Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 180

Chapter 180: Flashing Insect!
The title “Lord of Death” attached to this ancient dragon indicated a sinister connection to death itself, suggesting powers Ryan could barely fathom right now. Knowing this, he realized the importance of preparing himself thoroughly before daring to confront such a fearsome creature.

Additionally, the note shed light on the perils of the volcanic region. According to Loic, the deputy leader of the hunting group, this area teemed with formidable creatures, including those more powerful than the already daunting “Upper.” These apex predators were designated targets for hunters possessing the “Master Medal,” also known as “Hunter Masters.”

Having clashed with several “Upper monsters,” Ryan was well aware of their strength. The thought of encountering something even more powerful was chilling. Thankfully, these more potent beings resided deep within the volcano, away from his current path.

The concept of the “Master Hunter” wasn’t new to Ryan; the hermit dragon man had hinted at it during their last encounter, speaking cryptically of “The end… the origin… only the master hunter has the qualifications to meet him.” At the time, Ryan had assumed that defeating top-tier hunters would elevate him to this status. Reflecting on it now, he realized he might have been too hasty in his assumption.

The “Master” level, as suggested by Loic’s note, was clearly a step above “Upper” and was likely the status held by Loic himself. Ryan understood he was still far from reaching such a distinguished rank.

With a renewed focus, Ryan tucked the invaluable notes safely into his space ring and returned to the campfire. He stretched out his hand, initiating the teleportation sequence.

As the sparks flew, the scenery before Ryan’s eyes shifted dramatically. Moments later, he found himself back at the Bonfire Point – Corruption Abyss Outpost.

Leaving the campfire behind, Ryan followed the familiar path to the entrance of the “Hidden Dragon Cave.” Before delving deeper into the volcanic area, he intended to claim his rewards for defeating the Thunder Dragon and the Black Roar Dragon. He also hoped to glean more insights from the hermit dragon man.

The cave looked the same, except for the addition of two new spirit deer beneath the tree. These creatures watched Ryan with a mixture of curiosity and caution, ready to bolt at any sign of danger.

Ignoring their tentative glances, Ryan called out with a voice that echoed through the cavern, “I have defeated the Peerless Hunter and the Absolutely Powerful one!”

“Hermit dragon man, please show yourself.”

His voice reverberated off the cave walls, lingering in the air. After a tense half-minute, the figure of the reclusive dragon man slowly emerged from the shadows at the cave entrance.

At the sight of the hermit, Ryan’s space ring flickered, and he produced the heads of the Thunder Dragon and the Black Roar Dragon. The residual ferocity emanating from these trophies caused the spirit deer to tremble and cower together under the tree, their eyes wide with fright as they stared at Ryan.

As Ryan presented the heads of his formidable foes, a flicker of something uncharacteristic crossed the reclusive dragon man’s voice, perhaps anticipation, perhaps delight. Ryan couldn’t be sure.

From the shadows above, the hermit tossed down a small object. Ryan extended his hand and caught it, his curiosity piqued. It wasn’t another one of those glass beads he had come to expect. Instead, he found himself holding something quite unexpected, a peculiar insect.

Upon closer inspection, Ryan was intrigued. The creature resembled a ladybug but was entirely black, with hints of yellow-white peeking through the gaps in its slightly parted wing covers.

“What’s this?” he asked, genuinely puzzled.

He turned to the panel for an explanation.

—

[Flashing Insect]: A rare specimen within the Flashing Insect group. It is estimated that only one in every 100,000 is born. Specially trained by the hermit dragon man, this Flashing Insect is in a perpetual state of hibernation until activated. A light press on the insect’s head emits a brilliant flash, dazzling any creature that sees it directly. Usable three times daily. Requires a 24-hour recovery period after the third use.

—

Ryan’s mind raced with the possibilities. The Flashing Insect could be a game changer, especially effective against aerial or charging foes if deployed unexpectedly. Moreover, it wasn’t a single-use item; it could be activated three times daily with a recovery period, offering repeated utility.

“What a valuable tool!” Ryan exclaimed, impressed by the ingenuity of the gift.

At that moment, the hermit’s voice floated down from the cliff once more, cryptic and solemn.

