Monica, determined to save everyone, declared, “I will forge a sword for Light!” Meanwhile, her father and the workers remained tied up by Zito’s men.
Ayla managed to create a small hole in the wall, carefully observing the situation as she and Monica devised a plan to free everyone. Ayla whispered, “Do you have the item I gave you yesterday?”
Monica nodded. “Yes.” Taking a deep breath, she suddenly stood up and called out to the guards, “Hey, you thugs!” drawing their attention before sprinting away. The soldiers immediately gave chase.
Seizing the opportunity, Ayla sneaked toward the prisoners. Monica’s father, still restrained, watched as Ayla appeared behind them.
“Stay still,” she whispered. “I’m going to cut these chains.”
The captives were astonished. “How can such a small girl break these chains?” one of them muttered.
Ayla pulled out a specialized metal-cutting tool and successfully severed the bindings. Just as she was finishing, a shadow loomed behind her—it was Dag.
Meanwhile, Monica continued leading the guards away. Suddenly, she stopped and threw several copper plates onto the ground. As the soldiers approached, she raised her hammer and struck the plates, activating her skill. The plates softened, turning the floor beneath them into a quicksand-like material, trapping the guards in place.
Realizing they were stuck, the soldiers struggled to move, but before they could free themselves, the plates solidified again, immobilizing them completely.
Monica smirked. “Looks like I win. Goodbye.”
She left them behind and hurried back to check on Ayla. However, when she arrived, she found Dag holding Ayla hostage.
He sneered. “Don’t move, Monica. You know what’ll happen to this little girl if you do.”
Monica clenched her fists, but her eyes flickered toward a small stone on the ground. Understanding immediately, Ayla subtly nodded.
Monica swiftly grabbed the stone and threw it to the ground. The rock released a blinding light, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. Dag, caught in the flash, was temporarily blinded. Seizing the moment, they quickly restrained him.
Monica’s father sighed in relief. “Well done,” he praised. “You figured out the plan.”
Monica grinned. “I knew that stone would emit a strong light when struck.”
Dag, still disoriented, muttered in disbelief. “Who is this kid? She actually has skills!”
Ayla smirked. “That’s what happens when you underestimate small people.”
With the immediate danger cleared, Monica turned to her father. “I need to use the workshop! Light is still fighting—he needs a sword!”
Her father looked at her for a long moment before sighing. “Do as you wish.”
Monica’s eyes brightened, and she immediately set to work. However, her father placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“I’ll help you. My skill will speed up the process.”
Just as they began, more soldiers from the Blackbird group attempted to storm the workshop. Seeing this, Monica’s father stood tall.
“We’ll protect this place with our lives! Show them what we’re made of, men!”
The workshop sprang into action, with every craftsman uniting to forge the perfect blade. As Monica worked, memories of her childhood resurfaced—watching her father forge weapons, dreaming of becoming a blacksmith like him.
Her father interrupted her thoughts. “There’s no time for memories now! We have to forge the sword for Light. Then, we’ll leave the rest to him.”
Once the sword was complete, they handed it to Monica. Holding it in her hands, she spoke with conviction.
“I still don’t know whether swords are good or evil, or if they will be used for justice or destruction… but I won’t hesitate anymore.”
She then used her skills to refine the blade further, working with newfound determination. The entire workshop was delighted to see Monica return to her craft, and with their support, she was able to complete the sword.
They then rushed outside to face the Blackbird group—only to be met with a horrifying sight.
Light was lying on the ground, battered and unmoving.
Monica didn’t hesitate. She called out, “Light! Use this sword!” and threw it toward him.
Zito sneered. “There’s no point in giving him a sword. I’ve already beaten him senseless—he won’t even be able to stand!”
But to everyone’s shock, Light slowly got to his feet. His eyes burned with determination as he gripped the sword.
“This sword will be perfect to defeat you,” he declared. Then, turning to Isa, he shouted, “Throw me a skill fruit!”
However, to everyone’s surprise, Ayla tossed the fruit toward Zito instead.
Zito caught it and burst into laughter. “You fool! Your ability is Slumbering Spirit, right? Everyone knows that a person can only eat one skill fruit in their lifetime. If they consume another, they’ll die. Are you really so desperate that you’d risk eating another fruit?”
Light looked him straight in the eyes. “I admit you’re strong, Zito. But I will become the greatest adventurer—one whose name will be remembered in history. That’s why I won’t lose this fight.”
Zito scowled, his frustration growing. “You’re an annoying little brat!”
With a sinister grin, he charged at Light and forcefully shoved the fruit into his mouth.
“If you wanted to eat it so badly, then go ahead! Swallow it and die right in front of me!”
He then issued an ultimatum. “If you want to live, admit defeat now. Surrender to me, and I’ll spare your workshop. But either way, you’re coming with me.”
The entire workshop held its breath, paralyzed by fear. But Ayla remained calm, watching with confidence.
Light swallowed the fruit.
Zito’s smirk turned into shock as a sudden surge of energy burst forth from Light, engulfing him in a fiery cyclone. Flames swirled around him, radiating intense heat.
Zito instinctively stepped back in disbelief. “What the hell?! What did you just do, you cheater?!”
