Chapter 578: Captain Hook (2)
Inside the city walls of Bin City, the area was divided into six distinct zones.
The Giant’s Head Harbor.
The Black Workshop.
Credit Street.
The Seafood Market.
The Central Square Market.
And the area where those of no particular importance resided.
Each zone was responsible for a certain function, such as production, distribution, or housing, and as Jack explained, about half of them also served as bases for pirates, black magicians, and smugglers.
"I heard about this from Mr. Lysandro. Pirates dominate the Giant’s Head Harbor, black magicians occupy the Black Workshop, and smugglers control Credit Street. While it’s not officially sanctioned, I heard they’re generally allowed to manage things on their own."
“Oh, you heard correctly. We leave most matters to them, just as you said.”
“But why?” Oliver asked.
Although the concept of power-sharing among firms like Crime Firms, city councilors, and the Tower of Magic existed in Landa, this was due to its origins as a coalition from the very start.
Typically, organizations, whether big or small, tended to concentrate their power in one place rather than split it.
Viewed from this perspective, Jack's decision in founding Bin City was quite unusual.
Jack responded, "I decided it was the best course of action. While I was fortunate enough to lay the groundwork for the city, maintaining it requires various people. So, I gave them what they wanted—freedom and rights.”
Oliver understood. Freedom and rights—seemingly simple words, yet they possessed an undeniable allure.
Even Landa, with its overwhelming economic strength, chose to call itself a ‘City of Freedom’ rather than merely an economic city.
Jack raised his finger, continuing, “To put it plainly, what I mean is that the influence of the pirates at the Giant’s Head Harbor is considerable. While they won’t completely disregard what I say as mayor, I also can’t ignore their voice. After all, they play an important role in this city.”
Oliver nodded.
For Jack, the pirates were another kind of producer, providing food, daily necessities, and stolen goods through their raids—a crucial resource in managing the city.
“That’s why all I can do for you is arrange a meeting with Mr. Hook. From there, Mr. Dave will need to handle things himself. I hope you understand.”
“Of course. We’ve already discussed that. I’m just grateful for your help in getting this far... Still, I am curious about something.”
“What is it?”
“Well, you mentioned that it would take Captain Hook three or four more days to arrive, so how did he manage to get here so soon? I’m happy he’s here early, but I’m curious as to why.”
It was a reasonable question. A deviation from the schedule typically indicated some sort of unforeseen variable, and such variables were often problematic.
Jack seemed to understand this as well.
“Someone must have contacted Hook before I did.”
His voice conveyed suspicion. When asked who, Jack replied.
“Probably other pirates. They have communication devices they carry to exchange information.”
Oliver was momentarily impressed, letting out an “Oh…” but quickly found it unsurprising.
After all, they had formed a faction to protect their own interests, so having such communication devices made sense. The real question was, why had Hook been summoned?
The answer wasn’t hard to deduce with a bit of thought.
“Was it because of me?”
“Most likely. Suddenly, a famous black magician appears, interacting with the Black Magician Guild... Naturally, they’d feel tense.”
Just as he suspected—the pirates had called Hook over because of none other than Oliver.
Here he was, flaunting his power and wealth in the middle of the city, staying in the City Hall, and meeting with members of the Black Magician Guild regularly.
Though he claimed to be here for personal matters, he hadn’t explained his intentions in detail, which likely only fueled their unease.
‘Still, I can’t exactly go around telling them I’m here to see Captain Hook and ask for passage to Neverland… Hmm, but maybe this isn’t so bad?’
Despite the sudden turn of events, Oliver decided to view it positively.
Although it stemmed from a misunderstanding, he could meet Hook sooner, which wasn’t entirely a bad outcome.
He trusted Jane would manage for a while, but there was no reason to linger.
‘Yes, this isn’t bad.’
Just as Oliver was thinking optimistically, they arrived at the Giant’s Head Harbor.
“Just as the messenger said—Captain Hook has arrived,” Jack said, pointing to one side of the harbor in the distance.
Near the Giant God’s Skull Rock, where many pirate ships were anchored, one ship stood out in particular.
It was an enormous and ornate red galleon, with a most striking feature—a figurehead of a young girl attached to the bow.
A blonde girl in a sky-blue dress—the statue looked so lifelike, it seemed as though it could start moving at any moment.
“Hmm…”
Oliver murmured as he observed the ship, and Jack offered an explanation.
“That’s the Wendy Ho, Captain Hook’s ship.”
“Hmm... I see. Can I meet Captain Hook if I go there?”
“No, Mr. Hook is likely at the Pirate Hall. It’s a bit further along.”
“What is the Pirate Hall?”
“Hehe. It’s where the Pirate Faction gathers. Just over there.”
A third voice joined in, pointing to one side.
