Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 135

Chapter 135: Goals!
“The disparity between a third-level hero profession and a second-level elite is really big,” Freni explained with grave seriousness, his eyes locked on Ryan’s. “Even with your notable gains in strength, the upper echelons of power are a different league altogether.”

Ryan nodded solemnly, his thoughts drifting back to his narrow escape in the duel with “Iris Knight” Hansal. He had played his hand well, revealing two hidden skills that caught Hansal off guard and inflicted damage. Yet, the victory was tenuous; if faced with a prepared and vigilant Hansal again, the outcome might not swing in his favor. His power, though growing, hadn’t yet bridged the gap to the towering might of a third-level hero.

Yet, hope flickered within him. “If tonight I can vanquish one of the upper special species during my expedition and gain another level, I’ll stand a solid chance against a third-level contender,” Ryan mused internally, his resolve hardening.

Noticing Ryan’s intense, thoughtful expression, Freni felt a wave of relief wash over her. Her greatest fear was that Ryan, emboldened by his recent victory, might underestimate the formidable Black Knights. Complacency could lead to disaster.

Meanwhile, thh witch Freni, also caught up in her own aspirations, mentally prepared herself for tomorrow’s challenge. She had missed the “viewing” that morning due to the unexpected delay caused by absorbing the holy blood. Arriving too late, she found the platform announcing the end of the day’s session. It was a frustrating setback, but it served as a sharp reminder: the world in the viewing platform didn’t pause for anyone, and if she wanted to reap the benefits of the mysterious and perilous island, she needed to be vigilant and proactive every day.

As the day’s decisions settled, Ryan exited the cave to craft a makeshift shelter nearby, dubbing it his “snail house” for the upcoming days. His journey to Santos City had consumed much of his time, and now with the sun dipping low on the horizon, he needed to rest and recalibrate for the trials ahead.

His last encounter with the formidable blood claw dragon had ended in his death, yet not before he had triumphed over the bone armor dragon, strengthening his travel clone. Despite this, the power of the upper-tier monsters like the unicorn and the blood claw dragon, which easily overpowered the formidable male fire dragon leader, loomed large in his mind. Success against such beasts would require meticulous planning and full readiness.

As night fell and the crackling bonfire warmed the cool air, Ryan busied himself by roasting fish on the flames. The sizzle of the fat as it rendered out of the fish filled the air with a tempting aroma. After a generous sprinkle of sea salt, he handed the golden, crispy fish to Freni and Cecilia.

“Mr. Ryan, I didn’t expect you to possess such culinary skills,” Freni remarked with a hint of amusement, accepting the meal.

The trio’s conversation ebbed and flowed like the distant waves, their camaraderie kindled by shared struggles and the warmth of the fire, as they braced for what was to come.

The witch’s fluffy hat danced playfully in the gentle sea breeze, resembling a jelly with the buoyancy of the ocean waves. As she accepted the grilled fish from Ryan, her eyebrows arched into delicate crescents, and she commented with a grin, “It smells wonderful, but let’s see if it tastes just as good.”

With a playful glance, she bit into the fish. Instantly, her eyes sparkled with delight. “It’s delicious!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine surprise and satisfaction.

Beside her, the knight with long silver hair that shimmered under the moonlight also took a cautious bite. She remained silent, but her brightened eyes and a subtle nod communicated her approval more eloquently than words could.

“Then help yourselves to more. I caught plenty,” Ryan encouraged with a warm smile, watching them enjoy the simple meal. It soothed his spirit to see them relishing the food, even though his own advanced palate as a [Gluttony Hunter (First Order)] found little satisfaction in such mundane fare. For him, only the flesh of the rarest monsters could quench his extraordinary hunger.

He had partaken in one symbolic fish before resuming his role as chef for the evening, mindful not to indulge his unique cravings in their company.

“Mr. Ryan,” the witch called out, her voice as clear and enchanting as a bell, drawing his attention. Ryan looked up to find her eyes, bright as starlit skies, fixed on him. “We’ve known each other for quite some time, yet there’s something I’ve never asked you.”

“What is your goal in sailing all this way?” she inquired, her tone soft yet earnest.

Ryan paused, the question catching him off guard. In truth, he hadn’t pondered deeply on his motivations. Since his arrival in this time, he had been propelled forward by circumstances, perpetually shadowed by the threat of the Black Knights.

After a moment of reflective silence, he turned away from her penetrating gaze to the sea, shimmering under the moonlight. “This world is vast and filled with wonders,” he began slowly, his voice barely above a whisper. “But to be honest, I haven’t defined a clear goal for myself.”

“Lady Freni…” he started.

“Just call me Freni, or even Captain,” she interjected, the wide brim of her hat shadowing her face, hiding her expression. “We’re partners, aren’t we? Formalities make us seem distant.”

“…Okay,” Ryan replied, a soft smile touching his lips. “Captain, it was thanks to you that I survived that storm. And your support was crucial as I stepped into the world of professionals.”

He recalled her earlier words about her own quest. “I remember your goal was to reach the depths of the sea, to find the golden tree. Though I’m unsure of your reasons, perhaps, until I find my own path, I could accompany you? To witness the splendor along the way?”

The gentle crash of the waves punctuated his proposal, and suddenly, a burst of flames from the firewood broke the night’s calm. Freni stood abruptly, clutching her hat as if to anchor herself from the storm of emotions Ryan’s words had stirred. She turned and strode towards the cave, her pace quickening, her usual composed demeanor slipping into visible disarray, revealing a flutter of emotions she typically masked so well.

“Whatever suits you best,” Ryan called out, his words light and easy as he watched Freni’s retreating figure.

He couldn’t help but smile, a realization dawning on him. The stoic, unyielding persona that Freni projected to the world might well be a facade, a mask honed and hardened by the cruelties of their harsh surroundings. Beneath it, he suspected, her true self lay dormant, preserved in ice by life’s relentless adversities.

As their journeys together lengthened, shared experiences and trials seemed to thaw that frosty exterior bit by bit, like spring warmth coaxing life from the frozen earth.

Beside him, the knight girl, Cecilia, was a different with her carefree demeanor. She was still busily devouring her grilled fish, each one disappearing in mere seconds, leaving behind nothing but cleanly picked bones. Her speed with the grilled delicacies was nothing short of impressive.

Catching Freni’s distant form, Cecilia blinked reluctantly at the remaining fish on the grill before she too stood, albeit hesitantly, and followed after Freney.

“Hey, Cecilia!” Ryan called out, a grin spreading across his face. “The last batch of grilled fish is ready. Why don’t you take it with you?”

Though her expression remained unchanged, a subtle sparkle lit up her eyes, a clear sign of her delight.

Left alone on the beach, Ryan’s gaze drifted towards the horizon, his thoughts deepening. “A personal goal… such a distant luxury…” he murmured to himself. After a moment lost in thought, he stood and walked back towards his makeshift “snail house,” ready to face another round of adventures as midnight approached.