Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 230

Chapter 230: Blessing and A Curse!
Freni sat with composed detachment set in front of the observation deck, her eyes scanning the investment interface calmly.

—

[The “Beginner’s Heart” traveler faces a formidable adversary, the [Crown] Blasting Dragon. A fierce battle looms imminent.]

[Power comparison between combatants: Traveler (50) vs. [Champion] Blasting Dragon (53)]

[Your current pool of Spiritual Essence stands at: 54728]

[Odds – Traveler: [Champion] Dragon Crusher = 10:0.1, with a minimum stake of 100 Spiritual Essence.]

[You have 30 seconds to place your bet on the impending clash…]

Furenee remained composed, her expression serene.

After the unfortunate “bloody loss” she endured during the last encounter, she had absorbed the harsh lesson thoroughly. This time, without a moment’s hesitation, she extended her slender, pale finger towards the “Traveler” on the display and allocated a hefty 40,000 spiritual essences. This bold move left her with just over 10,000 spiritual essences, enough to safeguard her remaining capital.

As time ticked by, the intense battle unfolded and soon reached its climax.

Miss Witch’s reaction to the unfolding battle was a whirlwind of emotions; her eyebrows knitting in concern at moments of peril and relaxing when the tide seemed to turn in favor of her champion. Her mood fluctuated wildly, mirrored by the whimsical bobbing of her fluffy blue hat.

Despite the Traveler’s narrow victory, the battle had been a nail-biter. Freni pondered over the Traveler’s chances in future confrontations, uncertain if another victory was even possible under such strenuous conditions.

Yet, as her gaze fell upon the now swollen sum of 414,728 spiritual essences, Freni’s attempt at maintaining composure melted into a grin of sheer delight. “A wave of profit!” she exclaimed joyously, her fist pumping the air as her face lit up with triumph.

Her celebration was short-lived, however. The viewing interface before her flickered abruptly, plunging back into the battle interface. Freni’s brow furrowed slightly was surprised, yet retaining her composure. She had witnessed enough of these sudden “intrusions” to remain unperturbed, though they were rare.

What mattered now was the strength of the newly emerging adversary.

As Freni scrutinized the interface, her expression sobered. The screen displayed a new formidable challenge:

—

[The “Beginner’s Heart” traveler faces a daunting foe, the [Crown] Gluttonous Dinosaur. A fierce battle is imminent.]

[Comparative battle power: Traveler (50) vs. [Champion] Gluttonous Dinosaur (56)]

[Your current reserve of Spiritual Essence: 414,728]

[Odds – Traveler: [Champion] Gluttonous Dinosaur = 100:0.01, with a minimum wager of 100 Spiritual Essence.]

[You have 30 seconds to place your investment bet…]

—

Freni’s eyes locked onto the “56” combat power rating of the [Grand] Gluttonous Dinosaur. Silence enveloped her as she contemplated her next move.

The breakdown of combat power levels was stark: every three points marked a significant stage, 50 was just the threshold, 51-53 the first tier, and 54-56 the second. Like climbing a steep cliff, each increment in these upper echelons became exponentially more challenging to surmount, especially beyond the formidable 40-point mark.

The Traveler, having not gained any points from his last victory and still pegged at 50, was clearly outmatched. The [Crown] Gluttonous Dinosaur’s staggering rating of 56 indicated it surpassed the Traveler by two whole tiers, a gulf not easily bridged.

This vast difference was also reflected in the investment ratios, a testament to the daunting challenge ahead. Freni knew the stakes were high and the odds steep. As the seconds ticked down, the weight of decision pressed heavily upon her.

The potential for a hundredfold return on investment clearly signaled the Traveler’s precarious chances of victory? it would take nothing short of a celestial meteor striking the beast to tilt the odds in their favor.

Logically, victory seemed out of reach for the Traveler.

Yet, memories of the last harrowing defeat weighed heavily on Freni’s mind, fueling a moment of hesitation. As the countdown dwindled to its final three seconds, she made a daring decision to back the underdog.

“What if?” she pondered aloud, the possibility sparking a flicker of excitement. “If the Traveler actually wins, the payout would be monumental!” The decision was bold, but Freni’s coffers were brimming, she could afford to gamble a slice of her amassed fortune.

