Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 133

Chapter 133: Exchange Meeting!
Ryan’s decision to join the Overthrow Temple wasn’t made lightly. The loopholes in the Blood Oath Contract and the tantalizing promise of untapped conveniences convinced him to take the risk. He reasoned that it would be foolish to commit to an unknown entity based solely on a few cryptic words otherwise. His calculated gamble was confirmed by the panel’s prompt: though he had signed the contract, it held no binding power over him.

With a wry smile, Ryan acknowledged the serendipitous situation, access to the resources of the Overthrow Temple without any of the usual strings attached. This turn of events was a welcome relief from the relentless pursuit by the Libra Holy Church, and it lightened his spirits considerably.

Donning the dark purple mask, Ryan stepped through the swirling mist door, leaving the ethereal veil behind as he made his formal entrance into the Overturned Hall. The dim, flickering candlelight cast his shadow long and eerie on the aged stone floor, drawing the attention of the other occupants.

“I am Green Tide,” announced Hansal from seat 4, his voice piercing the quiet with authority. His mask was a vivid green, matching his codename perfectly.

The woman at seat 5, wearing a cyan mask adorned with wind chimes at the end of her hair, introduced herself as “Cyan River.” Her presence was as sharp and striking as her features.

At seat 6, a burly figure with a voice like distant thunder declared, “Number 6, Blue Mountain.” He was the embodiment of his name, solid and unyielding.

Ryan, inspired by the thematic names and his own skills, chose his alias on the spot. “Number 7, you can call me ‘Purple Wind’.” He explained his choice silently to himself; his expertise in Storm Swordsmanship could have led to the name “Purple Storm,” but he preferred the less ominous “Purple Wind.”

As Ryan took his place at the table, the slender figure at the head spoke up. “With the addition of a new member, we will commence this month’s exchange meeting ahead of schedule.”

“Purple Wind, you may address me as ‘Tample Master’ or ‘Red Kite’,” the leader continued, her voice both magnetic and gentle. Ryan looked up to see a red mask covering what appeared not to be a human face but rather a doll-like construction. “A puppet?” Ryan thought, intrigued by the enigmatic leader.

“As is customary, let us begin by sharing any valuable intelligence we’ve gathered recently,” Red Kite instructed smoothly. “I’ll start.”

“Santos on the outlying island, recently, the Holy Libra Church lost a ‘holy object,’ a crucial key to unlocking the ‘Sacred Libra’.”

Ryan listened intently, his mind already racing with the implications of this revelation and the potential opportunities it presented.

As Red Kite briefed the gathered members of the Overturned Temple, her voice carried a mixture of solemnity and opportunity. “The annual ‘Day of the Plenty Star’ approaches. Traditionally, the Holy Libra Church marks this day with a ‘sacred ceremony’ to activate the ‘Sacred Libra.’ This event serves a dual purpose: it is both a grand trial between two significant parties and a means to quell the demonic surge from the Dungeon Labyrinth at the center of the outlying island.”

“With the ‘Day of the Plenty Star’ nearing, yet the essential ‘holy object’ needed to unlock the ‘Sacred Libra’ still missing, we could see considerable upheaval on the outlying island if the ceremony falters, chaos that breeds opportunity.”

The mention of an “Dungeon Labyrinth” piqued the interest of No. 5 Cyan River and No. 6 Blue Mountain, who exchanged glances that mixed surprise with anticipation.

Ryan, unfamiliar with the concept, wore a puzzled expression. Sensing his confusion, Red Kite elaborated for the newcomer’s benefit. “The Dungeon is a labyrinthine anomaly that surfaces in the inland sea, or deeper. Its origins are shrouded in mystery and disputed among scholars, yet its significance is undeniable.”

She continued, “This Labyrinth is teeming with creatures and flora unseen on the surface, resources vital for crafting magical potions and artifacts, representing untold wealth. Usually, the Dungeon’s entrance is sealed, accessible only at specific times.”

“In the past, the Libra Holy Church has used the ‘Sacred Libra’ to suppress this entrance during the ‘Day of the Plenty Star,’ keeping the subterranean horrors at bay while also blocking entry from the surface. But this year, the absence of the ‘holy object’ could mean the dungeon might open uncontrollably.”

“No. 4, ‘Cyan River’, and I are currently stationed on the outlying island. Should you find the prospect appealing, you are welcome to join us.”

Ryan nodded, understanding now why the Libra Holy Church was so dogged in their pursuit. The stakes involving the ‘holy object’ were incredibly high, and they would spare no effort to track down any leads.

“If the underground maze does open, it’s an opportunity not to be missed,” Cyan River chimed in, her voice ringing with youthful excitement.

“I’ll be joining as well,” added Blue Mountain, his voice deep and resolute.

Red Kite gave a slight nod, then turned her attention to Green Tide, who shrugged. “I have no new intelligence this month. However, I did catch wind of a rumor, the newly crowned king of the Augustus Dynasty has initiated sweeping naval reforms, likely intensifying the crackdown on piracy.”

It was Cyan River turn next. She gathered her thoughts, her tone thoughtful. “In one month, the ‘magician’ from the ‘circus’ is scheduled to perform on Fixig Island, located in the southern part of the Inner Sea. I’m still investigating the details.”

Each member of the Overturned Temple brought a piece of the larger puzzle, weaving a tapestry of intrigue and strategy that Ryan was now a part of.

As Ryan listened intently, a flicker of interest sparked in his eyes. “Circus… intriguing name,” he mused silently, his thoughts racing. “Perhaps an ensemble summoned by the notorious blood witch Selina. But a magician within a circus typically wields substantial influence. I wonder if this Circus conforms to such norms.” Ryan’s feelings toward the Circus were ambiguous, tangled in a complex web of suspicion and curiosity. This peculiar entity seemed to dance on the line between benevolence and malevolence, an enigma that both enticed and repelled him.

The briefing continued, shifting from enigmatic forces to more tangible concerns. Number 6, known as “Blue Mountain,” took the floor with a voice as deep as ocean trenches. “The Azure Fruit on Azure Island is nearing ripeness. In celebration, the Azure Sword Dojo is hosting a grand sword competition, open to all comers, irrespective of their backgrounds. The prize? The coveted Azure Fruit itself.”

Blue Mountain paused, surveying the room, his gaze finally resting on the latest addition, Number 7 “Purple Wind”. “This fruit is a key ingredient for the Pirate Sequence’s third-level promotion potion. It’s rare, and historically, its emergence has sparked violent clashes among the pirate factions.”

Ryan’s exterior remained calm, but inside, a storm was brewing. His alter ego, a pirate of modest renown, was not yet in dire need of such a potion, having secured a second-level potion in the Whirlpool Islands. However, foresight whispered the wisdom of acquiring the third-level potion sooner rather than later. “Perhaps a visit to Azure Island might be prudent,” he contemplated, an idea taking shape amidst the schemes and adventures plotted within his mind. “After all, in a sword competition, who’s to say a greatsword doesn’t count?”