At the stone-littered beach below Pyke's western cliffs, the raging sea lashed against the rocks, and the salty wind cut like knives.
Waves smashed against jagged basalt spires, sending white spray into the air. Few Ironborn dared tread here, but Euron pressed on, enduring each perilous step as part of his grueling training under Eirik, the Iron Islands' fiercest instructor.
Eirik gripped his practice wooden axe, each swing deliberate and heavy, cutting through the air with the authority of the Ironborn. His lesson was simple: master force, but respect it.
The axe arced sharply toward Euron's shoulder. Small and quick, Euron pivoted on his left leg, twisting just in time as the strike passed with a sharp scrape.
The axe struck the craggy ledge with a resonant clang, rattling loose stones.
Seizing the opening, Euron's short wooden sword flicked forward like a viper's tongue, aiming for Eirik's exposed side. The strike was precise and lightning-fast.
Eirik's massive frame twisted with surprising agility. The sword scraped against his iron bracer with a harsh screech.
Euron retreated a few steps, sweat mixing with sea spray, his eyes never leaving his instructor.
"Sharp mind, boy," Dagmer said, stepping between them. "But your body lags behind. Keep this up and you'll bruise yourself before you even land a blow."
"You're right, Dagmer," Euron panted, wind biting at his face. "I need… a sword of water. Light, flexible, deadly. The Water Dancers of Braavos—Marcos, has he returned?"
Dagmer considered. "Three days at least, judging by the journey."
Euron nodded. "Assign him a task. Find a Water Dancer swordsman. I will need their skill."
Combat training was only one part of Euron's growth. He dedicated countless hours to exploring every unlit corner of Pyke, accumulating valuable 'exploration points.'
[New Location Unlocked: Flint Cliff (Pyke) — 20 EXP gained]
____
The Flint Cliff, at Pyke's northeast corner, loomed like a jagged sentinel. Black basalt columns plunged into the stormy sea below, wind whipping across the rocks like a mourning wail.
Refusing the guards' assistance, Euron scaled the cliff with only hemp rope and his hands. Fingertips clawed into narrow crevices; boots braced in wind-eroded holes. Salt crystals bit into his skin, leaving thin abrasions.
At the summit, waves roared beneath him like a wild beast. A thrill of triumph mingled with awe as his mental map lit up with details: seabird nests, weathered Ironborn runes, and the narrow entrance to a tidal cave.
[New Location Unlocked: Blind Tower (Pyke) — 20 EXP gained]
____
The Blind Tower, perched on a desolate salt marsh, was equally treacherous. Centuries ago, a Greyjoy lord blinded by his brother had been imprisoned here until madness claimed him. The tower's black stone walls were honeycombed from erosion; inside, mildew, salt, and decay created an oppressive stench.
Rotting wooden stairs forced Euron to rely on ropes and pitons, with Dagmer's careful guidance, to reach the tower's summit. The prison cell was empty, walls scrawled with frantic marks and dried stains—the echoes of despair past.
...
Every expedition, every step across Pyke, brought Euron knowledge and power. By dusk, atop Pyke's highest eyrie tower, he dismissed his guards.
The Pirate King System activated:
- Map of Pyke: Complete
- Exploration Points: +420
- Exploration Reward Unlocked: Random Draw Available
[Open System Shop? Yes/No]
Euron selects: Random Draw
Random Draw initializing…
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[Result Confirmed]
[Skill Acquired: Basic Navigation🧭]
• Effect: +20% Open-Sea Maneuver Accuracy, +10% Sailing Speed
• Description: Automatic mapping of surrounding waters.
____
[Skill Acquired: Voice of All Things 🌊]
• Effect: +25% Navigation, +15% Threat Detection, +10% Environmental Adaptation
• Description: Hear and understand all things. Communicate with Sea Kings, sense danger, and navigate the seas instinctively.
____
[Skill Acquired: Fish-Man Karate – v1🥋]
• Effect: +15% Melee Damage, +10% Agility & Flexibility
• Description: Channels the flow of water to enhance strikes, redirect force, and manipulate the battlefield.
____
[Item Acquired: Life Card (Sub-Card x1)🃏]
• Effect: Restores minor HP on use; +5% Max Vitality.
____
[Summon Acquired: Stronger ]
• Effect: +15% Travel Speed, +10% Endurance, +10% Loyalty
• Description: Doc Q's pale horse. Strong, dependable, and loyal, able to carry heavy loads and traverse harsh terrain with ease.
____
Though not his coveted Devil Fruit, these rewards were immensely practical. Euron slipped the card into his tunic, noting the foal's loyalty as a boon of fate.
Now, his mind turned to strategy: refining Refined Salt for trade, opening ports, establishing influence over disobedient lords, and using wealth and cunning to consolidate Pyke's power.
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📚 Author's Note:
Big thanks to Ringkohli_Thongs for the 3 shiny Power Stones!
🐧