Chapter 26

Next Morning,

Auron got up early to start the day. He went down to eat some breakfast so he could go to the Arsenal early. Fortunately, old man Genon always woke early to prepare food for his pub. Auron found him in the kitchen. When the old man saw him, he immediately prepared a breakfast for him.

While Auron was eating, the old man gave him a parchment sealed in wax and said it was the recommendation letter.

"Here, don't lose it."

"Thanks, I'll get going then." Auron was about to go when he heard old Geno's voice once more.

"Finish your food before you go!" Old man Genon barked.

"Oh right, sorry I got too excited."

After he finished his breakfast, he hurried to the purple harbor to ferry him towards the Arsenal. He was questioned but when he showed the letter, the guards let him through the island.

He stopped a man who was carrying a tool box and asked where old Yonas is. The guy looked strangely at him before pointing at a hidden shipyard nearby.

After thanking the man, he walked towards the shipyard covered by a wall of planks. He found the door and went in, only to find an old man sitting at the mini port looking at the sea. He looked like he has a story of his own. He was accompanied by a young mascular man who seems to be his assistant.

"Hello, well met, my friends. I'm looking for old man Yonas? I presume it would be you, elder?" Auron greeted the two.

"Do I look like a fucking elder to you?!! Look at me and tell me what you see?" The old man flared up.

"Uhh..An elder..?"

"Call me elder once more and I'll fucking bash your head with my hammer. Why are you looking for me?" Old Yonas snarled.

The young mascular man gave an apologetic look towards him.

"I've got a letter from your old friend old Genon. You know, the one at the pub." Auron didn't mind as he was warned before so he fished out the letter Old Genon gave.

"I know who Genon is, how many do you think has that kind of shitty name in Braavos other than him? Of course I know him! Give me the letter!"

Auron handed the letter to the old man and it was snatched rudely by the same old guy.

When old man Yonas was reading the letter, the grumpy old bastard couldn't help but look at Auron from head to toe. Like he was disappointed of what he is seeing.

Old Yonas suddenly smirked before saying, "So you're here to build a ship, huh? Give me one good reason why should I help you?"

"Because I need help?" Auron uncontrollably blurted out.

Old Yonas said to the muscular guy, "Chase him out! I'm too busy for this cocksucker. For fuck sake, did Genon lowered his standards to the point where he could recommend just anyone."

Auron was stunned on how difficult to talk to this old man so he initiated his plan B. The 'Goading' tactic.

"Ho! Hold up yer ass, will you? I was told that I could find the greatest shipbuilder here in Braavos, but all I see is a grumpy old man who can't even build a single ship." Auron sneered.

The old man immediately became angry once again.

"What did you say?! Can you repeat that to me? You have the guts to say that to Me, Yonas the greatest shipbuilder here in Arsenal, nay all of Braavos!"

"If you're that good, why don't I see any ship docked on your mini port, huh? This place looks deserted. Tell me?! Is this a joke? If it is, you aren't funny OLD ELDER!"

"What did you fucking call me!? I dare you to repeat that. Where's my hammer!"

"See you can't even win an argument much less build a ship. If you're that great, I dare you to build a legendary ship for me to see."

"Ah I see what's going on here, hehehe you're goading me, heh! Do you think I'm stupid? I won't fall for that trick!" Old Yonas smirked.

"Ah~ it's a pity then." Auron fished his blueprint and spread it infront of him allowing the old man to see a portion of the drawing.

"I thought I found the right guy to build a legendary ship that will spread his name far and wide. But all I found is a quack shipbuilder wannabe who can't even recognize such opportunity. Sigh, what a pity. Imagine if the ship became well known, the creator will surely bask in glory."

The more the old man listen to his rumblings, the more the oldman can't resist the temptation which distorted his expression.

"Let me see that, brat!"

"What? This is mine, why would I let you see it. You refused me remember?"

"I said let me see! Give me that, you fucking brat!"

The oldman snatched the blueprint and quickly examined the drawing. Seeing the intricate design and the ingenious application of various parts, the old man couldn't help but mutter saying, "Amazing! This is indeed a legendary ship! This is not just a carrack, it's a warship at its finest. How did you get this?"

"What do you mean? I created it. You can see the ink was just recently dried."

Old Yonas, check the ink and it was indeed true.

"Incredible!"

"Well, since you don't want to build this, I better hurry and find a one capable enough to----what are clutching my legs?"

"Let me build this, brat! No one can build this but me! This is what I've been waiting for my whole life. To let my name be known for building such ship!"

"But you clearly just said--"

"What did I say? I didn't say anything! Did you anything, Popo?" Old Yonas flared up and glared at the young muscular man.

Popo just shook his head and smile wryly.

"Let me build this, I won't charge you a penny! All you have to do is to pay for the materials."

