Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 222

Chapter 222: New Ship!
The nautical charts of the Inner Sea, shrouded in secrecy and unavailable for purchase, were a mystery to Ryan.

Noticing his intrigued yet puzzled expression, Ariel swiftly retrieved a map from her space ring and handed it to him. “This is a royal nautical chart, detailed and updated. Please, take a moment to examine it.”

Ryan unfurled the map across the desk, his eyes scanning the intricate details and geographical outlines that resembled a fan. The strategic positioning of the outlying islands caught his attention.

“From the mainland, heading out to sea in any of the four cardinal directions, one can reach the Golden Tree. We are currently located in what should be termed the ‘Inland Sea – Southern Region,'” Ariel detailed, pointing at specific locations on the map.

“However, to venture into the ‘new sea area,’ one must navigate through the perilous ‘magnetic mine sea area,’ notorious for its unpredictable sea monsters and tempestuous storms. Only those of at least fourth-level strength dare venture there.”

“My suggestion,” Ariel continued, “is to first travel to Goldander, located just at the edge of the Magnetic Thunder Sea to the south. You could wait there until the Golden Autumn Moon concludes. Coincidentally, the Tianqing Sword Dojo on the island will be hosting a month-long sword competition, celebrating the maturation of the Golden fruit. The fruit is a coveted prize, integral to the crafting of the third-level ‘Pirate Path’ potion.”

“Given your exceptional skills with the sword, Mr. Purple Wind, participating could not only be safe but potentially rewarding. You would likely rank within the top five.”

“Only top five?” Ryan replied, his eyebrows arching in playful challenge, already intrigued by the potential adventure that lay ahead.

“I have made inquiries about your prowess with the sword, Mr. Purple Wind. Please, do not think I underestimate you,” Ariel began, her voice soft yet earnest. “The Azure Sword Competition annually draws a myriad of skilled swordsmen, many of whom are fourth-level professionals. This year, however, holds a unique significance. Rumor has it that the venerable master of the Sky Sword Dojo, now aging, seeks a successor amongst the competitors to inherit the revered ‘Sacred Weapon – Azure Sword.'”

She paused to ensure Ryan grasped the gravity of the term. “Sacred weapons stand apart from holy relics. Only the finest weapons and artifacts of the highest distinction are bestowed the title of ‘sacred.'”

“The lure of the Azure Sword has intensified this year’s competition significantly, attracting numerous peak fourth-level swordsmen,” Ariel continued, her tone mixing respect with a hint of concern.

She then paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face as she remembered Ryan’s previous feats. “You have proven your strength by besting Pope Libra, even when his spiritual power was constrained to the third level. Clearly, you surpass those freshly initiated into the fourth level. However…”

Ariel carefully outlined the hierarchy of professional levels. “Professionals are categorized from low to high, starting at the fourth level as high-level professionals. From there, the sub-rankings; beginner, senior, peak, and extreme; reflect increasing compatibility and mastery.”

“At lower levels, it’s still feasible for talented individuals to challenge adversaries above their station. But beyond the fourth level, crossing these smaller stages becomes a formidable task. The spiritual gulf widens significantly with each advancement, making it incredibly challenging to bridge.”

Pausing again, Ariel’s gaze shifted, acknowledging the anomaly before her. Ryan’s achievements defied conventional understanding, his victories as a second-level fighter against fourth-level adversaries were nothing short of miraculous.

Ryan nodded, his expression contemplative as he processed Ariel’s insights. “The spiritual strength of a fourth-tier professional ranges broadly from thirty to a hundred. Without knowing the exact breakdown of these stages, the difference in each could be at least seventeen points, a substantial margin.”

“This disparity,” he mused, “highlights why the challenges intensify significantly at higher levels.”

Ariel, picking up on his understanding, softly added, “Given this landscape, claiming the championship might be a stretch with your current abilities. However, engaging with such a wide array of swordsmen could immensely enrich your own skills.”

“Though I am no swordsman myself, I’ve learned that swordsmanship thrives on exchange and adaptation. Isolation can stifle growth, while new perspectives can forge breakthroughs.”

“I understand,” Ryan acknowledged with a nod, appreciating the depth of Ariel’s advice and the opportunity that lay before him in the Azure Sword Competition. Despite the challenges, the prospect of testing his mettle against the finest swordsmen was an invaluable one.

