Aiden approached the ship''s captain, asking, "Can I board your ship, Captain?"

    The captain, a gruff and weathered man, seemed slightly irked by the question. "Of course, brat! This is my job, selling passage and goods. What else would I do if I turned away customers?" He barked, clearly admonishing Aiden for the unnecessary query.

    Aiden quickly realized his mistake and replied, "Ah, I didn''t mean it that way."

    The captain just snorted, stepping aside to let Aiden pass. "Get on with it," he muttered.

    With an awkward smile, Aiden boarded the ship and found a spot on the deck to settle in. As he gazed out at the vast, endless sea, he mumbled to himself, "Hmm, the journey should take about five hours... if a storm doesn''t decide to show up." His eyes scanned the horizon, fully aware of the unpredictability of the sea—whether in the Immortal Realm or any other world.

    After sufficient amount of people boarded the ship, Captain ordered his men to set sail.

    As the journey progressed, everything seemed to be going smoothly. The sea was calm, and the ship glided effortlessly across the water. Aiden relaxed, enjoying the breeze and the occasional chatter of the crew.

    However, halfway through the journey, a sudden shout from the crow''s nest shattered the calm. "Pirate ship incoming!"

    Aiden''s eyes snapped open, and he quickly moved to the edge of the deck, peering into the distance. A dark, menacing ship with tattered sails was rapidly approaching. The pirate flag fluttered in the wind, signaling their hostile intent.

    The captain wasted no time, barking orders to his crew. "Prepare for battle! All guards to your positions!"

    Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire

    The ship''s guards, who had been casually lounging around, sprang into action. They drew their weapons, and some began channeling their Martial Spirits, their auras flaring up in preparation for the fight.

    The pirate ship drew closer, and soon the two vessels were side by side. Pirates began swinging over on ropes, howling and brandishing their weapons.

    But the captain''s guards were ready. The moment the first pirate set foot on the deck, they were met with fierce resistance. Swords clashed, and Martial Spirits were unleashed, creating a chaotic but controlled battlefield.

    Alongside the drink, Aiden ordered a plate of Crystal Salmon. The dish, much like the drink, was visually striking, with the fish''s flesh a deep, translucent red, almost as if it were carved from rubies. The vibrant color hinted at the intense, rich flavor it promised.

    As he took a bite, the salmon melted in his mouth, its delicate texture paired with a burst of savory goodness that complemented the fiery burn of the Burning Throat.

    Aiden savored each bite, appreciating the unique combination of tastes and sensations. It was a meal unlike any he had experienced before, a perfect introduction to the rugged and vibrant culture of the Burning Shore. As he ate, he kept his ears open, listening for any useful information or potential leads that might help him on his quest.

    For a moment, as Aiden indulged in the food and drink, he almost forgot the reason for his visit, entirely lost in the pleasures of the evening. It wasn''t until he had downed five plates of Crystal Salmon and three bottles of Burning Throat that he remembered his mission. Slightly tipsy, he stood up and made his way to the bartender.

    "Big Dawgs," Aiden slurred slightly, still feeling the effects of the potent drink.

    The bartender eyed him with mild curiosity before asking, "Which place?"

    "Underground Arena," Aiden replied confidently. The bartender nodded, handing him a simple silver ring engraved with two crossed swords. He then opened the door at the back of the tavern and instructed Aiden to show the ring to the men outside.

    With a nod, Aiden took the ring and stepped through the back door. He found himself in a dimly lit alley where several men were standing around, talking in low voices. As Aiden approached, they turned their attention to him, scrutinizing him carefully. One of them stepped forward, holding out his hand for the ring.

    After inspecting the ring, the man pressed it against a section of the wall, which began to shift and part, revealing a portal. He handed the ring back to Aiden and said, "Go inside. The portal will only stay open for a quarter of an incense stick''s time."

    Aiden nodded in acknowledgment and stepped through the portal. On the other side, he found himself in what appeared to be an underground city. The place was bustling with activity, with people hurrying about their business. Some glanced at Aiden as he entered, but quickly lost interest and went on their way.

    The underground city was vast, filled with narrow streets, neon lights, and the constant hum of voices and machinery. Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from exotic weapons to mysterious artifacts. The air was thick with the scent of sweat, smoke, and something distinctly metallic.

    As the scent of blood filled his nostrils, Aiden''s instincts kicked in, putting him on high alert. His eyes scanned the area until they landed on the source of the smell: a large, caged arena where a hulking brute was mercilessly thrashing a frail-looking young man. The crowd around the cage roared with excitement, bloodlust evident in their eyes as they cheered on the brutality.

    Aiden moved closer to the cage, his gaze fixed on the fighters. He could see the raw power and ferocity in the big guy''s movements, contrasting sharply with the desperate, almost helpless struggles of the young man. Yet, something about the fight intrigued Aiden.

    "This is interesting," Aiden muttered to himself, studying the combatants with Akashic eyes.