Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Great Sword Material!
[Black Rose], on the deck.

After Ryan completed the repairs on the hull, thirty minutes had passed. The tool of his craft, a [Low-level Rare Object·Hull Repair Ring], was nothing short of enchanting.

With this arcane artifact, Ryan merely had to lay one hand upon the splintered wood and place the other along the jagged break. As if by magic, the damaged hull mended before his eyes, restoring itself to pristine condition.

He handed the mystical ring back to Freni and then turned his attention to the deck, where the crew had gathered around four enormous carcasses. These were the Ice-toothed Sabretooth Fish, first-order sea monsters, freshly slain.

The crew’s fascination was palpable; for many, this was the closest they’d ever come to such formidable creatures, especially in such well-preserved condition, barring the one Ryan had personally faced.

Nearby, Freni and Cecilia stood observing the scene. Unlike the drenched Ryan, their garments remained untouched by sea spray.

Catching the intrigued look in Ryan’s eyes as he studied the saber-toothed beasts, Freni spoke softly, “Mr. Ryan, was that the [Storm Sword Skill – Breaking Waves] you employed earlier? To master its essence in merely half a day is quite remarkable. It appears you have a natural affinity for the Storm Sword Technique.”

Ryan, slightly embarrassed, shook his head. “I’ve only just scratched the surface, far from mastering its essence.”

The [Storm Sword Skill – Breaking Waves] consisted of two phases: the gathering of energy and its subsequent release.

During the recent skirmish, an unexpected turn had forced him into a mid-air maneuver, prematurely triggering the technique’s release. Despite the hasty execution, the power unleashed was formidable, a testament to the skill’s potential even when incompletely invoked.

This encounter served as a stark reminder to Ryan that mastery was a distant horizon. True control lay in the ability to fully charge the skill, a feat he had barely managed to half-achieve in the heat of battle.

According to the ancient tome, “Inherited Crystal,” the [Storm Sword Skill – Breaking Waves] can amass energy to “three levels.”

“It’s already a formidable feat that you’ve begun to grasp it,” Freni said with a chuckle. “By the way, Mr. Ryan, I noticed you were wielding a mere wooden stick, were you not?”

Lane, slightly embarrassed, admitted, “Yes, there are no heavy weapon users among the crew. I’ve had to make do with a large stick that approximates the size of a greatsword.”

Freni covered her mouth to hide a smile, and though Cecilia turned away, a hint of amusement twinkled in her eyes.

“The true might of the Storm Sword Skill is somewhat diminished without a suitable weapon,” Freni remarked thoughtfully.

“But given these Ice-toothed Sabretooth Fish,” she continued, “you needn’t worry about lacking proper arms.”

Freni’s smile widened as she explained, “These creatures are incredibly swift, their bones very strong. Combined with the right metal, a [Spirit Craftsman] could forge an exceptional sword, one that might even qualify as a low-level rare item.”

“While Lanya Island, being a pirate haven, may not boast [Spirit Craftsmen], it surely has its share of capable blacksmiths. They might not produce rare artifacts, but with such superior materials, the quality will be commendable.”

Ryan’s eyes lit up with gratitude and excitement. “Thank you, Lady Freni.”

He was well aware that while he could fend off the Ice-toothed Sabretooths, slaying them was another matter entirely. These four beasts were Freni’s prizes, and her willingness to offer him some of the remains for a weapon spoke volumes of her regard for her crew.

“This is in recognition of your valor,” Freni smiled warmly. “Mr. Ryan, we’ll be docking at Lanya Island soon. You should rest until then. You’ve earned it. I’ll have someone notify you once we arrive.”

“If not for your timely intervention, the [Black Rose] might not have survived the ordeal, even with the [Hull Repair Ring].”

The [Hull Repair Ring] required repair after each use, with a one-minute cooldown and a maximum coverage of one square meter. If the Ice-toothed Sabretooths were allowed further rampage, the damage would extend beyond that small patch.

Ryan understood that Freni’s compliment was merely a formality. Even with the speed at which the Ice-toothed Sabretooth could inflict further harm, the [Hull Repair Ring] ensured that the [Black Rose] remained unsinkable.

However, Ryan chose not to voice these thoughts. After the battle, he found himself with a deeper grasp of the [Storm Sword Skill – Breaking Waves] and felt a pressing need to retreat and reinforce his newfound skills.

“Once I’ve adjusted our course, I’ll retire to rest,” he said.

“Thank you for your efforts,” Freni acknowledged graciously.

With Ryan’s departure, Freni and Cecilia did not linger on the deck but returned to the seclusion of the captain’s cabin. As the door closed behind them, Freni’s expression faltered, her face paling visibly.

Cecilia, noticing her companion’s distress for the first time, quickly offered her support.

“I’m alright,” Freni assured her, though she swayed slightly before finding her way to a chair. Sitting down, she admitted, “I exerted myself too much in dispatching those four Ice-toothed Sabrefish. I just need some rest.”

Cecilia’s eyes filled with concern. “Lady Freni, please forgive my frankness, but I think you should minimize using your witchcraft powers in the future.”

“I’m sorry, it’s my weakness that burdens you…” Cecilia clenched her hands at her sides, the strain evident on her skin.

“Don’t apologize, Cecilia,” Freni replied, her tone gentle. “We are partners, bound by the same journey, facing our challenges side by side.”

“As for the outcome,” Freni paused, offering a reassuring smile, “as long as we strive together, that is enough.”

Cecilia remained silent, processing Freni’s words, then nodded firmly in agreement, accepting the shared path ahead.

Freni reclined in the worn wooden chair, her gaze distant as she reflected on the scene she had witnessed on the deck earlier. A smile slowly brightened her face as she mused to herself, “I still underestimated you, Mr. Ryan…”

—

In his quarters, Ryan sat cross-legged on the creaky wooden bed, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. His thoughts kept returning to the image of Freni standing at the deck’s edge, her eyes alight with an eerie blue glow.

What particularly haunted him were the lines that marked a quarter of her face, a vivid reminder of the encounter. At the time, Ryan hadn’t given much thought to the crisis at hand, but now, with a moment to reflect, the memory of Freni’s formidable presence was overwhelming.

Was that strange, oppressive aura the power of the witch? Ryan pondered the nature of such power. What did it mean to wield the abilities of a witch, and how did it grant Freni such terrifying strength? Regrettably, these were questions for which Ryan had no answers.

After a moment of contemplation, Ryan stood, grasping his makeshift wooden sword. He began to practice the [Storm Sword Skill – Breaking Waves] once more. In his world, no matter the mysteries that abounded, enhancing his own strength was paramount.

—

As the sun dipped below the horizon, two three-masted ships made their way into the bustling port of Langya Island.

Meanwhile, aboard the “White Dove,” some ten nautical miles away, Lord Slop finally received the reinforcements he had been anxiously awaiting.