Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 33

Chapter 33: A Stalker!
[Black Rose], Captain’s Quarters.

Ryan traced his finger across the tattered sea chart spread out on the oak table and spoke with a resonant depth to his voice, “Lady Freni, here lies Lanya Island, nestled within the treacherous waters of Silver Moon Bay. It serves as a haven for pirates, a quaint port where we can replenish our supplies of fresh water and provisions.”

He paused, his gaze lingering on the map, “Moreover, should we have cargo that demands attention, this island offers ample opportunity for discreet dealings.”

Seated regally behind the table, the witch, Lady Freni, inclined her head slightly, her interest piqued. “Mr. Ryan,” she began, her voice a calm, measured cadence, “How distant are we from this Lanya Island?”

“Approximately 60 nautical miles to the southeast, my lady. With the capricious winds dictating our pace, I anticipate it will take us near ten hours to make landfall,” Ryan responded, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

“Ten hours…” Freni mused, a spark of satisfaction in her eyes. “Then we shall grace its docks ere nightfall.”

The [Skull] had seen its share of the sea, rechristened [The Black Rose] just days prior, having roamed the ocean waves incessantly. According to the tales spun by the original crew of the [Skull], they had been adrift for days before the renaming. Typically, pirate ships, wary of the drag induced by heavy loads, carry only about a week’s worth of supplies.

With the stores on both ships dwindling rapidly, a resupply was not just necessary but urgent.

Shifting the conversation, Freni’s tone softened slightly, “By the by, Mr. Ryan, how did you fare last night? Are you prepared to embrace the role of [Pirate] fully now?” Her question hung in the air, laced with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Ryan shifted uncomfortably, his cheeks coloring slightly. “Lady Freni, after our conversation, I found myself restless and compelled. I took the ‘Pirate Potion’ upon my return to my quarters and have ascended to the rank of a First-order [Pirate].”

Freni’s brow rose, a flicker of surprise under the shadow of her broad, feathered witch’s hat. She peered intently at Ryan, her gaze sharp and discerning.

After a moment, her lips curled into a knowing smile as she “saw” a faint spiritual luminescence emanating from within him, a mere whisper of energy that bespoke his recent transformation.

“This spiritual essence,” she observed, her voice a whisper, “though subtle, is remarkably pure, achieving the first tier of our arcane arts. Without your confession, this transformation might have remained unnoticed.” Her acknowledgment filled the room, acknowledging the significant step Ryan had taken into their world.

“Interesting way to hide…”

Freni mused silently, her gaze piercing through the dim light of the captain’s quarters to rest on Ryan. She observed him quietly, discerning his depths yet choosing not to pry further.

Everyone harbors their own secrets. Freni knew this well, she had her mysteries, just as Ryan had his. Adopting a policy of respectful distance, she believed in not delving into the private affairs of her “companions” once they had earned her trust. “So, Mr. Ryan, now that you have assumed your new role, I believe it is for the best,” she concluded, her voice a blend of acceptance and authority.

“There is a matter I withheld from you last night, fearing it might unduly worry you,” she continued, her tone turning more serious.

Ryan’s brow furrowed slightly as he prepared himself for her revelations.

“Last night on the deck, I ‘saw’ a red line, a spectral thread, stretching towards you. It signifies the pull of the ‘blood mark’.’ It appears someone is employing ‘props’ to hunt you, and they are alarmingly close, perhaps within ten nautical miles to the north,” Freni explained, nodding slightly to affirm her observations.

“Bloody mark, hunting…” Ryan inhaled deeply, his eyes narrowing with a sharpened focus, though he maintained his composure.

“Lady Freni, is there any way to gauge the strength of this stalker?” he inquired, his voice tinged with a blend of curiosity and concern.

Freni let out a soft chuckle, covering her mouth delicately. “Oh, our valiant navigator, are you contemplating a confrontation?” she teased, then sighed lightly. “Unfortunately, I cannot discern their power. They are likely a first-order adversary.”

