Chapter 702: Lobbying

Ronald adjusted his clothes, glancing at the pirates around him who were eyeing him like hawks. Slowly, he spread his arms wide.

"Skywyrm King, I've got a gift for you! A fortune beyond your wildest dreams for the Skywyrm Corsairs!"

The room erupted in mocking laughter.

Even Elliot himself chuckled.

"Haha!"

"This guy thinks he can give us a huge fortune?"

"Ridiculous! Who does he think he is?"

"And who does he think we are?"

Ronald ignored the laughter.

He raised his voice, "I know gold and jewels are worthless now. In this frozen world, weapons, energy, food, and people are the real treasures!"

Next to Elliot's throne, a man with short silver-gray hair and burgundy glasses adjusted his frames and spoke coldly:

"Ronald, do you even know what kind of treasure would interest the Skywyrm Corsairs?"

In the southern seas, their prey were entire nations!

Conquering a country was the kind of business that intrigued them.

Ronald chuckled.

"Well then, what if I told you I want to share the wealth of the Silvercrest District of the Astralium Kingdom with you?"

The laughter stopped abruptly.

The pirates stared at Ronald as if he were insane.

Even Elliot and his right-hand man, Edmund Borgia, frowned.

"Are you out of your mind?" Edmund asked coldly.

Ronald grinned and shouted, "No, I'm not crazy! You know how wealthy the Silvercrest District is. The resources of just one of their cities rival those of your small southern nations!"

"And I'm sure you've heard of our exploits."

"The thirteen of us from Eroding Moon have left the entire Silvercrest District helpless."

"We've defeated them twice in direct combat!"

Elliot's eyes sparkled with interest.

He had indeed heard of these events.

Ronald's words sparked murmurs among the pirates.

"I heard the Silvercrest District has been a real headache for Eroding Moon."

"They lost twice to just these guys. Maybe that place isn't as strong as we thought."

"The facts are right here. The leader of Eroding Moon is standing before us. It seems their strength has taken a hit in this post-apocalyptic world."

"If they can't even take down thirteen people, maybe they're not as strong as us Skywyrm Corsairs!"

But then, Joel Grimaldi, the captain of the first squad, with his hooked nose and pale skin, spoke up.

"Don't underestimate any powerful nation! Their foundations are beyond your comprehension."

"If they're as weak as you say, why don't you take them over yourself instead of coming to us?"

"Haha!"

The room filled with laughter again.

Ronald laughed too. "We don't have enough people to do it alone. That's why I'm here, hoping to collaborate with you!"

Ronald fixed his gaze on the ambitious pirate king on the throne.

"Skywyrm King! I doubt you're content with just ruling this small sea."

"The ocean's resources are scarce and can't sustain your long-term plundering."

"But if you could score big from the wealthy Southern State, it would fund your pirate crew for decades!"

"And it would make the Skywyrm Corsairs legendary."

He pointed to himself.

"If you're worried about their strength, I'm the proof you need. I've shown they're not as strong as the rumors say!"

Edmund snapped, "Shut up! You think you can use us as bait with your pathetic tricks? You're courting death!"

Dozens of weapons were drawn, aimed at Ronald.

The pirates, who had been laughing moments ago, turned serious in an instant.

Ronald remained calm.

He ignored Edmund, focusing only on Elliot.

With his hands in his pockets, he smiled and said, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You have the strength, and I can guide you, avoiding the navy!"

"Trust me, if you miss this chance, you'll never get another shot at that rich land!"

He turned to the other pirates.

Hearing this, some of them were tempted.

They were the rulers of the southern seas, having toppled many small nations, with no real enemies on the ocean.

But the constant small skirmishes had grown tiresome.

The chance to defeat a powerful force and plunder their wealth was a thrilling prospect for the Skywyrm Corsairs!

Edmund crossed his arms, a mocking expression on his face after a moment of silence.

"Foolish!"

"You may have had some minor victories, but the foundations of a major power are beyond your understanding!"

"A mere band of wanderers challenging a great power is suicide!"

"You're a reckless madman, but we're not!"

"Pirates can be wild, but we're not stupid!"

Edmund's scolding made Ronald's eyes narrow.

"You're right, I'm a madman! But if we can do it, are the rulers of the southern seas too scared to try?"

"You..."

Edmund was about to retort, but Elliot's glance stopped him.

Edmund stepped back, bowing slightly.

Elliot leaned on his knee, staring at Ronald with amusement.

"Your name is Ronald Perez, right? You're quite an interesting fellow. Bold and daring!"

"If someone like you appeared in the southern seas, I'd kill you without hesitation!"

"You're too bold to be left as an enemy, and too untrustworthy to be a subordinate."

He waved dismissively at Ronald. "So, get out of here! I reject your proposal!"

Elliot's booming voice echoed through the cave on Skywyrm Island.

Ronald squinted.

Elliot's rejection was a huge disappointment.

They had lost five members in the last battle, and needed reinforcements to continue their campaign.

He and Gareth had decided to seek allies separately.

The pirates ruling the southern seas had seemed like the perfect partners.

But Elliot's refusal was absolute, without a hint of hesitation.

Ronald knew further persuasion was futile.

He smiled and bowed to Elliot.

"As you wish."

"But," he said, raising his head with a fiery gaze, "I will show you the flames I ignite on that land!"