OP: Lord of Mischief C15 No escape

Augustus studied the map spread out before him, occasionally glancing at the compass to keep himself on course.

He wasn’t a skilled navigator, but he knew enough to get by.

Gripping the oars, he rowed steadily—only to realize it was too slow.

His eyes flicked toward the sleeping Vargo, and a mischievous smirk curled on his lips.

Without hesitation—

BAM!

"Hey, sleepyhead! Wake up!" Augustus kicked Vargo hard enough to jolt him from his slumber.

Vargo grunted, blinking groggily as he looked around, his disoriented gaze falling on the open sea.

"The sea…?" he muttered before turning to Augustus, his expression still dazed.

"Quit lazing around and help me row the boat!" Augustus barked.

Vargo’s eyes widened.

His gaze darted from Augustus to the ropes binding him.

"What…?"

"What are you waiting for!? Get rowing!" Augustus snapped again.

Vargo gulped, feeling cornered.

He wasn’t in any condition to fight back, but…

An idea struck him.

‘If I can fool him again…’

He forced a hesitant tone, "B-but… I’m tied up! How do you expect me to row like this?"

His voice sounded weak, but his mind was scheming.

He remembered how his last trick ended in disaster—a knockout punch and a bruised ego.

This time, he’d be smarter.

Augustus barely glanced at him, casually untying the ropes as if he wasn’t worried at all.

Vargo’s heart pounded.

‘He’s an idiot! This is my chance!’

But—he didn’t move.

Not yet.

‘I need to wait. If I try anything now, I’m stuck in the middle of the sea.’

He picked up the oars, putting on a cooperative act, rowing alongside Augustus.

The plan was simple—pretend to help until they reached land, then make his move and escape.

However—

Augustus was watching him.

Despite his relaxed posture, Augustus’ sharp gaze flicked to Vargo from time to time, studying his every movement.

Vargo rowed in silence, keeping up his act, but a nagging thought crept into his mind.

‘Why am I hesitating?’

His grip tightened on the oar.

‘I’ve beaten and killed people far more terrifying than this kid.’

And yet—

He couldn’t shake the memory of the uppercut that had sent him into unconsciousness.

His jaw still ached from it.

He decided.

‘I’ll wait. Once we dock, I’ll take him down and run.’

Finally, breaking the silence, Vargo spoke.

"Are we heading toward Conomi Island?"

Augustus nodded, replying bluntly, "Yeah. Specifically, the 16th Marine Branch—the one in charge of the Conomi Island region. It's just off the coast of Conomi Island."

He glanced at the map Elias had given him, then continued, "I’m turning you in for your bounty."

The air shifted.

Vargo froze.

"...What?"

His wide-eyed stare locked onto Augustus.

For a moment—

Pure silence.

Then—Vargo gritted his teeth, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple.

"You really want to go there?" His voice dropped, tinged with frustration.

Augustus chuckled, "Oh? And why not?"

Vargo snapped, "Because the captain of that Marine Branch is Nezumi!"

Augustus raised a brow. "And?"

Vargo’s voice darkened. "That bastard isn’t any better than me! He’s corrupt and cruel!"

He leaned forward, glaring. "If you turn me in to him, you won’t see a single beli from my bounty."

Augustus tilted his head, unimpressed.

He casually picked at his ear, feigning boredom. "Hmm… and why would I believe a pirate like you?"

Vargo gritted his teeth harder. "Because I know how that rat operates! He’s a coward, but a vicious, greedy bastard! He’ll just take me in, pocket the money for himself, and send you off with nothing!"

Augustus let out a lazy sigh, "Sure."

Vargo’s jaw clenched.

He could feel it—he was wasting his breath.

Frustrated, he huffed, gripping the oars again.

‘Fine. I’ll let him row me to shore. Then, I’ll escape.’

---

Time passed quickly, and by noon, they reached the village where the 16th Marine Branch was located. It was just off the coast of Conomi Island, the region under its jurisdiction.

From their small boat, the 16th Marine Branch headquarters loomed in the distance, surrounded by merchant ships and bustling docks. The harbor was alive with activity—sailors unloading cargo, villagers chatting, and marines patrolling the shore.

"Finally here," Augustus grinned, rowing faster. "Let’s get this over with."

Vargo, sitting tensely, rowed alongside him. His eyes darted to the marine ships, merchants, and soldiers patrolling the shore. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple. He could feel an uneasy knot tightening in his stomach.

As soon as they reached the dock, Augustus secured the boat and looked at Vargo. "You first."

Vargo hesitated, eyeing the shore warily. Then, making a snap decision, he leaped out of the boat and bolted.

"Stop right there!" Augustus called after him, but Vargo ignored him, quickening his pace.

Augustus cursed under his breath before sprinting after him. "Wait! He’s escaping! Someone stop that pirate!" His voice rang out in feigned panic.

Villagers and dockworkers, who had been minding their own business, turned their heads at the commotion. Their eyes followed Augustus and the fleeing Vargo.

Augustus grinned. Perfect.

With a flick of his wrist, his rope shot forward—seemingly by pure chance—looping around Vargo’s foot.

Thud!

Vargo tripped spectacularly, crashing face-first onto the ground.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then—

"Hahahaha!"

Laughter erupted from the gathered crowd. People pointed, snickering at the sight of the infamous pirate sprawled out on the dirt like a clumsy fool.

Vargo pushed himself up, his face burning with humiliation. Before he could react, Augustus clapped a hand on his shoulder, grinning. "Sorry, buddy. No escaping today."

Vargo’s eyes darkened with fury. Snarling, he grabbed Augustus’s arm, intending to wrestle him down and regain some dignity.

But before he could make a move—

Snap!

The rope that had caught his foot coiled around his entire body in an instant, binding him tightly.

"What the—?!" Vargo’s eyes bulged. He wriggled, struggling to break free, but the knots only seemed to tighten. "How the hell did you do that?! This shouldn't even be possible!"

[Ding!]

[Mission: False Hope (Success!)]
[Reward: 100 TP]

[Hidden Bonus: You embarrassed the pirate in public and made the crowd laugh!]
[Additional Reward: 50 TP]

Augustus barely contained his laughter as he read the notification. A bonus reward for humiliating Vargo? Now that was a system he could get behind.

He patted Vargo’s shoulder smugly. "Now, let’s get you to the marines. You’ll look great behind bars."

Vargo growled, "You’re making a mistake, kid."

Augustus scoffed and kicked him lightly in the rear. "Move it!"

As they walked toward the marine base, murmurs spread among the villagers.

"Wait… is that…?"

"It is! That’s Captain Vargo!"

"The pirate worth 7.8 million beli?! He got caught? Just like that?"

More and more eyes turned toward them, astonishment growing in the crowd.