Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 118

Chapter 118: Activation!
Ryan had come across the term “ancient dragon species” in the notes of the deputy leader of their hunting group. Unraveling the mystery of the ancient dragons’ migration to this enigmatic island was a key objective of their expedition.

“The end… the origin… all shall be witnessed…” the hermit dragon man murmured cryptically, his voice trailing into silence as he bowed his head again, leaving Ryan pondering the profound enigma shrouding the island’s ancient secrets.

“…Unicorn… True Red Horn… Proof of Bravery… Qualification for Witness…”

With these cryptic phrases, the hermit dragon man sealed his lips, ceasing further explanation, and turned to disappear into the deeper shadows of the cavern beyond.

Ryan squinted thoughtfully, parsing the mystic’s words. It seemed the island served as a crucible, a “place of witness” and unraveling its deeper mysteries required a certain “witness capital.”

The key to this enigma was the “True Red Horn” of the Unicorn Dragon, a symbol also known as the “proof of bravery.”

“Must I confront the formidable [Upper] Unicorn Dragon after all?” Ryan mused, his voice tinged with solemnity. Despite the daunting prospect, there was no trace of fear in his demeanor.

With the imminent awakening of his [Holy Relic·Azure Medal], and not immediately needing to challenge the [Upper] Unicorn Dragon, Ryan’s path was clear. He only needed to vanquish another “lower apex” special species to advance his level.

“Next journey, I’ll wield a mightier weapon,” Ryan resolved, buoyed by the prospect of his enhanced [Physique] and the soon-to-be-awakened medal. With these powerful aids, claiming the “True Red Horn” was within reach, a beacon of hope for his future endeavors.

But first, he must endure the wait for the “awakening effect” of the [Holy Relic·Azure Medal] to synchronize with his essence.

Settling beneath an ancient tree within the cave, Ryan passed the time in quiet contemplation, watched by a spirit deer that regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

Ryan had never imagined that a mere half-hour could stretch so interminably.

Eventually, the spirit deer, having satisfied its curiosity about the strange two-legged creature in its midst, lay down for a rest, turning away from Ryan.

At last, the surface of the azure medal erupted in a magnificent display of light.

Ryan’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as he eagerly consulted the introduction on his panel, ready to discover the newly unleashed powers of the medal.

[Sacred Relic Azure Medal]: Awarded only to those who have demonstrated exceptional prowess within their hunting group, this medal harbors mystical powers capable of enhancing the bearer’s physical fitness by three levels for hunters level 20 and below. With the completion of the legacy challenges, this holy relic has now been fully awakened.

This storied medal, the privilege of the elite hunter, achieves its full potential after the bearer hunts ten distinct special species. Depending on the bearer’s primary weapon and combat style, it bestows tailored inheritances. For those wielding the great sword, it unlocks derivative skills from the [Weapon-Great Sword] skill tree. Newly available are: [Special Sword Skill-Charge Attack] and [Special Sword Skill-Defense Charge], with further skills unlockable upon the completion of 100 specialized maneuvers.

[Special Sword Skill-Charge Attack]: As you charge with your great sword, should you face an enemy’s assault, this skill allows you to press forward unabated. A unique protective film, formed by your “blood and energy,” envelops you, maintaining a “dominant body” state that prevents interruption of your charge, unless the protective film is breached. The potency of this film is determined by your [Physique].

[Special Sword Skill-Defense Charge]: Within the critical “golden time” of 0.5 seconds before an enemy strike lands, this skill enables you to raise your great sword and charge. Your “blood and energy” envelop the blade, bolstering it. A successful defensive block executed within this window causes a surge of energy to flow back, instantly completing your charging maneuver. The strength of the “blood and energy” wrap depends on your [Physique].

Glowing vibrantly upon full awakening, the azure medal still hints at greater potential with twinkling starlight above it, suggesting further ascendance. The elusive blue tinge above the azure indicates that hunting an ancient dragon species could induce a profound transformation and sublimation of the holy relic. Current progress towards this ultimate challenge: 0/1.

Ryan’s heart skipped a beat as the luminescent form of the “awakened version” of the [Holy Relic · Azure Medal] materialized before him. Time seemed to suspend, his gaze locked onto the relic as a wave of ecstasy gradually took hold of him, lighting up his eyes with fervor.

He had always believed that the fully awakened [Holy Relic · Azure Medal] would be potent, yet the reality before him surpassed his wildest expectations.

First and foremost, the increase in physical fitness was stark, elevating from a modest “+2” to a robust “+3.” Despite the level cap remaining at 20, this boost was a game changer for Ryan, making the level limit irrelevant for his current pursuits.

——

[Physique]: 35.82→45.81

——

This solitary increment catapulted his [Physique] to a formidable 45.81. It exemplified the sheer power of exponential growth in the later stages of development, a testament to the medal’s enhanced capabilities.

Energy surged through Ryan like the primal force of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. In this moment, he felt invincible, almost capable of contending with the formidable three-star monsters on brute strength alone.

However, reality swiftly clamped down on his brief fantasy. Despite his newfound strength, he was still human, flesh and bone without the claws or armored scales of the more exotic creatures. These beings wielded bizarre powers, commanding elements like fire, magma, and torrents, far beyond the simple might of enhanced muscles.

With a deep sigh, “Hu…” Ryan exhaled slowly, calming the storm of excitement within. He shifted his focus to the second transformative ability of the [Holy Relic · Azure Medal]’s awakening, the [Weapon-Great Sword] derivative skill tree.

Here lay the new skills: [Special Sword Skill-Attack Collision] and [Special Sword Skill-Defense Collision]. These were not mere upgrades but a complete overhaul designed for the great sword’s tactical use in battle. Unlike his previous [Storm Sword Skill], these new abilities centered around an uninterrupted, charge-driven assault, turning even enemy attacks into opportunities to accelerate his own devastating counterstrikes.