"Deal! However, I might as well remind you that this is made entirely of ebony wood and the sail must be black. Also,do you have a sculptor for the dragonhead?"

"Just shut up, Brat! I know what I'm doing!? Do you think we're not capable of creating this? We have the best sculptor here in my crew. Go on your way! Shoo!"

"But how can I get back here and leave the payment for the materials?"

"I'll tip off the guards about you so you can come here after it's done. You can ask Popo to help you procure the materials and how much it'll cost."

"Okay, I'll be going then. Don't disturb me. It'll be done after three days."

Old Yonas chased him out with Popo though Auron could see the excitement in his eyes.

--

Auron and Popo went first to the iron bank to withdraw some of his gold coins. Then Popo accompanied him where they can buy the wood for his ship. When Popo estimated the quantity of the ebony wood to create his ship, he contracted the seller to deliver them at Yonas' shipyard in the Arsenal while Auron paid for the cost.

Auron and Popo went back to the shipyard to discuss the parts of the ship with Old Yonas. After a few hours of waiting, the materials finally came.

"Gather everyone, tell them we have a legendary ship to build. Wake up the senile bastard Ronar was well, I think he will need time to sculpt this roaring dragon head."

"Aye, I'll be right back soon!"

After saying that, Popo run out to call out the crew scattered along the Arsenal.

"What are you still doing here, you dumb brat?! Beat it! Return three days later." Old Yonas scolded him clearly irritated.

"Okay, don't mess it up---aw! Okay okay I'll get going, geez!"

Auron felt the pain when the old man hit his butt with a stick for nagging at him.

Since Auron doesn't have anything urgent at the moment. He decided it's time to visit a few places in Braavos that are on his list.

He was ferried back to the Purple Harbor and then headed north towards the Sea Lord palace.

When he arrived, he requested an audience with Syrio the first sword. He thought it would be difficult but surprisingly, his request was granted.

He was led to a chamber where a bald man with a moustache waiting for him.

"Well met, Syrio the first sword of Braavos. Forgive my curiosity, I really just wanted to see you in the flesh." Auron greeted him

"Well met, Storyteller. I heard a lot of things about you." Syrio smiled as he bowed slightly.

"I hope they are all good." Auron said in jest.

"Oh they are... so far. Come dear guest, join me for lunch."

"Forgive my intrusion then."

Auron and Syrio went to a table full of food. It seems that the first was about to have his lunch when he came.

While the two of them are eating, Auron secretly extracted the 'Water Dancer' skill in the form of silver ring with white aura. It must be the lowest form of Silver ring. As for why it wasn't a black ring like his Advanced Swordsmanship, he have no idea. Maybe because it was an advanced form of swordstyle. Like a swordsman that has the basics form but he can also learn a technique to polish the attack.

He immediately wear the ring while Syrio wasn't paying attention to him. He appeared to be in daze for a few seconds and then he resume eating.

Syrio initiated a conversation with him, "So, is it true?"

"Huh? What true?"

"I heard from the sailors that you were able to wipe out a pirate group with just a single shot of a bow."

"Oh that! News sure travel fast. Well, it's a little bit exagerated but you can consider it half-true. Clearly it's impossible right? It took me a few arrows not just one."

Syrio was speechless. Though he knew it was exagerated and he didn't believe that anyone could do such feat, he can't gauge what part was true or not. He initially believed that Auron have a few archers with him when he shot the pirates to death. But the only inaccurate detail was the number of shots he made. When Auron confessed what actually happened, he made it so simple like he just went to market to teach a few kids a lesson.

"It was just a simple encounter with the pirates, not worth mentioning. You could've done it better than me if you were there."

Syrio smiled wryly be he didn't dwell on that topic.

"I never thought that the famous Storyteller knew how to fight. I thought you are all stories and singing, but I must admit my judgement failed me in that part."

"You'd be surprised if I tell you I'm also a sellsword. I know its unbelievable but there's a first time for everything. Who would've thought that dragons are real, yet they really exist. You get my point right?"

"Aye, tell me do you have any surprises left for me? Oh wait! I actually wanted to be friends with you. I have nagging feeling that you will save my life someday and I always follow my instincts."

Auron raised his eyebrows, surprised by a sudden proposal from a man he met for the first time.

"We just met, right?"

"Aye, that I can assure you. You don't want to?"

"Oh I don't mind actually. Just a little surprised. You're more friendly that I thought."

Syrio laughed and steered off the topic.

"You mentioned you are also a sellsword, may I assume you know how to handle a sword."

"Just so so."

"Would you mind a spar, my friend?"

"If you're looking forward to get hurt, then sure."

"Excellent! Let's go, I can't wait to have a spar with you, hahah."

"You won't be laughing anymore later.." Auron muttered.

"What's that?"

"Oh nothing, let's go start your torture hahahahah."