Chapter 23 - Bronze Rock Mountain (1/2)

Not to mention, that it provided a 20% increase in Health regeneration for one hour’s time.

An impressive result considering that it was their first attempt. Still, for one that had talent on the path of a Mage, becoming a simple cook felt lacking.

That was because they weren’t aware that there existed a Hidden Class associated with the profession.

Woohyuk had already collected any details he could from information brokers before returning.

‘Of course I know all about it.’

Hans, the King of Cooking, had been acknowledged by all for his culinary skills

He had gone to serve under Zhang Wei, one of the Overlords, demonstrating his skills to the world. He had been responsible for the food supplied to soldiers in the rear of battlefields. Any soldier that ate his food, would receive several buffs, greatly increasing their abilities. Even if their opponents were stronger, they would still manage to hold on until reinforcements arrived.

[Food Chef]

It had been Han’s secret, a Hidden Class. However, because the class was a reward due to a special achievement, it wasn’t possible to obtain it without having a talent for cooking on the same level as Hans.

The only other way was to rope him in early on.

‘It’s not impossible.’

The question was how to tempt him.

As a proud chef, he wouldn’t succumb to mere monetary incentives.

Perhaps some kind of rare ingredients?

‘Stymphalian birds’

They lived in flocks, around the Bronze Rock mountain which he was currently heading to.

[Stymphalos Lake]

It wasn’t quite as large or deep as the Calm Sea, but it likewise had an island within and was a decent size for a lake.

A solid ship was absolutely necessary in order to cross its waters.

The normal boats wouldn’t be enough against a flock of Stymphalian birds, which sent out their metallic feathers. Even if your team’s Leader used the Barrier skill to defend against them, the Aquatic monsters would then be a problem. Archer Fish were able to leap out of the water and shoot a jet of water from their mouths, while Thorned Lizards would attempt to climb and occupy your boat.

If one was unfortunate enough to fall into the water, there were Electric Eels waiting. With attacks that had an average voltage of over one thousand, unless you had high magic resistance, most would die from the first charge.

In many ways, it was even more dangerous than the Fantasy Swamp.

However for Woohyuk, it was the easiest of areas.

“Where are we going next Boss?”

“I think heading to that mountain range is a pretty good idea.”

Although it was a good idea, Woohyuk shook his head.

“It’s too dangerous.”

That mountain range was the Griffins’ habitat.

Although they resembled eagles at first glance, they were far from easy opponents since they were even bigger than elephants.

“Then should we start cutting down some trees…”

“A ship has already been prepared.”

Woohyuk walked up to the lake shore and raised his hand. The space above the water shimmered momentarily, and then the Abyssal Ship appeared.

The party members' eyes widened immediately upon seeing it.

“It’s a pirate ship!”

“Kya! That’s awesome!”

Kim Dogyun and Nam Kiryang cried out as they excitedly climbed the net hanging from the side of the ship, making their way up.

Drake then made his appearance on the deck

“You’ve brought some rookies on board, Captain.”

“Eeek! Ghost!?”

Yoo Kayoung and Song Anna’s complexions turned blue.

Drake erupted in a fit of laughter, enjoying their reaction.

“Hahaha! Your wife and daughter seem to be scared of me. Did you bring them along to tour the ship?”

“These are my teammates, and they all already have a Class.”

Woohyuk replied with a serious expression.

Drake nodded back as if it had been expected.

“As expected, you are explorers! Where are we headed?”

“That island, we can set off immediately.”

Drake and his entire crew had sworn allegiance to Woohyuk, ever since he had lifted their curse.

As the Abyssal Ship sailed across the water, it carried with it a black mist.

A sailboat with unrivaled speed and firepower. Not to mention that there was the additional Pirate King’s Curse buff.

At least when it came to naval warfare, there would be no Lords that could match Woohyuk.

The same would hold true now, since no one would be able to cross the lake so long as Woohyuk was staying there.

‘The Kraken might be a bit too much.’

Although the waters were deep enough for a large ship to navigate comfortably, anything more than that would be overkill.

Woohyuk then pulled out his Deep Sea’s Orb as he stared at the distant Bronze Rock mountain covered in white snow.

‘This might work as well.’

It indicated that it would control the Seas, but it appeared to work on bodies of fresh water as well.

As Woohyuk injected his mana into the crystal orb.

Although there wasn’t much of a change, at least the annoying fish and lizards were mitigated to a certain extent.

For now they only had to focus on the Stymphalian birds

Woohyuk stared at the flock of monster birds flying in the distance.

A crane-like with a beak and feathers made entirely out of bronze.

Their dung was poisonous as well, so it was best to dodge any falling excrement. To avoid any unnecessary hassle, he summoned Triton.

Although he still suffered from the same debuffs, his ability was still considerable.

The Stymphalian birds’ magic resistance would easily be overcome with his magic.

“Take care of them, but make sure to keep a few of them alive.”

Following his orders, Triton silently advanced. With a wave of his hand, dozens of Ice Arrows flew out towards the Stymphalian birds

Pik!

The Stymphalian birds that had their head pierced, dropped down into the lake.

Angered by their loss, the other Stymphalian birds shot their sharp feathers towards the Abyssal Ship

Whuic! Whuic!

For the most part however, these attacks were neutralized by the Barrier skill he placed on ships prow.

The occasional Bronze feather would embed itself on the deck, but the party wasn’t scared.

They were being thrown from a rather long distance, so it wasn’t at all hard to avoid. The black mist that enshrouded the ship was invisible to allies, and didn’t hamper their line of sight.

Whuiiic!

Yoo Kayoung with her magic and Park Taesoo with his arrows stepped out to aid Triton.

Two more Stymphalian birds dropped down into the water. As the battle proved to be unfavorable for them, they soon turned around and escaped.

Woohyuk turned to look at Triton.

“Please go ahead and fetch them.”

“...”

Although it was clear that he felt such a mundane task was below him, Triton had no choice but to obey. If Woohyuk had ordered him to commit suicide, he wouldn’t even be able to let out a word of protest.