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

Chapter 75 Deluxe Panel, Attributes Skyrocket! (24)
It was dark all around.

Only the light from the kerosene lamp flickered slightly.

The man in the captain's uniform had his back to Bob, and a steady, strange heartbeat was coming from an old machine not far in front of him.

Old Bob's eyes widened, and his heart almost stopped at that moment.

The man was right in front of me, yet it felt like there was an unreachable distance between us.

Deep blackness surrounded him; shadowy darkness lay prostrate at his feet.

He breathes, and the whole ship breathes too.

His heart was pounding, and the whole ship was pulsating slightly.

In old Bob's opinion, the mystery and eeriness of everything on the ship combined couldn't even come close to one percent of this man's!

Or perhaps they are simply a part of this captain's identity?
Boom!
Suddenly, another strong and powerful heartbeat rang out from the man's chest.

And gradually, it resonates in sync with the heartbeat of the mechanical device.

When the two heartbeats overlapped, an indescribable transformation occurred in the man!

The sound of waves crashing against each other echoed inside the cabin.

The flesh and blood body is being washed and baptized by streams of mysterious power.

A terrifying sense of oppression spread outwards at the same time.

Accompanying this were cheers of joy; the hull, deck, keel, cannons, sails… all seemed to be celebrating loudly, calling out the captain's name in unison!
When Bob looked at the man again, it was as if he no longer saw a person.

It resembles a terrifying sea monster in human skin awakening from its slumber, or a ship sailing proudly across the sea!
……

……

"Old Bob, what are you standing there for? How's the checkup going?"

Bob snapped out of his daze.

He saw that Captain Shane of the Black Swan was looking at him with concern.

His expression was gentle and approachable, and his handsome appearance made people unconsciously feel good about him.

Then he turned to look around.

Several lights were lit inside the cabin, casting a bright and soft glow. The ancient steam turbine lay peacefully in place, with no hint of eeriness or gloom.

"That was just now..."

Old Bob rubbed his eyes, and couldn't help but doubt himself.

Could it be that he hasn't been sleeping well these past few days, and the mental stress is too great, causing him to hallucinate?

Xia En patted him on the shoulder and said understandingly, "You've worked hard these past few days. I'll have Mr. Garnier give you the rest of the deposit."

"After you finish this job, take your pay and have a good rest for a few days!"

"Okay, then thank you in advance, Captain Shane."

Bob nodded eagerly.

After completing the final checks, the old shipwright quickly left the lower deck.

Watching his figure disappear from sight, Xia En slapped the steam turbine next to him in annoyance.

"Xiao Zheng, don't make such a big commotion in the future. What if you scare people?"

"Gulu..."

The steam turbine let out a slightly aggrieved groan.

It's like a complaint, that you're the one who's scarier.

This machine, which Shane named "Little Steamer," is the enhanced steam turbine.

【Gluttonous Steam Turbine (Steam Heart)】

[Type: Component]

[Quality: Rare]

[Description: When equipped on a ship, it increases the "Speed" attribute by 12 points!]

[Due to the effects of "Filthy Crystals," this machine has become unusually greedy. Please remember to feed it metal, parts, or equipment daily.]

The more it eats, the stronger it becomes!

However, it's best not to keep it hungry for extended periods.

[Note: Number of cores that can be equipped (1/5)]

I'm going to eat, eat, eat, eat!

Not only has the speed attribute increased by 4 points, but the number of cores that can be equipped has also been increased.

However, the most crucial element is undoubtedly the prefix "binge eating".

This is equivalent to further optimizing the original ability to be reinforced with metal and parts, thus enhancing its "growth potential".

Conversely, if it fails to fill its stomach, it may become sluggish and unmotivated.

Overall, it is a strengthening effort that is more beneficial than harmful.

As for why it's called "Little Steamer"... "Little Steamer" doesn't sound good, and we can't exactly call it "Little Machine," can we?

At this moment, not only the steam turbines, but all the core components of the Black Swan have now undergone a transformation!
Name: Xia En

[Age: 18 years old]

[Bloodline: Seafolk (rare); Succubus (extremely rare)]

[Secret Path Profession: Captain (Tier 1)]

[Ship: Black Swan]

[Ship Soul Level: LV2 (4%)]

[Attributes: Firepower 16, Speed ​​24, Durability 20, Mysticism 23]

[Durability: 100/100]

【Core Components——】

[Aberrant Cursed Cannon (Rare) + Heavy Whisper Defense Cannon (Rare)]

【Dark Mystic Dragon Bone (Rare)】

【Phantom Storm Ray Sail (Rare)】

[Gluttony Steam Turbine (Rare)]

【Sea Crystal Wood Hull (Rare)】

[Talents: Deep-sea diving; Captain's majesty; Seawater manipulation/affinity; Hardened skin; High-speed regeneration; Lightless touch; Communication with the ship's spirit; Synchronization with the ship's spirit]

[Skills: Shadow Swordsmanship (Mastery), Ice Crystal Technique (Beginner)...]

"I'm very strong right now!"

Even Xia En couldn't help but express such feelings after seeing this panel.

As it turns out, the investment and wait of those ten days were absolutely worthwhile.

All four attributes skyrocketed, almost doubling!
Speed, sturdiness, and mystery all surpass the 20 mark.

Especially the [Speed] attribute, with the combined benefits of the steam turbine and the ray sails, becomes the highest attribute of the Black Swan.

At sea, speed is of paramount importance.

As long as you are fast enough, you can gain the initiative in naval battles, whether you are chasing or fleeing.

Furthermore, the [Phantom Storm Ray Sail] also comes with a small skill.

[Storm Summoning: Briefly summons a small storm, which can temporarily increase the speed of other ships or reduce their speed.]

[Note: This effect can only be used once a week.]

Although there is a cooldown period, it might have a surprising effect at crucial moments.

Of all the components, what surprised Shane the most was the transformation that had occurred to the hull keel.

[Dark Mystic Dragon Bone]

[Type: Component]

[Quality: Rare]

[Description: The keel of a ship engraved with dark, cryptic runes.]

The nourishment from the secret energy made the originally weak keel stronger and more solid, enhancing the overall stability of the ship.

[When exposed to darkness for extended periods, the runes on the dragon bones will grow, evolve, and multiply on their own.]

The ship's structure, such as the deck and hull, is also subtly influenced by the secret texts, protecting it from erosion by waves and some deep-sea objects.

[The words themselves also contain extraordinary mysteries.]

These strange and mysterious inscriptions are the result of changes brought about by a large amount of impurity crystals.

The area covered by the cryptic text became noticeably more solid and acquired some mysterious properties.

In addition to being fast, a ship also needs to be stable, and the keel that runs through the entire ship undoubtedly plays an important role in this.

"It was worth spending a full 50 points of Filth Crystal!"

Xia En's lips curled up slightly.

The only regret about this upgrade is that, due to the construction schedule, the hull of the Black Swan could not be upgraded at the same time.

I can only add points after I obtain the [Filthy Crystal].

At this moment, Xia En clenched his fist, feeling the abundant power within his body, and thought to himself.

"Now, I can even put up a fight against a second-tier Mystic Path practitioner!"

"With the added burst effect of [Communication with Ship Soul], we might be able to defeat it head-on!"

"but……"

While stretching his body, Shane began to think about another problem.

"Tomorrow night is the night of the Blood Moon. Should I go or not?"

(End of this chapter)