With a decisive click, she staked 100,000 Spiritual Essence on the Traveler!

The interface fell eerily silent following her bet. To Freni’s astonishment, the still scene burst back into action quicker than anticipated. The battle, it seemed, concluded in less than half a minute. In truth, subtracting her moment of indecision, the clash had unfolded in mere seconds.

The display of “Investment Failure” on the Observation Deck was stark. Freni’s emotions tangled, was this outcome expected, or did it sting with the pang of loss?

In a quiet, introspective moment, she recalled her father’s solemn words when he entrusted her with the [Nameless Bow] before his passing: “It is Blessing… but also a curse…”

“So, this is what he meant by Hope and Curse,” Freni murmured, gaining a somber understanding of his warning.

“Mighty gains, tempered desires…” she sighed, her features smoothing into a calm demeanor as resignation set in.

Freni approached the “observation deck” and perused the redemption list. With her substantial pool of Spiritual Essence, new options had unlocked.

—

[Level 3 Spiritual Enhancement Crystal: This exquisitely processed crystal aggregates pure spiritual essence, offering a permanent boost to one’s spiritual capacity by 0.1 after assimilation. This enhancement doesn’t alter the original spiritual limit from one’s profession, with a maximum increase capped at 1.0. Note: Use is recommended at third level or above to avoid potential hazards. Cost: 10,000 Spiritual Essence.]

[Level 3 Physical Enhancement Crystal: Crafted from specially treated pure crystallized essence, this item, once digested, permanently elevates the physical strength limit by 0.1. This is an additive enhancement, allowing a total increase up to 1.0, without complicating the advancement of one’s physical limits. Note: Intended for use at level three or above due to risk factors. Cost: 10,000 Spiritual Essence.]

[Level 3 Healing Crystal: This refined crystal, processed for optimal healing, rapidly mends physical injuries. Depending on the severity, it can regenerate major tissues such as limbs and vital organs (excluding the heart). Cost: 10,000 Spiritual Essence.]

[Level 3 Spiritual Recovery Crystal: Composed of refined spiritual energy, this crystal swiftly replenishes spent spiritual reserves upon consumption (restores full spiritual energy for level 3 professionals). Cost: 10,000 Spiritual Essence.]

—

While the third-level exchange list presented the same four items as before, with adjusted usage conditions and cost, the fourth-level list introduced an intriguing new addition alongside the familiar offerings, now priced at a steep 100,000 Spiritual Essence each, signaling new possibilities and greater challenges ahead.

Named the [Integration Crystal], this rare and highly concentrated crystal offered a unique opportunity for those on the brink of monumental growth in their abilities. Upon its use, one could significantly enhance their comprehension and seamlessly integrate their acquired knowledge over a short period. However, this potent tool came with strict prerequisites, it was to be employed solely at the fourth level, and only once, to avoid any unforeseen perils. It required a hefty 100,000 Spiritual Essence for redemption.

For Freni, the impact of this crystal was not just theoretical. At the fifth level, legends tells of the ability to create a domain, a sphere of influence where the legend stands as an invincible force, impervious to lesser beings. The creation of such a domain hinges on the integration of all one’s skills into a singular, personalized path, a feat many fourth-level professionals find insurmountably challenging.

With the [Integration Crystal], Freni could potentially bypass one of the greatest hurdles in reaching legendary status: the integration of her abilities. Though still far from that level, the crystal represented a bridge over future troubles, allowing her to focus on the ceremonial aspects of ascension without getting mired in the complex synthesis of her abilities.

Standing pensively at the observation deck, Freni cradled her chin in thought:

“With over 310,000 Spiritual Essence in reserve, and Mr. Ryan progressing well at the second level, it’s time to consider the [Second Level Spiritual Enhancement Crystal] and [Second Level Physical Enhancement Crystal] for him, which would total 20,000 Spiritual Essence.”

“Cecilia needs the [First-level Physical Enhancement Crystal], adding another 2,000 to the tally.”

“And for my own needs, the first and second level physical enhancement crystals come to 12,000 Spiritual Essence.”

“All together, that’s 54,000 Spiritual Essence. No big deal at all!”

Her face radiated tranquility. With such a substantial reserve, expending 54,000 Spiritual Essence was a trivial matter.