Chapter 74: Queen of the Land of Shadows (Part 1)
Eric picked up Ryuma's fallen black blade, "Shusui," and asked Esdeath, "This is a fine sword—one of the 21 Great Grade swords. How about using this from now on?"
"No need. I still prefer using a western-style sword."
"I see." Eric casually slid it into his own waistband, deciding to use it himself.
'Maybe I should look for Pirate King Gol D. Roger's sword to give to Esdeath?'
Dragging Moria's body into the summoning circle already drawn on the floor, he muttered,
"Now then… what kind of person will join us this time?"
"Ara, I hope it's a man. Our crew is too heavy on the female side—it's completely unbalanced."
"As long as they're strong, I don't care who it is."
Their personalities could be clearly heard through their words.
"Thy body shall be under my command; my fate shall be tied to thy blade."
"Answer my call, ye who would follow reason and my will—answer me!"
"I summon you… my comrade!"
Moria's massive body turned into white light and vanished.
As the white mist of the summoning cleared, a black silhouette began to emerge. Long purple hair draped gracefully, scarlet eyes (why red again…?), a tall and alluring figure wrapped in a tight black suit.
"From the Land of Shadows, I am called Scáthach. May I refer to you as Master?"
A cold voice, pure and clear, entered Eric 's ears.
"I'm Darren Eric . These are Tokisaki Kurumi and Esdeath. We're all companions now."
'...' Kurumi gave Eric a side glance. Another woman.
Esdeath showed a battle-hungry smile. This woman looked strong—perhaps not any weaker than herself.
Eric checked Scáthach's stats:
[Name: Scáthach]
[Age: 22]
[Physique: 6.5★]
[Swordsmanship: 6★]
[Spear: 7.5★]
[Magic: 7★]
[Armament Haki: 5★]
[Observation Haki: 5★]
[Conqueror's Haki: 3.5★] (Naturally dominant; possesses kingly presence.)
[Devil Fruit: 5★]
[Weapon: Gáe Bolg Alternative]
[Bond Level: 1 (Normal Friend)]
[Skills: Wisdom of the Otherworld (Able to master nearly all skills at a high level), Clairvoyance [Future Sight], Rune Magic, Gáe Bolg Alternative, Gate of the Cursed Realm Overflowing with Death]
[Total Combat Power: 7★] (Max attribute capped at 5★ based on bond level and player traits)
There was now a magic stat—something new.
"I am Queen of the Land of Shadows. I bow to no one. But if…"
Her Akame suddenly flared (using Clairvoyance to glimpse the future), and she looked elsewhere,
"My future husband… if you want me to recognize you as worthy of wielding me, then show me your strength."
"Huh?"
"Eh?"
Voices of confusion came from multiple people.
Kurumi drew her pistol. Esdeath unsheathed her sword.
Scáthach stared at them blankly. "This is between Eric and me. The rest of you, stay out of it."
"What did you say?"
This time, Kurumi and Esdeath spoke in unison.
"So we're going to fight."
Eric stepped forward to face the queen of shadows.
"Come on. Whether I'm worthy or not—see for yourself."
"Not bad. You face a strong foe without fear. That's admirable."
Scáthach bent forward into a lunging stance.
"I'm coming."
"Bring it on!" Eric shouted.
Bzzzt bzzzt! Electricity coursed over his blade.
"Ha!"
Scáthach's foot shattered the ground. Her body broke the sound barrier. A sonic boom blasted debris in every direction.
"!"
Eric didn't hesitate. He slashed at her, only for it to be blocked by her crimson spear. She flipped her hand—another spear appeared—aimed straight at his head.
"50 Million Volts: Discharge!"
Scáthach was too fast to fully react. She could only defend on instinct. For a moment, Eric felt he'd narrowly escaped death.
"You, wielder of lightning… this level is beneath you,"
She spoke coolly.
"If you cannot match me, I'll take your life."
"Eric , I'm helping!"
Kurumi could tell—Scáthach's technique and speed surpassed even Esdeath's. With nothing but her body, martial skill, and deep battle knowledge, she completely suppressed Eric 's power.
