Chapter 35: The Three Musketeers

On the fourth floor of the tower, Ian sat cross-legged on a thick carpet, silently contemplating the small crystal vial in his hand. Within it swirled a single droplet of crimson liquid, faintly exuding an aura of vitality. This was a drop of Lesser Water of Life.

A new drop formed every three days, and tomorrow, the Life Water Amulet would produce its second. While undeniably valuable, it wasn't something Ian urgently needed.

His first thought was of Leah. Among the few people he knew, only she might benefit from its healing properties. From the moment he met her, Ian had noticed the unnatural, twisted black scar on her face, radiating a discomforting negative energy. Such a mark would clearly resist conventional healing methods, especially for someone extraordinary like her.

Initially, Ian considered offering the Lesser Water of Life as a trade: the healing for her service aboard his ship. But such a ploy felt beneath him. It wasn't how he wanted to deal with people. The notion barely formed before he dismissed it entirely.

He recalled the fleeting moment of her radiant smile on horseback, a rare glimpse of warmth from someone so guarded. That memory cemented his resolve.

A familiar pulse resonated in Ian's spiritual world, pulling him from his reverie. His lips curled into a faint smile.

"I owe no one an explanation for the choices I make."

Reborn into this life, Ian had decided to live true to himself. No more agonizing over every small decision, no more fear of envy or disapproval. Strength would draw attention, but that was inevitable.

Pocketing the crystal vial, Ian shifted his focus inward, his spirit diving into the ethereal expanse. In the vast, star-filled canopy of the spiritual realm, a new "star" gleamed brilliantly, descending toward him.

As it approached, it condensed into a vivid green card, materializing before Ian. Intricate patterns adorned its edges, framing an illustration of three musketeers standing in a triangular formation, their eyes sharp, each aiming a gleaming firearm forward.

[Card: The Three Musketeers]

Details:

Class Inheritance:Musketeer (x3)Weapons:Spiritual Firearms (soul-bound, incompatible with other spiritual equipment)Traits:Shared spiritual link, seamless coordination, exceptional marksmanship.Abilities:[Firearm Mastery], [Steady Stance], [Precision Instinct], [Composed Mind], [Gunpowder Expertise].Requirements:Must not have any prior extraordinary class.

This was a type of card Ian had never encountered before. He tentatively labeled it a "Retainer Card."

Ian was no stranger to musketeers, but they were typically practitioners wielding magical or alchemical firearms—a title, not a true extraordinary class.

The [Three Musketeers] card, however, clearly represented a bona fide class, complete with spiritual firearms. Ian's interest deepened. It lacked the usual indicators, like its Sequence rank or the method for advancing its power.

But what truly intrigued him was its eligibility requirement: "No prior extraordinary class." Could this mean even ordinary, unawakened individuals could use it?

If so, it was revolutionary. In Aeoranga, awakening one's spirituality was a prerequisite for pursuing extraordinary paths.

Ian paced the floor, brimming with excitement. This deck of destiny cards was becoming more fascinating by the day.

The next morning, before the sun had fully risen, Myrta dashed out to manage the ship's rigging.

Ian remained in his alchemy lab on the fifth floor, the sparse room now serving as his workspace. From the observation deck, he watched Myrta bustling about the warship, shouting commands and directing the crew.

After breakfast, Ian stopped Myrta as he was clearing the table.

"Myrta, do you want to become… extraordinary?"

Myrta froze, looking up in disbelief. "Captain, I—I dream of it!"

Ian's expression turned serious. "I can give you a chance."

With a flick of his wrist, Ian summoned the glowing card from the spiritual realm. Its shimmering presence left Myrta awestruck.

"But there's a cost," Ian continued, his voice steady. "If you accept, your life will belong to me. No longer a hired hand, but my sworn retainer, bound until death."

Before Ian could say more, Myrta fell to his knees with a resounding thud, trembling as he bowed low. "I am willing!"

"Are you sure?" Ian asked, his tone measured. "Once you accept, there's no turning back. Your fate will be in my hands."

"I swear my undying loyalty, Captain!"

Ian helped him to his feet. "Then sit. Focus your mind."

With a decisive motion, Ian sent the card's essence into Myrta. The glowing image of three musketeers faded slightly, one figure vanishing from the card.

Myrta gasped, his body trembling before he collapsed. His breathing steadied as his transformation began. In Ian's spiritual realm, a small firearm appeared among the branches of his spiritual tree—a sign of Myrta's awakening.

Becoming extraordinary was never instantaneous. Ian closed the tower's doors and windows, preparing to oversee Myrta's transition.

By midday, the sound of hooves echoed outside the tower.

Ian smiled faintly, sensing the familiar spiritual presence. Leah had arrived.

In the tower's first-floor hall, a stack of enchanted weapon oils awaited on the table. Leah sat across from Ian, quietly inventorying the goods before sliding a pouch of enchanted coins across the table.

Ian had been watching her closely since she entered. Despite her composed demeanor, the exhaustion and torment in her eyes were impossible to hide.

"After this transaction," Ian began, breaking the silence, "our cooperation ends."

Leah paused mid-action, a faint relief crossing her face. She had been contemplating how to broach the topic herself.

"I'm setting sail soon," Ian added.

Leah looked out the window, her gaze distant. Departure was inevitable, though she felt a bittersweet sense of loss.

Suddenly, Ian straightened, his eyes piercing as they locked onto hers.

"Would you come with me?" he asked, his invitation abrupt and unexpected.

Leah froze, utterly caught off guard, her composure momentarily shattered.