There, beyond the Giant God’s Skull Rock, stood an enormous boulder.
Oliver gazed at the massive rock for a moment before turning to face the unfamiliar voice. A kindly-looking old man with a sturdy build, incongruous in his striped pajamas and sleep cap, stood there.
Jack greeted him, as though they were acquainted.
“Is that you, Mr. Smee?”
“Ho ho ho. How do you do, Mr. Mayor? It’s a pleasure to meet you in person.”
The elderly man tipped his sleep cap in greeting, revealing his disheveled hair.
“Yes… Likewise, Mr. Smee. But what brings you here?”
“I’ve come on an errand.”
“What sort of errand?”
“To guide you.”
...
Smee, Captain Hook’s right-hand man.
The elderly man introduced himself as such while leading Oliver and Jack.
"The Captain sent me here when he heard the Mayor himself was coming. It’s unusual for him to summon me directly, you know. Ho ho, clever, isn’t he?”
Smee explained that Captain Hook had anticipated Jack’s arrival based solely on the fact that Jack had contacted him first. Apparently, Hook also had exceptional insight.
“Greetings, friends,” Smee said, offering a friendly wave as they reached a narrow path.
There, they encountered pirates.
One pirate sharpening a scimitar.
Another with a hand cannon prosthetic.
A pirate with a sharp, needle-like beard.
One decked out in silk clothes and gold rings.
Gamblers at a card table.
A pirate downing a tankard of ale.
Some with deeply tanned, sunburned skin.
Others with dark, ruddy, or ghostly pale complexions.
All around the Pirate Hall near the Giant God’s Skull Rock, a veritable crowd of pirates loitered about.
‘Not just numerous, but well-equipped.’
Oliver surveyed his surroundings, noting the defenses.
Around the Giant God’s Skull, there were massive cranes unloading supplies, tightly packed buildings where barricades could easily be erected, and defensive weaponry like machine guns and cannons.
It was essentially a pirate stronghold.
A hulking brute approached, bare-chested and towering over them.
“Ahoy there, Smee. And who might these folks be?”
The pirate eyed Oliver, Jack, and the City Guard escorting them.
The City Guards were heavily armed, which seemed to put the pirates on edge.
“Who else? The Mayor.”
“The... Mayor?”
The pirate looked baffled, exchanging glances with his comrades. It seemed they, too, didn’t recognize the face of the Bin City Mayor.
At that moment, Jack stepped forward with a smile.
“Greetings, citizens! Your loyal servant, the eternal worker of Bin City—Mayor Jack.”
He smiled warmly, almost like a country lad, though the pirates’ reactions were tense and cautious.
“Uh… hmm…”
Upon realizing Jack was indeed the Mayor, a flicker of fear and tension crossed their faces.
‘Why is that? Perhaps his unusually youthful appearance? Or his... abnormal vitality?’
While Oliver pondered, the pirate who had regained his composure spoke.
“Hmph! Even if you are the Mayor, this is our territory! The City Guard has no business here!”
The pirate, both a citizen and a pirate of Bin City, clearly disapproved of the City Guard’s presence.
It was unofficial in name only; in truth, this was very much a self-governed pirate zone.
Yet, Jack didn’t react emotionally.
“Ah, my mistake. Please wait here,” he instructed the City Guards before turning to Oliver. “Are you alright with this?”
Oliver nodded. All he needed from Jack was the introduction.
With the matter swiftly settled, the pirates reluctantly cleared a path, and Smee continued to lead Oliver and Jack into the Pirate Hall, located within the Giant God’s Skull Rock.
“Wow… It’s enormous.”
Inside the Skull Rock, Oliver could finally take in its overwhelming size. Awestruck, he murmured to himself.
“This is one reason the pirates established themselves here in Bin City. Impressive, isn’t it?”
“Is this really the remains of a Giant God?”
Oliver immediately asked about the rumors surrounding the birth of Bin City, intrigued by the structure’s resemblance to a human brain—a connection too detailed to ignore.
Jack was about to respond with a smile when Smee interjected.
“Ho ho. We’ve arrived.”
With a scoff and a grin, Smee pushed open an enormous door.
A deep, resonant sound echoed as the door creaked open, revealing a group of pirates adorned with golden paint.
Among them were some familiar faces Oliver had seen at the fighting arena, as well as some he hadn’t encountered. But they all shared one thing in common—they were unmistakably extraordinary beings.
A massive druid with bulging muscles.
A black magic user of substantial size, clad in enchanted gear.
A female black magician flanked by beautiful zombie puppets.
And a sorcerer exuding intense magical power, as if professionally trained.
Yet, Oliver’s attention was drawn to one figure in particular—a long-haired pirate with a hook for a hand, sipping tea.
