Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 221

Chapter 221: Magnetic Thunder Sea!
After leaving the Hotel, Ryan made a beeline for the “Golden Hammer Blacksmith Shop.” With his recent acquisitions and the holy glass bead in hand, crafting his first set of crown-level armor was now his top priority. The urgency wasn’t just for protection, it was a step toward closing the formidable challenges that lay ahead.

Ryan approached the sturdy, closed door of the Golden Hammer Blacksmith Shop and rapped sharply on the wood.

“Knock, knock…”

After a brief pause, the door creaked open. Inside, Master Jinchui, the renowned blacksmith, sat cross-legged on the floor. His gaze met Ryan’s as he entered, his demeanor calm, untouched by the urgency often found in his craft. “Why are you here? The wonder ring is not yet completed.”

Ryan’s eyes quickly noted the black smudges on the master’s trousers, clear signs of recent work at the forge. He imagined the blacksmith hurrying from his workspace at the sound of the knock, hastily brushing off his clothes before adopting the serene posture in which he now sat.

A slight smile played across Ryan’s lips. It was a rare glimpse into a more hurried, slightly disheveled side of the otherwise composed master.

“There are many layers to a person, some seen, some unseen,” Ryan thought, respecting the unspoken boundaries of personal space and professional facades.

“Speaking of which, after completing your commission, I will be ready to leave the island,” Master Golden Hammer interjected before Ryan could state his new request.

“You’re leaving?” Ryan couldn’t hide his surprise.

“Yes,” the blacksmith sighed, his gaze drifting to a point far beyond the walls of the shop. “For some things, avoidance is not a solution. No matter how many mid-level artifacts I forge, I cannot break through my current limit.”

“I’m heading to the new sea area. It’s more perilous, but rife with opportunities. Perhaps our paths will cross there in the future.”

“Do you need to create a high-level artifact?” Ryan asked, hoping to understand more.

“Indeed,” Master Golden Hammer admitted openly. “At my current level, only forging high-level rare objects can elevate my skills. But such items require materials from fifth-level legendary monsters, creatures that are overlords even in the new sea area, and not found in this inland sea.”

“So, I must venture out.”

Hearing this, Ryan ventured, “Master Golden Hammer, could you consider not leaving? I have another commission…”

Master Golden Hammer brow furrowed, his imposing figure casting a shadow that felt like a looming storm. “No.”

His response was as firm as the steel he worked with. Despite Ryan’s offerings of novel materials previously unseen by the blacksmith, they were insufficient for advancing to higher realms of craftsmanship.

“Don’t mention it again.”

“Go back. I will notify you when the magic ring is ready.”

His tone, though respectful, hinted at finality, steering Ryan towards the door. Such a dismissal was rare; most would have been sent away much sooner, a testament to Ryan’s unique standing with the master. Ryan, understanding the unyielding resolve in Master Golden Hammers voice, nodded silently and stepped out into the fresh morning, his mind racing with plans to meet the new challenges ahead.

Ryan cleared his throat and remained silent, yet his hand moved subtly towards the space ring he wore. With a flash of light, the air in the blacksmith shop seemed to shudder as a massive tail blade, more than 20 meters in length materialized out of thin air. The shop’s vast space accommodated the blade, which was fortunate, as its size and the aura it exuded were immense.

The blade radiated an indescribable sharpness, its scorching energy filling the room with the oppressive force of the [Crown] beast from which it had been severed. Even in death, the beast’s formidable presence was palpable, setting the air aquiver with latent power.

At the sight of the tail blade, Master Golden Hammer was instantly in motion. With a deft tap on the ground, intricate patterns erupted along the walls, and Ryan could sense the space within the room stretching, the area seemingly tripling in a moment.

Master Golden Hammer approached the blade, half-kneeling beside it. His hand trembled as it brushed the surface, his voice laden with awe and disbelief: “Legendary monster?!”

