Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 130

Chapter 130: Sword of Brilliant Spiritual Light!
The acquisition of two “special combat skills” had profoundly transformed Ryan’s approach to weapon mastery, allowing him to transcend the traditional confines of his training and embark on a novel trajectory.

In the world of warriors, reaching the third level was akin to attaining the status of a “hero.” Such a title was not granted lightly; it was a testament to a warrior’s capability to sway the tide of smaller skirmishes, thus earning them the moniker of “hero” in the annals of history.

Each “Level 3 Hero Professional” was a formidable force in their own right, but the true test of strength could only be determined through combat, a dance of steel and spirit where only the battleground could declare the victor.

A gentle breeze whispered across the landscape, stirring the fallen leaves by the roadside into a dance of their own. They fluttered momentarily before settling into a shallow puddle, sending ripples across the once-still water.

Noticing Ryan’s silence, Hansal, known as the “Iris Knight,” lowered his eyelids in a gesture of solemnity and spoke with a resolve that matched his reputation. “Then, I will extend you a personal invitation to battle,” he declared.

No sooner had the words left his lips than his figure vanished from view, a testament to his mastery and speed.

“Clang—”

The resonant sound of his sword rang out, slicing through the air and sending a powerful gust that bent the roadside trees. From above, the north city gate appeared split in two by a brilliant golden streak of light, a line that ended precisely where Ryan stood.

As Hansal’s sword descended, a highly concentrated spiritual energy surged forth like a pale golden torrent, swirling with the force of a tidal vortex. This spiritual maelstrom gripped at Ryan, attempting to anchor him in place amidst the whirling currents.

“Hua Hua Hua…”

Enveloped in the golden deluge, Ryan seemed as if caught in an oceanic whirlpool, surrounded by swirling layers of luminescent energy.

“Is this the ‘Tidal Sea Sword Technique’? It’s really interesting,” Ryan remarked, his eyes glinting with intrigue and anticipation.

Just as the pale golden greatsword neared, Ryan’s instincts kicked in. He stomped the ground forcefully, propelling his body forward rather than retreating, his right hand clad in a dark gold, blood-patterned glove drawing his own greatsword in a swift, fluid motion.

Hansal’s eyes briefly flickered with surprise. To move so freely within the constraining “tide” was a feat not even a seasoned second-level professional could easily achieve.

Yet, his expression soon steadied, and the descent of his pale golden sword intensified, slicing through the air with even greater force. No matter Ryan’s agility, Hansal was resolute: the clash of their swords would be the true judge.

“Dang!”

Silver-blue clashed against pale gold as the swords met mid-air. The collision sparked a shockwave of spiritual energy. Ryan felt the force of the spiritual tides crashing against him, each wave different in strength—now gentle, now thunderous, like a towering wave poised to topple him, pushing him back step by step.

On the other side, Hansal sensed not the presence of a man shorter than himself, but a veritable “giant,” whose spiritual and physical prowess seemed to dwarf even his own formidable stature.

In the bustling heart of the city square, beneath the towering statues of ancient heroes, a fierce confrontation unfolded. Hansal, a formidable third-level Great Knight on the Soldier Path, had always been confident in his physical prowess, considered a paragon among his peers. Yet, in this crucial moment, a single clash had seen him stagger back, his advantage crumbling like brittle stone.

The air crackled with tension, charged with raw power. Hansal’s massive frame was forced into a retreating dance, his heavy boots carving deep, jagged furrows into the bluestone pavement. Each desperate step echoed through the square, a testament to the force he faced.

From nearly ten meters apart, Hansal and his opponent, Ryan, exchanged wary glances. The pause was heavy with anticipation; neither warrior launched into another attack immediately. Instead, they circled, eyes locked, each seeking a chink in the other’s armor, a moment’s vulnerability.

After that initial, earth-shaking encounter, it was clear to both combatants that this would be no easy battle. Seconds ticked by, heavy and slow. Impatience flickered across Hansal’s features, and with a sudden, guttural roar, he launched forward, abandoning caution.

Ryan, aware of his physical edge, braced for the onslaught. But Hansal, adapting to the situation, chose a different tactic this time. Instead of engaging directly, he summoned the depths of his spiritual power. His sword lifted high, became the conduit for a rising storm of energy. A majestic, pale golden glow enveloped the blade, forming a massive energy sword that shimmered with lethal promise. The air around it vibrated, gathering speed and intensity, like a whirlpool pulling relentlessly at Ryan’s form.

This was the renowned technique of a Level 3 Great Knight, Sword of Brilliant Spiritual Light. Known on battlefields for its devastating impact, it could penetrate the strongest shields and barriers, even shattering city gates.

Ryan’s skin prickled with the force of the growing spiritual energy, a primal warning of the deadly strike poised to fall. The ground beneath him groaned as he was drawn inexorably towards Hansal, leaving deep gouges in the earth.

After mere seconds that felt like an eternity, Hansal unleashed his attack. The air itself seemed to scream as the colossal sword of energy arced through it, aiming to cleave Ryan in two.

Yet in the face of imminent death, Ryan’s gaze remained icy, his resolve unshaken. As the golden sword descended, he surged forward, his own blade raised in defiance. A sinister crimson aura flared around him, enveloping his sword and lending it an ominous gleam.

With a thunderous clash, the two forces collided. Ryan’s sword, bathed in blood-red light, met Hansal’s with a force that sent shockwaves rippling through the square. The golden energy sword faltered, its trajectory altered, barely grazing Ryan’s shoulder.

The sound of the impact was deafening, a resounding ‘Bang!’ that echoed off the stone facades. The pale gold sword recoiled, its structure riddled with fine cracks, testament to the ferocity of Ryan’s counterstrike. In that moment, the square fell silent, the outcome of the duel hanging in the balance, witnessed by the silent statues of heroes past.