The dense jungle parted as Karl neared the coastline, the salty sea breeze reaching his nose. The pirates hadn't returned yet, and the sun was high, casting long shadows on the sand as Karl made his way toward the small pirate ship docked just a short distance away. It looked like a typical vessel, perhaps a small crew, but the lack of immediate movement suggested they were either on the island or caught up in something else.
Karl's thoughts were sharp, and he kept his focus on the Spirit Tracker, which was still active. His heart beat faster as he sensed the life signatures of several people aboard the ship. It wasn't the full crew, but the few that were left—probably the ones in charge.
⸻
Stealth Approach
With his Thunder Step ability still fresh, Karl decided to approach cautiously. His first roll had given him speed, but he didn't want to waste it. He needed to understand what kind of pirates they were, what they had planned, and if there was anything he could use to his advantage.
The Iron Fist ability was a powerful fallback, but Karl was more than ready to use Thunder Step if the situation turned hostile. He crouched low to the ground, moving swiftly and quietly, his steps barely making a sound as he crept closer to the ship.
The pirates weren't paying attention. Their casual talking carried over the breeze, and Karl could overhear their conversation.
"I still don't trust that guy. He's too quiet," one pirate muttered.
"Shut up, Tim. Just keep your eyes peeled. We're here for the gold, and then we're out," another responded.
Karl's gaze flicked to the ship's deck, where he saw a burly man pacing back and forth with a sword at his side. He was the one in charge, Karl assumed. He was bigger, more imposing, and seemed to command the attention of the others with his every word.
Suddenly, the man stopped, looking out over the horizon. Karl held his breath.
"Something's not right..." The pirate's voice was low, almost a growl. "I think we're being watched."
⸻
Battle Prep
Karl's mind raced. He couldn't afford to be discovered now, not with his limited abilities. He needed an escape plan.
Using Spirit Tracker, he pinpointed the positions of the other pirates scattered around the ship. There were three of them—a lookout, a gunner, and the burly leader.
The lookout was farthest from the others, peering into the distance from the crow's nest. The gunner was near the back of the ship, cleaning his rifle. The leader was in the middle, barking orders at the other two.
Karl quickly realized that he could use Thunder Step to close the distance and take the gunner out first. After that, the lookout would be easier to deal with, and the leader would be last.
He took a deep breath. This would be a challenge, but he had the edge.
⸻
Thunder Step - The Attack
With a rush of air, Karl activated Thunder Step, and in an instant, he was gone.
He reappeared beside the gunner, his body a blur of motion. Before the man could react, Karl's fist connected with his face. The force of the blow was enough to send the pirate flying backward, his rifle clattering to the deck. The gunner groaned, clutching his face in pain.
The Iron Fist didn't give Karl the ability to knock people out cold instantly, but it certainly made his punches stronger. And in a world like this, a strong punch went a long way.
As the gunner staggered to his feet, Karl was already gone again.
⸻
The Lookout
Thunder Step kicked in once more, and Karl appeared at the base of the ship's mast. The lookout had just turned his head, unaware that Karl was now only a few feet away.
Karl's fist flew toward the man's stomach, propelled by the strength of Iron Fist. The lookout gasped, his eyes wide with shock, and Karl slammed him into the mast with a sickening thud. The man collapsed, unconscious before he could even scream.
⸻
The Leader
By now, the remaining pirates were on high alert. The leader bellowed from the middle of the deck, raising his sword in the air.
"WHOEVER'S OUT THERE, SHOW YOURSELF!"
Karl knew he couldn't hide anymore. But he didn't need to. His abilities were far stronger than they realized. He used Thunder Step once more, closing the gap between himself and the pirate leader in an instant.
The man had barely time to react as Karl appeared right in front of him. His sword swung downward, but Karl easily sidestepped it with his Snake Strike, the added strength in his legs allowing him to dodge with ease.
Without wasting any time, Karl's foot shot out, landing a powerful kick squarely into the leader's chest. The force of the blow sent the pirate leader crashing into the ship's rail, the wood splintering as the man's body hit it.
"Ugh... you little bastard..." the leader groaned, clutching his chest. His eyes narrowed with hatred.
Karl was already on him again. He grabbed the man by the collar, lifting him off the ground, his other hand cracking with the energy of Iron Fist.
"You've got a lot of nerve," Karl growled, his voice steady. "But it's over now."
With a swift punch, Karl knocked the leader out cold.
⸻
Victory and Rewards
The fight had been quick—far quicker than Karl had anticipated. His enhanced abilities gave him the edge he needed, and he felt the rush of success flow through him as he surveyed the deck. The other pirates were out cold, scattered across the ship. They wouldn't be getting up anytime soon.
[Mission Complete: Secure the Pirate Ship and Gather Information]
Reward: 1x Rare Ticket
⸻
Karl stood still for a moment, catching his breath. This was the second mission he had completed, and already, the Gacha System was rewarding him. He quickly checked his inventory.
⸻
[System Update]
Common: 0
Uncommon: 1
Rare: 1
Legendary: 0
Mystical: 0
God: 0
⸻
Now he had a Rare Ticket. And that meant it was time to roll again.
[Roll Rare x1]
The screen shimmered, and Karl watched in anticipation as the colors cycled rapidly. He was used to the feeling of uncertainty—would it be something useful? Or would he be stuck with another useless ability?
[Congratulations! You have obtained: Flame Whip (Rare) – Creates a whip of fire, dealing damage over time. Can be used for combat or grappling.]
Karl grinned. A Flame Whip. That was going to be useful.
⸻
New Horizons
With the pirates subdued, Karl now stood at the helm of their ship, staring out at the vast ocean. He had taken control of the vessel—at least temporarily—and the horizon stretched out before him.
This was it. His journey was beginning.
With each mission, each roll, Karl would get closer to mastering the Gacha System—and discovering the true purpose behind his arrival in this world. There were islands to explore, enemies to face, and secrets to uncover.
But for now, Karl had a ship, a crew of pirates he had subdued, and an edge in the form of abilities that no one else had.
[New Mission: Escape the Island and Set Sail]
Reward: 1x Uncommon Ticket
Karl grinned, looking out at the horizon.
"Let's see where this takes me."