Chapter 16

–Clang!

The sharp sound echoed widely.

At the center of this commotion on the deck stood two people.

On one side was a black-haired woman brandishing a Training Sword, wearing a face that seemed ready to chop someone to bits at any moment.

On the opposite side was a slightly shorter blonde girl holding a Great Sword, her youthful and cute appearance suggesting she would surely grow into a stunning beauty if she continued on this path.

Though their duel appeared tense, neither the participants nor the onlookers standing a step away had such thoughts in mind.

The one wielding the sword was none other than Franklin, a Grade 9 Advanced Warrior.

In this moment, she made sure to exert minimal strength in her hands, as her cute “younger sister” was swinging her sword with all her might, despite her still insufficient strength.

Easily deflecting Ambasha’s attack, she said, “You… you need to relax your shoulders a bit more. And be mindful of not letting your magical power waver.”

Ambasha, pouring out whatever magical energy she could muster despite the crude level of her skill, currently ranked as a Grade 2 Beginner Warrior, was falling short of even reaching Franklin’s toes.

While she could barely control her magical power, the amount was still too small, and her fundamental operations were clumsy.

However, despite being at such a low level, the power Ambasha displayed left everyone present with a profound sense of awe.

“Impressive, huh? When I first saw her, she couldn’t even use magical power, and now she’s already at Grade 2.”

“That’s not just any talent. Elkana, how long did it take you to get to that level?”

“About a year? Magellan, didn’t it take you over three months as well? This kid might become stronger than you later on.”

“Well… considering her visible talent, I can’t deny that.”

Having personally wielded weapons and trained with mana to reach this level, they were all too familiar with the process.

Ambasha had only begun wielding a sword less than a month ago.

Though it appeared trivial at first glance, that remarkable pace of growth alone was more than enough to label the kid a prodigy.

Admiring that fact purely.

Yet at the same time, seeing her making her best effort while showcasing passion and determination that matched her talent.

Magellan gradually took notice and slowly rose from his seat.

Having somewhat adapted to the environment over the past few days, Magellan figured that since the Pirate King had conveniently set their next destination to Benessa, the tasks ahead wouldn’t be a major issue.

With a newfound sense of ease in his heart, Magellan watched the scene unfold and felt a rush of excitement begin to bubble within him.

At that moment,

“What’s that? Getting all hot and bothered? Excited, are we? Are you turned on by that?”

“Could you… not…? There are other people here… Anyway, I’m heading out.”

“Play nice~ If you swing that thing without restraint, you’ll only rack up more debt.”

Ignoring Elkana’s teasing remarks, Magellan packed his Training Sword and headed forward.

As he did, a broad smile spread across Elkana’s face.

“Seriously… I was worried at first, but seeing stuff like that makes it seem like you’re adapting even better than I am.”

*

“Huff… Huff…”

Ambasha, panting as she had no magical power left to squeeze out.

Seeing her, Franklin offered a dry towel with a chilling smile.

“Good job. Here.”

“Ugh… Thank y-”

“Oh… let’s call it a day. Take a break and I’ll see you in the Kitchen shortly.”

“Okay. Thanks for your hard work.”

With a quick nod, Ambasha dashed off toward a direction.

The place she arrived at was where someone was sitting on the stairs…

It was none other than the Pirate King, Ezra.

“Father, I’m done!”

“Ha ha, good job, my daughter. You’re growing by leaps and bounds every day.”

“Hehe…”

With a lovely smile, the Pirate King patted Ambasha’s head.

Though now a familiar sight, Franklin couldn’t shake the feeling of an itch in her head as she watched them today.

Not that it was jealousy or anything…

But somehow, it made her want to go over there with expectations of her own.

Thinking about this, Franklin cautiously kept an eye out and began to move her steps carefully.

At that moment…

“Hey, you there.”

“!…”

A sudden voice shattered the moment.

Franklin turned her head to find an unwelcome face…

Magellan appeared before her.

“What… what is it?”

“I just felt an itch watching you stand there. How about we have a match for a change?”

“I… I don’t really have a reason to fight you…”

“Why not? You’ve lost to me before, haven’t you?”

“!”

