The Black Pirate Gang's ship sailed through rough winds and waves, heading toward its destination. Merslin and his party remained hidden in the ship's dark corners, determined to stay undetected until they reached the island where the pirates planned to exchange information.
Merslin: (Whispering) "Our goal is to reach the island safely. We must avoid drawing attention at all costs."
Elena: (Scanning the area nervously) "If we get caught here, it's over. We have to be extremely careful."
Serena: (Confidently) "Don't worry. I'll blend in with them and gather intel. I'll join their gambling games and listen in on their conversations."
Lisa: (Nodding) "Alright, I'll stay on deck and keep an eye on everything. While you're at the gambling table, I'll act as your bodyguard. If anything goes wrong, I'll signal the group to take action."
Aria: (Anxious) "I'll stay with Merslin and Elena. I'll try to move as quietly as possible."
Serena casually slipped into the group of pirates, observing their daily routines. She soon found herself at a gambling table, where dice and cards were being tossed around. The pirates were intrigued when Serena confidently sat down, ready to gamble.
Pirate 1: "Hey, a new face? Where are you from?"
Serena: (Smiling) "I'm just a wanderer, drifting from place to place. But I know how to roll dice. I came to have some fun."
Pirate 2: (Laughing) "Alright then, but remember—if you lose, you owe us drinks!"
Serena picked up the dice and started rolling. She intentionally won and lost in a balanced manner, slowly earning the pirates' trust. As the game became more intense, she began subtly cheating, using precise wrist movements to control the dice's outcome.
Serena: (Thinking) "Time to show them a little trick."
With precise sleight of hand, she manipulated the dice without anyone noticing.
Pirate 3: "Damn, you're good! Keep rolling, let's see if your luck holds!"
Just then, Merslin approached the table, taking a seat. To ensure Serena didn't stand out too much, he deliberately lost a few rounds, making the pirates feel more at ease.
Merslin: "Let me in. If I win, drinks are on me."
The pirates burst into laughter, happily welcoming him into the game.
Pirate 2: "This should be fun! Let's play!"
Meanwhile, Lisa remained on the deck, monitoring Serena's game while blending in with the pirates. She acted as a bodyguard, ready to intervene if needed.
As the gambling continued, the ship's captain, Barlok, and the navigator, Rendis, approached the table. Barlok was a massive, muscular man with a black eyepatch, while Rendis had sharp eyes and a swift demeanor. The pirates immediately stepped aside, showing respect.
Barlok: "What's going on here? I see some new faces. Who are you?"
Serena stayed calm, smiling as she responded.
Serena: "Captain, I thought I'd be an entertaining guest. I've been lucky tonight."
Rendis observed her with curiosity.
Rendis: "Luck is just another form of skill. Let's see how long yours lasts."
Seeing an opportunity to gain their trust, Serena offered a challenge.
Serena: "Would you two like to join? But fair warning, I might just win."
Barlok chuckled and picked up some cards.
Barlok: "Fine, I'll play. Rendis, join me."
Rendis smirked and grabbed a hand of cards.
Rendis: "If you win, you'll be a welcomed guest on our ship. But if you lose… well, we'll see."
The game began, with all eyes on the table. Rendis confidently revealed his hand—a two-pair, a strong hand likely to win.
Rendis: "A two-pair. You think you can beat that?"
Serena maintained a composed smile and checked her hand. She also had a two-pair, but it wouldn't be enough to win. Casually, she swapped a card, completing a full house.
Meanwhile, Lisa subtly adjusted her posture, drawing slight attention from the surrounding pirates. The momentary distraction caused Rendis to lose focus.
Lisa: "If I win, drinks are on me. Oh wait, didn't Serena say she'd buy drinks if she won?"
Taking advantage of the distraction, Serena made her move, flawlessly switching out a card to secure her victory. The pirates and even Rendis remained completely unaware of her deception.
Rendis, confident in his hand, set his cards down.
Rendis: "Let's see you beat this!"
Serena calmly revealed her full house, her smile never fading. The moment Rendis realized his loss, his expression darkened.
Serena: "Looks like I won. That was a close one."
Rendis, caught off guard, stared at his cards in disbelief.
Rendis: "Damn it… I was sure I'd win."
Noticing the navigator's insignia necklace he had bet in the game, Serena hesitated. Instead of keeping it, she decided to return it to him.
Serena: "This seems important to you. I'll give you a chance to win it back next time."
Rendis was surprised. He expected her to take the necklace without hesitation, but her unexpected gesture made him pause. Eventually, he nodded, taking back the necklace with a hint of newfound respect.
Rendis: "Returning a prize? That's not very pirate-like of you."
Serena: (Smirking) "We're all on the same ship, aren't we? It's better if we get along."
Barlok, watching the exchange, chuckled.
Barlok: "Heh. You've got guts. I like that."
Serena's clever manipulation and Merslin's strategic losses successfully earned her trust among the pirates. Lisa continued watching her back, ready for anything.
Just as the game ended, a sudden storm struck. The ship rocked violently as massive waves crashed against its sides. Pirates scrambled to keep control of the vessel.
Pirate 1: "Damn it, secure the sails! If we don't, the ship's gonna tip over!"
Merslin and his team braced themselves as water splashed onto the deck. The situation quickly turned critical.
One of the pirates Serena had won against called out to her.
Pirate 2: "Hey, new girl! In storms like this, survival's all that matters! Get over here and help!"
Serena, seizing the moment, joined them.
Serena: "Got it! Let's work together!"
Another pirate laughed, recalling the gold Serena had won from him.
Pirate 3: "Since you took my money, you better help us out!"
Merslin helped secure the sails alongside Pirate 2, following his lead.
Pirate 2: "This might be your first storm, but don't worry. We've survived worse!"
Lisa, observing how efficiently the pirates handled the storm, was silently impressed.
Lisa: (Thinking) "These guys may be criminals, but when it comes to sailing, they're professionals."
The storm battered the ship, but thanks to the pirates' skill, they managed to stabilize it. As the winds died down, the pirates laughed and patted each other's backs.
Pirate 1: "We made it through! Looks like you rookies ain't half bad!"
Serena smiled, realizing she had gained more trust among them.
Pirate 2: "Let's drink when we reach the island! You earned it, new girl."
As the storm settled, Merslin and his team quietly retreated to the ship's dark corners, maintaining their cover.
Meanwhile, Merslin approached a frightened young boy hiding in the shadows.
Merslin: "It's alright. We'll get you out of here. Do you know anyone on this ship who has useful information?"
The boy hesitated before whispering.
Boy: "That man over there used to be a pirate… He might know something."
Merslin followed the boy's gaze and found an elderly man sitting quietly.
Merslin: "We need to escape. Do you know anything that could help us?"
The man nodded and whispered.
Elderly Man: "This ship is heading to Troll's Isle. The pirates will gather their forces there. But before that, they're stopping at this island to trade information. That's your chance."
Merslin clenched his fists.
Merslin: "That's the moment we make our move."
The island was now visible on the horizon, and the time to act was drawing near.