We agreed to set sail, so you'd become the ruler of the deep sea?

Chapter 319 [Ghana]'s Identity, Strengthening the Two Ships!
"You mean... your [Forging] skill has leveled up?"

After asking Xiange a few simple questions, Xia En couldn't help but show a look of surprise.

The original [Forging Technique] of the String Song can temper each component of the [Black Swan].

Little by little, his overall qualities will improve significantly.

According to the String Song, its [Forging Technique] can perform a second tempering on parts that have already been tempered.

Furthermore, if we consider the Black Swan and Diamond Princess as separate entities...

They can also be directly quenched.

This surprised Xia En quite a bit.

This tempering method is practically equivalent to an alternative upgrade of the entire ship!

However, the string song also explained that there is a certain price to pay for using the upgraded [Forging Fire Technique].

That requires a large amount of the same [lava ore] she devoured last time.

To be honest, Xia En felt a little strange and doubtful when he heard this request.

He was already quite surprised when Xiange showed such a strong desire for [Lava Ore] last time.

Lava Ore is clearly a specialty of the Furnace Realm, and theoretically it should have nothing to do with Ancient Dragons or Bronze Dragons.

However, the singers are particularly fond of and value this local specialty.

Shaen initially thought it was the abundant fire elemental power in the [Lava Mine] that attracted String Song.

However, after careful questioning, it was learned that other similar materials in the Seven Seas did not evoke any instinctive impulse in Xiange.

At this moment, Xiange specifically stated that [Lava Ore] was needed to complete the enhancement of [Forging Technique].

Furthermore, combined with the dwarves' unique forging techniques and secret arts in the [Forge Realm]...

If you say this is just a pure coincidence, Xia En absolutely does not believe it!

But where does the connection between these two lie?
Suddenly, a bold conjecture flashed through Xia En's mind, and he muttered to himself.

"[Ghana World]...[Ghana]..."

According to the legends told by the dwarves, beneath the Forge Realm lies a Flame Seed of immeasurable size.

Its name is Ghana.

The entire [Forge Realm] is named after it.

The terrifying "rumbling" that occurred before was merely an awakening of Ghana.

"What if this behemoth called [Gana] wasn't [Fire Seed], but an ancient dragon?"

Upon realizing this possibility, Xia En's eyes widened suddenly.

Because of the unique name "Fire Seed," he had always assumed it was a native creature of the "Furnace Realm," thus overlooking this fact.

But now that I think about it, what if the dwarves could all migrate from the Seven Seas to the Forge Realm?

Why couldn't the [Fire Seed] be a species born from the reproduction of ancient dragons and native creatures, and then mutated due to environmental influences?

Perhaps the ancient dragons arrived in the Forge a thousand years earlier than the dwarves, and may even have become the origin of life for all the Fire Seeds in the Forge.

Therefore, when the dwarves entered the secret realm, they believed that the [Fire Seed] was a creature that had existed in the [Forge Secret Realm] since ancient times.

This also explains why String Song has such a strong craving for [Lava Ore].

All the [Lava Ore] is formed from the heart of the [Fire Seed], thus containing the bloodline of the ancient dragon, which is naturally of great benefit to her.

Moreover, think further down this line of thought.

[Ghana] is very likely not an ordinary ancient dragon, but rather a kind of dragon from the same lineage as String Song.

A bronze dragon with bronze and fire flowing in its veins!

"You know what, it actually seems quite possible..."

Xia En's expression was somewhat strange.

Although this is just his guess, the whole line of thought is unusually smooth, and it might really be the truth about the [Forge Realm]!

Unfortunately, the number of dwarves who worship the Lords of the Rhine in the Forge Realm is still limited.

They can only use the connection between Shane and his followers for some simple transmissions, and they are not yet able to build a stable two-way portal.

Otherwise, sending String Song to the [Forge Realm] might immediately confirm whether Shane's guess was right or wrong.

But, despite this.

