The bustling activity on Rich Berg Island reaches new heights with the grand opening of a new restaurant called *Immortal Bytes*, which has quickly beco the talk of the town. The establishnt draws in crowds from all corners of the island, eager to experience its unique culinary offerings. Unknown to most, this restaurant is a new venture by Tyler, who has expanded his influence beyond the sea and into the world of business.
Tyler had hired a group of locals and slaves from his ship to staff the restaurant. The manager, once a slave under Tyler’s command, now walks with pride and purpose, overseeing the restaurant’s operations. This new position is not just a job but a symbol of the freedom Tyler promised, a testant to his ability to transform lives. The manager, alongside their partner, was one of the couples chosen by Situ for this opportunity. Having been granted their freedom, they now have the chance to start fresh, building a new life on Rich Berg Island while ensuring the restaurant’s success. Their gratitude towards Tyler is profound, as they never imagined their future would be so bright.
Beyond the restaurant, Tyler has also launched another business venture: the *White Auction Hall*. This establishnt is set to beco a hub for the sale of rare artifacts, treasures, and other valuable items. The auction hall is ticulously managed, with monthly auctions that promise to attract wealthy buyers and collectors from across the Seas. The slaves on Tyler’s ship have been rigorously trained for their roles in this new enterprise, with the promise of eventual freedom driving their hard work and dedication. Each of them is keenly aware that their efforts in the auction hall could lead to a better future.
As Tyler supervises the preparations, he takes a mont to speak with Situ, who has been instruntal in organizing the new ventures. "Situ... Don’t you want to settle down?" Tyler asks, noticing the dedication Situ has shown not just to the business, but to the crew and their well-being.
Situ, ever composed, replies, "It’s alright, Master. I will do it when the ti is right." Tyler didn’t catches the brief glance Situ directs toward Darla, who is walking by with a tea tray.
As Tyler, Lily, and Mana discussed their rapidly growing ventures on Rich Berg Island, the conversation took a turn toward the practicalities of their business operations.
"I heard that rent on Rich Berg Island is sky high? How many years did you rent?" Lily asked, curious about the costs involved.
Tyler’s response was casual, yet it carried the weight of soone who had ticulously planned for success. "What rent? I just bought it," he replied with a confident smile.
Lily raised an eyebrow, impressed but not entirely surprised. Tyler’s ambition had always been clear, but this was another level.
"We’re also selling Mathilda’s Essence Rejuvenation Pill," Tyler continued, changing the topic to another success. "That pill is a huge hit. Each one sells for 100 Lydia. Just today, we sold 10,000."
Mana’s eyes widened in shock. "Ah... That ans it’s 100,000 Lydia?" she exclaid, trying to wrap her head around the numbers.
Lily couldn’t help but chuckle at Mana’s mistake. "We should drown your math knowledge in the Northern Seas... It’s 1,000,000 Lydia."
Realizing her error, Mana stuck her tongue out playfully, acknowledging her silly mistake.
However, Lily’s thoughts turned to the potential consequences of their booming sales. "Many people might stock them up and decide to sell them for higher prices later when there’s more demand," she warned.
Tyler, unconcerned, waved his hand dismissively. "It’s fine," he said, leading them to a nearby workshop. Inside, a sleek, modern machine humd softly as it worked, its efficiency evident in the orderly rows of pills it produced.
"Oh... The pill maker," Mana said, recognizing the machine.
"Yeah," Tyler confird. "This improved version can make 1,000 pills in an hour if there are enough ingredients. As for ingredients, I’ve already bought so farmland on a nearby island. I also forged a contract with the Bank of Atlantis for security."
Lily nodded, understanding the foresight behind his actions. "So, you’re setting up everything to run smoothly even when you’re not here."
"Exactly," Tyler said, his tone serious. "I’m not going to be on every island, so I have to prepare everything before leaving. These businesses will generate money while I sail the North."
With everything in place, Tyler’s ventures were poised to thrive, allowing him to continue his journey while ensuring a steady stream of inco.
---
Tyler’s ship was finally ready to leave Rich Berg Island after a month of preparation. The crew bustled about, making last-minute adjustnts and securing supplies for their next journey into the Northern Seas.
