Chapter 332: Navigating the Depths
Chapter 332: Navigating the Depths
Bang!
Lindsey stood at the bow of the ship, his flintlock pistol firing with a loud boom. Smoke billowed from the muzzle, and as the ammunition shot out, Lindsey's face was also covered in a layer of smoke and exhaust.
"Cough, cough, cough—"
Lindsey coughed a couple of times.
He lifted his head again, and not far ahead on the river, a gray pigeon descended from the sky and landed on the water.
Lindsey flicked his wrist, and the pigeon's body was dragged back onto the deck.
The inconvenience of his left hand did affect his use of the bow and arrow, but it didn't hinder him much when it came to firearms.
Especially not when Lindsey activated his [FPS] module.
With the ability to determine shooting positions using aim points, he had become a sharpshooter, hitting his target almost every time!
He wiped the soot from his face and turned to hand the pigeon to Wicknar, who was standing beside him:
"Our luck isn't bad; we'll have an extra meal tonight."
Wicknar, who was guarding Lindsey, took the pigeon but kept his attention on the flintlock pistol, "I've heard that some craftsmen can make incredibly powerful crossbows. Is this the same?"
Lindsey shook his head:
"This is called a gun, and it works on a different principle than crossbows."
Hearing that it wasn't a crossbow but a 'gun', a term he hadn't heard before, Wicknar began analyzing the flintlock pistol:
"It looks good and saves effort, but it's very loud. If I had to choose, I'd probably still prefer a crossbow."
In a low-magic world or a regular world, the invention and appearance of firearms would undoubtedly be a significant event that could change the world.
But here...
Lindsey thought of those Awakened individuals in the Seventh Stage who could influence and interfere with the world.
And those in the Eighth Stage who could shatter the world in battle.
With such exaggerated martial prowess as the backdrop, firearms could play a role but were not enough to overthrow the entire social order.
Lindsey turned to Wicknar:
"The noise is indeed a big problem."
"But if the speed of the bullets exceeds the speed of sound, then there wouldn't be any issues."
"The speed of sound?" Wicknar's expression was a bit lost.
In this universe, Awakened individuals were diverse, and among them were craftsmen and scholars who dedicated themselves to researching technology and knowledge.
They even had industry-standard units of measurement.
But few studied things like the speed of sound, let alone someone like Wicknar, an ordinary person.
"Yes, the speed of sound." Lindsey scanned his surroundings and pointed to the forest at the river's edge. "Look, from here to the other side is about 50 meters. If you multiply this distance by six or seven, that's the distance sound can travel in one second."
Wicknar scratched his head awkwardly.
"I... I've never heard of such a thing."
When he looked back at Lindsey, his eyes lit up with anticipation, the kind one might have for an Awakened individual:
"Mr. Drake, you know so much, just like those Life Scholars!"
Lindsey understood Wicknar's thoughts.
Or perhaps due to the uncertainty of Awakened births, anyone could have such aspirations.
He asked Wicknar:
"By the way, Wicknar, I haven't asked you, how old are you this year?"
Wicknar replied promptly:
"14."
Lindsey calculated the time.
Although this universe had many calendars, the Essence Tide occurred every ten years, making it relatively stable and easy to calculate.
The next Essence Tide was still four years away.
If 18 years was considered the standard for adulthood, Wicknar would turn 18 during the next Essence Tide.
Wicknar asked eagerly:
"Mr. Drake, do you think I can become an Awakened individual?"
Lindsey shook his head slightly:
"I can't judge such things.
However, I've heard that more powerful Awakened individuals can help increase the chances of others awakening. Since humans can do it, I think there must be other items in nature that have a similar effect.
Upon hearing Lindsey's response, Wicknar looked around. The trees on both sides of the river were still restless, but after a few days, people's adaptability began to take effect. He now looked at the forest with a sense of familiarity, even feeling a glimmer of hope that they might find something useful inside.
However, Wicknar had experience living alone in the wilderness. He quickly shook off this expectation and continued to ask Lindsey curiously, "Mr. Drake, how did you become an Awakened?"
Before Lindsey could respond, a familiar footsteps sound came from the rear deck. Explorer Lezer arrived at the bow. He overheard the conversation and approached, ruffling Wicknar's hair, "Kid, if you want to become an Awakened, my advice is to go to a big city. Best would be the World Capital City! The number of Awakened individuals there far surpasses that of ordinary regions, and the Essence is more active. Whether it's relying on luck or finding other methods, ordinary people have a greater chance of becoming Awakened."
Wicknar's expression turned gloomy and tense, "But I've been in the Forest Courtyard since I was a kid, and I've never left." Lezer immediately proposed a plan and offered some suggestions, "Go to Transcendent City, they have a Teleportation Array that you can use. Over the next four years, you can save up money to use the Teleportation Array or try to find an opportunity to follow a merchant. As long as you work hard, there's still a chance."
After speaking with Wicknar, Lezer's gaze turned to Lindsey. The explorer's tone became serious, "This afternoon, I plan to have the fleet dock for a while. On one hand, we'll investigate the current state of the forest, and on the other hand, we need to resupply." Lindsey understood, "Do you need me to lead the hunting team?" Lezer nodded, "That's right, thank you."
Lindsey nonchalantly waved his hand, "Since I'm part of the team, I should contribute and take responsibility." As he spoke, he adjusted his equipment and equipped a new set of armor.
【Armor: Viper Scale Armor】
【Provides basic defense capabilities, with better resistance to slash and chop-type damage, and also provides minor toxin immunity.】
【Armor made from the scales of a serpent-like magical beast, moderately priced.】
The fleet had encountered monster attacks over the past few days, mainly from snake swarms. The materials they provided allowed Lindsey to craft the Viper Scale Armor, which granted immunity to minor toxins and didn't conflict with the Forest Brooch's ability to increase toxin resistance.
That afternoon, the fleet docked as planned. Lindsey led the Awakened individuals into the forest for hunting. The forest's anomaly remained unchanged, showing no signs of improvement or deterioration. Lindsey used his skills to analyze the plants and obtained general information, with no signs of worsening or improvement.
As night fell, Lindsey returned with the hunters, laden with spoils. As he was about to roast the pigeons he caught and have a small feast with Wicknar, his keen hearing picked up a panicked and terrified voice from the ship's cabin, "Wayne, what's wrong? Come quick! Someone's been poisoned!"
(End of Chapter)
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