Chapter 106: Master of Modo
Taro Port, Ocean Temple.
The figure of the Naga Priestess slowly emerged from the azure sea. It was unclear whether she had encountered any good fortune during this time, but the divine light in her eyes had become increasingly prominent. Although the Ocean Goddess was a cruel and evil deity, she was also a very generous one, as there were few noteworthy existences within the entire ocean pantheon, which was one reason why her struggle against the Lord of Storms had always been at a disadvantage.
No matter how strong the main deity was, they could not handle everything personally.
Especially regarding matters in the Material Plane, if the main deity of a pantheon were to personally engage, the impact would become severe.
“Soren has returned?”
A faint cold smile appeared on the Naga Priestess’s lips as she slowly said, “This guy really is one who rises early only for profit. Send someone to tell him that the Dragonbone warship is almost finished and to get the matters he promised me sorted out.”
“That gold priestess!”
“Relying on her wealth to compete with us for everything! It’s about time she faced some setbacks.”
The Temple Guard hidden in the shadows received the order and left. The Naga Priestess gently raised her hand, and a blue water sphere appeared before her. The sphere made of seawater emerged like a crystal ball displaying some images. She silently watched for a moment, a cruel smile appearing at the corners of her mouth.
“It won’t be long before I deal with you betrayers!”
The Naga Priestess’s figure moved toward the temple’s inner chamber as she muttered, “Do you really think a fallen worthless being has the qualifications to contend with the Ocean Goddess?”
………
Soren’s figure stepped onto the land of Taro Port.
A group of pirate leaders had long been waiting for his return near the port. Soren only glanced at them before instructing, “Sort out everything that has recently arrived and bring it to me! Ask if the items I requested from the Ocean Temple are ready.”
“Have them mobilize supplies from Snake Island.”
“Transport one-third of the supplies to Fury Sand Island within a week; I’ll need them soon.”
Soren had many matters to attend to.
As the Pirate King controlling vast maritime territories, the number of pirates under him had long surpassed thousands. Eventually, it was not just pirates; even merchants, sailors, and guards had become part of his ranks. The Mind Sorcerer seemed somewhat surprised by Soren’s influence; although he had mentioned his identity during the journey, he hadn’t mentioned that his military might was comparable to that of a kingdom. Throughout their journey, she saw that whatever Soren needed was immediately met with ample manpower and resources. Anyone not a fool could sense the terrifying mobilization power contained within.
Being able to mobilize an armed fleet with casual ease—surely kings don’t find it this simple?
Soren busied himself with his affairs.
Meanwhile, the Mind Sorcerer observed this world. She was not very familiar with the Material Plane, having spent most of her life in the Astral Realm. Her darkest and most painful times were not in the surface world but within the Mind Flayer lair in the Underdark. Since then, she had rarely returned to the Material Plane.
Soren only stayed in Taro Port for a day before returning to the Overseas Islands.
………
Modo Harbor.
Soren’s return did not create a big commotion; in fact, many people were unaware that he had come back.
At this time, Modo Harbor had expanded two or three times compared to the past, with many docks and warehouses established nearby. There were many merchant caravans passing by, with some heading to the Amazon rainforest, using this place as a transit station, and others daring to trade with the Indigenous People. It was said that a major Indigenous tribe had clashed with the Amazon Female Warriors not long ago; even the Lord of Storms had been involved, yet it seemed there was still no clear victor. The Indigenous People had fought with the Amazon Female Warriors for over a thousand years, and unless the temple intervened directly, they could probably continue for another thousand years.
Moreover.
In Soren’s memory, there was a being of Strong Divine Power backing the Indigenous People, although it had hardly involved itself on this side of the world.
—The Father of Dinosaurs—Utao.
An very ancient deity.
He was once known as the Lord of the Tropical Rainforest and an old rival of the Lord of Storms, but later it seemed he had faded into obscurity.
