48 Hours a Day

Zhang Heng stood on the deck, watching the fire burning on the sea. Though he had been through wars, he still found it hard to watch someone commit a massacre. Using cannons to execute a group of surrendered navy personnel and killing them amid battle were two completely different things.

 Considering that this vessel was under the leadership of Orff and Teach and that this matter had everything to do with everyone’s money, Zhang Heng knew that he was powerless to change anything even if he voiced out his opinion.

 When he was in Finland, Simone was there to keep him company. Right now, all he had was Marvin. This time, Marvin did not panic as he used to. On the contrary, he was glad that every single enemy was dead.

 “It’s pointless for you even though they are all dead. You do realize that your pictures are all over the harbor, right? Everyone knows you’re a pirate.”

 “I’m so done. I heard there is a similar punishment for every pirate in every country except for Nassau. The crime is punishable by death once they confirm that you are a pirate. I won’t be able to inherit my father’s farm if I’m dead! Am I destined to be the chef on a pirate ship forever and ever?” exclaimed an upset Marvin.

 Be that as it may, he was all cheery again after a while.

 “Luckily, I still have Kidd’s treasure. As long as I can get my hands on it, I could have a good life in Nassau, even though I can’t return to the civilized part of the world. I don’t have to risk my life at sea ever again! Perhaps I could even marry a couple of beautiful wives too.”

 Zhang Heng did not want to shatter his dream, saying nothing after that. Looking at the sunken ship, Zhang Heng slowly figured out an answer to one of his questions. He realized that Kidd’s treasure might simply be a tool that Orff used to manipulate the pirates. He had his own agenda. What Zhang Heng still could not figure out was the reason behind Orff convincing the pirates to go against the navy. He would not benefit from such a reckless venture.

 The story of Orff slaughtering 400 navy sailors might be for the purpose of building confidence in his abilities. Zhang Heng could see Vengeance in Orff’s gaze when he pulled the trigger. He finally understood that Orff and the captain’s target had always been the navy. Under normal circumstances, pirates stayed away from the navy, where none would be stupid enough to take on such a risky endeavor.

 The six separate pieces of treasure map had become the trojan horse that Orff used in convincing the pirates to attack whichever enemy he desired. Unfortunately, no one on board realized that the captain and helmsman were not bringing them for a treasure hunt, but rather, a trip of vengeance and personal vendetta.

 Nevertheless, these were all deductions. For now, Zhang Heng could not find substantial evidence to support his stand. Everyone Queen Anne’s Revenge was like Marvin; they were excited about getting a share of the treasure that they were about to find. Considering they had sacrificed a lot to get to where they were today, nothing could move them even if they suspected something was off. One had to say that Orff was really good at what he did.

 As for now, everything was under his control. He was so close to completing his agenda.

 He was on the victory lap, and his senses were on high alert right now. At this crucial point, he would never allow anyone to spoil his plan. When the smoke and flames finally cleared, the sun had disappeared below the horizon as well. Standing beside the gunwale, Zhang Heng could feel something coming. He then turned around and looked at the boatswain standing beside the mast. Both of them exchanged glances, with Orff nodding to them as well.

 “A storm is coming. Can you please check the mainsail?”

 “Alright.”

 Zhang Heng agreed without any hesitation. Swiftly, he passed all the weapons in his possession to Marvin. As Orff stared at him, he climbed up the mast. Within minutes, Zhang Heng had already reached the top.

 “Everything is fine,” said Zhang Heng to the boatswain.

 Initially, Orff thought Zhang Heng knew his secret, which explained why he was cautious about him. Since Zhang Heng was in charge of maneuvering the mainsail, it was easy for Orff to make his death seem like an accident. He just needed to mess around with the ropes on top of the mast, and Zhang Heng would surely fall to his death.

 However, Orff did not know that Zhang Heng had Shadow Moment. Zhang Heng figured that if he could enter his shadow state the moment he fell, he should be able to be spared from injuries.

With that in mind, he was not worried that Orff might kill him as he ascended the tall structure. When Orff dealt with Goodwin, Zhang Heng noticed that he would always create a high-stress environment to observe the reaction of his target. Zhang Heng could also confirm that his response managed to baffle Orff.

 “Thank you for your hard work. I’m pretty sure Rothko is proud of you.”

 Orff did not notice anything out of the ordinary with Zhang Heng. So, he thanked him and went to check other places. As for Marvin, he saw that there was nothing wrong with the two of them.

 Zhang Heng did not rush down from the mast. At first, he wanted to learn to control the mainsail from Rothko because he predicted it would be an essential skill as a captain. After a while, though, he learned how to like this job. When he was at the top of the mast, he would enjoy the spectacular view mother nature presented in front of him.

 It had been 11 months now since Zhang Heng entered this world. Apart from the game points he earned and the new skills he learned, his skin was now a bronze tan due to the constant exposure under the sun. His palms had grown calluses, having to climb up the rough wooden mast every day using a rope. Most importantly, he had gotten used to this lifestyle.

 He noticed that the ocean in the 18th century was way more mysterious and magnificent when compared to the ones in the modern world. New adventures and impossible challenges awaited Zhang Heng in this world, although it lacked in many areas. Right now, he was ready to become a captain. Before that, he had to stay at the Queen Anne’s Revenge for at least another month.

 And indeed, this month was not going to be peaceful and calm.

 Orff’s revenge plan was coming to its final stage. On the other hand, Frazer still did nothing about it. That did not mean people on this ship had forgotten about him, as Zhang Heng knew that there was more than one eye on this ship besides Kent the carpenter.

In the end, they would cross paths at Charleston to end the whole thing. In times like these, it was dangerous for Zhang Heng to be stuck in the middle. On the bright side, it could be a golden opportunity for him.