During his several dives into the [Forge Realm], Shane also acquired a considerable amount of [Lava Ore], which should be enough for String Song to temper the ship's hull.

Coincidentally, just recently, Shane had used the [Heart of the Ship] to invest a large amount of valuable materials to strengthen the two ships.

Judging by the time, the day when the "fruit is ripe" is almost here.

This is just the right time to allow the string song to undergo its final refinement, a process of "reducing the heat" to completely complete this time-consuming enhancement.

Xia En thought to himself, "Once the enhancement is over, it's time to set off for the [Frigid Sea]."

In fact, the reason he stayed on [Liuli Island] during this period was...

One reason is to survive the beast tide disaster in the [Rhine Secret Realm].

On the other hand, they patiently waited for the two ships to complete their final reinforcements.

After all, the Cold Sea at this time must be a mixed bag, with powerful figures from all sides emerging one after another.

Not to mention the still unclear source of the "second great flood".

To protect yourself and your crew in such a frigid sea, you must have sufficient strength.

Therefore, only after making sufficient preparations will Xia En set off for the [Cold Sea].

"I hope this upgrade will bring me some surprises..."

……

……

It didn't take long.

Xia En led Xiange and the others out of the cabin and onto the dock at the port.

Standing here allows for a more direct view of the overall changes to the Black Swan.

During this period, the Black Swan has noticeably grown larger, and the color of its hull has changed from jet black to a gray that is somewhere between black and white.

This is because Shane added a significant amount of [Rhinestone Essence] to the enhancement materials.

This material slightly pulled the Black Swan back from its irreversible descent into darkness and terror.

At least on the surface, the Black Swan's appearance has become much "gentler," lacking the previously sharp and dangerous aura.

However, in contrast...

The mysterious atmosphere surrounding the Black Swan is growing stronger.

That's the effect of constantly absorbing secret power.

To some perceptive individuals, the Black Swan was surrounded by a thick fog, from which terrifying hallucinations would occasionally emerge and disappear.

Just looking at it makes one's heart flutter involuntarily.

Moreover, the "living" quality of the Black Swan is becoming increasingly apparent.

The boat sways gently with the waves, like its breathing, giving the impression that it might awaken at any moment.

As the captain of the Black Swan, Shane knew very well that the Black Swan was now far more powerful than before.

That "gentle" appearance is merely a disguise.

Once the Black Swan enters combat readiness, its combat power will be enough to make the enemy tremble with fear!

However, Shane could also sense that the enhancement of the Black Swan seemed to be stuck at the last step.

The transformation is just one step away, but no one knows when that step will be taken. Normally, this final step can only be overcome through persistent and gradual effort.

But now that we have the String Song, we might be able to stimulate it with the [Forging Technique].

In fact, not only the Black Swan, but also the Diamond Star underwent some modifications and enhancements during these days.

However, due to the special nature of the Diamond Star, its appearance at the port might cause a huge uproar.

Shane turned to Joey beside her and said, "Joey, I'm counting on you."

"give it to me."

Joey raised his staff and pointed it at the Black Swan in front of him.

Immediately, an invisible veil was drawn outward from the staff, enveloping the Black Swan and a nearby stretch of sea.

This is a veil spell that can alter the perception of others, making them oblivious to changes occurring in this area.

Because of its wide range, its effect is not actually that strong. If someone enters this area, they can probably see through the curtain to the real scene.

However, there weren't many pedestrians at the port, so not many people noticed the unusual activity in this corner.

Then, a thought struck Xia En.

"Come out, Little Star."

Following Shane's command, a massive and magnificent ship silently appeared on the sea beside the Black Swan.

It seemed to be projected from a shadow, surrounded by a dark and eerie atmosphere.

Perhaps because it had been in the reflection for too long, the Diamond Princess had also acquired the aura of the deep sea.

The gloomy feeling of that "landmine woman" became more and more obvious.

Especially when compared to the vibrant Black Swan, the Diamond Princess appears even more eerie.

But considering that it was originally a "ghost ship", it's normal for it to have this kind of temperament... right?