It was clear to him that no ordinary force had claimed such a prize. As a blacksmith, his expertise told him that this material was exceptionally fresh, the beast likely felled no more than three days prior. The implications of this realization painted Ryan in an entirely new, almost mystical light in the eyes of the master.

“Even if his strength increased tenfold, this young man shouldn’t stand a chance against a fifth-level legendary monster,” Master Golden Hammer thought to himself, dismissing the idea that Ryan could have single-handedly defeated such a creature. The only plausible explanation was that Ryan had access to extraordinary resources, perhaps even a powerful patron.

Master Golden Hammer swallowed hard, his mind reeling with the implications.

“Look, do you want to accept this commission?” Ryan asked, bringing the blacksmith back to the present.

“Yes, of course,” Master Jinchui replied quickly, his tone resolute, a stark contrast to his earlier declaration of departure. “I will craft this equipment with the utmost speed and to the highest standard.”

“Then I’ll trouble you,” Ryan responded with a smile. “I’m looking to make a set of protective gear. If there’s enough material, I’d also like a great sword crafted. Could you please ensure as many inlay slots as possible?”

“No problem at all,” the blacksmith confirmed, already mentally mapping out the design as he continued to examine the tail blade.

“Thank you for your help. As usual, the remaining materials are yours to keep,” Ryan said, observing the blacksmith’s almost frenzied focus on the task. With a chuckle and a shake of his head, he turned and exited the shop.

…

Stepping out into the cool air of Santos City, Ryan was making his way back to the Inn when he encountered a royal female knight. She stood resplendent in pure white armor that gleamed under the sun, her aura almost palpable and nearing the fourth level.

“Master Purple Wind, the princess requests your presence at the palace. She has matters to discuss,” she conveyed, her voice carrying the unmistakable tone of formality.

Water Drop Princess Ariel? Ryan thought to himself, his curiosity piqued. With no pressing engagements to detain him, he nodded in agreement.

“Please, lead the way,” he responded, ready to discover what awaited him at the palace.

In the Grand Palace of Santos

Over ten minutes had elapsed as Ryan, escorted by a resplendent female knight clad in pure white armor, delved deeper into the heart of the palace. Their journey culminated at the door of a grand study, its dark, opulent bookshelves teeming with ancient tomes and scripts.

Inside, seated behind an ornate desk, was the Water Drop Princess Ariel. Beside her, the formidable presence of the Ice Witch Shelia was unmistakable.

Upon noticing Ryan’s arrival, Ariel offered him a gentle smile, her voice calm and inviting. “Mr. Purple Wind, please, have a seat.”

“As you recall, my last revival left me somewhat disoriented, and I fear I wasn’t able to address many important matters during our previous conversation,” Ariel explained, her expression tinged with regret.

“Now that I’ve had a chance to gather my thoughts and familiarize myself with the current affairs, I am finally able to engage in a more meaningful discussion. I apologize for the delay.”

“It’s quite alright,” Ryan reassured her, shaking his head slightly as he settled into the chair opposite her desk.

“Mr. Purple Wind, you’re preparing to depart soon, aren’t you?” Ariel’s tone was curious yet assertive, as if already aware of his intentions.

Without hesitation, Ryan confirmed, “Indeed, everything is in order. It’s time for me to continue on my journey.”

Ariel’s expression softened as she leaned forward slightly, her voice lowering to a confidential whisper. “I reviewed the latest intelligence reports last evening and discovered some troubling news about the Inner Sea region. Particularly, the ‘Magnetic Thunder Sea’ route to the new sea area is fraught with danger, plagued intermittently by sea monsters. It’s significantly more tumultuous this year, especially during the ‘Golden Autumn Month.'”

“If you can, Mr. Purple Wind, I would advise waiting until the ‘Golden Autumn Moon’ has passed before attempting to traverse the Magnetic Thunder Sea.”

“Magnetic thunder sea? Sea monsters?” Ryan’s eyes widened with curiosity and a hint of concern, his adventurer’s spirit ignited by the mention of unknown dangers.