Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 239

Chapter 239: The Useless Traveler!
The impact was catastrophic. The corpse dragon’s head jerked upward, redirecting the miasmic breath it had expelled towards the cavern’s ceiling. Rocks and debris fell in a shower as the cave shook under the force of the redirected attack.

Ryan, momentum unabated, allowed the greatsword to fall back to his shoulder as he instantly began gathering energy for his next move. Though the dragon was baffled by the sudden escalation in his speed, its instincts kicked in, causing it to emit shockwaves of miasma in a defensive panic.

These shockwaves, meant to obliterate anything in their radius, crashed against the robust “dominant blood membrane” that Ryan now bore. Instead of damaging him, the impact charged his [Special Sword Skill – Defensive Collision], enabling Ryan to seamlessly progress to a “two-stage charging” stance, readying himself for another devastating strike.

The corpse dragon, disoriented and desperate, flapped its tattered wings in a futile attempt to gain altitude, its body language betraying its shock and fury at the turn of events. Ryan, however, was already preparing his next move, his eyes alight with strategic fire, ready to capitalize on the dragon’s momentary weakness.

As the final clash unfolded, Ryan’s voice cut through the tension with a whisper as sharp as the blade he wielded: “Explode!”

At his command, the fifth layer of the “Mark of the Gospel” ignited, enveloping the corpse dragon in an eruption of dark purple luminescence. The impact halted its ascent mid-air, and with a heavy, resonant crash, the behemoth began to plummet towards the ground.

“Thump, thump, thump—thump!”

In perfect synchronization, Ryan completed his intricate three-stage charge, each step resonating with calculated precision. He repositioned, adopting a stance that channeled every ounce of his training and resolve. With a fluid, powerful motion, he swung his greatsword, striking the descending dragon’s skull with lethal accuracy.

“Boom!”

The impact echoed like thunder through the cavern, fracturing the dragon’s skull so deeply that the stark whiteness of bone flashed through the fissure. Ryan’s blade carved a formidable gash that split the hardened scales, leaving a testimony of steel and spirit.

The dragon roared in fury, a sound that trembled the very air. From the depths of its wounds, highly activated miasma surged forth, a desperate defense that thrust Ryan’s sword away with violent force.

Around them, a hundred meters of space was suddenly choked with thick, activated miasma, creating a suffocating dome of poison. Bereft of his “blood barrier,” Ryan’s vitality began to drain at an alarming rate. His skin paled to a ghostly gray, his very flesh beginning to wither.

Exhausted from the dual exertion of special sword skills enhanced by the “Blade Heart” and now caught in the oppressive “Miasma Field,” Ryan’s movements grew sluggish, his consciousness fading as vitality seeped from his form.

As the dragon’s massive claw descended in a final, crushing blow, darkness enveloped Ryan’s vision. Yet, beneath his helmet, a small smile curled at the corner of his mouth. Despite the looming shadow of death, he had glimpsed a path to victory against the ancient terror, the corpse dragon, thanks to the [Special Sword Skill – Blade Heart].

In the cave, the dragon’s roar continued to resonate, dislodging stalactites in a relentless cascade.

…

In a quiet hotel room, Ryan’s eyes flickered open.

He lay still, a deep breath escaping him as the visceral memory of death lingered. Each resurrection was as vivid as the last, the sensations hauntingly clear.

Lying back, Ryan summoned the panel without a word.

[You fought valiantly against the ancient dragon with your weak body. Even in death, your greatsword left an indelible scar on the ancient beast. Your courage brought you ultimate joy…]

[[Tide of Pain]’s “Joy after Pain” achieved! You’ve earned a 75% occupation compatibility bonus: Spirituality +3, Physical Fitness +3 (cumulative)]

[Receive permanent benefits: Special skill [Dragon Power (Mastery)] – Enhances strength-related actions such as jumping, attacking, blocking. Strength judgment is +3 (reduced effectiveness against higher ranked adversaries)]

No surprise flickered in Ryan’s gaze as he read the updates. He had felt the truth of his growth in those harrowing moments of battle.

“Next time, or the time after, I will win…” His voice was a whisper, yet it carried the weight of an unbreakable vow, echoing softly in the solitude of the room.

—

As dawn crept in from the east, it painted the world with a breath of life, bathing the sleepy town in a gentle, golden hue. Within the quaint hotel nestled in the heart of this bustling town, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of the morning air, creating an inviting atmosphere in the restaurant on the ground floor.

At a corner table, Ryan shared breakfast with Freni and Cecilia. The morning’s fare was modest yet refreshing, a vibrant fruit salad paired with slices of soft, white bread. Ryan, whose appetite was hardly touched by the light meal, took a couple of perfunctory bites. As he ate, he couldn’t help but notice Freni’s subdued demeanor. Her usually bright energy seemed clouded over, much like a sky unsure whether to clear or storm.

Trying not to stare, Ryan averted his gaze, contemplating the captain’s moods which, much like the weather, were mostly sunny but could suddenly turn. He understood that not every moment required intervention; sometimes, letting time work its magic was the best remedy.

As breakfast concluded, Ryan stood and addressed the table. “Captain, I’ll head over to the sword platform to check things out.”

Freni, pulled from her reverie by his voice, nodded with a focused intensity. “Be careful,” she said firmly. “If anything unusual happens, let us know immediately.” Her magical abilities, though not as strong physically as Ryan’s, enabled her to accomplish feats beyond the reach of mere physical strength.

Ryan offered a reassuring nod and made his way out, his figure soon blending into the bustling street beyond.

Freni watched him go, a sigh escaping her lips. The previous day’s losses weighed heavily on her, 100,000 spiritual essences gone in a blink. She murmured to herself, “Only 160,728 left…” The thought was suffocating, rendering even the simple act of breathing a challenge. She muttered under her breath, “the useless traveler, huh.”

Determined to not fall further behind Ryan in prowess, Freni stood abruptly. She had collected a stack of books on astrology the day before, eager to delve into them to enhance her astrological skills and compatibility with her career goals. As she walked back to her room, her resolve hardened; she would not let her rank slip below Ryan’s.

Cecilia trailed behind, her silence heavy with unspoken thoughts, her eyes bright with a determined fire.

Meanwhile, Ryan sauntered through the main thoroughfare of Thundera, wide enough to accommodate eight carriages side by side. The street was flanked by stone houses built from long rock bricks, a testament to the town’s prosperity and the influence of the numerous chambers of commerce that had invested here over the centuries.

The island’s unique geographical location and the respect its inhabitants held for martial prowess made it a beacon for those devoted to the art of the sword. Ryan was no exception. He made his way to Sword Platform No. 6, chosen partly for his preference for the number and partly because it was currently managed by a core disciple of the Tianqing Kendo Hall.

As he approached his destination, Ryan reflected on the whispers surrounding the Traitor Sword Durand. While he had no desire to entangle himself in potentially troublesome affairs, the opportunity to observe the renowned swordplay of the Sky Sword Hall’s disciples was too good to pass up. It was, after all, not just a visit but a chance to learn and perhaps uncover something more about the mysterious sword.