Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 71

Chapter 71: Moonlight Blood!
Nestled on the bustling Tidal Island within the vibrant market district of North Island 1, the Seagull Tavern stood as a beacon of raucous life and aged charm. Its walls, shrouded in a tapestry of green vines, with dim lamps adorning the walls.

On this particular night, the tavern thrived with an eclectic mix of patrons, their laughter and chatter creating a cacophony that spilled out into the cool night air. As Ryan pushed open the heavy wooden door, a wave of noise and warmth crashed over him, welcoming him into the fold.

His entrance didn’t go unnoticed. The seasoned eyes of several pirates quickly sized him up, their gazes sharp and calculating. To them, Ryan’s unweathered skin and refined demeanor screamed of naivety and wealth, an easy mark in the ruthless Whirlpool Islands where law was very loose.

Amid the swirl of cautious stares and whispered talks about this new arrival, one figure stood out. A burly, middle-aged pirate with a beard as unruly as the sea itself, Hank was already swaying slightly at his perch by the bar. With a belligerent grin, he hoisted a wooden goblet, an oversized trophy of his many conquests, and staggered towards Ryan.

“Boy, your uncle Hank’s gonna treat you to a drink,” he slurred, his voice booming over the din.

“And it’ll cost you your entire fortune,” he added with a drunken leer.

Ryan’s refusal would be an insult, a snub to the twisted camaraderie that hung in the smoky air. Hank’s flushed face belied his intoxication, but his eyes, sharp and menacing, hinted at the danger of his displeasure.

Yet Ryan was not one to be cowed. In a swift motion, he seized Hank’s wrist, turning the pirate’s own momentum against him. The wooden goblet crashed against Hank’s face with a resounding “Bang!” that silenced the room. The pirate crumpled to the ground, a heap of unconscious bravado.

Ryan discarded the bloodied goblet with a flick of his wrist and strode past, his gaze cool and detached. The tavern held its breath, the earlier tumult replaced by a pregnant pause. When the noise resumed, it carried a new note of respect.

Ryan, once perceived as mere prey, had demonstrated the prowess of a predator. Even Hank, known for his formidable strength as the second mate of a notorious pirate crew, had been effortlessly subdued. The other pirates, many unable to even track Ryan’s quick movements, now regarded him with a wary respect. In the lawless dance of predator and prey, Ryan had claimed his place among this rowdy pirate bunch.

The explosive display of speed and power that Ryan had just demonstrated was far beyond the abilities of an ordinary man.

—Professional.

This realization dawned collectively in the minds of the tavern’s patrons. The mere concept of a professional among them was enough to quell any misgivings or scheming thoughts that might have lingered.

Ryan remained composed, his face a mask of serene confidence. He knew well the unspoken laws that governed the pirate realms: strength commanded respect.

While playing the weakling could sometimes be advantageous, it often complicated matters unnecessarily. There were moments when revealing one’s true strength was not just beneficial, but essential.

Taking a seat at the bar, Ryan caught the eye of the tavern owner, a middle-aged man who was meticulously polishing a glass. “A glass of your finest specialty, please,” Ryan requested with an easy smile.

“Of course, just a moment,” the owner responded, his tone respectful.

“I am Caius,” he continued, his demeanor gracious as he set down the glass he had been cleaning. “Thank you for handling that situation with such discretion. This next drink is on me.”

Caius, the proprietor of the Seagull Tavern, appeared oddly out of place in the rowdy setting. With his neatly combed hair and gold-rimmed glasses, he resembled more a sophisticated butler than a rugged tavern keeper.

Despite the rudeness of the pirate Hank, Caius was mindful that any violent outbursts could sully the tavern’s atmosphere. “If you would, please remove him,” Caius called out calmly to the back. Promptly, two burly men emerged and hauled the still unconscious Hank away.

Returning his attention to Ryan, Caius presented a large glass filled with a dark, intriguing liquid. “Please, try the ‘Moonlight Blood.’ It’s a house special.”

Ryan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Moonlight, with its purity and serenity, paired with ‘blood’ that’s a provocative choice for a name.”

Caius shrugged, a wry smile playing on his lips. “With all the talk of the Moon Wolf and its hidden treasures, it seemed fitting to offer something a bit more thematic.”

“Ah, but surely, folks don’t come here solely for the ambiance and fine drinks?” Ryan teased, playing along.

“In light of your earlier leniency, I’ll offer a 20% discount on any information you might seek,” Caius offered, his tone half-joking.

Ryan feigned disappointment, “And here I was hoping you’d provide it for free.”

Caius chuckled, his smile unwavering. “We all have our livelihoods to maintain, sir.”

Ryan swirled the wine in his glass, his movements deliberate and slow. He didn’t bother to smell it, nor did he have any immediate intention to drink. “Given that you’ve brought up the Moon Wolf and its treasure, it’s clear that you’ve guessed that my inquiries will center around that topic,” he stated, cutting straight to the matter at hand.

Caius nodded, his smile never wavering. “For genuine, verified information, the price is 500 pounds. With your discount, that comes to 400 pounds.”

Ryan exhaled a sigh, half in jest, half in resignation. “You intelligence brokers really know how to turn a profit. Perhaps when I retire from the seas, I’ll find myself a similar line of work.”

The tavern owner maintained his silence, simply offering an amiable smile in response. It wasn’t until Ryan tossed a bag of coins onto the table, which Caius promptly weighed in his hand, that he spoke again, his grin widening. “This deal will certainly prove its worth to you.”

“Please, follow me,” Caius beckoned, leading Ryan through a maze of corridors to a secluded compartment at the back of the tavern.

Once seated, Caius’s demeanor was the epitome of grace. “I’ve sifted through the tales recently traded among the pirates, discarding the dubious to bring you only the reliable.” He leaned forward, his voice a confidential murmur. “The Moon Wolf was last sighted on the outskirts of Mingjin Forest during the previous full moon, spotted by local natives.”

He continued, “This sighting has drawn a host of creatures to the Whirlpool Islands. These beasts are ferocious, leading many pirates to severe losses in their ranks while searching for the Moon Wolf.”

“After extensive and costly expeditions, the pirate factions have pulled back from the forest, reaching an unspoken agreement. It seems the next full moon may unveil the treasure, rendering current losses needless. Most groups have decided to wait.”

Caius unfolded a map and laid it on the table. “In anticipation, three significant pirate groups from the inner sea have staked claims on strategic islands to the north, south, east, and west. The formidable Iron Eagle Pirates control Suliu and Baisha Islands, essentially gatekeeping the region.”

“As for the major pirate factions, they remain unbothered, content to let the smaller groups wear themselves out.”

He slid the map across to Ryan. “This should aid you. It outlines the types and estimated numbers of creatures encountered, and the last known location of the Moon Wolf.”

Ryan’s interest piqued as he studied the map, its markings dense with detail. “It looks quite thorough,” he acknowledged, nodding in approval.

“We aim for long-term relations; misleading our clients would be counterproductive in our line of business,” Caius explained. “However, bear in mind, the nature of these creatures is to roam, so use this as a guide rather than an absolute location.”

“Yeah, it make sense,” Ryan affirmed, his gaze lingering thoughtfully on Caius before rising to leave.

As Ryan’s figure receded into the dim corridor, Caius remained seated, the flickering candlelight casting shadows over his ever-present smile.