Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 198

Chapter 198: Freni’s Viewing Platform!
 

[At the Viewing Platform]

Freni stood before the holographic screen, her delicate features etched with apprehension. Her eyes, wide and bright, reflected the vibrant colors of the battle scene unfolding before her.

The data on the screen updated continuously: “The ‘Beginner’s Heart’ traveler faces the formidable [Upper] Molten Dragon. A fierce battle is imminent.”

Combat strengths were displayed clearly:

– Traveler: 44

– [Higher] Molten Fish Dragon: 46

“Your current holdings: [Spiritual Essence: 6932]”

The investment odds were laid out next:

– Ratio – Traveler to [Higher] Molten Fish Dragon = 4.0:1.5

– Minimum bet: 100 Spirit Essence

“You have 30 seconds to place your bet…”

Freni’s thoughts drifted to her last visit. Initially, she had amassed 27,932 [Spirit Essence]. Recently, she had exchanged 1,000 of these for ten first-order healing and soul-restoring crystals for her ally, Mr. Ryan. Eager to boost her abilities, she had then traded a staggering 20,000 for ten “second-order spiritual enhancement crystals.” Only 6,932 [Spirit Essence] remained in her account.

The expenditure had been painful, but the effects were undeniable. Her spiritual capacity had increased, a crucial step as she aimed for the third level. Her profession’s name had evolved from [Scholar] at the first level to [Stargazer] at the second, signifying not just the literal watching of stars, but a deep reverence for the vast, unknown cosmos. This alignment with the principles of Stargazing, a humble heart and an eagerness to learn had improved her career compatibility dramatically.

Though recent in her promotion, Freni had faced challenges that few of her peers would encounter in their entire careers. Such experiences nurtured her inherent humility, enhancing her suitability as a Stargazer.

Snapped back to reality by the ticking countdown, Freni made her decision swiftly. Keeping a prudent reserve of 1,000 [Spirit Essence], she wagered the remaining 5,932 on the Traveler. Despite the odds, a slight disparity in combat effectiveness of just two points, her faith in the Traveler was unshaken.

The battle was brisk, concluding in under thirty minutes. “Investment Successful,” flashed the screen, bringing a triumphant sparkle to Freni’s eyes.

“That’s right, dear traveler, strike down the beast!” she cheered, her voice filled with exhilaration as she punched the air.

Her investment had quadrupled to 24,728 [Spirit Essence], nearly restoring her balance prior to the hefty crystal purchase. Yet, her joy was short-lived. As she gazed back at the screen, a new, blood-red warning flashed across the oceanic backdrop, the most daunting she had seen in her time at the viewing platform.

[As the Battle Begins]

The scene was set: the “Beginner’s Heart” traveler, cloaked in determination, stood before the formidable [Grand] Explosion Dragon. An imminent battle was about to unfold, the stakes displayed vividly on the screen:

Combat Strengths:

– Traveler: 44

– [Champion] Blasting Dragon: 53

Current Holdings:

– [Spiritual Essence: 24728]

Odds:

– Traveler vs. [Champion] Blasting Dragon = 100:0.01

– Minimum bet: 100 Spirit Essence

Countdown:

– 30 seconds to place your bet…

Freni’s voice was a whisper, a mix of awe and trepidation, “A hundred to 0.01… such disparity…”

She knew the grim reality these odds suggested; barring a freak cosmic event, the traveler’s chances were bleak. The nine-point difference in combat strength was not just a gap, it was a chasm.

“Has the dragon reached a [Crown] level of power?” Freni’s fists tightened as the gravity of the situation sank in.

After a moment’s hesitation, she decided against placing a bet. The potential gain was minuscule; even if she wagered all her essence on the dragon and it triumphed, her profit would only be a paltry 200 essence.

As the countdown dwindled to zero and she refrained from betting, Freni sighed, “It looks like the adventure ends here for today.”

She stood up, proceeding to convert her spiritual essence. “Let’s get 10 more [Second Order Spiritual Enhancement Crystals]. Whether it’s Cecilia or Mr. Ryan who advances first, they’ll need these.”

Settling back into her seat, Freni prepared to watch the battle conclude, yet the display soon surprised her. The battle sequence unfolded rapidly:

[Battle Record:]

– [[Grand Rank] Blasting Dragon initiates with a powerful leap and smash.]

– [Traveler counters with a ‘secret treasure’ and unleashes a ‘secret technique.’]

– [The Traveler is flung back, severely wounded.]

A chuckle escaped Freni despite the grim scene; the Traveler’s bold use of ‘secret skills’ and ‘treasures’ sparked a flicker of hope. Perhaps, against all odds, a miracle was possible?

“Even without a stake in the outcome, a victory for the Traveler tonight would still be something to celebrate,” she mused, entertained by the drama.

Yet, as the battle continued, the [Crown] Blasting Dragon’s sheer might was undeniable, its simple but brutal attack leaving the Traveler reeling. The stark disparity in power was undeniable.

After a soft laugh and a moment of reflection, Freni sighed and returned her focus to the screen, curious to see how the tale would unfold.

[As the Tension Mounts]

The scene was tense. The [Grand] Blasting Dragon reared back, muscles tensing for what was to be a devastating strike, when suddenly, it halted. Its fierce gaze shifted past the Traveler, focusing on something or someone emerging from the volcanic mist.

A formidable new challenger, the [Grand] Sword Dragon, loomed into view, its presence alone enough to trigger a territorial battle!

The screen flashed: [Battle result: draw.]

Freni couldn’t hide her shock. “Another crown-ranked monster!” she exclaimed, a mix of dread and relief coursing through her. “And it ended in a draw…”

The realization hit her like a wave: had she succumbed to the temptation of that minuscule 1% return by betting on the [Crown] Shattering Dragon, her entire stash of [Spiritual Essence] would have vanished. “My caution has paid off once again,” she murmured, reaffirming her strategic approach. “Chasing tiny profits in such high-risk situations is simply not worth it!”

Despite the unease, Freni’s conviction remained unshaken. The viewing platform then returned to its default setting, displaying simple animated figures navigating a rugged volcanic landscape.

She pondered aloud, “This volcanic area is overrun with power. From Upper to Crown levels, the escalation in danger is staggering.” Even the Traveler, known for turning the tide against formidable foes, seemed outmatched here.

Before she could delve deeper into her thoughts, the interface signaled the onset of another battle. “Already?” Freni muttered, surprised by the rapid succession of events.

[The new challenge: the [Upper] Princess Blazing Spider.]

Combat Strengths:

– Traveler: 44

– [Higher] Princess Blazing Spider: 48

Current Holdings:

– [Spiritual Essence: 24728]

Odds:

– Traveler vs. [Upper] Princess Blazing Spider = 7.5:1.1

– Minimum bet: 100 Spirit Essence

Countdown:

– 30 seconds to place your bet…

“It’s not a Crown level this time…” Freni breathed a sigh of relief, though the furrow between her brows deepened at the still significant difference in combat strengths. The four-point gap, though not as daunting as before, was still substantial.

As the countdown neared its end, Freni wrestled with her decision. Finally, as the seconds ticked away, she reached out decisively towards the interface.