On deck, Mathilda leaned against the railing, gazing out at the horizon. "Astrid must have reached the Rosefall Kingdom by now," she remarked, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Probably," Lily replied, absorbed in the newspaper she was reading.
Mathilda turned to her. "Did you get any news?" she asked, curiosity piqued.
"I asked the informants on the island to keep updated," Lily said, flipping to the next page. Just as she spoke, a seagull swooped down, dropping a small scroll into her lap before flying off. "Speak of the devil," she added, picking up the scroll.
Lily quickly unrolled the small paper scroll, her eyes scanning the contents. Suddenly, she stood up, shock written across her face.
"What happened?" Tyler asked, noticing her reaction as he approached.
Lily looked up at him, her expression grave. "Tyler, Astrid has been captured by the Silver Eye Pirates."
"Huh?" Tyler’s eyes widened in disbelief.
┉┈ ◈ ◉ ◈ ┈┉
anwhile, in the misty waters of the Rosefall Sea, the Silver Eye Pirates’ ship cut through the fog like a phantom. The ship was eerie and imposing, its dark sails billowing silently in the wind.
Deep within the ship’s hold, Astrid lay unconscious, chained to the cold, damp walls of a cell. Next to her, Lutz, equally battered and bruised, was slumped against the floor. Both were barely conscious, their breaths shallow.
Outside the cell, two pirates stood guard, their conversation filled with disdain.
"Hmph... These Phantom Pirates, how can they have a bounty higher than our captain? Just a bunch of nobodies," one of the guards scoffed.
"Do you think they’ll co after this girl?" the other guard asked, casting a glance at Astrid.
"So what if they do? Our captain can pulverize them easily," the first guard bragged, confidence oozing from his words.
As Astrid slowly regained consciousness, the cold, damp air of the cell wrapped around her like a shroud. Her head throbbed with pain, and every muscle in her body ached from the rough treatnt she had endured. She could barely move her limbs, bound tightly by heavy chains that dug into her wrists and ankles. The dim light from a flickering lantern outside the cell cast eerie shadows across the stone walls, creating an oppressive atmosphere that would have crushed the spirit of anyone less determined.
She blinked a few tis, her vision gradually coming into focus. The last thing she rembered was the sense of relief when she thought she had safely reached Rosefall Kingdom. But she suddenly fell unconscious and was brought here to the cell. Lutz’s faint groans from beside her brought Astrid’s attention back to the present. She turned her head slowly, wincing at the pain that shot through her neck.
Astrid tested the strength of the chains binding her. They were strong, but not unbreakable. She could not even feel a single bit of Prana.
Astrid sat in her cell, trying to make sense of the hushed conversation between two pirates. She had been their captive for nearly two weeks, yet they hadn’t handed her over to whoever hired them.
"Why are we still sailing aimlessly? Shouldn’t we have delivered her by now?" one pirate grumbled, his voice low but edged with impatience.
"It’s not up to us," the other replied, shrugging. "Whoever requested her capture has their own plans. We’ll have to wait until the boss figures it out."
A chill ran down Astrid’s spine. She had long suspected the involvent of the Pri Minister in her kidnapping, and their words only confird her fears.
"Why don’t we just enjoy her company while we wait?" The first pirate’s tone took on a dark, suggestive note, sending a fresh wave of fear through Astrid.
"No. Captain’s orders were clear—not to touch her," the other pirate warned, his voice firm.
Astrid exhaled, relieved, though her heart continued to pound. Suddenly, both pirates fell silent. They exchanged a glance and walked over to her cell. With a creak, the door swung open, and Astrid tensed, unsure of what to expect.
From the shadows, a figure erged—elegant, alluring, and dangerously beautiful. It was the infamous Manhunter, Isadora Nightkiss.
"Finally, found you," Isadora purred, her voice a silky whisper. She reached out, her touch grazing Astrid’s neck, and with that, Astrid’s world faded into darkness.
"Target acquired," Isadora said with a satisfied smile as she turned to leave the cell.
But she didn’t notice the shadow that had been silently approaching her, blending seamlessly into the darkness of the ship.
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