Chapter 433

The pirate captain stared at the breached hull, his expression shifting between anger and despair.

"Boss, we need to leave now!" his second-in-command urged frantically.

The deck reeked of gunpowder. Over a dozen crew members were missing. The captain clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white.

"Split into two groups," he growled through gritted teeth. "The able-bodied go first. The wounded stay."

The ship groaned under the strain, seawater gushing through the bullet holes. Pirates scrambled to patch the leaks, their movements growing sluggish.

Meanwhile, the Southern Cross had already sailed out of danger.

"Coast Guard Vessel 001 calling Southern Cross, report your status!"

Timothy Gold grabbed the radio excitedly. "This is Southern Cross! We've escaped safely with twelve pirate prisoners!"

Julian Langley stood on deck, his gaze locked on the distant island. Suddenly, he turned and sprinted toward the Coast Guard ship. "I'm coming with you!"

The armed officers wore tactical vests loaded with ammunition. Julian shrank into a corner like a lost lamb among wolves.

"The pirates are retreating," he pointed at the live surveillance feed. "They split into two groups."

On screen, pirates scrambled toward speedboats in panic. Gunfire erupted from the trees on both sides.

Ethan Sullivan's voice cut through the smoke. "Müller Pirate Crew, you're surrounded!"

The captain whirled around, his face paling. "How does he know our name?"

"No time for that!" The second-in-command snarled, raising his submachine gun. "Shoot our way out!"

Bullets rained down like a storm, splintering tree trunks. Evelyn Laurent pressed against a boulder, hearing rounds whistle overhead.

"Reload!" Ethan barked.

They moved in sync, their muzzles flashing. Precise shots dropped three pirates, howling as they clutched bleeding thighs.

"Cover me!" The captain roared, charging toward a speedboat.

Another barrage kicked up dirt. Evelyn rolled behind a tree, deafened by gunfire.

On the horizon, Coast Guard vessels cut through the waves toward them.