As for unlawful pirates, he hadn't encountered any yet.
Not directly, at least.
That alone made him suspect they either stayed far from normal trade routes or deliberately avoided places where guild influence was strong.
They probably live in the shadows, constantly hunted, with limited access to proper supplies and information…
Becoming a lawful pirate, on the other hand, seemed increasingly practical.
It would mean access to legitimate work, safer docking rights, and the ability to grow stronger without constantly looking over his shoulder.
If his class truly required a Grade-A Ship and a proper crew, then operating under some form of recognition might be the smarter path forward... at least for now.
And more than that… his goal had never been to live as a hunted criminal.
Jake wanted to explore this world freely.
