Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 119

Chapter 119: Outpost of the Corrupted Abyss
Before, Ryan had to meticulously time his attacks, often capitalizing on a monster’s momentary weakness to launch his [Storm Sword Skill – Breaking Waves]. Against nimble adversaries like the black knight, he scarcely had a moment to prepare, reducing him to basic strikes for fear of interruption.

Now, armed with these specialized sword skills, Ryan’s approach to combat was set to evolve dramatically.

The attack of the [Special Sword Skill – Attack Collision] were fascinating, delineating a bold strategy where Ryan could charge headlong into an enemy’s assault. As the great sword charged, a shimmering barrier of blood aura would envelop him, ensuring he remained in a “dominant state” to prevent any interruption to his buildup. The durability of this protective shield was directly linked to his [physique] strength, the limits of which would only be revealed through the heat of battle.

Even more intriguing was the [Special Sword Skill – Defensive Charge]. Which, Ryan had a mere half-second, a “golden time,” to react before an enemy’s strike could land. In this critical moment, without needing to charge his great sword, he could thrust forward, turning defense into an aggressive counter. Successfully blocking within this window would not only repel the attack but also catalyze a “charge period,” transforming his defensive posture into an offensive onslaught.

The practical usage and energy consumption of these skills would, of course, require real-world application to master fully.

Clutching the [Sacred Relic – Azure Medal], which now pulsed with a radiant blue light, Ryan felt a profound connection to its previous owner. The relic, once belonging to Loic, the deputy leader of the Seventh Scouting Hunting Group, was described in his journals as “something that cannot be brought with him, yet still useful.” This phrase hinted that Loic’s power might have surpassed the level cap of 20, rendering the relic’s enhancements ineffective for him.

The thought of Loic, a man, who ventured deep into the isolated island and never returned, was daunting. Ryan shook off the thoughts. His focus must be on amplifying his own capabilities before he too reached the island’s “anchor point.”

With a system enhancing his combat prowess, Ryan felt an edge, even if he were to face adversaries on par with Loic’s level.

After a session honing his storm sword skills and adjusting to his newly amplified physical fitness, Ryan exited the cave, setting his sights on delving deeper.

His immediate goal was clear: to enhance his abilities as much as possible before confronting the formidable [upper] unicorn.

…

Navigating the labyrinthine underground cave, Ryan retraced his steps to the wetland cave where he had previously vanquished the mud dragon. From its deep entrance, he continued downward.

Following the water source seemed the most prudent strategy. As the damp echoes of the cave filled the air, each step took him closer to the unknown challenges that awaited, armed now with extraordinary skills and an unyielding will to advance.

Ryan had been walking for half an hour, expecting to stumble upon a large cave, but none appeared. Instead, a faint odor of decay pervaded the air, mingling with the unusual sight of algae on the surrounding rock walls that glowed an eerie purple hue. He frowned at this unsettling transformation.

Despite the foreboding atmosphere, turning back wasn’t an option. Ryan’s physical form was still anchored in the Blood Moon Temple, and with Freni’s uncertain awakening time, he was pressed for time. He needed to make his way back swiftly.

As he continued, a sudden burst of light at the end of the tunnel quickened his steps. The tunnel opened up to a fork, the left path so narrow that Ryan had to edge through sideways, his body scraping against the cold, damp stone.

The decay’s smell intensified, darkening the pit of his stomach with an ominous feeling. At his level, [Spirituality] alerts were never without reason. The path, more crevice than corridor, led him into a surprisingly spacious stone cave.

Light streamed down from a small aperture high above, hinting at the outside world. In the cave’s center lay the remnants of a long-abandoned bonfire, surrounded by artifacts of habitation, a stone pot, chairs, and a grill. Along the edges, a stone bed, a table, a bench, and a simple rack burrowed into the cave walls painted a picture of a once-lived-in space.

“What is this?” Ryan murmured, squinting at the gray font prompt materializing before him.

[You have discovered a place where spirituality gathers – the Outpost of the Corruption Abyss.]

[You can set up a “bonfire” here to achieve fast transmission between the “starting point” and other “bonfire points”.]

[When you are in the “bonfire”, you can use all other functions except “return”.]

[Whether you are a navigator or a hunter, adequate rest is a very important thing.]

“A brand new bonfire point!” Ryan exclaimed, a surge of exhilaration lighting up his features. He couldn’t resist the pull of the dormant bonfire. Stepping forward, he extended a hand, his fingers barely grazing the cold, ashy remnants.

“Hu… Wow…”

From his palm, a solitary spark cascaded down, touching the old bonfire. In an instant, a small flame flickered to life, rapidly growing into a robust, crackling fire. The warmth spread quickly, casting dancing shadows against the rough stone walls and bringing a long-lost vitality back to this forgotten outpost.

Warm, invisible currents washed over Ryan as he ignited the new bonfire, enveloping him in a soothing embrace reminiscent of a serene hot spring. The relaxation he felt was profound, a momentary reprieve in the harshness of his quest.

With this new bonfire point established at the “Corruption Abyss Outpost,” Ryan knew his future journeys would be significantly streamlined, sparing him the arduous treks that had consumed so much of his time.

Rising from the warmth of the bonfire, Ryan’s attention was drawn to a stone shelf nearby. Among the scattered artifacts, his eyes caught the glimpse of a notebook. With a mixture of reverence and excitement, he reached out and carefully lifted the weathered pages. Upon opening it, a familiar handwriting sprawled across the tattered pages, sparking a surge of joy in Ryan’s heart.

It was indeed a record left by Loic, the deputy leader of the Seventh Scouting Hunting Group! Since their last encounter at the “Bonfire Point – Giant Tree Gap” in the ancient forest, there had been no trace of Loic. The rediscovery of his mentor’s notes was a thrilling surprise, promising deeper insights into the mysteries of the island.

Ryan’s eyes scanned the gray-font translations that emerged on the page:

“…The Red Flame’s influence grows ever stronger… At this moment, only four of us remain… Fortunately, after enduring the initial onslaught of the Red Flame, our bodies have adapted, growing stronger, though not without some troubling side effects. But the pursuit of truth justifies all sacrifices…”

“…It’s been some time since we penetrated the inner ring. The surface is blanketed in yellow sand, beneath which lies a labyrinth of karst caves…”

“…The creatures here have evolved into formidable adversaries. We’ve encountered [Upper] tier beasts like the True Red Knight in the desert and the roaring black tiger at the gate…”

“…Our plan was to push forward to the central zone, but a startling revelation halted us. Deep underground, I sensed the residual essence of the ‘Ancient Dragon’…”

“…This isn’t our first brush with such immense power, yet its sheer force remains daunting… Could this be the ‘Him’ we’ve been searching for all this time?”

“I’m not sure if anyone will ever find these words I’ve left behind, the odds seem slim. Nevertheless, if you are reading this, please proceed with caution. Before you venture into the ‘Rotten Abyss,’ arm yourself with antidotes to counter the pervasive miasma…”

“Signed, Loic Frum, Deputy Leader of the 7th Scouting Hunting Group.”

Ryan absorbed every word, the gravity of Loic’s experiences and warnings resonating deeply.