Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 160

Chapter 160: Original Sin Path
The whispering desert wind carried a gritty mix of sand and dust across the barren landscape, where only the faintest flicker of light persisted against the encroaching darkness. It was the stubborn glow of a “fireflies,” struggling against their inevitable, tge light dimming until it faded completely into the night.

This silent end mirrored the fate of the great dragon, a formidable creature born from the egg, whit whom these fireflies have shared their whole life with.

The once peerless hunter, known far and wide for his unmatched skill, ultimately met his end at the claws of his own quarry, the hunted turning hunter in a cruel twist of fate.

After the dust of battle had settled, Ryan, replenished by the healing currents of a mystical warm spring, slowly rose to his feet, sword in hand. He stood before the colossal remains of the [Upper] Thunder Dragon, bathed in moonlight, his heart heavy with a mix of triumph and sorrow.

In this epic confrontation, Ryan had pushed his abilities to their limits, yet he knew he was no match for the Thunder Dragon’s ferocious power. If not for the timely intervention of Silver, his mighty aquatic ally, the battle would have ended with Ryan succumbing to the dragon’s devastating red lightning.

Turning towards the oasis lake, Ryan caught sight of Silver’s large, shimmering silver head emerging from the waters. The creature had grown since their last encounter, its joyful splash sending ripples across the calm surface. Ryan couldn’t help but smile and wave energetically in response to his friend’s playful greeting.

Approaching the dragon’s carcass, Ryan’s attention was drawn to a small, softly glowing object amidst the debris, a lightning bug, pulsating with a faint silver light.

——

[Loot: Super Electric Lightning Bug]: A Silver-level trophy, [Upper] the essence of the Thunder Dragon’s power. Unlike typical beasts of electric nature, the Thunder Dragon harnessed these Lightning Bugs with a masterful control akin to a puppeteer. Attached special skill [Power Release lv.2]: Activated during critical injury, boosts abilities significantly (critical hit rate +20%, reduced physical exertion by 30%).

——

Staring at the description of his new acquisition, Ryan’s surprise quickly turned to a surge of elation. Throughout the clash with the Thunder Dragon, he had longed for a burst skill to enhance his prowess in dire situations. Remarkably, fate had granted his wish.

The [Power Release] skill promised a dramatic increase in heart rate and a significant reduction in physical fatigue when he was severely wounded, transforming vulnerability into strength. Recalling the battle, Ryan realized his critical strikes had been few, hindered by a mere 10% increase from a previous enhancement. Yet now, armed with the [Power Release], every swing of his blade carried a 30% chance to deal double damage.

The stipulation of being “severely injured” was hardly a deterrent for someone as battle-hardened as Ryan. His familiarity with pain and loss of blood was extensive; he often used his own life force to fuel his powers, willingly drawing himself to the brink of collapse to unleash his full potential.

As he stood over the fallen dragon, a melancholic realization washed over him. He had truly been on death’s doorstep during the fight, making the [Power Release] skill a dark yet fitting complement to his fighting style.

With the [Loot: Super Electric Lightning Bug] now in his possession, Ryan knew his chances in battle had dramatically improved. Enemies would soon discover that Ryan grew only more dangerous as he teetered closer to defeat.

“Excellent,” he murmured to himself, a resolve firming in his gaze. “Henceforth, I shall call this empowered state my ‘Second Stage’.”

With the thrill of battle still tingling in his veins, Ryan surveyed the rewards of his latest conquest. The defeat of the formidable [Upper] Thunder Dragon had not only yielded valuable loot but had also propelled his abilities to new heights.

He examined his updated stats on the glowing panel before him:

——

[Level]: 13 (88%) → 14 (34%)

[Spiritual Value]: 272635 → 422635

[Spirituality]: 7.5

[Physical Strength]: 76.69 → 98.65

——

“Powerful,” he whispered to himself, a smirk playing on his lips. His physical prowess now dwarfed that of an ordinary man by nearly a hundredfold. A rush of potential surged through him, his muscles practically thrumming with contained energy. For a fleeting moment, Ryan felt as though he could shatter mountains with his bare hands, a delusion born from his sudden, explosive growth in strength.

Yet, wisdom tempered his excitement. He was all too aware that this raw, unrefined power was just that, untamed and volatile. Mastery would come with time and patience.

Ryan’s gaze lingered on the disparity between his physical strength and spirituality, the latter starkly lower. Though not directly correlated, a balance seemed prudent, desirable even. His brow furrowed in contemplation, pondering the path to harmonize his burgeoning might with his inner essence.

