From what Renn understood over the past two years, in this world, there exists a transcendent system called the “Secret Path Professions.”
After an extraordinary awakens their Secret Power, they need to complete an Anchoring in the Secret Sea and decide which Secret Path to follow, taking on different professions.
Currently, there are fifty-one complete Secret Paths that have been discovered and recorded.
Each Secret Path has nine ranks, and each leap in rank allows the extraordinary to achieve a sublimation of their soul, transforming to a higher level.
And the Scholar is one of the mainstream Secret Paths.
The elf race is a perfect match for the Scholar Secret Path.
Their generally high intelligence, outstanding memory, and perception make them naturally suited for learning.
Their long lifespan increases the depth and breadth of their knowledge.
“Renn, you must remember, in this world, knowledge itself contains extraordinary power,” Franka said solemnly next to the small blackboard.
“Some forbidden knowledge, in particular, will pursue ignorant people like eagles and hounds hunting their prey, twisting their minds and polluting their spirits.”
Renn said earnestly, “Mom, I’ve remembered.”
“Good, then let’s begin our lesson.”
Franka opened a book and began, “Today, we’re going to talk about the Rhein Kingdom of the South Continent…”
Although she called it a lesson, considering Renn’s age, Franka didn’t teach overly profound content. She merely introduced the customs and traditions of various countries like telling a story.
Because of this, Renn gained a clearer understanding of this world.
Currently, the civilized map of the entire world can roughly be divided into two areas.
On one side is the West, where various kingdoms stand.
On the other side are the Far East Islands, discovered only a hundred years ago.
The reason why the Chaotic Sea, where Black Flag Island is located, is so chaotic, with pirates rampant and merchant ships constantly coming and going, is precisely because this sea area is sandwiched between the Western Kingdoms and the Far East Islands, making it almost the only route for navigation between the two!
Merchants pursue profit.
And trade between different civilizations has always been the most lucrative of all profits, naturally attracting wave after wave of fleets.
The islands in the Chaotic Sea have also become prosperous and lively because of this.
Whenever Renn thought of this, he couldn’t help but sigh to himself—
His father truly was an unparalleled formidable man!
Seven years ago, Leon ventured into this sea area alone, rising like a meteor. He took only four years to establish a firm foothold in the Chaotic Sea and capture Black Flag Island.
Afterward, he spent another three years building this island into an impenetrable fortress, while also recruiting many skilled individuals, constantly expanding his sphere of influence.
Now, Leon has even started doing big business between different countries.
Even Renn found such deeds a bit unbelievable.
Coupled with his past, where he was suspected of being expelled by a powerful family, and marrying an elf as his wife… Was this father not the protagonist of some wish-fulfillment novel?
“Oh, by the way, little Renn, your dad should be back on Black Flag Island tonight,” Franka said casually after the lesson.
“The letter said he also prepared a gift for you, saying it was compensation for not making it back for your third birthday last time.”
Due to his frequent trips out to sea, Leon didn't spend much time on Black Flag Island.
But Renn could still tell that his father valued him and Franka greatly.
Even the establishment of the East Rhein Company and the transformation of the pirate group into a legitimate business were to provide them with a safer and more stable living environment.
Not long after.
A tall and imposing figure burst in like a whirlwind.
“My dear, I’m back!”
Compared to two years ago, Leon’s aura had grown stronger, and the authority of a high-ranking individual was even more pronounced.
However, in front of his wife and child, he usually only showed his tender side.
“Yo, son, you’ve grown taller again.”
“Come, let Dad give you a hug.”
Saying that, Leon scooped Renn up and gave him a big kiss on the cheek.
The stubble on his face made Renn’s mouth twitch.
“Ouch, ouch, ouch…”
“Haha, a man can’t be afraid of pain.”
Leon laughed twice, then his expression became somewhat serious: “Renn, I have an important question to ask you.”
“In the future, do you want to live a stable life on the continent, or do you want to venture out on the high seas like me?”
“…Leon?”
Franka, standing by, frowned slightly and couldn’t help but say, “Renn is only three years old!”
“Our son has always been smarter than other children. I believe he can understand what I mean.”
Leon’s attitude was firm: “Besides, three years old is not young anymore. When he grows a little older, the effect of that mark will only become stronger.”
“Even staying on Black Flag Island might not be safe…”
Mark?
Is it the birthmark left by the so-called Apocalypse?
Is it the Deep Sea Gaze in the notes?
Thoughts churned in Renn’s mind.
It wasn’t hard to tell from Leon’s words that this state seemed to bring some unknown danger—which was also why Leon didn’t let him go near the sea.
And his question was to let Renn decide his own future path.
With the abilities of his parents, it would certainly be no problem for Renn to live as a rich and idle young master on the continent.
But if he stayed at sea, he would have to face unknown challenges and dangers.
At this moment, Renn noticed that the Perfect Life Notes did not give any prompts here.
This indicated that there was no superiority or inferiority between the two; they were merely two different choices on the path of life.
“I…”
After a long period of thought, Renn made up his mind: “I want to stay on the high seas, and I want to set sail and go to even more distant places.”
A peaceful and serene life was certainly good, but having been reincarnated into another world with the Perfect Life Notes, did he still want to live a life where he could see the end from the beginning, just like in his previous life?
Perhaps the scene he witnessed at birth left too deep an impression on Renn.
Or perhaps he inherently possessed the gene for seeking adventure.
He ultimately made this decision.
And Renn believed he would never regret it!
Just like a short poem he liked very much in his previous life said—
“Perhaps many years from now, in some place.”
“I shall be telling this with a sigh.”
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
“I took the one less traveled by,”
“And that has made all the difference.”
“Good, good, good! Truly my son.”
Leon revealed a satisfied smile and took out a miniature glass bottle, handing it to Renn.
“This is your birthday gift from me. Although it’s a bit late, I think you’ll like it.”
“This is…”
The small and exquisite glass bottle in Leon’s hand required Renn to hold it with both hands to keep it steady.
At the same time, he was able to clearly see what was inside the glass bottle.
It was a double-masted square-rigged ship, as exquisite as a work of art!
This sailboat was so lifelike, every detail was identical to a real ship.
It was as if… this glass bottle had contained a real ship!
If it were just an ordinary craft, it clearly wouldn’t be worth Leon presenting it so solemnly.
“Is this a ship in a bottle?”
Seeing this bottle, Franka couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise, “One of the legendary mysterious ships?”
Renn had heard Franka talk about the concept of mysterious ships before.
Under the influence of Secret Power, not only do extraordinary beings emerge among humans, but ships also undergo unknown mutations.
For example, living ships that can regenerate themselves;
Ghost ships burning with will-o'-the-wisps;
Forbidden ships returning from the deep sea…
And the ship in a bottle before him was a type of mysterious ship!
Just then.
The pages turned!
The ink of the Perfect Life Notes began to write on its own again!
