Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 132

Chapter 132: Blood Oath Contract!
In the eerie stillness of the underground hall, a gentle yet magnetic female voice wove through the air like a soft breeze following a spring rain, instinctively soothing the senses.

Ryan’s face, however, was etched with an increasing solemnity.

Upon entering the dimly lit hall of the so-called “Overthrow Temple,” the vital essence of the “Iris Knight” Hansal, along with the other three occupants, seemed curiously restrained. The grey character panel that typically relayed information was ominously silent, save for the earlier alert regarding Hansal. This unsettling scenario mirrored Ryan’s encounter with Caius, the owner of the Seagull Tavern in the Whirlpool Islands. Caius, an “actor” within the “circus,” had demonstrated a rare ability to harness his spiritual essence so completely that it left no trace for Ryan’s panel to detect.

This peculiar restraint might be linked to the damaged state of the [Unknown Ship Sculpture], Ryan speculated silently.

Yet, despite the absence of visible cues, a palpable aura of danger emanated from the slender figure presiding over the long table. Could this individual be a third-level extreme professional, or perhaps even a fourth? Ryan couldn’t pinpoint it exactly, but one thing was clear: this was a force he was not yet equipped to challenge.

The same velvety voice continued to resonate through the chamber, its tone both inviting and foreboding:

“The Temple of Overthrow is dedicated to dismantling the fetters that bind our world. Join us, Ryan Layland. Your prowess and potential make you a fitting candidate for our ranks.”

“With our alliance, you’ll gain access to invaluable intelligence and resources, including the crucial ‘key factors’ needed for achieving perfect compatibility at various operational levels. You’ll also find sanctuary from the persistent pursuits of the Libra Holy Church. Moreover, the Temple hosts monthly exchange meetings, offering a platform to trade potions, secrets, and arcane artifacts.”

As her words unfurled, a subtle mist filled the room, rendering the atmosphere otherworldly. Ryan noticed that the “Iris Knight,” the No. 5 female knight, and the No. 6 strong man seated at the table appeared oblivious to the voice, seemingly unable to hear or even see him.

“This mist…”

Ryan’s voice was low and heavy with wariness.

“Fear not,” the voice reassured, its tone wrapped in the cool shroud of the mist. “This is but a protection the Overthrow Temple extends to each new inductee. Only No. 4 and myself, who escorted you here, are aware of your identity. The rest are blind to your presence and deaf to your name. No. 4 has sworn a blood oath to keep your identity sacred, revealing neither your name nor visage to another soul.”

After a contemplative pause, Ryan’s voice cut through the mist, skeptical and cautious. “It sounds promising, but what costs come with such a bond?”

“Every privilege has its price,” the voice replied with a knowing chuckle. “Membership in the Overthrow Temple entails responsibilities. Tasks are part of our doctrine, daily tasks and special tasks alike.”

“Daily tasks may be assigned by fellow members or demanded by allied temples. Participation is optional, yet rewarding. However, special tasks are mandatory, required once every three years. Failure to comply brands one as a traitor, hunted by the temple itself.”

Ryan absorbed this, the weight of decision heavy in the silence that followed.

Ryan’s frown deepened, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. “And if I join, I’m bound forever?”

“Not necessarily,” the voice replied, soothing yet firm. “Complete five special missions and the choice to stay or leave will be yours. Those who stay enjoy freedom from these missions and reap the benefits our Temple offers.”

The voice paused, giving Ryan a moment to digest the terms. “So, what will it be, Mr. Ryan?”

“Should you decline,” she continued, “the Temple will erase all memory of this meeting and your knowledge of us. You’ll return to life as it was before you crossed our threshold, including the lifting of the ‘Holy Eye’s’ interference shield.”

“The ‘Holy Eye,’ you see, is a mid-level artifact held by the Libra Holy Church. Once it marks a person, the lock remains unless you can escape its reach.”

Ryan’s gaze dropped, resignation lacing his voice. “With all this said, do I even have a choice?” He sighed. “I… join.”

“A wise decision,” the voice assured, warmth creeping into its timbre. “You won’t regret joining us today.”

