Pirate: Crew of Desire and Bonds

Chapter 86: Chapter 86: Power of Aura

Seeing Garrick arrived, Jake scratched the back of his head and let the unstable aura around his arm dissipate.

"...Sir Garrick, how did you do that?"

Hearing his question, Garrick blinked a few time before realizing what Jake meant.

Then a smile spread across his face.

"Oh you mean the water-walking?"

Jake nodded.

"Yeah. I could tell you weren’t relying on brute strength. There was... something around your feet."

A hint of surprise flashed across Garrick’s face before he let out a low chuckle.

"Hah. You’ve got sharper eyes than I expected."

He leaned casually against the railing and folded his arms.

"What you sensed was aura."

"I condensed it into an extremely thin layer beneath my feet. Every step creates a solid point of support for a brief instant. As long as I continuously adjust the flow of aura, the water can support my weight."

Jake listened intently.

"So it’s all about constant control..."

"Exactly."

Garrick nodded.

"Most beginners think aura is only for strengthening their bodies or increasing the power of their attacks."

"They’re not wrong, but that’s only the most basic application."

"Aura is a unique life energy. If your control is precise enough, it can reinforce your muscles, sharpen your senses, protect your body, or even interact with the world around you."

He lightly tapped the wooden deck with his boot.

"Walking on water is simply one example."

Jake smiled wryly at the seemingly simple explanation.

’Easier said than done.’

Even with his Aura Warrior class and heightened perception, he still couldn’t replicate it.

It seemed he would need a great deal of practice before reaching that level.

Seeing the look on Jake’s face, Garrick grinned.

"Hey, for someone who only awakened aura recently, you’re doing well. Most people can’t even sense the difference between thick and thin aura, let alone try to imitate it after seeing it just once."

He glanced at Jake’s arm, where faint traces of crimson aura still lingered.

Jake nodded thoughtfully, engraving every word into his memory.

"I understand."

Garrick gave an approving nod.

"Good."

"Master the basics first. Once your control improves, you’ll discover that aura can do far more than simply make your punches or sword strikes stronger."

Then Garrick glanced toward the front of the ship as one of the sailors hurried over.

"Captain! The navigator is asking for you."

Garrick nodded once.

"I’m coming!"

He pushed himself away from the railing and looked back at Jake and Grace.

"Well, if you’ll excuse me, I have some work to do. Rest well, and don’t push yourself too hard."

With that, he turned and began walking toward the person who called him.

But Jake suddenly called out.

"Sir Garrick!"

Garrick stopped and looked over his shoulder.

Jake scratched his cheek awkwardly before giving him a sincere smile.

"...Thanks. If you hadn’t helped us back then... Grace and I probably wouldn’t be standing here."

Beside him, Grace stepped forward and gave Garrick a respectful bow.

"Thank you very much for saving us, Sir Garrick."

For a brief moment, Garrick remained silent.

Then, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his handsome face.

He waved a hand dismissively and continued walking away.

Jake watched the veteran captain’s back until he disappeared into the bustling crowd, continuing to give orders to his crew.

Only then did he let out a slow breath.

"...He’s a pretty cool person."

Grace smiled softly in agreement.

"Mhm. He really is... but not as cool as you."

Jake laughed at her words and gently ruffled her hair.

"Haha, since when did you become such a smooth talker?"

But just then—

A familiar voice suddenly spoke beside them.

The same middle-aged adventurer Jake had questioned earlier stepped forward with a friendly smile.

"Looks like you know Captain Garrick well. Ah, my apologies, I haven’t introduced myself."

He extended a calloused hand toward Jake.

"My name’s Patrick."

Jake blinked at the sudden introduction, but not wanting to appear rude, he reached out and shook the man’s hand.

"I’m Jake."

He then gestured toward the girl beside him.

"And this is Grace."

Grace gave the man a polite nod.

"It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Patrick."

Patrick smiled warmly.

"The pleasure is mine."

Although he maintained a courteous smile, his gaze lingered on Grace a moment longer than necessary.

Her flawless features, graceful posture, and... curvaceous figure made it difficult for him to look away.

Jake noticed the lingering stare immediately.

His expression darkened slightly, and his grip on Patrick’s hand tightened just enough for the adventurer to feel it.

Patrick blinked in surprise before looking back at Jake.

Then Jake forced a polite smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

"...So, what can I help you with, Mr. Patrick?"

Patrick chuckled after noticing Jake’s subtle reaction and slowly withdrew his hand.

"Oh, nothing serious."

He rubbed the back of his neck with a friendly smile.

"I just happened to overhear your conversation with Captain Garrick."

Jake’s expression remained neutral.

Seeing Jake’s silence, Patrick glanced toward the direction where Garrick had disappeared.

"The captain isn’t wrong. He’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. But..."

Patrick shrugged with a grin.

"...he’s also an incredibly busy man. It’s rare to catch him with enough free time to actually teach someone."

Jake listened quietly while Patrick continued.

"I’ve been an adventurer for nearly twenty years. I’m no master like Captain Garrick, but I know a thing or two about controlling aura."

He smiled warmly at the two of them.

"If you don’t mind learning from someone less impressive, I’d be happy to teach you both during the voyage."

Jake narrowed his eyes slightly.

A complete stranger had just offered to teach them aura manipulation... a skill that could determine whether someone lived or died in battle.

"...Why?"

Jake asked calmly as he didn’t believe there was such a thing as a free lunch in this world.

Every favor came with a price, whether paid now or later.

Patrick scratched his cheek and laughed awkwardly.

"I won’t lie and say I’m doing this purely out of kindness."

"I’ve spent most of my life traveling and taking on commissions."

"One thing I’ve learned is that making capable friends is far more valuable than making capable enemies."

His gaze shifted between Jake and Grace as he shrugged.

"You two are young so I figured... helping you out now might earn me two reliable friends in the future."

Then he smiled openly and brightly.

"That’s all there is to it."

But at that moment—

"..!!"

Jake’s expression changed.

His Instinct skill was warning him.

And this time, it wasn’t a faint feeling.

It was sharp... extremely sharp.