Carl's warship had been specially customized by the Navy Headquarters after consulting him. Aside from Carl, both Lucia and Ginny had their own rooms, and the accommodations were top-notch. Since Ginny hadn't joined them this time, Olivia was given her room for the night. After all, being "invited" by Carl for assistance, she deserved some special treatment.
Ginny's room had a soft pink decor, a girlish style that helped Olivia relax after a long, tense day.
Olivia had been quite shaken by Carl's actions earlier, and now that she could finally unwind, exhaustion washed over her. Shaking her head, she slipped into the bathroom for a hot bath.
Nearly an hour later, Olivia emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a white bathrobe. After drying off, she collapsed onto the bed with a deep sigh of relief.
As she lay staring at the ceiling, lost in thought, there was a sudden knock on the door. Startled, Olivia shot up from the bed like a frightened bird, hastily searching for her discarded bathrobe.
"Who is it? Please wait a moment!" she called out.
A cold voice responded from the other side of the door.
"It's Lucia. No need to open the door. I just wanted to inform you that at this speed, we'll reach our destination by tomorrow morning."
Olivia relaxed upon hearing Lucia's voice and replied, "I understand. I'll be up early tomorrow and ready for work."
"Good. Please do."
Though Lucia had said there was no need to open the door, Olivia, out of courtesy, dressed quickly and opened it, only to find Lucia already gone.
The night sea breeze was much colder than during the day, and Olivia shivered as the chill hit her freshly bathed skin. She hurriedly closed the door and returned to bed, muttering to herself, "What a tiring day..."
Meanwhile, Lucia hadn't gone to her room. Without Ginny on board, the room felt unnecessary. She naturally headed for Carl's room. Carl, in the middle of showering, wasn't surprised when Lucia entered the bathroom without hesitation.
The next morning, Olivia woke up early. As a scholar, discipline was part of her routine. However, when she arrived on deck, Carl was already waiting for her.
Carl, brimming with energy, had barely slept the night before. Lucia, exhausted from their late-night endeavors, was still in bed, but Carl needed only a brief nap to recharge. His excitement for the Vampire Fruit had driven him to rise early.
Carl greeted Olivia with a smile. "Olivia, we've reached our destination. I'd appreciate your help once again."
Olivia leaned forward slightly, replying, "It's my pleasure."
Before she could even react, she felt herself lifted off the ground. A brief sensation of dizziness passed as Carl carried her to the Ancient Town on the island, his powerful wings folding as they landed.
Carl helped Olivia stand upright and began surveying the surroundings. Despite being called a town, it was abandoned—blanketed by a miasma that induced sleepiness year-round. Over time, the original inhabitants had deemed the place unfit for living and left, turning the island into a ghost town.
In the eerie mist, the atmosphere felt increasingly menacing.
Carl, guided by memory, led them toward a specific location. Olivia hurried to keep up, fearful of losing sight of him in the fog. Despite her strength, she was still only human, and the strange environment stirred anxiety within her.
However, with Carl, a Navy Admiral, walking ahead, she felt reassured.
Suddenly, Carl stopped. Without warning, Olivia, distracted by her surroundings, bumped into his back with a soft thud.
She winced, rubbing her forehead, as Carl noticed and smiled apologetically before pointing forward. Olivia squinted but could only see the dense fog.
Realizing the difference in their vision, Carl wrapped his arm around her waist and swiftly moved through the fog, bringing them before a large stone tablet.
The distance was short this time, and Olivia quickly regained her bearings. She glanced at the stone tablet in front of her, its surface engraved with intricate, ancient symbols.
Recognizing the ancient language, Olivia immediately shifted into work mode. Without Carl having to prompt her, she focused intently on deciphering the tablet.
After a while, she stepped back, looking satisfied. Carl asked, "What does it say? Can you understand it?"
Olivia smiled confidently. "Yes, it's about a fruit. It describes the fruit as possessing an evil power. Anyone who eats it will turn into a devil that drinks human blood and wreaks havoc."
She paused for a moment, considering her words before continuing, "Judging by the description and the ability to transform, I'd say this is likely a Zoan-type Devil Fruit. It seems the former residents of this place were unfamiliar with the concept of Devil Fruits and mistook those with abilities for monsters."
Carl's thoughts wandered to Robin, imagining her facing a similar fate. He looked at Olivia with a strange expression before nodding.
"That sounds right. This is indeed the place. Let me tell you something else. The fruit in question is called the Vampire Fruit, a highly valuable Mythical Zoan."
Olivia's eyes widened in surprise. "A Mythical Zoan? No wonder the Navy sent an Admiral!"
She assumed the task of retrieving the Vampire Fruit had been assigned to Carl by the Navy. Carl didn't correct her but simply smiled and said,
"The tablet should also reveal the way to open the ruins. I'll need your help again."
Olbia, filled with confidence, patted her chest. "Leave it to me!"
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+86 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg