CHAPTER 209: CHAPTER 186: PIRATE ATTACK_2

Lance waited a good while, but no gifts arrived from Totnes. He didn’t know what had happened there. Since he was wide awake and couldn’t sleep, he simply leaned into the glow of the lantern and took out a book to browse.

Learning is an endeavor that never results in a loss.

"Interesting..." Lance studied the "White Wolf Scroll" in his hand and found some very fascinating things within it. For example, methods to craft Extraordinary Equipment and how to handle Spiritual Materials. He finally understood how those little skulls used as ornaments by the Barbarian Tribes were made.

It turned out that a potion was needed to fully immerse a severed head. Through a ritual, the soul, or rather the Spiritual Essence, would be trapped. Meanwhile, the flesh would dissolve and impurities would be removed, leaving behind pure Spiritual Essence and thus shrinking the skull.

It was both magical and interesting. Lance was somewhat tempted to delve deeper into research and experimentation, but most of the Extraordinary Equipment made this way carried negative effects. There were various impacts on the body, the most common being restless Spiritual Essence, making one more susceptible to greater stress.

Lance studied this to discover the true function and usage of the "Head Wolf Pendant" and the "Wolf Head Statue."

In the midst of his research and translation, he found the issue. The White Wolf equipment relied on the power of the Wolf God for its creation, and using it required harnessing that same power.

But I’m not from the Barbarian Tribes, nor do I believe in that stuff, so where would I get the power of the Wolf God from?

This is why I hate those goddamned wizards and shamans who speak in riddles. Couldn’t they just say what they mean clearly?

Books like "Spiritual Vision" were concise and straightforward; he could finish them in one night. However, he had been searching for clues in this scroll for two days.

The languages and scripts varied among the tribes. Many didn’t understand the meaning when encountering those of another tribe, let alone him, as he had only learned the basics of archaeology. I have to first translate it into the common tongue, then strip away the nonsense, extract the useful information, and research...

Most people either can’t understand this or don’t have the patience to sit down and study it.

But now, hitting a dead end meant that the past two days had been a waste of time, and he couldn’t help feeling irritable.

"Boss, what are you doing?" Boudica, who was lying on the bed, noticed Lance’s odd behavior and couldn’t help but ask curiously.

After this period of acclimatization, her dizziness had mostly subsided, and she was nearly back to normal. However, the ship was only so big. After a few laps, there was nowhere else to go, so she could only idle in the room.

"It’s nothing," Lance glanced at her and didn’t bother with her. At first, he had also considered that Boudica, being a Barbarian, might be able to help with the translation, but the woman was illiterate. Or rather, in the tribes, only the wizards and shamans learned to read and write to preserve the tribe’s legacy. The rest, who might die any day, considered learning to write a waste of time compared to learning how to survive and fight.

PHEEE... Bored almost to the point of growing mold, Boudica even started whistling.

Lance was left speechless by her behavior. She was just like a child. They are Barbarians, and you are a Barbarian... how can you be so...

Hey! Right! They have the Wolf God, and it seems I have one too!

Suddenly, Lance realized something and summoned the Wolf Spirit with a wave of his hand. Both involve Spiritual Essence; there shouldn’t be much difference.

In an instant, Lance became excited and immediately took out the "Head Wolf Pendant," ready to attempt something.

"Boss, what are you up to? Is there something good going on?" Boudica’s vacant voice came through, suddenly making Lance realize something.

Damn it, I’m on a ship! If something goes wrong, it’ll be troublesome!

How could I make such a basic mistake?

Lance suppressed his restless heart and fell into deep thought.

When did I become so impatient? Is it because the influence of corruption has never been fully eradicated, subtly affecting the people of this world? As long as one lives, they will face corruption... Bullshit!

Lance curled his lip in derision. That might be true for others, but I can’t be influenced. The real reason is that things have been going too smoothly for me recently. Murder, arson, theft, robbery—I’ve done it all with no repercussions. Not to mention the haul of talents and wealth I’ve accumulated. Life has been too easy lately, lacking the initial pressure, which has eroded my vigilance.

Lance couldn’t help but calm down, thankful that he hadn’t paid too high a price before realizing his error. Otherwise, if the ancestors decided to intervene, it would be an unbearable burden on my life.

PHEW. Lance took a few deep breaths and slowly regained his composure, his eyes once again reflecting a vigilant light.

He spoke solemnly to Boudica, "The struggle against corruption is a struggle against oneself. One can never let their guard down. You reminded me well; I’ll reward you with a drink when we get back."

"Yay!"

Boudica didn’t understand. Boss is acting so weird. He must have gotten dumber from being at sea for too long. But as long as I get a drink, that’s all that matters. Who cares about the rest?

Lance, envying Boudica’s simple joy, decided to give her some "care" for growth.

"Tell me, how many of the words I taught you yesterday do you still remember?"

"Ah!" Boudica’s face suddenly fell, looking even worse than if she were crying.

The smile hadn’t disappeared. It had just moved to Lance’s face.

She must study hard. At the very least, I need to make sure this girl learns the rules of Hamlet and some simple words.