His attention was then drawn back to the present by the massive corpse of the [Upper] Thunder Dragon lying nearby. A wry smile crossed his face as he mused, “I wonder how a steak, zapped with such a strong electricity, would taste like?”

Before indulging in such culinary experiments, however, practical matters awaited. Efficiently, Ryan set to work, harvesting the dragon’s valuable components. With the aid of his space ring, he transported the bulk of the dragon’s flesh and organs to the edge of Oasis Lake, where his companion Silver awaited eagerly.

“Eat, eat. This feast is all yours,” Ryan called out cheerfully.

With a jubilant splash, Silver, the giant silverfish, surged from the lake, its body glistening under the moonlight as it settled on the shore to devour its meal. The dragon’s flesh, nutrient-rich and voluminous, promised to be more than a mere snack for the creature, now over 20 meters long.

As Silver feasted, Ryan busied himself by the campfire, grilling what he dubbed “Thunder Dragon Steak.” He kept one eye on Silver, noting the transformative signs in his companion. The red lines that once meandered across silver’s scales had sharpened into precise radial patterns emanating from its fins, a clear mark of evolution, possibly enhancing its predatory capabilities.

Ryan pondered the nature of this evolution. The Thunder Dragon, in its formidable Red Lightning State, had fallen to Silver’s might, an impressive feat suggesting significant growth in power. This evolution was not an endpoint but a gateway to further transformation, the scope of which was dictated by mysterious, cosmic forces linked to the creature’s own desires and the opportunities seized.

As the bonfire crackled and popped, casting dancing shadows around him, Ryan allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction. The path ahead was laden with unknowns, but for now, he relished the journey, his laughter mingling with the crackling of the fire.

No matter the nuances of the “Red Evolution,” for the moment, it seemed to offer nothing but benefits. That was reason enough for Ryan to be content.

He savored a bite of the roasted “Thunder Dragon Steak,” the flavors exploding across his palate. The meat, infused with residual electric charges, tingled with a naturally spicy zest that made it irresistibly moreish. After indulging in a generous portion, Ryan lay back on the lakeside ground, thoroughly satisfied.

As he relaxed, a flurry of notifications floated across his vision, their luminescent text a stark contrast against the night sky.

[Gluttony] reaches “100/100”. The fourth “Gluttony Joy” completed. From the food consumed, gain the permanent benefit: Special skill [Dragon Armor (Master)] – Reduces incoming damage by 20%. Adjustment occurs based on attacker’s rank: three-quarters effectiveness against foes one rank higher, one-quarter against those two ranks higher, and null against three ranks higher.

[Gluttony Hunter (Level 1)] Compatibility increased by 25%, now at 100%. Spirituality +3.0 (Total)!

Having completed “Gluttony Pleasure” four times, [Gluttony Hunter (Level 1)] compatibility has reached 100%…Judgement in progress…Qualify for the Level 2 hidden profession – [Apostle of Pleasure] upon meeting the following:

1. Basic attributes: [Spirituality] ≥ 5.0, [Physical Fitness] ≥ 5.0 (completed)

2. Pleasure ritual: In a grand occasion, perform an act of “pleasure” recognized by over a hundred people – the apex of desire and pursuit of thrill. (Pending)

——

Ryan’s eyes widened in surprise as he processed the influx of information. There was much to consider, and he organized his thoughts methodically.

Firstly, the advancements he had achieved were significant. The 100% compatibility with [Gluttony Hunter (Level 1)] had bolstered his spirituality tremendously, pushing his wandering clone’s [spirituality] to 9.0 and his original body’s to 7.8. He was tantalizingly close to the final boost needed for his wandering clone to wield the greatsword’s “True Charge Slash” a skill he had long coveted for its legendary ability to cleave through ocean waves.

Next, the upgrade of [Dragon Armor] to the “Master” level was a pivotal development. Previously, his damage reduction skill had been limited, decreasing in effectiveness significantly against stronger foes. Now, as a “Master” level ability, it maintained substantial effectiveness even against more formidable enemies. This strategic enhancement dramatically widened his combat survivability.

Lastly, the revelation of the path to the second-level hidden profession of [Original Sin Path] was a thrilling prospect. The requirements laid out a clear yet challenging course of action, especially the ritual of pleasure needing acknowledgment from a large gathering, a test of his charisma and ingenuity.

Ryan’s mind raced with possibilities as he pondered these new capabilities and challenges. The path ahead was daunting yet exhilarating, promising battles and adventures worthy of his newfound powers and ambitions. With a thoughtful smile, he turned his gaze back to the flickering campfire, its crackling sparks mirroring the fiery potential unfolding within him.