“…Hunting for the crown, obtaining the proof of dominance, testing the qualifications of a master, I will lead you to the place of the end and the origin…”

As the echo of his words faded, the hermit turned and vanished into the cave’s entrance.

“Hunting the crown and obtaining the certificate of dominance…” Ryan repeated softly to himself, contemplating the implications.

He understood now that the “crown position” referenced by the hermit represented a power beyond the “Upper rank,” a status akin to that of a “Master Hunter.” Although no new explicit information had been revealed, Ryan sensed that defeating a “crown monster” would unlock the deeper mysteries of the island, as promised by the hermit.

Ryan cast one last look at the cave entrance above him, then turned and walked away, his resolve firm. Before he could challenge a “Crown,” he knew he must grow even stronger. The journey ahead was daunting, but Ryan felt equipped, both in spirit and now with his new, unusual ally, the Flashing Insect.

Time had flown by at Bonfire Point-Volcano Cave, where Ryan had settled briefly after his adventure. As the dance of light and shadow played over the cave walls, Ryan, now seated comfortably by the crackling campfire, organized his gear and took stock of his situation.

He glanced at his old-fashioned wristwatch, it had been nearly an hour since he embarked on this particular venture. The two-hour deadline he had set for himself was fast approaching, yet there was still so much of the volcanic area left unexplored.

Despite the time constraint, Ryan had reasons to be content; he had triumphed over the formidable Black Roar Dragon. This victory had not only upgraded his traveling clone but also marked the successful achievement of his mission’s primary goal.

With a thoughtful nod, Ryan considered his next move. “Might as well head back now,” he mused aloud, the decision made easier by his success.

Yet, before initiating the return sequence, he remembered the fire dragon egg he had left behind at Bonfire Point-Gap between Giant Trees. He needed to check on its status.

Checking the time 22:14:36 he interacted with his device to get an update. “It will hatch in about a day,” he read aloud from the display and pondered. The first creature a hatchling sees often bonds with it deeply, and Ryan was keen on nurturing this dragon as a companion.

Satisfied with the timing, he scribbled a note, sat cross-legged beside the fire, and activated the teleportation command.

Moments later…

Ryan found himself on an outlying island, deep within the eighth level of the underground maze. Lying on a bamboo raft, he slowly opened his eyes to the new environment. Standing up, he felt a surge of power coursing through his veins, a small, victorious smile playing on his lips.

His physical and spiritual attributes had significantly increased:

—

[Spiritual]: 7.8

[Physical]: 23.03→28.54

—

This newfound strength enveloped him with a reassuring sense of security. Ryan then noticed Yellow Sand nearby, who seemed deeply absorbed in her own thoughts.

Yellow Sand, sensing someone approaching, remained calm, her senses sharp. “It’s still early, Purple Wind. Why don’t you rest a bit more?” she suggested in her clear, magnetic voice.

Ryan shook his head slightly, his smile widening. “Let me take over. You should rest more than I do, considering your combat style relies heavily on spirituality and magic,” he explained. As a melee fighter, Ryan knew he could manage longer stretches of physical exertion compared to a spellcaster like Yellow Sand, whose abilities depended significantly on mental stamina.

“…Okay,” Yellow Sand conceded, her voice laced with fatigue. She had felt the pressure mounting from their upcoming challenges, especially from the formidable “Hanged Man” they were tracking. If not for Ryan’s robust presence, she might have considered retreating from the mission altogether, despite her extensive training as a third-level extreme professional.

Together, they prepared to face whatever lay ahead, their partnership strengthened by mutual respect and the shared trials of their journey.

Yellow Sand, with a swift flick of her cape, disappeared into a shadowed corner, her movements silent and swift. Ryan smoothly stepped forward, assuming her position to stand guard. Alongside Cyan River, they formed a vigilant pair, each positioned strategically dozens of meters apart, one to the left and one to the right, flanking the grand entrance.

In the dimly lit expanse of the hall, the figure of Miss Assassin melded into the shadows, her presence nearly invisible. Ryan’s sharp gaze followed Yellow Sand until she was swallowed by darkness, his mind whirling with suspicions about this mysterious “Ice Witch.”