—-

Meanwhile in the quiet solitude of Room 101 at the Hotel, Freni stood by the window, her gaze fixed on the distant blue sky. Her expression was blank, a stark mask of composure, until suddenly, it crumbled into a pained grimace, one that bore the struggle of a tearless cry.

“I’m so foolish, really…” she murmured to herself.

Reflecting on her sightseeing excursion the previous evening, Frannie felt a tightness in her chest. She had been certain that the Traveler would succumb to the [Crown] Sword-Tailed Dragon in their confrontation. After all, how could the Traveler, with a combat power of just 49, possibly overcome the [Champion] Sword-tailed Dragon, boasting a formidable 52?

Yet, somehow, he had triumphed, defying her expectations and turning the tables on her investment strategy. Last time, following the Traveler’s defeat by the Crown Beast, she had opted out, thinking it prudent. Now, regret gnawed at her, the missed opportunity costing her tens of thousands of spiritual essences.

With a heavy sigh, Freni attempted to quell the rising storm of frustration with deep, deliberate breaths. She decided to head downstairs for breakfast, hoping that a change of scenery might soothe her frayed nerves.

But just as she was about to leave, a faint blue glow flickered in her eyes. In a trance-like state, she saw a dark warship, its massive horn slicing through the fog, advancing ominously toward the island.

“The Black Knight…” she whispered to herself as reality snapped back into focus.

…

Ryan, returning to the hotel, was surprised to find Freni sitting at his desk when he opened the door. The brim of her large, fluffy hat swayed as she lifted her head at the sound of the door.

“Captain?” she queried, her voice tinted with uncertainty.

Ryan stepped into the room, a mix of surprise and concern on his face. “Did you need to see me about something?”

“I’m sorry,” Freni’s voice was soft, almost remorseful. “I entered your room without permission.”

“It’s okay,” Ryan reassured her, dismissing the intrusion with a wave of his hand. Their past experiences in the wilderness had forged a bond stronger than formalities. “What’s wrong?”

“The Black Knights are coming after us,” Frani confessed, her lips pressing together nervously.

“My magic allows me glimpses of potential threats,” she explained. “The warship I saw, marked by its rank, suggests it’s from the upper echelons of the Black Knights, possibly one of the middle three seats. Their strength is formidable; even fourth-level witches are prey to them.”

Ryan’s eyes narrowed at the news. He had not anticipated a pursuit so soon after his last encounter with the twelfth Black Knight.

“It seems the Black Knights are not merely challenging us for show but are intent on a decisive, lethal confrontation,” he surmised gravely.

“Do we know how close they are?” he asked, his tone edged with urgency.

“Not exactly,” Freni admitted, shaking her head. “But the warships of the three Black Knights are exceedingly fast. Even if it left from Silver Moon Port, it wouldn’t take more than ten days to reach the outlying islands of the Inner Sea.”

The gravity of their situation hung between them, a tangible weight that neither could ignore.

“Mr. Ryan, we need to secure a ship and depart immediately.”

Freni’s resolve was firm; she had no intention of lingering on the island. Her instinct was to avoid burdening others with her troubles, particularly since the island’s current ruler, Princess Ariel, was also a witch. Knowing Ariel was still regaining her former strength, Frannie was aware that the princess wouldn’t be a match for the formidable Black Knights of the middle three seats.

It would be selfish to stay and possibly draw Ariel into danger. Moreover, Freni believed that with enough time, she could one day overcome a Black Knight herself. Although it pained her to admit, she also recognized that Ryan’s rapid growth in power would likely see him facing the Black Knights soon. What they both needed most was time, time that they could not afford to waste on the island.

“Ship…” Ryan mused upon hearing Freni’s urgent suggestion, remembering something important. “I actually have just the one.”

“In the royal treasury of Santos, I found a high-level rare vessel. It was damaged, but I’ve managed to repair it.”

Freni’s eyes widened in surprise, her earlier anxiety temporarily replaced by excitement. “A high-level artifact ship? Oh, please, take me to see it!”

Though she was relatively inexperienced in matters of sailing and command, Freni’s enthusiasm for the newly repaired ship was palpable.

“Let’s also invite Miss Cecilia and go together,” Ryan suggested.

A short while later, a few kilometers south of the island, Ryan, Freni, and Cecilia stood on a platform created by Frannie’s magic, a dark blue hand that hovered over the water. Both women watched eagerly as Ryan took out a miniature warship from his space ring.