The specific reason was unknown; some texts indicated he had created a “Divine b*stard,” a creature affectionately dubbed “Godzilla” by adventurers.
This deity had not shown itself for a long time.
Only his faith continued to spread in the more remote barren areas of the Overseas Islands, where one could occasionally see Druids who worshiped him.
The activities of the Temple of Wealth were swift.
Modo Harbor was on the verge of becoming a port city, with the largest share undoubtedly belonging to the Church of Wealth. The faith of Lady Wealth was widely spread among merchants, sailors, and guards, while the Ocean Goddess’s faith was likely only accepted by pirates. After all, the Ocean Goddess was more feared, and merchants clearly preferred to embrace the teachings of Lady Wealth.
Soren did not care at all about the rivalry between these two factions.
Because he himself had little interest in both fields; he understood well what pirates truly were. In his planning, pirates were merely a blade.
Furthermore, he did not wish to be restrained by anyone.
If he were to incorporate the pirates into his chances, it would mean being subject to the Ocean Goddess’s limitations.
That would not be a worthwhile endeavor!
………
On the way to Modo City.
Soren was playing with a ring in his hand, imprinted with the emblem of a bloodsucking bat. This ring was called the “Ancestral Ring” and was quite a nice artifact.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t take it with him!
The reason was simple: this artifact ring had a race restriction, and it could only be used by a “Vampire.” Even if Soren wore it with the help of his Universal Skillful Hand, he would be cursed by the ring.
—“Bloodthirst!”
Soren did not want to inexplicably crave human bl**d, so he had no choice but to set it aside for now.
“Item Type: Ancestral Ring [+1]
Item Level: [First-Class Artifact]
Item Description: This is a ring containing divine power, imbued with a certain strength bestowed by the Vampire God. Any wearer of this ring can gain supreme power among vampires, significantly enhancing their own strength. This ring has the power to dominate other vampires, allowing the wearer to directly control weaker vampires. However, the ring carries a special curse; any non-vampire life form wearing it will be affected.
Equipment Requirements: Race Restriction [Vampire].
Equipment Effect 1: All saving throws +2.
Equipment Effect 2: [Ancestral True bl**d], raises the rank of the vampire; the bloodline of the wearer will gradually purify over time, ultimately reaching the level of an Ancestor Vampire, though this process may take thousands of years. This effect does not work on Ancient Vampires!
Equipment Effect 3: [Dominate Humanity], this ring possesses powerful magic and can cast the spell Dominate Humanity once per day.
Equipment Effect 4: [Dominate Vampire], this ring has powerful abilities and can cast the spell Dominate Vampire once per day.
Equipment Effect 5: [Dominate Vampires], this ring is bestowed with certain powers by the Vampire God, allowing the wearer to command vampires.”
………
This was the artifact ring left behind by the Vampire Son.
In some ways, it should be seen as a rather useless item; its practical effect was likely inferior to that of the Lich Ring +5, but it also had some quite unique abilities.
For example, [Ancestral True bl**d] and [Dominate Vampires].
These clearly seemed like powers akin to those of a vampire clergy, but they had been attached to the ring, perhaps because divine power had been infused into it.
Modo City had come into view.
Soren turned and glanced at the Mind Sorcerer behind him, slowly saying, “Is high-level Restoration and Remove Curse really useless? There are priests of Lady Wealth and the Ocean Goddess here; perhaps they might be of some help.”
The Mind Sorcerer looked at the city ahead and gently shook her head, saying, “It’s useless.”
“Mortal beings cannot interfere with the domains of deities! Unless you can have one of the two goddesses personally remove the curse for me, otherwise, mortal power is futile.”
The low roar of a Bipedal Wyvern echoed.
A shadow flew overhead, and the Bipedal Wyvern, now two to three times larger, appeared, circling excitedly above Soren’s head, emitting joyous dragon roars.
Because.
The Master of Modo had returned!
………
(PS: Seeking monthly tickets; three updates tomorrow.) (To be continued ~^~)
