Chapter 9: Rust-Induced Mutation

Starfall Harbor lies at the southernmost edge of the southern province of the Augustan Empire.

The sea breeze whispered softly, making the flags atop the watchtower flutter wildly.

Through the telescope, a unique jet-black three-masted sailing ship gradually approached the harbor. Its eerie flag, a striking humanoid figure stitched in white lines against a black background, was impossible to miss.

A soldier standing atop the watchtower lowered his telescope, puzzled. He quickly descended and hurried to the inner office of the harbor, respectfully reporting, “Sir, I have urgent news to report.”

A brass candle holder hung in the corner of the room, casting ample light. There, a portly, fair-skinned middle-aged man clutched a chicken leg, chewing noisily and greedily.

Several well-equipped soldiers stood nearby.

Upon hearing the voice, Victor’s eyes flickered. He waved the soldiers away before looking at the reporting soldier. “What is it? Speak.”

“Sir, the Black Beast has returned to port,” the soldier said hurriedly, wary of the gravity of the situation.

Victor narrowed his already small eyes even further, rendering them mere slits.

“I understand. You may leave for now, but keep constant watch. Report to me immediately if anything unusual occurs.”

The soldier bowed and withdrew as Victor rose, entering a private chamber. He took up a conch-like device and, after some manipulation, respectfully relayed the situation.

“… Sir, what are the next orders?”

A deep male voice came through the conch. “There is suspicion brewing in the capital. In time, a special task force will be dispatched to Starfall Harbor.”

“According to intelligence from our informants, among those accompanying them may be Her Royal Highness, the Seventh Princess. Having such a high-profile figure involved is bound to cause complications if discovered.”

“As per the agreement with the Black Beast’s captain, this transaction will be the last one for the near future. To avoid drawing attention, we only provided one person.”

“The Black Beast’s sudden return to port likely signals some unforeseen change.”

“You are to take men to survey the situation and urge the Black Beast to depart as soon as possible—no longer than three days at most!”

Victor acknowledged the orders with due respect. Only after the glow from the conch dimmed did he straighten his posture and step out.

Escorted by soldiers, Victor soon arrived at the docking area.

From a distance, he spotted the distinct black ship and its bizarre flag fluttering boldly against the wind.

“Damn it.”

Victor cursed silently but made no move to approach further.

As a collaborator with the Black Beast, he was well aware of the ship’s terrifying reputation.

In truth, if not for orders from above, he would have avoided it altogether, conducting previous dealings only through intermediaries.

While Victor hesitated, a hooded figure clad in a robe descended from the Black Beast’s gangplank.

The figure wore gloves and was wrapped tightly from head to toe—an unmistakable uniform of the Black Beast’s crew.

Victor took a deep breath and greeted the stranger with a warm smile, “Sir, what brings you back? Is there something displeasing the captain? I am Victor, the harbor supervisor. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.”

While speaking, Victor scrutinized the figure before him. He noticed the exposed skin at the collar bore a wooden texture, immediately dispelling his suspicions.

Though the chance of the Black Beast’s captain being replaced was slim, caution was necessary.

Elsewhere, the masked Mowen appraised the “portly pig” before him and the soldiers standing behind.

These dock guards were well-armed and physically robust. Though ordinary men, their numbers gave them the advantage. Even now, with Mowen’s ascension to the Black Iron rank and greatly enhanced physique, he could not be sure of prevailing against so many in direct combat.

After all, he possessed rank but lacked experience and skill.

Focusing his gaze on Supervisor Victor, Mowen cast a “Detect” spell.

He had expected Victor to be an ordinary man with only a simple identity introduction like the others, but the scan brought unexpected results.

[Victor, Supervisor of Dock One at Starfall Harbor: Originally an ordinary man without spiritual power. Recently undergone an initial, imperfect rust-element mutation of flesh and blood. His form has become corpulent, with subcutaneous fat storing vast energy, capable of unleashing power comparable to Black Iron practitioners in times of danger.]

Mowen’s eyes flickered beneath his hood, though his expression remained unreadable.

“We’ve returned to handle some business. We’ll depart within a week,” he said, mimicking the husky tone typical of the Black Beast’s crew.

Victor’s plump face showed hesitation. “Normally, we’d cooperate to the fullest, but per our agreement, you should be leaving port now…”

Mowen fell silent, a faint shroud of black mist swirling around him.

This essence was the special biological energy stored within the Black Beast’s Heart. Though lacking tangible offensive power, it was excellent for intimidation.

Victor calmly stepped back half a pace, positioning the soldiers before him, his tone shifting: “However, given your captain’s relationship with my lord, special instructions have been issued allowing you to remain no more than three days in port.”

“Should you fail to depart by then, you understand the consequences.”

With these words—a blend of concession and threat—Victor bowed slightly and swiftly turned to leave.

Mowen found the spectacle somewhat amusing.

This man was truly afraid of death.

Seemingly wary of the Black Beast, the area around the jet-black ship remained notably empty. Mowen tilted his head slightly. “Lady Freya, what are our next steps?”

Beside him stood a witch in an elegant court gown.

Her black hair fluttered in the sea breeze.

From the start, she had disembarked with Mowen but remained unseen by others.

“No rush. We wait here,” Freya said softly, raising her gaze westward.

Following her look, Mowen soon spotted a small black dot rapidly approaching. To his sharpened eyes, it grew larger until it thundered down nearby.

Meanwhile, back inside his chamber, Victor exhaled in relief and hurriedly contacted his superior to report everything in detail.

“… Sir, the Black Beast’s captain did not appear, but the crew members who disembarked were extremely assertive.”

“However, I warned them firmly that they must leave port within three days.”

“Should you require further investigation, I stand ready.”

After a brief silence through the conch, a ruthless voice responded, “Three days—enough time. The Black Beast’s captain is not to be trifled with. No further action is necessary for now… But if they refuse to leave after three days, even at great cost, the Black Beast must be dealt with.”