"Ackeran, have you been down to see the mirror yourself?"
Hisa-chan asked the spirit, noticing Chang Long's worried expression.
"Of course. I had to verify it with my own eyes before reporting to you, Lord of Spirits,"
Ackeran replied with a nod.
"And how did you get there? Is there a path to reach the island beneath the ocean?"
Devi-chan asked, his concern evident. If finding the Mirror of Truth would cost his cherished successor her life, it might not be worth the risk.
"I rember where the island is located, but when I arrived, I found it had already sunk. I dived down to find the mirror and then returned to report. I don't know if there's a path humans can use to reach the island safely, nor do I know why the island sank,"
Ackeran explained, showing no concern for whether Chang Long's journey would end in success or peril. His only focus was fulfilling his duty.
"In that case, it seems we can't go to the island directly. Ackeran, if I give you a map, can you mark the location of the island?"
Chang Long asked after deliberating. It was clear there was no way for her, as a player, to reach a subrged island.
"I believe I can,"
Ackeran replied, hesitating briefly.
"Great, I'll buy the ga's world map. You can mark the island's location for ,"
Chang Long said, turning to sprint toward the system's item shop. The World Map was a comprehensive map in Adventure World Online that detailed the locations of every island, city, and even dungeons that were not secret quest related.
When Chang Long returned holding a World Map about the size of an A4 sheet of paper that could be navigated by touch to select desire destinations, her spirits and Ackeran were as confused as chickens with their heads cut off.
"What is that you're holding? You said you were going to buy a World Map,"
Devi-chan asked, eyeing the object.
"This is the World Map,"
Chang Long replied, holding up the plain white sheet of sturdy paper.
"How is that a World Map? It's way too small to contain all the information about every island. You got swindled!!"
Devi-chan fud, clearly irritated.
"Exactly. A real map should be much bigger than that!"
Hisa-chan, Alice-chan, Fluffy Head-chan, and even Ackeran agreed.
"You lot are ancient ghosts. This is the age of technology. A piece of paper this small can hold more data than any large map ever could. Let show you,"
Chang Long declared, pressing one of the few small buttons on the paper. Instantly, a map of every island in the ga appeared, though it was so small that Devi-chan snorted in disdain.
"What's the use of a tiny map like that? Even if Ackeran points to where he found the island, you'd have to squint and fumble around forever to figure out where it actually is!!"
"Just wait and see. Ackeran, where did you find the island?"
Chang Long turned to ask Ackeran, who was still stunned. He hesitated briefly before pointing to the northernmost part of the map, a blank space surrounded by several islands with steep cliffs, rendering it inaccessible for exploration. Chang Long nodded and pressed her finger on the area Ackeran indicated.
The map zood in on the selected region, revealing it in vivid detail. There it was, the Volcanic Island, or Fairy Island, and clusters of smaller islands were now clearly visible. The sight left Chang Long's spirits in awe, especially Fluffy Head-chan, who clung to her shoulder. When the map expanded, he was so astonished that he nearly toppled off.
"It's an empty spot,"
Chang Long said, glancing at Ackeran. He nodded and replied,
"Long ago, it wasn't. There was a beach, towering cliffs, and a massive mirror adorned with intricate carvings of the Tribe of Darkness."
"I want to see it for myself, even if I haven't figured out how to dive underwater yet,"
Chang Long said gravely. Devi-chn, Hisa-chan, and Alice-chan nodded in agreent, though Fluffy Head-chan looked hesitant and nervous at the thought of deep water. He suggested,
"Shouldn't you plan this out a bit better first, Master?"
"No, I think it's better to see the site in person before making a plan,"
Chang Long said, dismissing the idea.
"I agree,"
Devi-chan chid in.
"So do I,"
added Hisa-chan. Fluffy Head-chan imdiately deflated.
"Looks like we'll need to contact an old friend,"
Chang Long said with a smile. She recalled that Captain Columbus of the Mariti Association had once ntioned that the association charted and maintained the sailing routes by them self. They avoided dangerous or uninteresting paths, leaving such areas unexplored. It seed this task would require Captain Columbus's expertise.
"Hello, Chang Long,"
Captain Columbus's voice greeted her as soon as the call connected, sounding as cheerful as ever. He sounded unusually upbeat, though Chang Long was not sure if her request would brighten his mood further—or sour it completely.
