Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 111

Chapter 111: Unicorn Dragon!
Curiosity gnawed at Ryan regarding the secrets hidden behind the [Trial of Power]. After all, what treasure could be so paramount that even the [Blood King], a deity in his own right, felt compelled to guard it with such a rigorous test?

As he pondered, Ryan activated the space ring on his hand, which flickered briefly before a wooden box materialized with a soft thud before him. With a practiced gesture, he invoked the [Attachment] spell, transforming the box into a modest-sized raft, an ingenious conversion that brought a slight smile to his face. Preparedness was a trait Ryan valued; he had packed two such boxes, never truly expecting to use them so soon.

Deciding to use the raft as a makeshift pillow, Ryan laid down by the serene edge of the Holy Blood Pool. He closed his eyes, his thoughts clear and focused: [Travel], commence!

The sensation of descent was brief yet intense, ending as light returned to his vision. Scanning the mast of his ethereal ship, Ryan noted the absence of a “signal for help.” This was a relief, indicating that Silver was safe, yet it also sparked a tinge of disappointment. Without such a signal, locating a worthy adversary, a creature like the formidable female fire dragon or even the male fire dragon leader, would be significantly more challenging.

To date, Ryan had triumphed over all notable species in both the outer and the inner section ancient forest areas of this mysterious realm. Yet, he was one species short of awakening the [Sacred Relic: Azure Medal], a shortfall that was frustrating. The [Azure Medal]’s power was substantial; it boosted physical attributes tremendously, which was crucial for battles against apex predators like the male fire dragon leader or the daunting red Tyrannosaurus.

The potential of even greater power upon further “awakening” of the medal lingered in his thoughts. Ryan yearned for nothing more than an additional enhancement to his physical prowess. But the current stagnation…

Turning his gaze toward the heart of the island, Ryan mused aloud, “Should we venture into the inner area?” His knowledge of this secluded part was scant, gleaned only from brief notes left by Loic, the deputy leader of the Seventh Scouting Hunting Group. These scribblings offered little insight, only mentioning the sheer cliff wall that starkly divided the inner area from the ancient forest.

The allure of the unknown beckoned, promising both peril and possibility, as Ryan considered crossing into uncharted territories in pursuit of his elusive final conquest.

Yes, the cliff wall, that was the key!

A spark of realization flickered in Ryan’s eyes. His recent clash with the male fire dragon leader had shattered a large section of the cliff wall, creating a breach that now served as a gateway to the mysterious inner area. Eager to explore this new terrain, Ryan knew this fracture was his entry point.

[Bonfire Point-Giant Tree Gap]

As the gathered sparks condensed around him, Ryan cast a lingering glance at the [Fire Dragon Egg] resting by the campfire. Despite a full day passing, the egg showed no signs of activity. Sighing, Ryan turned away from the flickering flames and ventured towards the fractured cliff.

The once-raging mountain torrents had dwindled to a mere trickle, easing his approach. He leaped onto the cliff’s cross section, peering into the unknown. What met his gaze was startlingly different from what he had envisioned, instead of lush foliage, a stark landscape stretched before him. No giant trees towered overhead; only towering rocks and sparse green algae clinging to the inner cliffs gave any hint of life, remnants of a time when water flowed freely here.

The inner area was akin to a colossal stone blossom unfurling across the landscape. Cliff after cliff formed the petals of this “stone flower,” with ancient waters pooled between them like dew. How Dayin might have navigated these secret passages remained a mystery known only to the beast itself.

Taking a deep breath, Ryan leapt down into the heart of the stone flower. The barren terrain stretched out before him, devoid of any monstrous inhabitants. After a moment’s contemplation, he decided to press forward.

As he advanced, the landscape shifted dramatically beneath his feet, from moist, soft soil to a desert of piled gravel within mere kilometers. The air, too, changed, as breezes laden with fine sand whipped past him, transforming the environment from a wetland to a desert so abruptly that it left Ryan in awe of the island’s magical ecology.

“Whoosh…”

The wind intensified as he neared the “Second Petal,” carrying dense clouds of sand that obscured his vision. Amidst the howling gale, a deep, resonant dragon roar cut through the tumult.

Ryan froze, his steps halting abruptly.

From within the swirling sandstorm, a vast shadow emerged. A sharp horn, reminiscent of a knight’s lance, jutted towards the sky, heralding the arrival of something formidable. As the creature drew closer, the sand seemed to part around its massive form, revealing the imposing presence of a dragon, its scales glinting like armor under the obscured sun.

Golden sands danced chaotically across the sky, each grain colliding with the imposing, heavy armor of the creature that strode forth, a behemoth whose horn, like a polished saber, gleamed fiercely under the merciless glare of the desert sun.

This creature, akin to a knight clad in armor forged for the ancients, patrolled the barren wasteland with a regal bearing. Each scale on its massive body shimmered with the inherent nobility and reserved pride of a warrior of old.

—

[Unicorn Dragon: A majestic flying dragon species, dominant in the arid expanses of the Stone Flower Wasteland. Herbivorous yet ferociously aggressive, it boasts a sturdy, magnificent shield behind its head and a formidable horn on its forehead, capable of rending metal and stone with ease. The horn, a coveted trophy, is a rare and excellent material for crafting weapons or armor, symbolizing valor. Every seasoned [Upper] hunter deems it a great honor to fell such a beast single-handedly.]

—

[You feel an overwhelming pressure!]

[This is an [Upper] special species, a formidable being that eclipses many of its kind.]

—

As the grey font of the prompt materialized before him, Ryan felt a weight like a millstone around his neck.