“Please, sign this blood oath contract and swear by your true spirit to keep the secrets of the ‘Overthrow Temple.’ There are some additional regulations here for your review.”

A parchment floated towards Ryan, its edges adorned with intricate designs. The document was straightforward, reflecting the details the voice had outlined. Ryan unsheathed his broadsword, pricking his fingertip. A ruby drop of blood emerged, which he used as ink to inscribe his name on the parchment ‘Ryan Layland.’

As the blood sank into the paper, the contract activated, sealing his commitment. Immediately, a deep purple mask materialized before him. “This is the Wonder 7 Overthrowing Mask,” the voice explained. “Though it’s a low-level artifact, its connection to the Overthrowing Tame enhances its power, shielding you from even mid-level wonders.”

“The mask offers abilities such as disguise, interference, and a teleportation link back to the Temple. Feel free to experiment with it later.”

“You may also choose a code name for use within the Temple, enhancing anonymity amongst peers.”

“When you’re ready, the fog door there will lead you out,” she concluded, her voice fading with each word.

Ryan reached out, the mask cool and solid in his grasp, a tangible symbol of his new allegiance.

Ryan studied the holographic display before him, his eyes narrowing slightly as he digested the features of the No. 7 Overthrowing Mask, one of the derivative masks from the secret treasure, A09 Overthrow Tample. The mask was a marvel of adaptability; it could simulate various faces according to the wearer’s will, or even turn transparent to reveal their true identity. Its sophisticated design rendered it nearly impervious to external detection methods, a formidable tool for evasion and anonymity.

Moreover, by silently invoking the “Overthrow Temple” in his thoughts, Ryan could activate the mask’s teleportation ability, whisking him away to the temple after a ten-second countdown. This feature was usable once every half month autonomously, not affecting its count if used during summons.

As Ryan contemplated this information, a realization dawned on him. “A09 Overthrow Temple… There are multiple temples, not just this one. The extent of the Overthrow Temple network is vast.”

With a cursory review of the mask’s capabilities complete, Ryan’s focus shifted back to his own panel, which now reflected a new and intriguing title under his name.

[Captain]: Ryan Rayland (real name: Leon)

[Age]: 18 years old

[Bloodline]: The descendant of the Vikings

[Title]: Bloody Son, Overturned Son

[Blood Oath Contract (invalid)]: 1. The locked object is not the real name

2. The true spirit is shielded by the [Unknown Ship Sculpture], preventing external invasions.

[Overturned Son]: Acquired upon joining the “Overthrow Temple.” Exhibits heightened resistance against rules and authority, often perceived as vexatious by certain entities.

[Innate Ability]: Soul of Otherworld

[Spirituality]: 4.8

[Physical Fitness]: 14.36

[Path Occupation]: Glutton Hunter (Level 1), Pirate (Level 1) – Traveling Avatar Feedback

[Occupational Skills]:

– Glutton Hunter (Level 1): Food War, Gluttony Heart, Blood Hunt

– Pirate (Level 1): High-spirited War Roar, One-handed Weapon Specialization, Water War Specialization

[Learning Skills]: Storm Swordsmanship (Mastered), Navigation (Introduction), Wonder Items (Introduction)

The update to his title did not alter his expression, but inwardly, Ryan felt a surge of anticipatory joy. He had boldly signed “Ryan Layland” on the Blood Oath Contract, fully aware that it wasn’t his true name.

Ryan’s circumstances were uniquely complex. As a “soul from another world,” he inhabited his current body but was fundamentally a different being. To the world and by blood, he was “Ryan Layland,” yet he was also authentically “Leon.” This dual identity cleverly exploited a loophole in the Blood Oath Contract, rendering it non-binding on him.

But Ryan’s ultimate safeguard was the [Unknown Ship Sculpture]. The mysterious and mighty status of this artifact ensured that even if the contract held sway, any breach would not backfire against him due to the sculpture’s overriding protective powers. With these layers of security, Ryan navigated the shadowy corridors of the Overturned Temple with a measure of confidence and a hint of intrigue for what lay ahead.