"Xiao Xing, you must have been cooped up for so long, right?"

Xia En greeted him with a smile, "It's alright, you'll be able to roam freely on the sea in a couple of days."

But soon, Shane heard the voice of the Diamond Star.

"...Hmm? You didn't get sick from holding it in?"

"Is it comfortable and safe underwater?"

"Because you don't have to face other humans, you can hide???"

Shane: "..."

He was temporarily helpless against the gloomy and withdrawn personality of the Diamond Star.

The Diamond Princess cruise ship was left with such deep psychological trauma from that incident that it developed a fear of other humans.

This is like a tragic childhood experience, which often takes a lifetime to heal.

Xia En could only try his best to use time to subtly change Xiao Xing's personality.

In reality, Shane was relatively conservative in his modifications to the Diamond Star.

the reason is simple.

The design of the Diamond Princess is already outstanding.

Its manufacturing materials and internal structure are by no means outdated even by today's standards.

A major overhaul would disrupt the original design of the Diamond Star, potentially leading to unforeseen problems.

Therefore, Shane only reinforced the weak points of the Diamond Star ship and upgraded the materials of certain parts of the hull.

Even if some materials were excellent when the disaster struck, they will inevitably age over the years.

at the same time.

Shane also replaced the ship's cannons and other infrastructure.

With these modifications alone, the entire Diamond Starship looks completely refreshed.

If it weren't for its somber atmosphere, it would definitely be a luxurious ship that can be described as "beautiful".

【captain……】

【what are you up to?】

Xiao Xing's timid voice echoed in Xia En's mind.

It unconsciously reminded him of a little girl in gothic clothes, timidly asking him a question.

"Cough cough..."

Shaen shook his head, clearing his mind of distractions, and explained.

"Don't be afraid, it's just a way to temper your body."

"It might hurt a little, so you'll have to bear with it."

【Woo...】

Hearing this, Xiaoxing became even more flustered.

If it weren't for the fact that Xia En had been chatting with her frequently these past few days and had already gained her initial trust, the Diamond Star might have turned around and hidden in the shadow of the Black Swan.

Then, Xia En looked at Xian Ge beside him.

"It's your turn to make a move."

"Don't worry, I promise to complete the mission!"

With a confident thud, Xian Ge strode confidently toward the Black Swan and Diamond Star.

next moment.

The effect of the mimicry magic has been removed.

Her form changed, from a petite and delicate girl into a bronze dragon with outstretched wings, and she flew into the sky above the two ships.

It must be said that during this period of slumber, the true form of the String Song actually underwent considerable changes.

The most obvious thing is her figure.

The length of the stringed bird is already more than ten meters, and when its wings are fully spread, its wingspan can reach nearly twenty meters.

When it flies in the sky, the shadow it casts is quite large, and it has begun to take the shape of "covering up the sky and blocking out the sun".

In addition, the color of her scales became deeper, with some dark red patterns mixed in, making her look quite mysterious.

As for the two small horns on Xiange's head, they naturally grew longer as well.

The shape of that flaming crown is clearer and more distinct.

The whole dragon gives the impression of having transformed from a young dragon into a teenage dragon, with more elegant and vigorous lines, creating a strange and beautiful aesthetic.

It's visibly noticeable that her appearance has improved significantly.

It gave Xia En the urge to ride on her back and soar through the sky.

Xia En muttered to himself, "No wonder so many people want to be dragon knights, there's a reason for it..."

at the same time.

A deep red light shone in Xian Ge's vertical pupils.

She stored the lava ore that Xia En had given her earlier in her abdominal cavity.

At this moment, with the activation of the secret power, a surging and enormous heat expanded from the body of the String Song, enveloping the Diamond Star and the Black Swan like a domain.

Xia En then realized that this was a manifestation of the power of the domain.
This also means that the rank of String Song has most likely jumped to the fifth rank!
Then, strange changes began to occur on both ships...

(End of this chapter)