“The great officer can’t have a record of 1 win to 1 loss against a fresh recruit. You should redeem yourself, right?”

“Well… that’s because you used underhanded tactics…”

“Haha, if you fought fair, you could win? Then how about you show me? Surely after fighting a little kid like that, you’re not worn out… unless you’re scared of losing.”

“…”

This tactic worked wonders in this situation.

Magellan cast his ‘chicken’ spell.

In an instant, Franklin’s expression chilled.

A stark contrast to her usual self, she now carried a serious air, reminiscent of their first encounter.

As the provocation sank in, Magellan smiled and adjusted his hold on the Training Sword.

She was already a woman with a scary impression, but even in this emotionless state, anyone could see she was pissed, which only intensified the underlying fear.

“…Don’t regret it.”

With that, Franklin began to channel magical power into her Training Sword.

Having witnessed that finely honed strength before, Magellan felt an even deeper thrill.

And then—

–Kiiiiiing!!!

Their swords clashed with a sharp sound.

In that moment, the magical waves trembled, drawing the attention of the scattered pirates.

“What’s going on with them suddenly?”

“Hmm… It seems to be more than a simple duel. I can’t imagine calm Franklin would act like that… Maybe that Magellan provoked her somehow?”

Vice-Captain Lemain frowned slightly as Navigator Samir analyzed calmly.

On board a ship, fights among crew members were generally prohibited; however, a formal duel was not a significant problem.

Yet, the sight of them swinging their swords at each other now…

Clearly bore the semblance of genuine intensity not felt in a typical spar.

–Kiiik!!!

The chilling sound created by the clash of their magical flows.

Overall techniques and magical control were in Franklin’s favor, yet the male Magellan held an advantage in raw physical strength.

Thus, the two were now locked in balance without favoring either side.

At that moment…

“This is quite the amusing show you’re putting on!”

“Ah…”

“Huh!”

A voice abruptly halted their escalating battle.

Simultaneously, Franklin and Magellan stiffened their faces, staring at the Pirate King now standing before them.

“S-Sir… I’m s-sorry.”

“Um… well… uh… this was just a sparring exercise… um… p-please excuse us, Pirate King.”

“Don’t worry about apologizing. It’s perfectly natural for pirates to hone their skills every moment. Although a bit vigorous, there’s no reason to disparage a proper duel.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“I’m grateful for your understanding.”

Feeling awkward addressing the Pirate King, Magellan offered utmost courtesy.

Then,

The Pirate King, wearing a serious smile, spoke to them.

“Yet, you know… watching you swing your weapons so diligently has got me feeling a bit restless.”

“…Huh?”

“Are you… serious?”

With a strange sense of déjà vu creeping in on Magellan, he felt an inexplicable unease begin to settle.

And, as fate would have it, her fears were not unfounded.

“How about this? Why don’t the two of you come and try to face me?”

“W-Wait a minute… Sir?”

“H-How can we face the Pirate King?”

The two people stumbled over their words, astonished.

To that, the Pirate King responded with a broad smile.

“You needn’t be so tense. It’s merely a spar, right? I just want to stretch a bit, and I don’t intend to fight seriously, so no need to panic.”

“However…”

“Well…”

Regardless, facing the level of a Grade 12, the pinnacle of martial prowess—

It was a battle against someone with a 100% loss probability.

Fighting someone so far beyond their reach would leave them as mere punching bags.

As Magellan pondered how to navigate this situation with minimal losses…

“Alright then, here’s the deal; if either of you manages to nick my clothes during this bout, I’ll grant each of you one wish within reason.”

“Huh?”

“W-Wish… you say?”

The audacious condition laid out by the Pirate King sparked a sudden flame of enthusiasm in the previously hesitant duo.

Not to mention, Franklin, whose desires were already apparent.

Magellan, too, realized this might be his chance to seize the officer position he yearned for.

Accepting the Pirate King’s challenge, the two brandished their swords and took their stances.

“This… time, we will cooperate. Stay focused.”

“Don’t be the one to mess things up.”

With that, their conversation shifted from gruff to a noticeably different tone.

As the Pirate King observed them, he began to imbue magical power into his Training Sword with a smile on his lips.