Wizard: I Add Points and Hunt Monsters

"Understood." Ronan bowed, then strode away and shouted to the pirates idling on deck, "Velen, get ready to raise the sails!"

"Alright."

"Middleton, take some men and do a final check of the ship. And remember, don’t go down to the hold and disturb the First Officer!"

"Understood..."

Seeing the orderly bustle outside, Wei’en thought for a moment before grabbing a lantern and slipping up to the crow’s nest. He leaned back in his chair, found a comfortable position, and propped his feet up on the railing.

He then took out the intelligence scrolls that had cost him four thousand gold pounds and began to look through them.

’Hmm, the Sea Crow Race? Mmm...’

"The term ’Sea Race’ refers to races that live year-round in the Deep Sea or can freely enter and exit the Forbidden Sea. The currently known races include the Sea Cow Race, Sea Dragon Race, Sea Viper Race, Sea Crow Race, and Sea Fish Race."

"The Sea Crow Race is primarily active in the Forbidden Sea, east of the Eastern Continent. They were discovered in year 512 of the New Era by a fleet from the Eastern Continent that ventured deep into the Forbidden Sea. Their identifying mark is an anchor symbol between their eyebrows. They mainly possess Extraordinary characteristics like curses and undeath, and are considered one of the more low-key and mysterious of the Sea Races."

"However, the Sea Crow Race has rarely been seen since year 998 of the New Era, and it is suspected they were wiped out by some mysterious force..."

’Wiped out?’

Wei’en pursed his lips. ’This is the information worth five thousand gold pounds? It’s not detailed at all.’

However, after he finished reading all the information on the Sea Crow Race, he couldn’t help but grumble to himself, ’This isn’t just "not detailed," it’s complete garbage!’

Aside from their physical characteristics, most of the information was just a list of unverified incidents merely suspected of being the Sea Crow Race’s handiwork.

For example, in year 592 of the New Era, an anomaly occurred in the Forbidden Sea near the Sea Crow Race’s territory. Three Deep Sea Monsters appeared there at once, unleashing towering waves that swept over the city-states in the eastern part of the Eastern Continent.

Another example: in year 883 of the New Era, a massive whirlpool appeared in the Southern Cordo Sea near the Eastern Continent. At the time, someone claimed to have spotted members of the Sea Crow Race...

Incidents like these filled four entire sheets of parchment.

This bit of intelligence wasn’t worth one gold pound to him, let alone five thousand.

’I got scammed...’

Frustrated, Wei’en opened the other intelligence reports—the ones about the Black Pearl. He hoped the fifteen parchment scrolls would help him learn more about the Sea Emperor.

[You have been exposed to the red moon. As your Origin Power exceeds 100, you are immune to the red moon’s contamination. Special Reward: Survival Points +50, Origin -1 (Temporary), Spirit Level +1.]

’Huh?’

’Night has fallen?’

Only then did Wei’en realize the red moon had quietly risen. He glanced at the crimson glow in the night sky and turned his attention to the messages on his panel.

[You have been exposed to the red moon. As your Origin Power exceeds 800, you are immune to the red moon’s contamination. Evaluation: ??? Special Reward: Survival Points +50, Origin -10 (Temporary).]

He quickly lit his lantern, dispelling the red moon’s rays, and the notifications on the panel ceased.

’Spirit Level plus three...’

Wei’en counted, a smile touching his lips. ’What’s with the question marks? Siphoning off a few attribute rewards shouldn’t be a big deal, right?’

This was a method he had just devised for obtaining attribute rewards: stay out on deck as much as possible at night.

Since there weren’t many opportunities for rewards during the voyage, he could just bask in the red moon’s glow every night. Besides the rewards from the moon’s contamination, there were also plenty to be had from the sea.

[You are targeted by the killing intent of a Deep Sea aberration. Reward: Survival Points +3.]

[...]

[You have entered a reservoir of endless killing intent from an unknown entity. As your Spirit Level is greater than 5000, you have successfully resisted the corrosion of Spiritual Power. Evaluation: A "not bad" idea. Special Reward: Survival Points +10, Spirit Level +1.]

’I can check my gains tomorrow...’

Aside from the Spiritual Power his ghosts gained through Meditation, he figured he should be able to rake in a good amount of extra rewards.

The Spirit Level rewards were nice, but the main issue was his severe shortage of Survival Points.

Leveling up a skill on his panel now cost thirty to fifty thousand Survival Points a pop. Without a major battle like the one in the Caster City State, he would have to rely on gradual accumulation.

With that in mind, Wei’en continued to read the intelligence on the parchments.

