Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 223

Chapter 223: Underground bout
Aiden approached the ship’s captain, asking, “Can I board your ship, Captain?”

The captain, a gruff and weathered man, seemed slightly irked by the question. “Of course, brat! This is my job, selling passage and goods. What else would I do if I turned away customers?” He barked, clearly admonishing Aiden for the unnecessary query.

Aiden quickly realized his mistake and replied, “Ah, I didn’t mean it that way.”

The captain just snorted, stepping aside to let Aiden pass. “Get on with it,” he muttered.

With an awkward smile, Aiden boarded the ship and found a spot on the deck to settle in. As he gazed out at the vast, endless sea, he mumbled to himself, “Hmm, the journey should take about five hours… if a storm doesn’t decide to show up.” His eyes scanned the horizon, fully aware of the unpredictability of the sea—whether in the Immortal Realm or any other world.

After sufficient amount of people boarded the ship, Captain ordered his men to set sail.

As the journey progressed, everything seemed to be going smoothly. The sea was calm, and the ship glided effortlessly across the water. Aiden relaxed, enjoying the breeze and the occasional chatter of the crew.

However, halfway through the journey, a sudden shout from the crow’s nest shattered the calm. “Pirate ship incoming!”

Aiden’s eyes snapped open, and he quickly moved to the edge of the deck, peering into the distance. A dark, menacing ship with tattered sails was rapidly approaching. The pirate flag fluttered in the wind, signaling their hostile intent.

The captain wasted no time, barking orders to his crew. “Prepare for battle! All guards to your positions!”

The ship’s guards, who had been casually lounging around, sprang into action. They drew their weapons, and some began channeling their Martial Spirits, their auras flaring up in preparation for the fight.

The pirate ship drew closer, and soon the two vessels were side by side. Pirates began swinging over on ropes, howling and brandishing their weapons.

But the captain’s guards were ready. The moment the first pirate set foot on the deck, they were met with fierce resistance. Swords clashed, and Martial Spirits were unleashed, creating a chaotic but controlled battlefield.

Aiden watched the battle unfold, impressed by the guards’ efficiency. The captain himself joined the fray, his Martial Spirit manifesting as a massive, glowing anchor that he swung with devastating force. Pirates were sent flying off the ship, some even back to their own vessel.

Within minutes, the battle was over. The pirate ship, heavily damaged and with most of its crew either defeated or retreating, was forced to withdraw. The captain ordered his men to let the survivors go, confident that they wouldn’t dare to attack again.

As the ship continued its journey, Aiden couldn’t help but be impressed by the captain’s strength and leadership. It wasn’t long before they reached their destination—the next island, known as Burning Shore. The island’s coast was dotted with glowing, fiery rocks, giving it an ominous and intense atmosphere.

Aiden handed over the ferry fee to one of the captain’s men before jumping off the ship and landing on the solid ground of Burning Shore. The island had a rugged, intense atmosphere, with the fiery rocks casting a warm, eerie glow across the landscape.

His first priority was securing a place to stay, so he made his way through the bustling streets to find an inn. After booking a room, he settled in briefly, taking in the surroundings from his window. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in deep hues of orange and red.

As night fell, Aiden emerged from his room, his mind focused on the task at hand. He had come to this island for a reason, and it was time to gather more information about the underground area he had heard about.

Navigating the narrow, winding streets, Aiden soon found himself in front of an ordinary-looking tavern. From the outside, it seemed like any other establishment, but Aiden knew better. He had gathered enough information on the previous island to know that this was the entrance to the underground world he sought.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, Aiden stepped inside. The atmosphere was rough and gritty, filled with the scent of strong ale and the sound of low conversations. The patrons were a tough-looking crowd—men and women with hardened expressions, likely seasoned fighters and mercenaries. Aiden’s eyes scanned the room, taking in the scene, as he moved towards the bar, his senses alert for any useful information.

