Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 94

Chapter 94: Taking the Dragon Egg!
As Ryan gazed upon the [Fire Dragon Egg] cradled before him, a storm of conflicting emotions raged within him.

The prospect of nurturing a “pet baby” particularly one that promised to evolve into a formidable fire dragon, was undeniably thrilling. Especially since the “Red Sun Evolution” species are known for their astonishing growth rates and significantly shorter maturation periods compared to ordinary creatures. A creature raised from infancy would undoubtedly develop a steadfast loyalty.

Yet, a heavy unease weighed on his mind, the infant’s parents had been slain by his own hand.

Although Ryan harbored no guilt over the demise of the female fire dragon or the formidable male fire dragon leader, having faced death multiple times at the claws of the latter, he couldn’t shake off the gravity of his actions. The visceral fear of near-death encounters was an experience those untested by battle could scarcely comprehend. Nature’s laws were cruel, predicated on survival of the fittest. However, the notion of slaying the creature’s parents only to adopt it seemed morally ambiguous, to say the least.

Initially, Ryan had ventured to the female dragon’s lair with the intent to sample the dragon egg. Now, as he stood deliberating, the idea of parting with it grew increasingly untenable.

After much contemplation, he decided, the egg would accompany him. Life, even potential life, demanded respect and couldn’t be stashed away in some spatial ring. Thus, Ryan found himself awkwardly descending a tree, the precious egg secured in one hand, the other grappling for purchase.

This maneuver, implausible for the average man, was trivial for him. Safely reaching the ground, he hastened back to [Bonfire Point-Giant Tree Gap], cradling the egg to the warmth of the campfire. Though the ember of life within the egg was no longer threatened by immediate peril, it was weakened. Even supplemented by the [Red Crystal], it would need time before it could hatch.

Choosing to let nature take its course, Ryan settled beside the campfire, cross-legged and thoughtful. He then teleported back to his “raft” and selected “return,” his thoughts lingering regretfully on the unlocated body of the female dragon, wondering whether it had been claimed by the torrent or taken by the male leader.

… [Viewing Place]

In stark contrast, Freni watched the unfolding scenes with bated breath, her small hands clenched so tightly against her chest that creases formed on her lapel. The stakes were monumental, her advancement to the second level hinging on the outcome of this “great gamble.”

Time ticked by relentlessly, each second stretching into eternity under the weight of her anxiety. When the scene finally shifted, Freni’s heart skipped a beat. She resisted the urge to check the “battle record” immediately, instead closing her eyes to offer a solemn prayer to the God of Creation, whose existence was as much a mystery as the outcome she awaited.

Miss Witch leapt into the air, a whirlwind of unbridled joy swirling around her. She caught herself mid-giggle, her voice stern yet playful, “Calm down, Freni. You are a princess. Shouldn’t you maintain decorum over such a ‘trivial success’?”

With a mischievous flick of her wrist, she dismissed her own reprimand. “But it’s just us here! To heck with etiquette!” Her laughter echoed through the chamber, resonant and carefree. As she settled, hands akimbo, the fluffy brim of her witch hat bobbed in sync with her mirthful tremors. “Hoo hoo…”

Her jubilation ebbed, and Freni’s attention snapped back to the screen. The traveler had triumphed, ensuring the viewing wouldn’t end prematurely.

She watched the “traveler,” a silhouette rendered in abstract strokes, navigate the dense, towering forest, his next moves shrouded in mystery. Curious, Freni opened the exchange list, her gaze narrowing as new possibilities unfolded before her.

Because her cache of spiritual essence had surpassed 1000, fresh items tantalizingly revealed themselves:

1. Second-level Spiritual Enhancement Crystal: Crafted from refined spiritual pure crystal, this item, after a brief absorption period, permanently augments one’s spiritual capacity by 0.1, up to a max increase of 1.0. Notably, this boost doesn’t interfere with existing spiritual growth from one’s path profession. Warning: Only useable at level two, or risk unforeseen perils. Cost: 1000 spiritual essence.