"You sound like you're in a good mood, Captain,"
Chang Long observed.
"Of course! I just finished upgrading my ship. During the last system update, I was worried about whether everything would stay the sa—especially the materials and my partially upgraded ship. But finally, everything's completed,"
he said proudly.
"So, what can I do for you, Chang Long?"
"Captain, want to take on a special quest to celebrate your new ship?"
"What mission?"
Captain Columbus asked curiously.
"Just a simple exploration mission to the heart of the northernmost islands on the map," Chang Long replied. There was a long pause before Captain Columbus exclaid,
"Huh?!"
"What's with the huh reaction, Captain? I'm offering good pay for a straightforward job. Why the hesitation?"
Chang Long teased when she heard Captain Columbus's tone.
"No one has ever reached the heart of the northern islands before. There's always thick fog obscuring the path, day and night. Besides, they say it's an ancient graveyard. Only the dead can visit, not the living..."
Captain Columbus said in a mysterious voice.
"To be honest, Chang Long, I..."
"You what..." Chang Long asked, her anticipation building as Captain Columbus's voice trailed off into a long silence. Even her spirits and Ackeran, the male spirit, looked tense and focused, listening intently.
"I'm afraid of ghosts..."
The captain's confession left Chang Long montarily silent, while her spirits burst out laughing, unrestrained and echoing loudly.
"Huh?"
"I said I'm afraid of ghosts. So, I'm sorry, but I have to decline this mission,"
Captain Columbus said sheepishly, clearly embarrassed.
"Hey! No way, Captain. I don't know anyone else who can sail. You have to take there. I'll double your pay!"
Chang Long shouted into the phone. At that mont, Bloodied Angel Ship's deputy captain, Sea Breeze, happened to walk by and overheard the conversation. His ears perked up, and he imdiately approached Captain Columbus.
"Even so, I must decline..."
"We'll take the job!"
Sea Breeze interjected instantly, leaving Captain Columbus slack-jawed.
.....
When the Infinite Whip transford into a sword in a miraculous fashion, the battle imdiately beca more intense. Aswa grinned as he skillfully countered Joker Jester's attacks, not only deflecting them with ease but also launching effective counters. For the first ti, Joker Jester faced mounting pressure. His usual mocking grin and taunting chatter vanished entirely, replaced by an increasingly stern expression. Aswa could tell that the clown's frustration was about to boil over.
True to his prediction, Joker Jester pulled a bright red cloak from his jacket and snapped it forcefully. He stared deep into Aswa's eyes, as if searching for sothing. The mont he found what he was looking for, Joker Jester vanished without a trace. Aswa stood on high alert, fully expecting the clown to launch another sneak attack. Then, he sensed a presence behind him. Turning quickly, ready to defend himself, he was t with a shocking sight...
"Chang Long!"
Aswa exclaid, a mix of surprise and delight in his voice.
"How did you get here? I an! I'm glad to see you, but have you seen a creepy-looking clown around here?"
Chang Long smiled faintly, though her eyebrow twitched. Without a word, she drew her signature sword. Aswa's expression turned from startled to alard as she pointed the blade directly at him but refused to move. The young man's jaw dropped
"Wait, are you going to fight ?"
He asked, his tone now serious. Chang Long did not answer. She simply nodded and launched a powerful attack. Her strikes were fierce and relentless, each blow radiating lethal intent. Aswa could do nothing but defend himself, too bewildered by her sudden hostility to retaliate.
Chang Long continued her relentless assault on Aswa without uttering a single word. Her face bore a cheerful smile, even as her blade swung with deadly intent. Aswa's body began to show cuts and wounds, his hesitation to fight back evident despite the ferocity of her attacks. He never stopped to question how Chang Long had appeared here or where Joker Jester had vanished to. Finally, he was cornered, bloodied and kneeling, staring at Chang Long as she stood over him, the tip of her long sword aid at his throat.
"Heh. Mirage Form Skill always works wonders, don't you agree?"
Chang Long's lips moved, but the voice that ca out belonged to Joker Jester. Aswa's jaw dropped in shock.
"You're truly pathetic, willing to die just because the one pointing the blade at you happens to be the woman you admire. With skills like yours, you're unworthy of being the master's heir."
