CHAPTER 371: 146 TORTUGA (PLEASE COLLECT)_2

Still dead.

「A few days later.」

Dead. Struggle. Dead...

A blur before his eyes, and Carl once again found himself in the jungle. There was no initial panic in his eyes now, no caution or care, only calm—a terrifying calm.

He inhaled... He exhaled!

Following the breathing techniques recorded in the Holy Breath, Carl adjusted the Breath within his body, and a fighting spirit gradually emerged in his eyes.

Combativeness emerged from his sea of consciousness.

As a Wizard, what one should most avoid is unexpected combat, the close-quarters fight. Being well-prepared, planning for contingencies, and relying on great strength to overpower the opponent is the right path. Use wisdom, not brute force to solve problems.

Thoughts surged in his mind.

The same is true for cultivation, for life. Speak cautiously and act prudently to avoid disputes with stronger beings; be careful not to let danger come close. Crush enemies with a higher realm and stronger power, not because of a momentary impulse that endangers yourself. Endure! Then grow stronger! Finally, crush all opponents!

Carl’s eyes sharpened.

But life is always full of surprises; no one can guarantee a smooth-sailing existence. I wish to live a quiet life, my strength hidden, yet troubles that cannot be avoided always find me. When that time comes... it requires the courage to give it your all, not just continuously retreat and endure. Wizards have wisdom, Knights need courage. When it’s time to be steady, be steady; when it’s time to be brave, be brave. These are not contradictory.

"KILL!"

His eyes focused, and time in the Illusion Realm began to flow.

Previously, Carl always remembered his identity as a Wizard; the first thing he thought about in a fight was to protect himself. Only when he was absolutely safe would he think about striking the enemy. This was not to say that it was wrong. But over time, if enduring became a habit, it could make one weak, to the extent that the first reaction to any situation was to shrink back. And this was precisely the bane of Knights! Shrinking back meant weakness! Advancing, however, did not necessarily mean being aggressive.

BOOM!

Swirling Flying Magic!

Chain Fireball!

Gravity Pit!

Several witchcraft spells struck at once. The approach of death tensed Carl’s spirit, yet his consciousness turned blank.

Suddenly, BOOM!

A tangible Battle Aura burst forth from within him, forming a protective shield that tightly enveloped him. The incoming witchcraft did not, as usual, break through his defense and tear his body apart. Instead, it was utterly repelled.

Holy Breath!

The Guardian who grasped the essence of battle spirit—when battle intent, body, and Battle Aura merged as one—had mastered the Holy Breath. Invoking the Holy Breath caused the Guardian’s perception, speed, strength, and other physical aspects to surge.

"DIE!"

The whirling tentacles shattered several Magic Power Flying Arrows, entangled a First-order Middle Stage Wizard, and suddenly twisted.

PFFT!

A First-order Middle Stage Wizard died!

This was Carl’s first time killing a First-order Middle Stage Wizard, and it was in the midst of a chaotic battle.

But the next moment, BOOM! A burst of Fierce Flame erupted, and his body turned into a piece of charred remains.

Back in the real world, Carl leaned back, allowing himself to lie on the ground, a look of ecstasy on his face. He could feel the changes within his body. The originally elusive Battle Aura now felt tangible, roaming within his body, refining his flesh. Along with it, even his Constitution was somewhat enhanced.

Name: Carl

Constitution: 7.9

spiritual power: 6.7

Source Material: 0

Level: Legendary Knight, First Circle Wizard

Abyss Bloodline Fusion: 36.7%

Cultivating the Holy Breath... the Abyss Bloodline Fusion has increased by nearly 2%, and my Constitution has strengthened considerably, not to mention the consumed Source Material... My Constitution value is nearing 8!

Carl muttered, "With my current self, in close combat, I should have a good chance of taking down a First-order Middle Stage Wizard."

* * *

「Endless Sea Domain.」

Over a dozen warships entered the thick fog, silently moving slowly along the direction of the current.

"The environment near Tortuga Island is very peculiar; it can distort a sailor’s perception of direction. Even the best navigators can’t get their bearings here," Conni said, putting away his nautical chart and looking ahead. "Neither Curios nor other methods work."

Carl stood on the deck, Magic Wand in hand. He had tried several methods to determine their orientation, but all had failed. Yet, his face showed satisfaction rather than regret as he remarked, "It is indeed peculiar. I have never encountered such methods before. Just as you said, the Endless Sea Domain hides many secrets."

"Exactly." Conni leaned on the railing, letting the sudden sea breeze ruffle his long hair. His voice was tinged with emotion. "Even the Divine cannot see through this sea."

"Really?" someone whispered. "Aren’t Gods supposed to be all-knowing and all-powerful?"

"How could that be?" Conni chuckled. "If They were truly all-knowing and all-powerful, They wouldn’t have fallen. Besides... when the Divine still existed, Pirate Island was already there, and the power of the Divine still couldn’t penetrate it. That’s why Tortuga has been considered a sacred place by generations of pirates!"

Ayala nodded. "I actually know about that. The books mention that when the Gods had not yet fallen, some non-believers would flee to uninhabited places to resist the Divine’s care. Tortuga Island was one of those places."

"HMPH!" Desecration Knight Yana scoffed. "Heretics! Blasphemers!"

The others on the ship just laughed. Centuries ago, when the Gods still existed, ’heretic’ and ’blasphemer’ were undoubtedly among the gravest accusations. But now... very few truly believed in the existence of the Divine.