"The Black Pearl has not dominated the Cordo Sea for long. In the mere fifty years since its founding in New Era 1522, it has already become a terrifying Pirate Gang that controls nearly the entire Cordo Sea."

"The Sea Emperor, Isabella Christers, assumed the captaincy in New Era 1535. Before that, he was merely the ship’s Boatswain, his strength barely reaching the Director Level."

"After becoming captain, his strength underwent a world-shaking transformation (Note: based on consolidated information from multiple sources, it is suspected that he obtained a complete ’Legacy of an Era,’ though this remains unconfirmed). The last time he was seen in action was in New Era 1548, at which point he had already reached the Legendary level. His current strength is unknown."

’Legendary?’

Wei’en thought of the Deep Sea Giant Beast Rashim, a creature comparable to a third-level calamity. ’A Legendary-level Extraordinary can keep that monster as a pet?’

’It seems the Ghost Soul School’s intelligence really isn’t all that great...’

"Total known crew: 48. Lodilia, nicknamed ’Iron Hammer,’ has strength comparable to the Peak of the Great Mage, making her an Extraordinary on par with the Hand of the Kingdom. She possesses prophetic and divination abilities. Other details unknown."

"Jack Kim Adros, nicknamed Black Jack. Position: First Officer (suspected). Strength: Unknown (suspected Legendary level, unverified). Before joining the Black Pearl, he was the Boatswain of the White Rose."

"..."

"Higgins Kiliteqiao, Captain of the *White Wolf*, nicknamed the Poisonous Viper. Possesses the Highly Poisonous Blood Extraordinary Bloodline. Strength: Director Level. Prior to his current position, he was the Second Officer of the White Rose."

After reading through the fifteen parchment scrolls, Wei’en’s brow furrowed. The Black Pearl’s strength was far greater than he had imagined, especially with several Extraordinaries whose power levels were listed as ’unknown’...

’Judging by Black Jack, whom I’ve met, they’re likely all above Director Level. Or maybe even Hand of the Kingdom level?’

Although on paper they seemed far weaker than the Ghost Soul School, the report’s wary tone made it clear that even the School was unwilling to offend the Sea Emperor in the Cordo Sea.

’Is it because of his mysterious legacy, or is there something else he’s hiding?’

Wei’en couldn’t know for sure, but of one thing he was certain.

With his current strength, if he were to clash with the Black Pearl again, his only option would be to flee for his life.

’I’ve already pissed off the Dawn Church on the Eastern Continent and have Judgment Knights hunting me. If I add the Black Pearl to the list of people chasing me at sea... I’d really be in a league of my own, wouldn’t I?’

Wei’en put the parchments away. He suddenly remembered he still needed to find out more about the strength of that Judgment Knight.

’A Great Judgment Knight... Hmm, is that a Holy Professional comparable to a Great Mage?’

’I have to get stronger, and fast—’

...

...

「Meanwhile, in a patch of sea only a two-day voyage from the Ronan」

A Five-Masted Sailing Ship pressed on against the waves. The terrifying monster statue on its bow faintly emanated a bizarre black light, calming the sea before it.

"I’m telling you, Yuan old pal, can you please stop frowning?" Black Jack said with a helpless sigh, taking a swig of beer.

"Hmph!"

"My hands are tied. You can’t blame me. You saw the letter—Lodilia insists that we bring back the one who killed Henrik. Otherwise, she won’t let us set foot on the island..."

Yuan’s face was grim as he nursed his drink. After a long silence, he asked, "Do you have the location of that Red-haired Captain yet?"

Black Jack froze for a moment, then his face lit up with joy. "I just sent Waleed to investigate. I’m sure we’ll be able to pinpoint the Ronan’s location very soon. It can’t be too far from here..."

"Oh."

"Really, it won’t take up too much of your time. I know you’re anxious, but we have to abide by the Black Pearl’s rules. Otherwise, things will get even more complicated."

"Mm."

Yuan nodded silently. He knew that, but... ’Kali...’

Sigh.

He was already beginning to regret his past choices. If he hadn’t left the White Rose, hadn’t settled down in the Caster City State, perhaps none of this would be happening now.

"Don’t you worry. The second I find that red-haired punk, I won’t waste my breath on him. I’ll tie him up and we’ll be on our way. I won’t waste another minute of your time."

"That would be best..."

"Of course, of course! Here, drink up, drink up! Hahaha... I much prefer it when you’re smiling. C’mon, give your old pal Jack a grin..."

BANG!

"Hey, not the face, Yuan!!"

P.S. Six Chapters are still owed. Barring any surprises, the bonus Chapters will be finished soon.