Chapter 281: Artoria [Alter] (1)
As for Pepper's curse, Eric naturally didn't take it to heart.
If it were possible to curse and kill enemies, who would bother to focus on training? Why not find a wizard or witch, and perform a ritual to kill someone faster?
Relying only on praying to the heavens and getting a good result is deeply unfair to those who strive and work hard.
In his middle age, Pepper cursed Garp , who had flattened his head; in his old age, he cursed Eric , who had taken his treasure. Yet in the past twenty years, he had made no progress.
The huge steel warship took off, but none of the Eight Treasure Navy dared to stop them.
Their warrior's honor, like their treasure, was buried in a visible place, yet they lacked the courage and strength to unearth it.
As soon as they left the Eight Treasure Navy's territory, the system notification came in for the task completion.
[Ding... Temporary task completed: Acquire Research Funds]
[Robbing the Eight Treasure Navy's treasure, received the title "Since these were stolen by you anyway, what's the harm in me taking them?" Obtained summoning medium "Corrupted Holy Sword"; 3 Bond Points; "Metamorphosis" design blueprint from the Life Design Chart]
When Eric handed the newly obtained blueprint to Da Vinci, her eyes immediately sparkled, and she rushed into the laboratory. If Eric hadn't sensed Da Vinci's steady and healthy aura, he would have thought she had worked herself to the point of collapse.
Eric stretched lazily. Since they had arrived in the West Blue and completed the temporary task, it was time to enjoy the local food and scenery, relishing the joy of travel. The crew had accumulated a lot of fatigue from their long journey, so it was a perfect time to rest and boost Ghost Shark's affinity.
In the banks of the West Blue, Eric exchanged the treasure he had stolen from the Eight Treasure Navy for Berries, and with the funds stored in his system, his total amount of money exceeded 10 billion Berries.
[Achievement unlocked: "Wealth that Rivals a Nation," earned 5 Achievement Points]
Aside from using a portion for scientific funding, each member of the crew received a large amount of money.
However, the summoned characters didn't need any Berries.
Esdeath expressed that she had no interest in money; Scáthach also stated that wealth was external and didn't help improve her strength; Akame and Kurumi only cared about having enough meat (or snacks), and the amount of money didn't matter to them.
Kurumi and Miku said that as long as they were with Eric , everything else was irrelevant; even the three who had been rescued from the Celestial Dragons said that their lives belonged to Eric , so they didn't need too much Berries.
Eric , touched by their dedication, wiped a tear away. "Efficient employees who don't ask for money—please give me more of these!"
◇
One month after arriving in the West Blue...
[Ghost Shark's Affinity Increased, Bond Level rose from 2 (Close Friend) to 3 (Trusted Friend), gained 2 Bond Points]
Since Ghost Shark's summoning, the long hours of sparring, conversations, and shared dreams had finally raised his bond level to 3.
In his long career as a ninja, from killing colleagues on missions to countless dirty jobs, from killing his superior to the Moon Eye Plan, Ghost Shark had stopped believing in reality long ago, yet he still yearned for something real deep down.
Now, Ghost Shark had finally opened up to Eric , and Eric was genuinely happy for the trust he had earned.
What's more, the bond condition had been met, and it was finally time for the next summoning!
In the center of the blood-drawn summoning circle lay the "Corrupted Holy Sword" as the summoning medium. The jet-black sword had ominous red patterns engraved on it, and the unnaturally black blade emitted an eerie purple glow.
"This must be the Sword in the Stone, but why does it look like this?" The well-traveled Scáthach and Chiron, who were accompanying Eric , immediately recognized the sword's origins.
"This sword was corrupted by the Holy Grail, which is why it looks like this." Eric briefly explained, "Artoria Pendragon was consumed by the Shadow and regained her physical form as Artoria Pendragon [Alter]. Even her weapon has changed."
"...I see." Chiron sighed. "Even a powerful figure like the King of Knights could be corrupted by the Shadow."
"I have a bad feeling about this..." Eric also sighed.
"Then leave this battle to me." Scáthach stood, holding her spear. "It's an honor to fight against the famous 'King of Knights.'"
"I'll begin now—"
Eric stretched out his right hand and chanted, "Announce—"
"Hear my command, I entrust my will to your sword."
"I swear by this, I will be the good in the world, I will suppress the evil in the world—"
"Come forth, the knight king consumed by darkness—Artoria Pendragon [Alter]!"
The dark lines seemed to absorb the sunlight, following the pattern of the summoning circle—
The fog created by this summoning was completely different from the white mist of previous summons.
The purple mist, which brought death and decay, spread out from the summoning circle. The eerie purple light coiled within the circle.
"Eric (Captain), step back!" The two reminded Eric , who was closest to the summoning circle, just in time.
Seeing the purple mist, Eric was already prepared, swiftly moving out of the range of the fog.
The thick shrubs withered and died upon touching the purple mist. Tall trees decayed, and their leaves shriveled and withered, creating a deadly magical fog.
In the center, dozens of black and red ribbons swirled in the purple light before suddenly bursting open, revealing the figure within.
It was a petite woman with platinum blonde hair, wearing a black evening gown that accentuated her pale complexion.
The once purple mist turned into an ominous blood-red hell, as the silent woman raised her right hand. A black hole formed in her palm, which transformed into the corrupted Holy Sword.
With a casual wave, the surrounding trees that had withered and died were blown away. Dozens of huge cracks erupted from beneath her feet, and a powerful gust of wind swept toward the three.
"As expected of the 'King of Knights,'" Scáthach 's Akame burned with fierce battle intent. "This is a worthy opponent."
"…Did I answer your summon? Are you my master?" The cold, emotionless gaze fell upon Eric .
Her frosty expression made Artoria even more imposing and charming.
"I seem to sense a lewd gaze," Artoria frowned slightly. "Raise your weapon, Master. Let me see if you have the qualifications to be my master."
"As for that lewd gaze issue, Eric , we'll discuss it properly when we return." Scáthach raised her magical spear, pointing it at Artoria. "Your opponent right now is me, 'King of Knights.'"
Eric : "…"
"Really annoying." Now, Artoria was cold and merciless. "I'll crush you completely before testing the abilities of my master."
"Heh." Scáthach chuckled lightly. "If you can manage that—"
"—Scáthach , coming through!"
(END CHAPTER)
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