"Life span!"
This was indeed something that Ron hadn't considered before, as he was still young, and the girls around him were also very young. The concept hadn't crossed his mind until now.
Now, hearing the system mention it, he couldn't help but ponder this.
Whitebeard, as the world's strongest man, was a formidable figure even now, but due to accumulated injuries and old age, his combat effectiveness had waned from its peak.
"Lifespan," Ron inquired with interest, "What level must I reach for this ability?"
"Level Four," the System responded.
"Level four... I'm only at level two now. It seems it will take some time to reach level four," Ron sighed.
Recalling what the System had said before, Ron noted that the second level of the system could bless skill points to others. When the third level is attained, it will open the skill-erase ability, and the fourth level will grant the ability to bless life.
"After reaching level four, the system will become fully leveled with various abilities beyond just blessing life. But we'll have to wait until we reach that level to find out more," the System explained.
"Understood," Ron nodded.
The group had left the harbor city and was now heading towards Alubarna, the capital of Alabasta, riding their camels across the desert.
Along the way, they passed through mostly desolate cities, far less prosperous than the harbor city.
"This... It's so tragic," Kaya remarked, surveying the deserted city ahead.
"The further inland we go, the worse it gets," Vivi explained somberly. "The cities around Alubarna are already chaotic, with rebels receiving secret support and preparing to attack the capital."
"Did you gather this information in the Baroque Works?" Ron inquired.
"Yes, But I might have been too hasty in trying to relay the news back, so we got discovered," Vivi admitted. "But I must find a way to get this information back."
"Don't worry. Since you were the main target, Igaram should be fine. Perhaps the news has already arrived," Ron reassured her.
"Hopefully," Vivi nodded.
"How far is it to Alubarna?" Ron asked.
"We're almost at another city," Vivi replied after a moment's thought. "And Alubarna itself is still two days away, but most of the cities on this side of the inland river are occupied by rebels, with people migrating and preparing for rebellion."
"Then let's focus on reaching the capital first. Once Crocodile is dealt with, the rebels will lose their momentum," Ron suggested.
"But the rebels have leaders. Even if we defeat Crocodile, there are still many rebels to contend with," Vivi pointed out anxiously. "Perhaps... perhaps you could accompany me to the rebel headquarters in the town of Katorea, where I can attempt to halt their advance."
"I'll deal with Crocodile first," Ron decided after a moment's thought. "Then we'll accompany you to the rebel headquarters. If we move quickly, we should be able to catch up."
"Agreed," Vivi said, visibly relieved.
With their plan set, the group hastened their journey towards Alubarna. Despite the challenges of the road, even the youngest members, Apis and Marianne, persevered without complaint.
As night fell, they made camp in a desolate town, seeking shelter in a dilapidated house. In Ron's room, Kaya slipped into his bed.
"Ron, it's so cold," she said with a smile. "Mind if I join you?"
"Of course not," Ron replied, patting her head fondly.
Ron's heart stirred as he considered his system's upgraded ability. The option to bless others with skill points had yet to be utilized, and he realized that now might be the perfect opportunity, especially with Kaya.
"Kaya, how's your medical study going?" Ron inquired.
"I've learned almost everything. I can treat minor injuries and ailments, such as skin traumas and bruises as long as I have the right medicine," Kaya replied after a moment's thought.
"So... Kaya, I have a way to instantly elevate your medical skills to the highest level. Would you like to try it?" Ron asked with a smile.
"What? Is that even possible?" Kaya asked incredulously, surprised by the notion of such a power.
"It's my unique ability. Don't be surprised. Come, stay still, and I'll give you a boost," Ron said reassuringly, placing his hand on Kaya's forehead. Simultaneously, he accessed his own data panel in his mind, and a dialog box appeared, asking if he wanted to grant Kaya a skill point.
Character name: Kaya
Strength: 8
Physique: 7
Agility: 7
Spirit: 9
Skills:
Medical skills: Level 4
Cuisine: Level 1
Painting: Level 2
Considering Kaya's attributes, Ron knew that her medical skills had already surpassed his own. Painting was likely learned during her time in Syrup village, and the cooking skill probably came from Makino during their time on the ship.
Deciding to bolster Kaya's medical skills further, Ron allocated the skill point.
Medical Skills: 4 + 1 + 1 + 1...
After applying the skill point, Ron checked Kaya's updated data panel:
Character name: Kaya
Strength: 9
Physique: 8
Agility: 8
Spirit: 15
Skills:
Medical Skills: 100 (Full Level)
Cuisine: Level 1
Painting: Level 2
With the medical skill at its maximum level, the increase in other attributes was minimal, except for Spirit, which had increased significantly to fifteen points.
"Wow!" Kaya exclaimed. "I suddenly feel like I have so much medical knowledge in my mind, and my spirit feels stronger. Brother Ron, what's happening?"
"Don't speak yet. Take some time to integrate the new information in your mind, and we'll talk once you've grasped it," Ron instructed, ensuring Kaya wouldn't forget the newly acquired medical knowledge.