Chapter 73: The Poisonous Healer
Reiju, now around ten years old, didn't fully grasp the meaning of the term but had a vague sense that it was related to the power she had just obtained.
What was that just now? It felt like my deepest, most unforgettable memories had been laid bare… And that light… so warm, almost like my mother's will...
"Lord Wright… I think I've acquired a strange ability…"
"That is the power of Holy Light," Wright replied with a smile. Reiju hadn't let him down. Those with malice in their hearts could never pass the Lightforging Trial to become a Lightforged.
The Lightforging Trial differed from the Lightbinding Ritual. It was a test that forced one to confront their innermost self. Only by overcoming their personal demons and solidifying their resolve could one accept the power of Holy Light without losing their sanity.
"When the first paladins of Azeroth were baptized by the Holy Light, they didn't have the concept of 'Lightforging'… Hmm?"
Wright sensed his Holy Light resonating with the Lightforging sigil on Reiju's forehead. It felt as though… it was seeking permission.
"Granted," Wright murmured. In the next moment, Reiju waved her hands, summoning a burst of golden Holy Light that blasted a massive hole in the floor! At the same time, Wright felt a faint depletion in his own Holy Light.
"…Ah, I see now," Wright muttered, understanding immediately. As the only source of Holy Light in this world, the "benefit" Lightforged received was the ability to draw upon his power to unleash a Holy Light attack!
After dismissing Judge and his sons, who had come to investigate the noise, Wright nodded at Reiju. "What just happened was you borrowing a fraction of my power for an attack. Now, what aspect of Holy Light have you mastered?"
"I feel… I can heal wounds," Reiju replied, recovering from her shock at the destruction she had just caused. She focused inward, sensing her newfound power.
"Oh? Healing power, is it? That's quite remarkable…" Wright praised. Reiju's kind heart and willingness to help others made her awakening to healing abilities exceptionally fitting.
"Judge!" Wright called for him, summoning the Vinsmoke brothers as well. "Bring the boys over so we can test their progress."
"Lord Wright, I must thank you for freeing the children from their chains—they now act of their own free will and no longer obey me blindly," Judge said gratefully.
"The power of Holy Light would naturally remove such shackles—it's incompatible with its nature," Wright replied earnestly. "Including Reiju, all of them now possess the power of Holy Light. Anything that contradicts its essence simply cannot persist."
Nodding in thanks, Judge answered Wright's inquiry: "The three boys awakened the power of Retribution."
Looking at his now calm and quiet sons, Judge felt a sense of relief. "They are no longer cold-blooded or cruel. Although they seem a bit lost, they now have a chance to rediscover their emotions."
"Good. From now on, let them take their time to learn—Reiju, you'll be responsible for guiding them. Ichiji, Niji, Yonji, you must listen carefully to Reiju. Judge, I have other matters to discuss with you."
"Yes, Lord Wright!"
As the family of five saluted him in unison, Wright couldn't help but feel like he had stepped into yet another alternate reality.
"A tank (Judge), a healer (Reiju), and three damage-dealers (Ichiji and his brothers)… What a lineup!
"And Reiju isn't just any healer. Her modified body allows her to absorb and release deadly toxins. She's a proper 'poisonous healer!' And with the ability to borrow power from me? Tremendous potential! She must be trained well!"
"Judge, what else do you want to discuss?" Wright asked, once the siblings had been sent off to train.
Judge hesitated briefly before speaking. "It's about my other son…"
"Oh? You mean your only unmodified son, Sanji?"
"Yes, my lord. Not long ago, I said some very harsh things to him… During the war with the Kingdom of Cozia, he vanished. He must have fled.
"But he's just a normal boy, only nine years old. In such a dangerous battlefield, can he even survive? And even if he escapes, how will he live?"
Wright raised an eyebrow at the remorseful Judge. "Don't worry, Judge. That son of yours will find his own path and encounter wondrous adventures.
"He will discover his beliefs and gather companions who share his ideals. One day, you might even reunite.
"When that day comes, if you regret your actions, apologize to him in person."
"…You truly believe that?" Judge asked after a long silence, finally breaking into a small smile. "If so, then when we meet again, I'll make sure to sincerely apologize—as the scumbag father that I am."
"That day will come," Wright said with a meaningful smile.
"Now, let's discuss some ideas of mine."
"Of course, Lord Wright."
"After undergoing the Lightbinding Ritual and gaining the power of Holy Light, as a brilliant scientist, what do you think?" Wright asked with a smile.
"Hmm…" Judge furrowed his brow. "You're a Devil Fruit user. The fact that your Holy Light can be shared with others is unprecedented…
"I've been working with Vegapunk for so long, and we've only just scratched the surface of Zoan-type Devil Fruits—the lineage factor. But for a Paramecia power as complex and mysterious as yours, I simply don't have the knowledge to explain it."
"That's fine," Wright said, adjusting his posture. "Holy Light is simply a special form of energy—one that interacts with the mind. Regardless of its manifestation—be it Retribution, Protection, or Healing—its essence remains the same. It adapts based on the wielder's spirit and will.
"So, what about using Holy Light alongside Germa's technology to create combat gear and weapons enhanced by it?
"I've already created Lightforged Crystals imbued with healing power. They can sustain gravely injured individuals until help arrives. While effective, they're quite basic."
[TL/N: Changed Lighcast Crystal to Lightforged Crystal to better align with the Lightforged of WoW. Other terms with "Lightcast" in their names might be changed depending on the context.]
"This idea… seems feasible!" Judge exclaimed after some thought. "When it comes to combat suits—memory armor, specifically—no one in the world can match Germa's technology. The same applies to weapons, which could even be integrated into the suits!"
"Excellent…" Wright nodded. "I'll assist with the preliminary research, but I won't stay here forever. Once the foundation is laid, you must leave the East Blue immediately. If you anger old Garp, he won't care about the World Nobles' reputation—he'll come here and beat you senseless."
"I understand, Lord Wright. Only now do I realize what the World Nobles truly are—blights upon the world. Compared to them, at least pirates are honest about their nature."
"Heh… That will be our next topic…"
--------------------------------
If you want to support me and read advance chapters, please visit:
patreon.com / juanpiece
I would greatly appreciate your support if you choose to join my patreon 🙏