Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 219

Chapter 219: Land of End and Origin!
Shaking off the dust and debris, Ryan turned his attention to the massive creature lying defeated before him, beginning the meticulous task of harvesting.

An hour later, Ryan sat by a crackling fire, methodically turning a piece of “Dragon Steak” over the flames. Although he no longer gained permanent boosts from increasing his “gluttony level,” the ritual of consuming the meat of monsters he had conquered had become a deeply ingrained part of his identity as a hunter and a gourmand.

As he waited for the steak to cook, Ryan perused the display on his panel, which lit up with notifications following his victory over the [Grand] Sword Dragon:

——

[With a weak body, you defeat the “crown,” and your body and mind feel the ultimate joy…]

[[Tide of Pain]’s “Joy after Pain” is perfectly achieved! Obtained 25% professional bonus for compatibility: Spirituality +1, Physical Strength +1]

[Gain the following permanent benefits: Special skill [Dragon Power (Beginner)] – When performing actions, including but not limited to jumping, attacking, blocking, etc., the strength judgment is +1 (there is a rank judgment, if it is one rank higher than the owner, it will only be half effective, and if it is two rank higher, it will be completely ineffective)]

[You have completed the first “After Pain” joy, you can continue to accept “Pain” to improve your career compatibility. ]

[Personally challenge the “unconquerable” existence, [Storm Fighter] career compatibility increased by 25%, and obtain the following career bonuses: Spirituality +0.5, Physical +0.5]

——

“Special skill [Dragon Power]? Is that from the same lineage as [Dragon Helm]?” Ryan mused aloud, his gaze reflecting a spark of curiosity.

“What exactly does strength determination mean?” He pondered the implications, recognizing it could be a game-changer in battles to come. The nuances of these enhancements were critical, every bit of knowledge could tilt the scales in future encounters with even mightier foes.

Ryan, feeling a bit intrigued by his new abilities, decided to test the so-called “strength judgment +1” right where he stood. With a swift motion, he jumped up, and to his satisfaction, he noted an approximate 10% increase in his jump height, a simple yet clear demonstration of enhanced strength.

“What a pleasant surprise,” Ryan murmured, a smile breaking across his face. Strength was critical for wielding a greatsword, and any enhancement in that regard was a boon.

The satisfaction of completing the “joy after pain” challenge was another delight. To a hunter like Ryan, there was no greater thrill than overcoming a formidable adversary, a prey much stronger than himself. “After returning to the main body and finding a safe environment, I can push the professional compatibility to 50%,” he thought, reflecting on the improvements to his second-level hidden profession, [Apostle of Joy]. This journey was proving to be more fulfilling than he had anticipated.

The unexpected boost in [Storm Fighter] compatibility, however, caught him off guard. He couldn’t help but compare the generosity of hidden professions with their more ‘stingy’ ordinary counterparts. “Compared to hidden professions, ordinary professions seem a bit too stingy,” he mused.

This led him to ponder the broader implications of occupational bonuses. Under normal circumstances, a second-level professional on the “Pirate Path” would cap out at a spiritual value of 10.0 upon reaching 100% compatibility, whereas the “Path of Original Sin” could stretch to 15.0, not accounting for any external enhancements.

Reviewing the stats on his traveling clone’s panel provided some insights:

——

[Level]: 16 (2%) → 17 (1%)

[Spiritual Value]: 722,635 → 1,222,635

[Spiritual Ability]: 25.8 → 27.3

[Physical Strength]: 169.3 → 219.1

——

The modest bump in spirituality was negligible, but the dramatic surge in physical strength from 169.3 to 219.1 was a game-changer, making him feel a surge of power he hadn’t experienced in quite some time.

With his newfound strength, bolstered by [Dragon Power (Entry Level)], Ryan felt a renewed confidence. Should he face the [Grand] Sword Dragon again, he was certain the encounter would unfold differently. His enhanced capabilities meant that defensive techniques like “Blood Barrier” would likely withstand more than a single blow from the dragon’s “Burning Blade.”

As he pondered these improvements, the ” Sword-Tailed Dragon Steak” sizzled to perfection on the grill. Ryan grabbed the hearty meal, eating as he walked towards the dwelling of the “hermit dragon man” to claim his well-earned reward. This, he knew, was just another step in his relentless pursuit of mastery and survival in a world brimming with peril and opportunity.

Ryan savored the “Sword Steak” with evident satisfaction, a slight nod affirming its delightful texture. The “Sword Steak,” hewn from the formidable Sword-Tailed Dragon, bore a surprising tenderness, perhaps due to Ryan’s time honing his sword skills which seemed to have imparted an unexpected softness to the meat. As he chewed, a sharp, tingling sensation prickled his mouth, reminiscent of a swordsman’s swift dance, challenging both his teeth and digestive mettle with its fierce intensity.

“This is truly a culinary masterpiece,” Ryan thought, relishing not just the flavor but the unique aftereffects of the dish known as [Food War: Sword Slashing Dragon’s Sorrow]. This exceptional meal not only tantalized the taste buds but also bestowed upon its eater a fleeting surge in agility, and with each enemy strike, a chance to inflict a crippling laceration. “Delicious and strong, a perfect combination,” Ryan mused with a culinary connoisseur’s critical approval.

With the last bite still lingering on his palate, Ryan continued on his path, soon reaching the secluded dwelling of the reclusive dragon man. At his arrival, a small, verdant creature, the elf deer, peered out curiously. Recognizing Ryan, it bounded over with eyes shimmering with joy and affectionately nuzzled his leg.

Smiling warmly, Ryan patted the creature’s antlered head before stepping into the shadowy cave. Despite his absence of a few days, everything within remained unchanged. His voice resonated against the cool, damp walls as he declared his recent conquest.

“I have hunted the Crown,” Ryan announced boldly. “Hermit dragon man, please show yourself…”

His words echoed, summoning the hermit from his higher perch. With a flash from Ryan’s space ring, a red reverse scale, large and imposing, appeared in his hand, a prize from his latest conquest, the Grand Sword Slayer Dragon.

“The breath of a tyrant…” the dragon man’s voice rumbled, deep and laden with an unspoken complexity as he leapt down to meet Ryan, landing with a grace that belied his size.

Gazing at the scale, the hermit extended a scale-lined hand, his voice a whisper of awe and ancient longing, “After so many years… finally…”

“Hunter who has obtained the certificate of hegemony, the blue star in the prophecy… You have proven your qualifications as a master. I will lead you to the place of the end and the origin… Are you ready?”

Ryan paused, a sheepish grin spreading across his face, “Wait. Can I prepare for a while longer?”

Though victorious over the Grand Sword Slayer Dragon, Ryan understood the precariousness of his prowess. Absent his special skill, Gospel, or facing an enemy prepared with lethal countermeasures, his odds of triumph would be significantly lessened. The prospect of venturing to the fabled “Land of End and Origin” with the dragon man suddenly seemed a daunting challenge.

“With such power at my command,” Ryan pondered, his resolve mixing with a twinge of doubt, “yet so much more to master.”