A strikingly handsome man in aristocratic attire, with a red feathered hat and uniform, devoid of any of the rugged looks of the others, his features stood out, as did his deep, forget-me-not blue eyes.
“That must be Captain Hook.”
As the door opened, allowing only a brief exchange of glances, Oliver immediately recognized the man in the red uniform.
He hadn’t spoken loudly, but his words were clear, drawing all eyes to him.
An abrupt silence filled the room as the man in the red uniform responded.
“Correct. I am Captain Hook… It’s been a while, Mayor.”
Captain Hook removed his feathered hat, giving a graceful bow to Jack.
His demeanor set him apart from the other pirates, and Jack greeted him in kind.
“Good day, Mr. Hook. You’ve arrived sooner than expected.”
“My business wrapped up early, and… well, I’d heard some interesting rumors.”
Captain Hook’s gaze fell on Oliver.
“...It seems the rumors are true. Now, Mr. Dave, tell me—how did you know who I was?”
Evidently, the pirates had told Captain Hook about Oliver, for he recognized Oliver immediately.
“...Do you mind if I answer honestly?” Oliver asked, confirming before responding. Hook gave a nod.
“Yes, I’d like to hear it.”
“It was the black magic aura emanating from you and your crew members like Mr. Smee here... To be exact, from your creatures. That’s how I identified you, Captain Hook.”
At this, everyone in the room showed signs of surprise.
It was, after all, a well-kept secret that Hook’s crew consisted of creatures.
“Ho… You have a sharp eye. Until now, no one has caught on—even in this city, crawling with black magicians like rats.”
“Well, you crafted them well enough to evade most black magicians,” Oliver replied sincerely. Every one of Hook’s crew members, including Smee, was an exquisitely crafted creature, made with precision beyond the perception of ordinary black magicians.
It took exceptional skill in black magic, along with a craftsman’s care and detailed memory, to produce such creatures.
“And yet, you saw through it right away, Mr. Dave.”
“I have sharp eyes. But if I may, I have a favor to ask, Captain Hook.”
Oliver went straight to the point.
While the conversation was enjoyable, he couldn’t ignore his concern for Jane.
Fortunately, this turned out to be a good choice.
“That’s surprising. I had heard otherwise—that you and the Mayor were conspiring with the Black Magician Guild to take over this place.”
“I assure you, I have no such intentions. I came simply to ask Captain Hook for a favor... If I caused any misunderstandings by creating a disturbance in the city and meeting with the Black Magician Guild, I apologize.”
“Ah... But there’s one thing.”
Hook raised his hook-hand, which gleamed in the light.
“What is this favor you seek? What could a troubleshooter from across the sea in Landa possibly need from me?”
“Because it’s something only Captain Hook can do.”
"...”
“Please guide me to Neverland.”
...
“Puhahaha! Hahaha!”
“Ha ha ha!”
“Kehehehe!”
“Kyahaha!”
Seconds after Oliver’s request, Hook burst out laughing, and the rest of the pirates joined in, their laughter echoing.
To them, it was utterly absurd.
Their laughter seemed endless, reverberating throughout the room.
However, Oliver, the one being mocked, remained unfazed, simply observing Hook, almost as if studying him.
Was it Oliver’s steady gaze that calmed Hook’s laughter? Bit by bit, Hook’s laughter subsided.
“Ha... So, you’re serious.”
Oliver nodded.
“Yes.”
“...I don’t know what you’ve heard, but you’re only half right.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s true that I came from Neverland and that I know its approximate location, but that doesn’t mean I can take you there—or that I would.”
“Why can’t you?”
“When I say ‘approximately,’ I mean it. I can get you close, but never all the way to Neverland.”
“Hmm... And why won’t you take me there?”
Hook’s expression hardened as he looked at Oliver’s steady gaze, seemingly irritated.
“...Because I don’t want to. I’m living like a king here—why would I want to go back?”
Several pirates nodded in agreement, and Oliver also nodded.
Just when it seemed Oliver understood, he asked again.
“So, what’s the real reason you won’t take me?”
Maintaining his calm tone, Oliver’s question only caused Hook’s smirk to fade, his expression hardening as he suddenly threw his teacup.
Remarkably, the teacup was a creature. With his lightning reflexes, Oliver swung his quarterstaff, deflecting it out the window.
The teacup shattered against the glass, exploding like a bomb, drawing everyone’s gaze. In that brief moment, Hook drew his rapier and lunged at Oliver.
Swoosh!
The blade extended toward Oliver’s eyes, slicing through the air, but just as it was about to strike, there was a sudden, sharp crack. The table and chair splintered as Hook was forced to one knee.
Above his head, a massive hand made of condensed emotional particles loomed.
“Oh, you startled me... That was surprising,” Oliver said, raising one hand.