Esdeath, though worried, stayed put. She wasn't going to help a chick break its shell or a butterfly shed its cocoon. That would be a disservice. If Eric died here, she'd simply kill Scáthach too.
Since falling in love with Eric , Esdeath had gone soft—her training sessions were far more lenient than how she treated others. But this death match might just be what he needed. And if he died… well, she'd deliver justice herself.
"Wait, Kurumi."
Panting, Eric held her back.
"If I die here, it means that's all I ever was. Besides… I won't lose in front of you. Watch—I'll win."
His heart still raced. His body trembled from Scáthach's strike. But no… he hadn't crossed into this world to die insignificantly.
'Boil, my blood. Burn, my will. With the system, I sail the seas. I've summoned strong allies—but this isn't a life for coasting by. This is the world of pirates, burning with passion. A world where only the strong reign supreme!'
Eric reignited his fighting spirit. Since receiving the system, he'd grown too soft.
Bzzzt!
He turned into lightning, maxing out his reaction speed. Observation Haki surged.
"I'm coming!"
"Show me your resolve, warrior."
Spinning her Gáe Bolg, Scáthach's twin red spears traced arcs in the air. Then she held her spear downward—ready to strike.
[Teleport]
Eric used the Rumble-Rumble Fruit to flash to her side. His lightning-charged blade came down in a diagonal slash.
"A frontal assault! Brave!"
Scáthach blocked with her spear shaft. Her eyes glowed faintly red. Eric 's sword ran down her weapon's length. If she didn't release her grip, it would cut her hand off.
But she'd seen this future with Clairvoyance. Calmly, she released her right hand—dodging the strike.
With a kick, she propelled her spear tip up the shaft—aiming straight for Eric .
Using Observation Haki and lightning, Eric sensed the strike and elementalized his body just in time.
"Eric !"
Kurumi panicked. She thought he'd been pierced. Her fear blocked her Haki.
"He's fine. He used his elemental form just before impact. Trust him. He's not the kind of man who dies so easily. He has the heart of a king."
Esdeath reassured her—for once, without sarcasm.
Kurumi glanced sideways, said nothing more.
From the start, Eric felt Scáthach had more than one spear. Each strike followed the next too quickly. He could swear he saw several glowing spearpoints rushing at him at once.
Her technique flowed like a dragon—her spearpoints like stars.
'But I can't give up now!'
The fight intensified. Eric no longer just defended—he began counterattacking.
Twenty minutes passed. He adjusted to her speed. The battle reached its climax. He had a few light injuries, but nothing serious. Scáthach, now excited, let her guard down—and Eric landed a shocking blow that slightly scorched her armor.
"The ones I admire are those with courage. Not just brute strength. True warriors are those with brave hearts. Master, you've passed."
Their weapons clashed again. Scáthach leapt back.
"So I passed?"
Eric , drained, bent over. The adrenaline faded, leaving only fatigue.
"Yes. You face strong foes with bravery and use your strengths wisely in battle,"
Scáthach said.
"You meet my standards for a partner."
[Ding… Scáthach's Favorability Increased. Bond Level 1 (Normal Friend) → 2 (Close Friend). Bond Point +1]
Scáthach's cold gaze softened. There was a trace of appreciation in her eyes. Eric had sparked her interest—but he still had work to do.
"Hold it right there!"
As the duel ended, Kurumi and Esdeath approached—only to hear Scáthach's conditions.
Kurumi wouldn't let it slide.
"You need to take a number!"
"No matter. My future husband is a king. Having many consorts is acceptable."
Scáthach replied calmly—though it was anything but a calm statement.
She frowned.
"I feel a surge of power. What's happening?"
"That's the power of love,"
Esdeath said knowingly, nodding.
"So you feel it too. I acknowledge both you—and your feelings for Eric ."
During this, Eric peeked at their status screens again. His Physique, Swordsmanship, Armament Haki, and Observation Haki had all increased. As expected, battle to the death was the fastest way to grow stronger.
Scáthach's attribute cap had also unlocked—now 6★.
Kurumi, with a "#" symbol on her forehead, said coldly:
"Let's go, Scáthach. It's your turn to fight me now."
(END CHAPTER)
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