Chapter 177 - Blizzard Is Good At Running Away (2/2)

Thank goodness the Blizzard got the message, as their crew immediately circled around and made her way behind the Quidah. Erik wasn’t bothered to find faults with Hutcheson right now, nor did he pay attention to where the Blizzard was heading. After all, even without the Blizzard’s help, he was confident that they could defeat the enemy ship on their own.

Erik ordered his crew to return fire. With that first counterattack, the Quidah exhibited its legendary Caribbean reputation. The pirate ship that had just kicked Blizzard’s butt a minute ago was overwhelmed by the Quidah. Whether in terms of firepower or the quality of their personnel, the difference between them was so clear that you practically see it with your naked eye. It was only a matter of time before the newcomer would be subdued.

Erik was composed, just like all the other battles he had fought before. Once the Quidah opened fire, it was clear who the victorious one would be. The helmsman even had the opportunity around and spectate the Blizzard’s embarrassment. As soon as he saw the Blizzard’s opening the shutters of the cannons, however, the smile on his face was wiped away.

The helmsman sensed that something was amiss. He immediately shouted to the pirate who was manning the helm, screaming, “Hard to port! Double-time!!!”

It was too late, though, for in a split second, the Blizzard’s weak countenance took a 180-degree turn. Hutcheson’s incredible performance had everyone fooled. He was now in the best offensive position. With their ships so close together, his cannons would tear through the Quidah with ease.

This unexpected turn of events was a disaster for the Quidah. With their starboard side taking a hit from the devastating blow, everything on the ship tumbled and collided, and they were forced to stop their attack on the other pirate ship. This gave the latter an opportunity to counterattack.

The sudden change in circumstance caught everyone off guard, including the Jackdaw. Little did they know, however, that danger was quietly inching towards them.

The pirate on the crow’s nest had not forgotten Zhang Heng’s instructions and kept a watchful eye on the sea. All he could see though, was a vast expanse of ocean and the other ships. Even he himself started believing that he was a little too edgy. If another enemy did show up, it would take them at least half an hour to enter their firing range, more than enough time to prepare themselves for battle.

So, when the first enemy appeared and slit the throat of an unlucky pirate when everyone was still unaware, the first person to react was the pirate on the crow’s nest. Although distracted by the Blizzard’s sudden betrayal, he was first to notice any unusual activities down below, being way up high. He shouted at the top of his lungs, warning his crew that they were under attack. As soon as he did that, an arrow flew into his throat, and the poor guy dropped to the ground without saying another word.

Thanks to his warning, the pirates on deck were now aware of intruders on their ship. One look at the attacker’s wet clothes, and Anne knew right away where they came from. When the Blizzard went to intercept the pirate ship that arrived later, they passed the Jackdaw. These men must have jumped into the water then. They waited until the Quidah was under siege before attacking the Jackdaw.

The redhead was ecstatic. She was just lamenting about staying on the boat, not having anything to do. Now that a battle had presented itself at her doorstep, Anne licked her lips, drew her dagger, and welcomed it with open arms.

Led by the boatswain, the pirates on the Jackdaw quickly snapped out of their initial panic and jumped right into battle.

Dufresne was secretly grateful that Zhang Heng left all the good fighters on the ship. The thirty men that Zhang Heng had brought with him included the cook, carpenter, and doctor. Thanks to early detection by the pirate on the crow’s nest, the enemy only managed to kill around four men and did not cause any widespread panic.

After that, Anne quickly stabilized the situation. There were not many in this group of attackers, only around twenty or more of them. This was not because Hutcheson was reluctant to send more, but rather, he was worried that the more of them there were, the easier they would be discovered. Above all, he still had to fight the Quidah–the enemy that mattered most to him. By comparison, he did not care much for Zhang Heng or his Jackdaw.