Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 85

Chapter 85: Crossbow: Ice Crusher!
The armor rack held a stunning ensemble of protective gear, its light silver base adorned with striking red lines tracing the edges, a visual testament to both elegance and strength. The wrist and leg armors were interconnected by a series of supple, light red scales that promised both flexibility and protection. Perhaps the most distinctive feature was the collar: an array of feather-like metal pieces that blossomed around the neck, designed to thwart any would-be attackers aiming for a vulnerable spot.

Ryan’s eyes widened in admiration the moment he caught sight of the armor. It was more than just equipment; it was a masterpiece.

——

[Umbrella Fire Scale Armor Set]: A marvel of low-level wonders and exquisite craftsmanship, this armor set is crafted from the materials of the fire umbrella bird and a blend of rare minerals. It includes a helmet, chest armor, wrist guards, waist armor, and leg armor. Employing a special forging technique, the five pieces integrate seamlessly. Worn individually, they provide basic defense and elemental resistance; however, when donned as a complete set, a remarkable synergy activates.

Total attributes of the suit: +5 resistance to fire attributes, -5 to water attributes, -2 to thunder attributes.

Set skills: [Sword Drawing·Strength lv.1], [Fast Recovery lv.1]

– [Sword Drawing·Strength lv.1]: Upon drawing one’s weapon, this skill boosts damage inflicted by 5% for 20 seconds and increases the likelihood of causing a stunning effect when targeting the enemy’s head.

– [Fast Recovery lv.1]: This skill enhances the wearer’s natural healing speed by 50%, further amplified by any recovery potions consumed.

[This wondrous artifact also harbors a faint essence of spirituality, capable of enhancing the repair integrity of the [Nameless Ship Sculpture] upon absorption.]

——

“So powerful!” Ryan thought, awestruck by the [Umbrella Fire Set]. The set’s dual skills alongside its elemental resistances, particularly a covert skill like [Fire Attribute Resistance lv.1], underscored its exceptional ‘fine’ quality. Despite its vulnerabilities to water and thunder, its merits in fire-intensive scenarios were unparalleled.

Effectively, the set offered three distinct skills in one formidable package.

“This protective gear required considerable effort and ingenuity,” Master Silver Hammer explained with palpable pride. “The materials you provided were extraordinary. While I’ve used my secret techniques to maximize its potential, the true extent of its enchantments will only reveal itself through your experiences. Its defensive capabilities and fire resistance are exceptional, though.”

“The design not only emphasizes robust protection but also ensures optimal flexibility,” he continued, his voice a mixture of satisfaction and anticipation.

“We’ll need some time to fully understand the enchantments,” Master Silver Hammer concluded, a spark of curiosity in his eyes as he watched Ryan prepare to don the armor.

“Thank you very much,” Ryan said, giving Master Silver Hammer a respectful salute.

Master Silver Hammer responded with a dismissive wave of his hand, “If you really want to show your gratitude, just make sure to come back to me with any new materials you find.”

“Oh, right,” he added, a spark of recollection in his eyes, “You placed an order for a hand crossbow with my apprentice. It was just delivered today.”

“He mentioned the client was a young man who favored a large sword.”

Seeing the large sword strapped to Ryan’s back, Master Silver Hammer chuckled, “That big sword of yours was also my apprentice’s handiwork. You know, there aren’t many who prefer big swords at sea. Oruch has been fond of them since he was a child. I believe your order gave him quite the joy.”

Ryan’s eyes lit up at the mention, feeling a surge of anticipation.

“It really is a day of double joy,” he remarked.

He then pulled out a certificate and handed it over to Master Silver Hammer, “This is indeed my commission. Thanks for all your efforts.”

“It’s no trouble at all,” the master craftsman replied as he took the certificate, giving it a quick glance before setting it aside. He disappeared momentarily into the back of the shop and returned with a wooden box in hand.

As the box was opened, a breathtaking light crossbow with an ice-blue body was revealed. Its sleek design, a perfect fusion of metal and rare monster materials, formed an elegant arc that hinted at both grace and lethality.

——

[Light Crossbow·Ice Crusher]: A marvel of craftsmanship, this light crossbow is crafted using Ice Fang Saberfish, a first-level sea monster, as its primary material, combined with various metals. It boasts an effective range of 100 meters and a maximum range of 300 meters. Arrows launched from this crossbow carry an additional ice attribute, inflicting frostbite and slowing down targets with other debilitating effects.

[This wondrous item contains a trace of spiritual essence, which can enhance the repair capabilities of the [Nameless Ship Sculpture] upon absorption.]

——Perfect!

Upon lifting the [Light Crossbow·Ice Crusher] from the box, Ryan examined it closely, nodding in approval at its meticulous craftsmanship.

With this new weapon, his options for long-range attacks had significantly expanded, liberating him from the constraints he faced while using the [Bloody Flintlock]. Although the flintlock required no reloading, its usage cost, a tenth of his own blood, was steep.

Moreover, the [Bloody Flintlock]’s unique trait of causing difficult-to-stop bleeding remained a potent option under the right circumstances. Yet, with the addition of the Ice Crusher, Ryan felt a renewed sense of versatility and strategic advantage.

After securing the [Light Crossbow·Ice Crusher] along with 300 precision-crafted arrows into his spatial ring, Ryan eagerly approached the armor display. With an air of impatience tinged with excitement, he reached for the [Umbrella Fire Scale Armor Set]. Putting on scale armor was typically a task for knights with attendants, but today, Master Silver Hammer lent his skilled hands to help.

Together, they carefully adjusted each piece of the fiery armor until it clasped snugly around Ryan’s frame. Standing before the mirror, Ryan admired his reflection. The heroic, imposing figure clad in the intricate scale armor brought a proud smile to his face.

“This armor should let me withstand a few more blows from the Male Fire Dragon Leader, right?” he mused, the thrill of upcoming battles sparking in his eyes. “It’s time to embark on the hunt!”

With his new gear equipped, Ryan felt a surge of vitality.

…

Upon bidding Master Silver Hammer goodbye, Ryan slipped away into the night, feeling the unfamiliar weight and texture of his new armor. Despite the initial discomfort, he knew it was something he’d adapt to.

He rowed back to the [Black Rose], entering the captain’s quarters where he handed over a wooden box to Freni. “I’ve completed the mission,” Ryan announced with a satisfied grin.

“Thank you for your efforts, Mr. Ryan,” Freni responded, her expression softening with a mix of gratitude and awe as she took in his armored appearance. “Did you face any dangers on your journey?”

“It was mostly uneventful. The pirates claimed they were investigating, but it seemed more like posturing than anything,” Ryan replied, then his expression turned grave. “However, there’s troubling news from Minin Forest.”

“Minin Forest?” Freni’s brow furrowed in concern.

“According to One-Eyed Santas, the deeper parts of the forest cause people to lose control. But now, this phenomenon is spreading to the outskirts,” Ryan explained, his tone heavy with concern. “This withered star vine I brought back has begun exhibiting bloodthirsty tendencies.”

Freni inhaled sharply. “This is troubling… I’ll have Santas continue to look into it.”

“Thank you for your diligence, Mr. Ryan. It’s late; you should get some rest,” Freni suggested, a note of finality in her voice.

Ryan nodded, excusing himself from the room. Freni remained behind, gazing pensively at the box holding the corrupted vine, contemplating the ingredient required to bolster their resources.

…

Back in his own room, Ryan lay down in his [Umbrella Fire Scale Armor Suit], the day’s weight settling around him. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and whispered to himself, “Journey, begin!” as he drifted into the realm of dreams, armored and ready for whatever awaited.