“I suspect they observed our [Black Rose] sailing alongside the [Skeleton] yesterday. Perhaps intimidated by the hefty bounty of 18,000 Salem, the ‘Roshan’ of the bounty world—they’ve chosen to shadow us from a safe distance, possibly awaiting reinforcements.”

“Mr. Lane, rest assured. Should they dare to close in, I, as your captain, will not stand idly by,” Freni declared with a resolute tone, her words brimming with protective fervor.

Ryan saluted her earnestly, gratitude evident in his expression. “Thank you, Captain, for your support.”

“Let us not dwell on this stalker for now,” Freni advised with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Mr. Ryan, now that you have taken your oath and your spirit has manifested, it might be prudent to acquaint yourself with some basic arcane techniques.” Her suggestion hinted at the unfolding of a new chapter in Ryan’s journey aboard The Black Rose.

“A Magic techniques?” Ryan echoed, his gaze sharpening with intrigue.

Freni’s smile broadened as she leaned forward, her hands gracefully resting on the table. “Surely you didn’t think that professionals rely solely on the skills they acquired upon induction?” she teased, her eyes twinkling with mirth.

“There are two kinds of techniques: general and exclusive. General secret techniques, as the name suggests, can be learned by practitioners from any professional path, provided they’ve reached the necessary proficiency level. Exclusive techniques, however, are reserved for those within a specific path.”

“I may not possess the exclusive secrets of the [Pirate Path], but I have amassed a considerable collection of general techniques suited for melee combatants,” she explained, her voice laced with a hint of pride.

Freni paused, her gaze drifting upward as if sifting through her mental library. “Ah, let me think… Ah, yes, I have the perfect technique for a pirate like you. It’s called ‘Storm Swordsmanship.'”

“Storm Swordsmanship?” Ryan repeated, a mixture of curiosity and skepticism in his eyes.

Freni’s smile turned sly. “You don’t believe that the version of Storm Swordsmanship you’ve practiced is the complete form, do you?” she challenged gently. “While it’s widely known across the Kingdom of Augustus and neighboring lands, what circulates among the common folk is merely the outer shell of the technique. The true essence of ‘Storm Sword Technique’ has always been tightly held by the royal lineage.”

She leaned back, her expression serious. “Without access to the full technique, your understanding of Storm Swordsmanship will remain rudimentary.”

“If you wish to master the true depths of [Storm Swordsmanship], becoming a first-level professional and awakening your spirituality are merely the initial steps,” Freni elaborated.

She then added, “And just so you’re aware, [Storm Swordsmanship] isn’t really a technique for a Rapier. It was originally developed for battling the colossal sea beasts that lurk in storm-tossed seas, hence, it’s fundamentally a style meant for larger swords.” Freni’s explanation painted a vivid picture of a warrior poised against monstrous foes, a narrative that seemed to pull at the very fabric of Ryan’s adventurous spirit.

“How about it, Ryan? Are you interested in learning this?” Freni asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.

Ryan’s reaction was immediate; his eyes widened not out of shock from the revelation about the true nature of [Storm Swordsmanship], but from a sudden, critical realization. It was the matter of his weapon.

The last encounter with the dragon-headed giant crab had highlighted a glaring inadequacy: his “toothpick”-like long sword barely scratched the beast’s tough exterior, only managing to penetrate the creature’s vulnerable eyes. Against the massive, armored body of the crab, his strikes were nothing more than minor irritations. And if creatures of such magnitude were what lay in wait beyond the fringes of the known, how could his current armament hope to suffice? The thought of facing even larger monsters, like the colossal birds he’d heard tales of, with such an inadequate blade was almost laughable. It was clear that a change in weaponry was not just necessary, it was urgent.

At that moment, Freni’s offer of the genuine [Storm Swordsmanship], tailored for the mighty greatsword, seemed nothing short of providential, a serendipitous answer to his dire need.

“Learn! I would be honored to receive your guidance, Lady Freni!” Ryan declared with fervent resolve.

He gazed intently into Freni’s light blue eyes, nodding with a deep, respectful bow, his decision firm. This was the path forward, not just to wield a new technique, but to arm himself adequately for the daunting challenges that lay ahead in the uncharted waters and unknown lands where mythical beasts roamed.