2. Second-level Physical Enhancement Crystal: This crystal, derived from the essence of flesh and blood, endows the user with a 0.1 permanent increase in physical strength, independently of usual limits, with a potential total enhancement of 1.0. Warning: Level two attainment required to avoid unknown dangers. Cost: 1000 spiritual essence.

3. Second-level Healing Crystal: A refined healing crystal capable of regenerating minor lost appendages, fingers, toes, ears, noses, within moments. The extent of recovery correlates directly to the severity of the injury. Cost: 1000 spiritual essence.

4. Second-level Soul Recovery Crystal: Engineered for rapid spiritual rejuvenation, this crystal fully restores a second-level professional’s spent spiritual energy swiftly. Cost: 1000 spiritual essence.

These items, while merely advanced iterations of earlier exchangeables, thrilled Freni. She sought no extravagant novelties; these straightforward yet potent materials were her most coveted treasures.

However, the cost gave her pause—”A thousand Spiritual Essence for just one?” The reality of the expense shocked her, a stark reminder of the value and rarity of these enhancements in the grand tapestry of her mystical pursuits.

In a moment of fervent devotion unlike any before, Freni had pleaded with all the gods she knew, and some she wasn’t sure existed. With her eyes tightly shut and her heart pounding, she had poured every ounce of her hope into her prayers. Now, as she slowly opened her eyes, the glow of the screen before her was almost too much to bear.

[Battle Record:]

[After setting up three ‘hole traps’, the traveler launched a ‘cold arrow’ into the heart of the female fire dragon’s nest.]

[Provoked, the irate female fire dragon surged from her lair and engaged on the battlefield.]

[She unleashed a ‘Charge Fireball’, hurtling searing flames towards the traveler.]

[The traveler, though fully capable of evading, braced for impact…]

Freni’s fingers twitched with nervous anticipation. She knew all too well the devastating might of a fire dragon’s breath. She had watched in horror as the traveler, when previously facing the male fire dragon leader, had been grievously wounded by such an attack. Though the female was slightly less formidable with a combat strength of 34, her charged fireball was still a fearsome force.

“You could have dodged… Why didn’t you? Is this some kind of spectacle you’re putting on?” Freni muttered under her breath, her heart sinking with worry.

Yet, she clenched her teeth and persevered, her eyes glued to the unfolding drama.

[In the inferno, the traveler, donned in ‘fire-resistant gear’, emerged unscathed, leaving the female fire dragon dumbfounded.]

Freni gasped, her eyes widening with delight and admiration. “Clever, cunning traveler!” she exclaimed, her spirits lifting.

[Amidst the flames, the traveler advanced. The dragon, in panic, whipped her poisonous tail in defense.]

[With agile grace, the traveler dodged and delivered a powerful slash to the dragon’s forehead.]

[Enraged, the dragon unleashed a deafening roar, stunning the traveler…]

Freni’s heart skipped a beat. The tension was palpable, but she knew better than to assume the outcome too soon.

[Shaking off the dragon’s roar, the traveler retaliated with his own ferocious roar, stunning the female dragon into a ‘fainting state’.]

“Bravo!” Freni cheered, her voice echoing in the solitude. She pondered in awe, “How did he manage that? To make such a mighty beast falter with just a roar?”

[Seizing the moment, the traveler struck the dragon’s forehead again.]

[The female dragon, reeling from two blows, fell back into unconsciousness.]

[Using his cunning, the traveler then weakened both his defenses and the dragon’s, preparing for the final blow.]

[With a decisive, crushing slash, the traveler sealed the dragon’s fate.]

[The battle concluded!]

[Your investment is successful. Based on the investment amount and proportion, you receive [Spirit Essence]: 2188]

[Current [Spirit Essence]: 2388]

Staring at the tally of “Spirit Essence,” Freni blinked in disbelief, a wave of elation crashing over her. “Traveler, I always knew you were exceptional!” she shouted, her voice a mix of triumph and gratitude.