As Joker Jester, now in Chang Long's form, spoke, he raised the blade to deliver a fatal blow. But the mont Aswa realized the truth—that the figure before him was not the real Chang Long—he resolved to hold back no longer. He activated the Soaring Dragon Strike, an advanced skill of wandering martial artist profession. A massive golden dragon materialized from the tip of his sword, its majestic form shining brilliantly. The dragon opened its maw wide and lunged at Joker Jester. A deafening screech mixed with the dragon's mighty roar filled the air as the dragon consud the body whole. Rising into the sky, the golden dragon dissipated into sparkling light. Joker Jester's real body fell to the ground, covered in blood, as the illusion of Chang Long vanished. Even on the brink of death, Joker Jester's lips curled into his signature mocking grin.
"That's... more like it. The master's heir must fight like this!"
His voice was weak, trembling with exhaustion. Aswa rose to his feet steadily, and drove his sword into Joker Jester's chest with all his strength. The clown's body disintegrated, leaving behind a pool of blood and a large golden key. Aswa bent down, retrieved the key, and took a step back from the pool of blood. Suddenly, his vision blurred, and consciousness slipped away.
When Aswa awoke, he was disoriented, finding himself in an empty, spacious room. He groaned softly from the pain as he sat up, his body still aching from his injuries. Though he had recovered sowhat after so rest, his wounds had not fully healed. Looking down at himself, and then his hand, he noticed the large golden key in his grip. At last, he had succeeded. The key to the treasure room was his. Aswa gripped the key tightly, pushed himself to his feet, and walked toward a door that remained firmly shut. His heart raced with anticipation as he inserted the key into the lock and turned it.
Click!
The door creaked open slowly, revealing a radiant glow. Inside was a room draped with colorful fabrics and overflowing with treasures—silver coins, gemstones, and countless riches blanketing the floor. Aswa stepped inside, his heart swelling with triumph. The sacrifices, the all-or-nothing investnt—everything had paid off in spades. With this treasure, he could restore his guild to its forr glory. He could purchase superior weapons and armor, claim special territory, and even establish a city of his own.
As Aswa wandered absentmindedly, he found himself in front of a tall stone dais with a throne atop it. Seated on the throne was a man with a strikingly handso yet cunning face. His attire was a dark purple leather armor with a silver breastplate adorned with the emblem of a skull styled as a jester.
"Roche Roger!"
Aswa peered up at the man on the throne, awe evident in his expression. The man turned, smiled, and spoke in a tone of pride:
"My heir. At last, you've arrived..."
The Pirate King, Roche Roger, descended from the throne, and Aswa saw clearly for the first ti that the throne was crafted entirely from human bones.
"First things first... Shall we perform so magic tricks together?"
The question left Aswa, who had been gazing at Roche Roger with admiration, utterly dumbfounded. His jaw dropped.
"Don't like magic? Alright, then. How about so acrobatics? Or maybe a circus act?"
With each suggestion, delivered with a wide grin, Aswa's face grew increasingly strained.
"Now that I think about it, there's no one here but you and . Acrobatics and circus acts might have to wait. How about we take turns telling jokes..."
"Um, excuse ... Are you Pirate King Roche Roger?"
Aswa interrupted. Roche Roger looked at him, perplexed.
"Of course I am. You made it all the way here, surely you already know that."
The Pirate King's replied, puzzled.
"Oh! But we must get to the important part, mustn't we? Hah, but the ceremony for passing on the title is better with a big crowd. Just look at us, only two people here... How tragic..."
Aswa nodded hesitantly, unsure how to respond. Roche Roger chuckled softly and instructed Aswa to kneel before him. Adopting a solemn expression, Roche Roger held his right hand just above Aswa's head, roughly a handspan away, and began to speak with gravity:
"In the na of the most fearso Pirate King (and utterly ridiculous—Aswa could not help but think), I, Roche Roger, bestow everything I own to the young man before as my heir and the bearer of my legacy!"
As Roche Roger's words echoed in the chamber, a brilliant multicolored light enveloped Aswa, blinding him completely. He could see nothing, hear nothing—not even the salty scent of the treasure room remained.
When the dazzling light finally faded, Roche Roger was gone. There stood only one man dressed identically to him—now the sixth heir to the Pirate King.
-----
Read 'Adventure World Online (AWO)' before anyone else with more chapters at sjinovel/en
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