"Mm, as long as you're willing to keep your promise."

Wang Zhifan seemed relatively satisfied with the response and didn't continue talking to the old man, instead turning to ask another crocodile-headed strongman the same question without looking back.

"I plan to first purchase some items at this port, then return to the ship to pray."

The crocodile-headed strongman immediately replied behind Wang Zhifan, his tone low and thick, distinct from that of ordinary humans.

"Mm, may the Sea God bless you."

Wang Zhifan seemed satisfied with the response from this non-human individual as well.

He then turned around and said to the two people he valued more:

"I hope you all have a pleasant three days, just like our cooperation to come... You can now go about your own business."

Surprisingly, he didn't say much by way of warnings, simply letting them leave directly.

The One-Eyed Dragon old man looked somewhat thrilled but managed to suppress his emotions, turning steadily to leave, not forgetting to bid Wang Zhifan farewell before he went.

The crocodile-headed strongman didn't bother with any pleasantries. He didn't even leave immediately, turning to walk toward the entrance of the straight ladder on the deck leading to the cabin.

Soon, Wang Zhifan, standing on the deck, saw pirates climbing over the side of the ship and down the ropes into bustling Princess Harbor, including the One-Eyed Dragon old man, who appeared to be behaving normally.

"Not sure how many will come back... But I can't just let them loose completely; I need to keep an eye on key targets."

Wang Zhifan thought silently, then released one of his Dream Me Avatars, which, unnoticed, passed through the hull and slipped underground, starting to track these departing pirates.

He believed these guys wouldn't act recklessly in this navy-strong port city, or they'd risk getting caught if their identities were exposed. However, he wasn't too sure how many of them would actually be willing to work for him. In his plan, having these people operate the pirate ship underfoot to venture to the Storm Sea was most appropriate, for they were the most familiar with the ship. But as for how things would turn out, no one would know until the time came.

"Better make some preparations. I'll recruit more crew at the port; after all, I have plenty of Gold Coins now and can afford high wages, which should attract some talent."

Wang Zhifan thought about it and soon left the pirate ship, boarding the Sea Parrot on the adjacent berth.

This ship did not have problem-causing pirates, but Chen Ming and Chen Can, the two brothers, were waiting here. The pirates never knew their relationship with Wang Zhifan from beginning to end, an intentional isolation by Wang Zhifan for their safety.

"Fan, we don't feel so seasick today. Probably won't get seasick the next time we set sail either."

As soon as he saw Wang Zhifan arrive, Chen Ming immediately told him, indicating that both of them had basically recovered physically and could help out later.

"Great, since you're both back in shape, you can take part in the upcoming matters."

Wang Zhifan nodded slightly. He was actually somewhat troubled taking care of two sickly people, but since they had adapted to the rocking at sea, they should be able to contribute when heading to the Storm Sea later.

"Fan, can we go out for a stroll? This shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Chen Can asked, slightly influenced by his younger brother these few days, he acted very cautiously, prioritizing Wang Zhifan's opinion to avoid causing any problems, though initially going ashore was quite a personal matter.

"A stroll is fine... But the same goes, always be mindful of safety."

Wang Zhifan thought for a moment before answering the young man, agreeing for them to go ashore for a walk.

"Aren't you coming with us, Fan?"

Chen Ming found it strange upon hearing this, as he noticed that Wang Zhifan didn't seem to have any plans to walk around the port with them at this moment.

"I have quite a few things to handle, like ship repairs and recruitment. Maybe later when I'm free..."

Wang Zhifan replied offhandedly, as he was indeed quite tied up at the moment.

"In that case... We'll help you recruit, Fan. I've interviewed plenty of staff before and have recruitment experience."

Upon hearing this, Chen Can quickly replied with a bright idea, voluntarily giving up the chance to loaf around with his younger brother.

"That's how it should be. Fan, you wouldn't even imagine the amount of work you've done; we two haven't contributed at all and should really step up now."

Chen Ming immediately agreed, evidently realizing that he and his brother had been way too laid-back in this sub-dungeon. Although it was to avoid trouble, letting Wang Zhifan handle everything wasn't quite right either.

"Alright, I was just worrying about how to recruit. Since you have experience, you take charge. I need experienced sailors, navigators... Salary isn't an issue, just offer more if needed."

They continued discussing specific recruitment matters. This was related to their subsequent significant issue of going to the Storm Sea, so there was no room for carelessness. Wang Zhifan planned to pool candidates from the original ship pirates, those introduced by the Sea Parrot's captain, and those personally recruited by him to prevent a crew shortage and ensure no single faction could collude against him.

While they were busy here, other players in this dungeon world were also taking action, actively or passively planning to head to the Storm Sea to find Forbidden Fruit Island.

For instance, a player who left quite an impression on them, the one who preferred to lay low, was now in significant trouble, making it impossible for him to continue his leisurely ways.

"Brothers! Charge! Take all of the treasures in this town!"

At that moment, several pirate ships unexpectedly appeared at the harbor in the small seaside town where that player first arrived. Then more than a thousand pirates descended with great momentum, starting to sack the port town, which was woefully unprepared for defense, plunging the entire town into chaos.

"So it's true, they won't leave me be... Just a few days of peace... Clearing this dungeon is such a hassle..."

In an ordinary hotel, a man who had been peacefully sleeping on the bed realized there were a large number of enemies outside, forcing him to get up and prepare to leave.

His appearance was somewhat unusual, with long black hair and a thick beard, giving off a somewhat shabby "artist" vibe. He was the player who initially stated, at the beginning of the dungeon, that he didn't want to participate and just wanted to lay low.

"What is the goal of this dungeon again? Deep sea? Some island?"

Realizing that idling would indeed attract targeted scenarios in the dungeon, he appeared to be straining to remember the clearance objective of this dungeon.

"Better find other players to ask."

Feeling stuck, he wasn't discouraged, so much so that even when he heard the pirates outside entering his street, starting to rob and kill, he remained quite calm.

With roars, cries, and screams rising from outside, he suddenly transformed, turning into a bird and flew out of the window up into the sky, quickly surveying the entire pirate-torn town from above.

Suddenly, his figure shot toward a spot on the ground, where he transformed again from a tiny bird into a more than three-meter-tall silverback gorilla, promptly pounding over a dozen pirates into pulp, rescuing three young men and women who were originally fighting the pirates.

"You're all players, right? I'll lead you to clear this dungeon next."

Reverting from a silverback gorilla to a human form, he spoke to the three players still in the town.

"You're... that person?!"

The three players were startled by the gorilla suddenly becoming human, and when they recognized him as the player who wanted to lay low at the start of the dungeon, they exclaimed.

"That's me. No time to waste talking; if we don't act, the dungeon will send stronger enemies. Let's move quickly."

With that, he led the players to stealthily head toward the harbor, completely different from his laid-back appearance sipping drinks and eating grilled fish in the tavern a few days ago.

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