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Published: March 12, 2025
CHAPTER 404: Ryan Encountering an Ambush
Traveling by sea from the Roson Empire to the Aksu Empire takes about seven days. Once inside the Aksu Empire's borders, it would take approximately another three days by sea to reach the nearest port city to the Versailles Principality, Pudding City. Upon arrival, Ryan and the others would disembark and switch to a carriage for another seven days of overland travel to Casa City.
Hart mentioned that the area known as the "no-man's land" would be encountered on the fifth day at sea, spanning a total of two days. This area was notorious for its lack of naval presence from either the Roson Empire or the Aksu Empire, serving as a buffer zone between the two nations. Any fleet entering this no-man's land would cause alarm on the opposing side, leading to a significant absence of military vessels over time, ultimately resulting in rampant piracy.
Almost everyone who sails the seas knows that once you enter the no-man's land, you must be prepared for potential robbery at any moment, as battles can erupt unexpectedly.
After several days at sea, the Smooth Sail Ship was finally about to enter the no-man's land. Hart grew increasingly anxious because a ship had been following them closely.
To ensure the crew could rest and be ready for any imminent battle, Hart decided to stop the ship before entering the no-man's land and let everyone rest for a day. He also wanted to confirm whether the following ship was genuinely tailing them or simply traveling the same route.
Hart discovered that the ship was indeed following them, maintaining a relatively safe distance while resting just like the Smooth Sail Ship.
After consulting with Ryan, Hart realized there was no point in discussing it further. He could only order the crew to remain on standby for combat.
After a day of rest, Hart and the crew officially entered the no-man's land the next day. As soon as they entered, all ships instinctively kept a safe distance from those not in their fleet to avoid misunderstandings, as merchant ships could turn into pirates at any moment.
Hart paid special attention to the ship that had been following them, which still maintained a safe distance and did not attack, leading him to trust Ryan's words a bit more.
The first day passed peacefully. That evening, after anchoring and setting up watch, Hart and the others went to rest, but everyone kept their weapons within easy reach.
The next day, they set off early. Everyone was on edge, fearing trouble. However, perhaps luck was on their side, as they encountered no attacks, which relieved Hart. By evening, they had entered the Aksu Empire's waters, and Hart finally relaxed.
Little did Hart know that the day after they entered the Aksu Empire's waters, they would be attacked. This assault did not come from the ship that had been following them, but from Aksu Empire warships.
Three Aksu Empire warships were patrolling the sea. Initially, Hart thought they were just routine patrol vessels and paid them no mind. However, they were soon within firing range, and the warships instantly unleashed a fierce barrage, catching Hart and his crew off guard. Several crew members were killed, and several lifeboats were destroyed.
Fortunately, Hart and his crew were seasoned veterans and quickly reacted. Regardless of why they were being attacked, they began to fight back. However, they were merely a merchant vessel, while the enemy had three warships, putting them at a disadvantage both in firepower and maneuverability.
Just then, the ship that had been following them moved in to engage the three warships. The attack from that ship was ferocious, far beyond what their smaller vessel could compare. Most importantly, its crew seemed reckless, as if they were willing to perish alongside the enemy.
At this moment, Hart finally believed that this ship was there to protect them. However, he found it strange: who could be there to protect them? If it were someone from the family, they should have contacted him. If not, who were they?