The tide rose gently, licking the white sand of the beach. The sky was tinged with shades of orange as the sun said its farewell on the horizon. The wind carried the scent of Amazon Lily's exotic flowers, but Riser wasn't interested in the scenery. His golden eyes were fixed on the endless ocean.
"Sky Island… If I get that information, I can teleport there whenever I want."
He shoved his hands into his pockets, his feet sinking slightly into the sand. The tranquility of the beach contrasted with the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind.
"Open the system store."
[System Store 2.0 activated.]
The translucent screen appeared before him, glowing with a soft golden light. The options scrolled before his eyes, organized into categories.
"Do you have the location of Sky Island?"
[Yes. Location available for 1,000 luck points.]
The wind blew harder, rustling Riser's golden hair. His eyes scanned the interface, analyzing the options.
"With that information, I can take Robin there to read the Poneglyph."
"Buy."
[Confirm purchase of Sky Island location for 1,000 luck points?]
"Yes."
[Purchase successful. Location added to inventory.]
[Remaining luck points: 62,500.]
The map appeared on the system screen, revealing the exact coordinates. A sense of satisfaction flowed through Riser's body.
"Now I just need to take Robin there."
The sky was gradually darkening, and the first star twinkled in the vast blue. He turned away, walking off the beach with a carefree smile.
Sky Island was now within his reach.
---
The room was lit by a soft light filtered through silk curtains. The air carried the scent of Amazon Lily's flowers, but the playful tension between the two women was stronger than any fragrance.
"Are you stupid, or just pretending to be?"
Alvida leaned back in the armchair, crossing her legs with an air of pure superiority. Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she twirled a wine glass between her fingers.
Robin didn't lift her eyes from the book.
"If I'm stupid, then you should be ashamed of wasting your time trying to convince me."
Alvida's smile widened.
"Oh, because turning down the chance for eternal youth and incredible powers makes so much sense."
Robin turned the page, indifferent.
"It's good to see you finally found a reason to be interesting beyond your looks."
Alvida tilted her head, her lips curling into a sharp smile.
"At least I'm interesting. You're just a librarian with emotional baggage."
The archaeologist closed the book, resting her chin on her hand.
"And you're a pirate obsessed with your reflection. Tell me, when was the last time you did something that didn't involve your own image?"
Alvida laughed, her white teeth standing out against her red lips.
"Now I can be beautiful and powerful. But you… oh, you still hide behind pretty words to cover up your fear."
Robin raised an eyebrow.
"Fear?"
Alvida stood up slowly, her silhouette outlined by the moonlight. Her eyes glowed a deep crimson as a predatory smile formed.
"Fear of admitting you already belong to Riser. Of accepting that, deep down, you want to give in completely."
Robin kept a neutral expression.
"You talk as if belonging to someone is something grand."
Alvida spun on her heels, her long hair moving like a living shadow.
"When that someone is Riser, it is."
The air seemed to grow heavy for a moment.
Then, with a slight tremble, Alvida's body dissolved into a dark mist. The shadows merged and, in the blink of an eye, small wings cut through the air.
Robin watched the transformation with no visible emotion.
"I can't deny the powers are useful… But doing that means being Riser's forever."
The bat flew across the room before landing on the windowsill.
"Maybe I should be his forever… But not yet."
Alvida returned to her human form, her eyes glowing as they landed on Robin again.
"Either way, one day you'll give in. And when you do, I want to see your face admitting I was right."
Robin opened her book again, ignoring her.
"Planning to wait sitting down?"
Alvida laughed out loud before leaving the room, leaving only the echo of her amusement in the air.
Silence filled the space, and Robin closed her eyes for a moment.
The decision hadn't been made yet.
But the doubt — that had already taken root.
---
The winding path through the trees was wide enough for several warriors to pass easily, yet all eyes were fixed on Riser.
The Amazons stopped their conversations to watch him, some whispering among themselves, others not even bothering to hide their interest. Being the only man on Amazon Lily meant drawing attention wherever he went.
He didn't care.
The wind carried the scent of the forest and the weight of training hung in the air.
The clearing opened before him.
Nojiko and Kaya stood in the center, dressed in the island's typical attire. Light fabric skirts, leather straps on their wrists and torsos, their hair tied back to keep it out of the way. Their breathing was controlled, their bodies relaxed but ready.
"We came to show you what we've learned."
Kaya stepped forward, her eyes shining with determination.
Nojiko cracked her knuckles, a satisfied smile on her lips.
"You sent us here, so it's time to show the results."
Riser crossed his arms.
"Unnecessary."
The two froze.
"I can see the change just by looking at you."
Silence lingered for a moment.
Nojiko exchanged a quick glance with Kaya before puffing out her chest, as if refusing to accept it that easily.
"Then test us."
Riser tilted his head slightly, his golden eyes studying them without hurry.
"Have you learned Haki yet?"
Kaya clenched her fists, her eyes determined.
"We're still in the process, but we're doing well."
Nojiko rolled her shoulders, relaxing her muscles.
"We won't stop until we've fully mastered it."
Riser watched the two for a few seconds.
Their posture was different. Firmer. Stronger.
They were on the right path.
The wind blew hard, lifting dry leaves around them.
A lazy smile spread across his lips.
"Then show me."
Nojiko moved first.
The fine sand gave under her feet as she twisted her hips, launching a precise kick toward Kaya.
SWOOSH!
Kaya ducked at the last second, the wind of the strike brushing past her head.
She countered with a quick punch toward Nojiko's stomach.
BAM!
The other dodged, her body spinning in a fluid motion.
"He saved my village. Gave me powers. I can't let him down."
Her fists clenched, muscles tightening before the next strike.
Kaya smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I'll show Master that he was right to give me these powers."
She attacked with speed, her foot sliding across the sand as she launched an upward blow.
THUD!
Nojiko stepped back, eyes locked on her opponent.
The heat of the fight rose, their bodies moving on instinct.
BAM!
Their fists collided.
Riser stood still, golden eyes analyzing every detail.
The Professor ability activated without them noticing.
Their movements became more refined, their reflexes faster.
Each exchange of blows brought them closer to evolution.
Nojiko spun her body, dodging a kick before slipping inside Kaya's guard.
BAM!
Her fist struck the blonde's abdomen.
The impact was precise.
Kaya lost her balance.
THUD!
Her body hit the sand.
Nojiko took a deep breath, slightly sweaty.
She had won.
Kaya lay back for a moment, catching her breath.
The wind blew strong again.
Riser's smile widened.
"Good work."
Both looked at him, panting but satisfied.
Their evolution was only beginning.
Nojiko took a deep breath, slightly sweaty.
She had won.
Kaya lay back for a moment, catching her breath.
The wind blew strong again.
Riser's smile widened.
"Good work."
Both looked at him, panting but satisfied.
Their evolution was only beginning.
Riser crossed his arms, watching Nojiko for a moment.
"There's something you should know."
She raised an eyebrow, curious.
"About my sister?"
His golden gaze sparkled slightly.
"Yes. I turned Nami into a vampire."
Silence lasted a moment.
Then a smile formed on Nojiko's face.
"That's great."
Kaya sat up, panting but surprised.
"You don't mind?"
Nojiko ran a hand through her sweat-damp hair.
"Why would I? If it means she'll be stronger, then it's the best thing for her."
Her eyes sparkled with a hint of pride.
"She's always been smart. I'm sure she'll adapt."
Riser tilted his head slightly.
"Good to know."
The wind blew stronger, bringing with it the scent of the forest.
He turned slowly, hands in his pockets.
"Go back to training. Soon, I'll want to see more results."
Kaya and Nojiko exchanged a glance before nodding.
"We'll be ready."
Riser's smile grew.
He walked the path back to the palace, the forest swallowing his silhouette as he disappeared into the shadows.
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