"Oh my God—run! Everyone run NOW!"
Not far from the epicenter of the apocalyptic battle, Ivy and the other surviving refugees stared in horror at the godlike destruction unfolding in the distance.
They couldn't bear to look any longer—the intensity was overwhelming.
Even from hundreds of meters away, the heat radiating from the combat felt like it would peel their skin off their bones.
They turned and fled without hesitation, stumbling over rubble in their escape.
Their decision to run proved correct.
BOOM—BOOM—BOOOOOM!
Under Elric's sustained firestorm assault, everything within a three-mile radius was reduced to scorched wasteland.
Concrete structures melted like wax. Steel reinforcements warped and liquified. The ground transformed into rivers of magma, glowing orange and red.
The monster's massive torso was crushed, sliced, melted, and shredded by Elric's techniques—given no opportunity to adapt or regenerate.
Three full minutes of continuous assault—
The parasitic creature let out a distorted scream that echoed across the ruins.
Then its colossal body collapsed inward, dissolving into a molten pool that bubbled and hissed.
This time—
There was no regeneration. No adaptation. No resurrection.
Only death.
From the center of the cooling magma pool, two objects emerged, rising to the surface:
A supernatural ability crystal over twenty meters tall—massive compared to normal crystals—glowing with concentrated energy that distorted the air around it.
And beside it—
A brown, heart-shaped organic core the size of a car, pulsing faintly with residual life force.
"...That crystal is enormous."
Elric reverted to human form, landing on scorched ground despite heat that would have incinerated normal humans.
For the first time since mastering the Azure Dragon Fruit, he felt a trace of fatigue—not severe, but noticeable.
It didn't concern him.
With his recovery speed, his stamina would be restored within minutes.
He examined the crystal and core, then stored both in his system space for later analysis.
Than he appeared directly in front of Ivy, who was still fleeing with the other survivors several blocks away.
Up close, without distance or chaos, Elric confirmed his recognition.
The tall woman in the torn, ash-stained business suit, face dirty but posture intact—
It was her. Ivy. His former neighbor.
The system evaluation panel materialized before his eyes.
Eligible Adopter Detected
Name: IvyAge: 32Appearance: 91Figure: 91Quality: 100 (Pure)Overall Rating: 91Monthly Exchange Count: 20
System Evaluation: Meets all adoption requirements. Can promote Devil Fruit Tree growth after successful collection.
Just as he remembered.
The three sisters had always been famous beauties in their neighborhood—the kind who drew attention by existing.
Back when Elric had been trapped in the Su household, bullied and ignored—
Ivy had stood up for him more than once. Defended him. Treated him like he mattered.
"Please... don't kill me..."
Ivy collapsed backward in panic when Elric appeared in front of her.
She had seen too many superpowered massacres—casual slaughter of helpless survivors.
In the apocalypse, sudden appearances by powerful people meant death.
But instead of attacking—
The man before her spoke gently.
"Sister Ivy. It's me. Elric."
Her breath caught.
"...Elric?"
Her mind raced.
She knew an Elric. The quiet adopted kid from family next door. The boy who disappeared a year ago.
But this man—
He was taller, powerfully built, his face matured beyond recognition.
Still…
The resemblance lingered in his eyes and voice.
"I really am Elric," he said. "The kid you used to help."
Her eyes widened as the truth settled.
"...You really are him? Little Elric?"
"You awakened supernatural powers?"
Elric nodded.
"Yes. The apocalypse changed many things."
He stepped closer, his voice gentle but carrying authority.
"Sister Yu, come with me to my shelter."
"I'll make sure you eat proper meals. Bathe in clean water. Live in safety without fear."
He paused.
"I'll grant you supernatural powers of your own."
"But there's a price."
Ivy frowned.
"A price? Money is useless now."
Elric didn't answer.
He looked at her.
wUnderstanding struck instantly.
Her ears flushed red beneath the dirt.
So that's the condition.
She had always thought of him as a kid—the quiet neighbor who needed protection.
Now he stood above the world.
After several seconds, she exhaled and nodded.
"Okay. I agree."
Her voice was quiet but firm.
"In this world, survival matters more than pride."
"And honestly..."
She looked at him again.
"...you didn't grow up badly."
There was a hint of appreciation.
Elric nodded.
Then Ivy grabbed his arm.
"Elric—if you're taking me to your shelter..."
Her eyes filled with hope.
"Can you save my two younger sisters?"
"They're still in the old residential area."
"I got separated from them weeks ago. I don't know if they're alive, but—"
Elric interrupted her.
"I'll retrieve them."
His voice was flat.
"Every one of your sisters."
His confidence allowed no doubt.
"If they're alive anywhere in this city, I'll find them."
There is 70 chapter Advance, in my patreon. If you are interested can check it out.
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