early, otherwise, the losses will be regrettable."
This sentence seemed like a warning for everyone to avoid the danger, but everyone could tell this was the true core of the meeting.
In fact, the results had already been discussed among the leading, most powerful organizations. Whatever was left was just notifying the others, without affecting the results.
"What’s the use of looting? The relics are there and can’t be moved."
"Even the Fishmen invasion was repelled; can those pirates really do it?"
"Who’s going to lead?"
These words implicitly carried the meaning that they too were part of the pirate community.
This fact was hardly surprising. Many seafaring ships, once they change a flag, represent different identities. Playing pirate roles was often not a strange thing for them.
But no one wanted to take the lead, nor take the risk, which showed everyone had their own hidden agendas, and this gathering was more like a loose alliance.
"Let me tell you a story. Do you know why our people disappeared, but the Mendicant Monk who incited the riots could still be released alive?
Because when the Fishmen monsters invaded, he saved many people. Even the Lord could not ignore such merits.
And today, we are not looking to destroy Hamlet together with pirates; that way, we won’t gain much more.
What we need is..."
It’s very simple. They did not want to completely eliminate Hamlet, as those people knew a relatively stable situation was better for reaping profits.
So they wanted to use pirates to strike Hamlet, and once it fell into chaos, these people would come forward to drive the pirates away.
Then they could earn respect and elevate their status in Hamlet, forcing the Lord to open up more to public opinion.
"We are being targeted and rejected by the Lord. When we plan to leave and find pirates invading and battle breaks out, we decisively choose to join the fight, and by then, we will be heroes of Hamlet, unworthy of the Lord’s rejection."
Hearing this, people believed it plausible because the risk was small, and the gains were significant.
As for the cost... let the pirates suffer; they would hold the infamy.
Soon, this gathering ended, each returning to their preparations, only the decision-makers stayed on; they still had matters to discuss.
"We absolutely cannot let Redbeard escape, or else everyone will have a hard time."
"I heard he has a clue to Black Jack’s treasure; what a pity."
"How many years ago was that? Not to mention, it’s just a clue."