Aiden sat down at a worn wooden table, the rough texture of the surface adding to the gritty ambiance of the tavern. He motioned to the bartender, ordering a drink known as “Burning Throat,” a fiery concoction infamous for its intense heat that made one feel as if their throat was engulfed in flames—though, somehow, in an oddly enjoyable way.

When the drink arrived, it was a vibrant red liquid, swirling ominously in the glass as if it were molten lava. Aiden lifted the glass to his lips, taking a cautious sip. Instantly, his eyes widened in surprise. The liquid seemed to spread through his entire mouth, igniting a prickling sensation that danced across his tongue and down his throat. It was as if fire itself had taken liquid form, yet there was something undeniably invigorating about it.

As Aiden swallowed the fiery liquid, the sensation intensified, spreading from his mouth down his esophagus and into his stomach. It was as if a warm, tingling massage was working its way through his entire body, rejuvenating him from the inside out. The drink had a unique flavor—sweet and sour with a prickly edge—that Aiden found surprisingly enjoyable, a perfect complement to the warmth radiating through him.

Alongside the drink, Aiden ordered a plate of Crystal Salmon. The dish, much like the drink, was visually striking, with the fish’s flesh a deep, translucent red, almost as if it were carved from rubies. The vibrant color hinted at the intense, rich flavor it promised. As he took a bite, the salmon melted in his mouth, its delicate texture paired with a burst of savory goodness that complemented the fiery burn of the Burning Throat.

Aiden savored each bite, appreciating the unique combination of tastes and sensations. It was a meal unlike any he had experienced before, a perfect introduction to the rugged and vibrant culture of the Burning Shore. As he ate, he kept his ears open, listening for any useful information or potential leads that might help him on his quest.

For a moment, as Aiden indulged in the food and drink, he almost forgot the reason for his visit, entirely lost in the pleasures of the evening. It wasn’t until he had downed five plates of Crystal Salmon and three bottles of Burning Throat that he remembered his mission. Slightly tipsy, he stood up and made his way to the bartender.

“Big Dawgs,” Aiden slurred slightly, still feeling the effects of the potent drink.

The bartender eyed him with mild curiosity before asking, “Which place?”

“Underground Arena,” Aiden replied confidently. The bartender nodded, handing him a simple silver ring engraved with two crossed swords. He then opened the door at the back of the tavern and instructed Aiden to show the ring to the men outside.

With a nod, Aiden took the ring and stepped through the back door. He found himself in a dimly lit alley where several men were standing around, talking in low voices. As Aiden approached, they turned their attention to him, scrutinizing him carefully. One of them stepped forward, holding out his hand for the ring.

After inspecting the ring, the man pressed it against a section of the wall, which began to shift and part, revealing a portal. He handed the ring back to Aiden and said, “Go inside. The portal will only stay open for a quarter of an incense stick’s time.”

Aiden nodded in acknowledgment and stepped through the portal. On the other side, he found himself in what appeared to be an underground city. The place was bustling with activity, with people hurrying about their business. Some glanced at Aiden as he entered, but quickly lost interest and went on their way.

The underground city was vast, filled with narrow streets, neon lights, and the constant hum of voices and machinery. Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from exotic weapons to mysterious artifacts. The air was thick with the scent of sweat, smoke, and something distinctly metallic.

As the scent of blood filled his nostrils, Aiden’s instincts kicked in, putting him on high alert. His eyes scanned the area until they landed on the source of the smell: a large, caged arena where a hulking brute was mercilessly thrashing a frail-looking young man. The crowd around the cage roared with excitement, bloodlust evident in their eyes as they cheered on the brutality.

Aiden moved closer to the cage, his gaze fixed on the fighters. He could see the raw power and ferocity in the big guy’s movements, contrasting sharply with the desperate, almost helpless struggles of the young man. Yet, something about the fight intrigued Aiden.

“This is interesting,” Aiden muttered to himself, studying the combatants with Akashic eyes.