Now surrounded by flames, Light smirked. “I am the Fruit Master. I can eat as many skill fruits as I want and gain unlimited abilities.”
Zito was speechless.
Light raised his burning fists. “Now, let’s finish this. Isn’t that what you wanted, Zito?”
Zito clenched his teeth. “What do you mean?”
Light chuckled. “I knew you would try to force a skill fruit down my throat. That’s the kind of person you are—you love torturing others. You thought I’d choke and die, didn’t you?”
Zito’s eyes widened. “So I walked right into your trap…?”
Light turned to Ayla. “What’s my new skill?”
Ayla analyzed him and grinned. “You’ve gained the Flame Master skill! You can now control fire with your hands.”
Zito gritted his teeth as he watched the flames swirl around Light. His mind raced. Not only did he survive eating a second skill fruit, but he gained a new skill and got stronger?!
“Damn it… this guy is special,” Zito muttered, reluctantly admitting to himself.
After a long pause, he clenched his fists and said, “I recognize it now, Light. You really are an exceptional person. Now I understand why the nun is interested in you and wants to catch you.”
Meanwhile, the nun, watching from a distance, narrowed her eyes. “I never imagined this would happen. Now, I’ll get serious and use all my cards.”
Light smirked. “I’m happy now… because you’ll finally take me seriously.”
Zamu then launched his attack, but Light wrapped his sword in fire and countered, managing to defeat Zamu Do’s electric monster.
Zamu, impressed, said, “It seems this skill is exceptional.”
Light grinned. “With this skill, I can cut anything. Let’s settle this now!”
At that moment, Zamu’s soldiers appeared, ready to help, but he shouted at them. “Don’t interfere! I want to defeat him myself!”
Both warriors unleashed their final attacks, their power shocking everyone. Light’s ability to control his newfound power was astounding.
For the first time, the queen looked anxious, hoping the sword wouldn’t break. But Ayla reassured her. “Let’s trust Light.”
Light then turned to Monica and said, “Don’t worry, Monica. I will win this fight—I promise you.”
Monica’s heart swelled with emotion. She smiled brightly and began cheering for him.
The battle between Light and Zamu was intense. Their final attacks were so powerful that everyone present felt the impact. When the dust settled, both warriors were still standing—neither had fallen, but they looked utterly exhausted.
Zamu, attempting to strike again, staggered forward but collapsed to the ground. Light, though drained, remained on his feet. He had emerged victorious.
Cheers erupted as everyone celebrated his win. However, amidst the joy, there was a shocking realization—the sword had broken again.
Monica, visibly affected, apologized. “I’m sorry, Light… but don’t worry. I’ll just make another one, even stronger this time—to match your power.”
She then sincerely thanked him for protecting their home.
Suddenly, enemy soldiers appeared, seemingly ready to attack Light. But as he turned to face them, his fiery gaze alone sent a shiver down their spines, freezing them in place.
Just then, a commanding voice rang out. “Retreat!”
A figure emerged—it was the head of the Security Office. He immediately ordered the arrest of all the criminals. The commander followed his orders, restraining and capturing them without delay.
Afterwards, the security chief sighed. “Someone delayed the report—that’s why we were late. I apologize for that.”
Monica’s father stepped forward, gesturing toward Light. “This boy solved everything.”
Exhausted, Light’s body swayed, and he nearly collapsed. But the security chief caught him just in time.
“Well done, brave boy. You need to rest now.”
Monica beamed with happiness. She then turned to Ayla, curiosity brimming in her eyes. “How did you make that sword? What properties did you add to it?”
Ayla smiled. “I didn’t add anything special. I just made it as solid as possible… and added a secret spell to help Light win.”
Ayla’s revelation left everyone in awe.
“Is that spell what revealed the monster?” Monica asked.
Ayla nodded. “It seems Light’s skill still has many secrets we haven’t uncovered yet.”
At that moment, a bird flew in carrying a message. It was from Lena.
The letter read: “I will arrive in Athens soon. Sorry for the delay—it took longer than expected.”
Monica’s eyes widened. “Lena? As in the Sword Saint? The one who became famous in such a short time?”
Ayla nodded. “Yes, she’s on my team with Light. She’s a reliable person.”
Meanwhile, Lena herself received a message from Ayla, updating her on the recent events.
Lena read it and thought to herself, “It seems there are others pulling the strings behind the scenes.”
Clenching her fist with determination, she declared, “I’ve finally arrived in the capital, Athens. I will uncover the truth… and protect my team in my own way.”
Back at the workshop, the celebrations were in full swing. Around the dining table, laughter and chatter filled the air.
Monica’s father took a deep breath, raising a toast. “I have never seen expressions like this on the Blackbird team before. Well done, Light!”
The queen, watching him drink, raised an eyebrow. “Haven’t you had enough?”
He scoffed. “Mind your own business. Tomorrow, I’ll train you personally to get you back to your level!”
Then, turning to his team, he grinned. “And don’t you guys dare stop me—tonight, I’m treating everyone!”
Laughter erupted once again, and the celebration continued, marking the end of one battle and the beginning of another adventure.
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