Name: Captain Hook (Stage Six of Hook the Pirate Captain)
Strength: 20
Constitution: 20
Agility: 10
Spirit: 10
Skills: Triple Sword Thrust (Rank C), Flintlock Shot (Rank C)
Description: Leader of the Hook Pirate Crew and eternal nemesis of Peter Pan.
Only 20 points at max? Qin Ming furrowed his brows as he stared at the stats displayed by his Hunter's Sunglasses. How can this weakling be the final boss? This must be a joke!
He activated his Infrared Vision—a skill he rarely used—and carefully scanned the ship. It didn't take long for him to detect another life signature inside one of the cabins. Its silhouette matched Captain Hook's exactly.
The realization hit him instantly: The Captain Hook outside is a fake!
The real Captain Hook was hiding inside the ship, silently observing him. Qin Ming hadn't had a direct line of sight to analyze his stats yet, but he was certain of one thing—a final boss couldn't possibly be this weak.
Dealing with two elite adventurers was hard enough; if Captain Hook launched a sneak attack during their battle, it could spell disaster.
Better to retreat for now.
Back at the Lost Boys Camp, Qin Ming treated his wounds and began drafting a plan.
His enemies included:
Wind – a wielder of Orochi Blood, capable of deadly melee attacks like True Raging Eight Maidens.
Anger – possessing Ralf's signature skills from King of Fighters, including the devastating Cosmic Phantom.
Captain Hook – an unknown entity, possibly far more dangerous than he appeared.
On his side:
The Lost Boys' Leaders, each with unique abilities.
Tinker Bell, whose powers could boost stats, provide healing, and even enable flight.
Kasamoto Eri, the demolition expert he had strengthened to Golden Quality.
Their advantage lay in their superior positioning and knowledge. As long as Qin Ming avoided another direct hit from Cosmic Phantom, they had a good chance of victory.
Lost in his thoughts, Qin Ming was startled when a faint glow appeared in front of him.
Tinker Bell flitted in front of his face, hands clasped behind her back, her tiny face serious.
"You need something?" Qin Ming raised an eyebrow.
"Yes!" Tinker Bell nodded firmly. "Peter Pan, Captain Hook has recruited two powerful allies. We might not be able to defeat them with our current strength. That's why I've decided, as the Guardian of Neverland, to officially allow you entry into the Heart of Neverland!"
"The Heart of Neverland?" Qin Ming's eyes narrowed.
Tinker Bell floated in mid-air, her wings glowing faintly as she circled around him.
"That's right! Neverland is a magical place, disconnected from reality. Everything that lives here draws power from its magic. While most gain this power gradually, I was born from it! I am Neverland's Guardian!"
She pointed dramatically at herself, her tiny voice full of pride.
"You, Peter Pan, have never received the baptism of Neverland's magic. But now, in this time of crisis, I'm allowing you to enter the Heart of Neverland and be blessed with its power. You should be grateful!"
Qin Ming's expression froze briefly before realization dawned on him.
No wonder these kids are so freakishly strong.
The Lost Boys—even the ordinary ones—had strength and agility far beyond normal children. The leaders, in particular, had distinct combat abilities akin to unique skills.
And all of this power came from Tinker Bell.
It wasn't just loyalty or camaraderie keeping them united—it was the very real benefit of Tinker Bell's blessings.
Even Peter Pan's ability to fly likely came from this same magical baptism.
This isn't a fairy tale at all, Qin Ming thought grimly. This is starting to feel like a twisted fantasy RPG.
But whatever the case, Qin Ming wasn't about to pass up free power-ups.
"Lead the way."
As they walked through the camp, whispers and envious gazes followed them. The Lost Boys knew what it meant to enter the Heart of Neverland.
Among them, Rofio—the former leader and wielder of Twin Daggers—stood silently.
His fists clenched tightly around the hilts of his weapons.
Why him? he thought bitterly. Why does she trust him?
He had spent years earning Tinker Bell's favor, had led the Lost Boys with unwavering loyalty, and had done everything asked of him.
Yet, when Peter Pan left, Tinker Bell had refused to recognize Rofio as his replacement.
And now? Now she had chosen a grown man—someone she should, by her own rules, despise.
As Tinker Bell and Qin Ming disappeared into the dense jungle, Rofio made his decision. Silently, he followed them.
Oblivious to the stalker behind him, Qin Ming followed Tinker Bell to the farthest edge of the camp.
There, at the base of a towering cliff, Tinker Bell raised her tiny staff.
Golden light swirled as she traced intricate patterns in the air. The glowing trails merged, forming a shimmering magic portal in the cliff face.
Through the portal, Qin Ming saw a breathtaking sight:
A paradise of vibrant flowers and lush greenery stretched out before him. At the center of this paradise lay a crystal-clear pool, its water shimmering with golden light.
"The Heart of Neverland…" Qin Ming muttered under his breath.
"Go on," Tinker Bell said softly, her usual sass momentarily replaced by reverence. "Step into the pool, and let Neverland's magic embrace you."
Without hesitation, Qin Ming stepped through the portal.
Hidden in the shadows, Rofio watched them disappear through the portal. His fists trembled, his breathing heavy with emotion.
Why him… Why not me…?
Drawing his daggers, he gritted his teeth and whispered to himself:
"If I can't have it… then no one will."