The Next Stage of Power

Chapter 30: The Next Stage of Power

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The Island Training Grounds

Sergio D. Arthur stood on a rocky outcrop overlooking the vast expanse of the deserted island. The training had been grueling, pushing each crew member to their limits. As the captain, Arthur felt the weight of responsibility and the need to grow stronger to protect his crew. His Armament Haki had reached Level A, a peak within the middle level of Haki, but he knew he needed more.

The levels of Haki were much like a game's leveling system:

-Elementary Level: Level E+ to C+ (E+ is the lowest, C+ is the peak).

- Middle Level: Level C+ to A.

- Advanced Level: Level A+ to S.

- High Level: Level S+ to SS.

- Top Level: Level SS+ to SSS.

- God Level: Level SSS+ to Z.

Arthur's current Level A Armament Haki placed him at the peak of the middle level, but to truly challenge the Grand Line's dangers, he needed to break through to the Advanced Level.

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Arthur focused his energy, channeling his Haki and trying to push through the bottleneck. He practiced striking at the air, envisioning his Haki enveloping his entire body and sword. His concentration was intense, but despite his efforts, he felt an invisible barrier.

Just as frustration began to set in, a familiar sound rang in his ear. "Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the main quest and getting rewarded with a Skill Dragon Might Slash, Revival Candy, one Breakthrough Potion, and a Battle Experience Simulator."

" Ding ! Host Received the reward of recruiting of Sixth crew mate - Devil fruit ( no side effects)."

Arthur's eyes widened in surprise. The system had been dormant for so long that he almost forgot about it. He quickly accessed the rewards details.

- Dragon Might Slash: "Use the power of heaven and earth and Haki to create a dragon intent from the sword slash."

- Revival Candy:"If a person is on their last breath, they can take this candy and regain their life to normal, healing all injuries, including regenerating limbs."

- Breakthrough Potion: "Use to upgrade any one specific STR."

- Devil Fruit: "Denki Denki no Mi (Electric-Electric Fruit) - A more specialized version focusing solely on electric currents. (Sea water free)"

Arthur decided to use the Breakthrough Potion immediately. He uncorked the vial, downed its contents, and felt a surge of energy course through him. His Haki intensified, his body enveloped in a powerful aura. The barrier he had felt earlier shattered, and he felt his Armament Haki evolve to Level A+.

"Ryo," Arthur muttered, as knowledge of the advanced form of Armament Haki, capable of internal destruction, flowed into his mind.

Feeling reinvigorated, Arthur made his way to where his crew was training. Alex was practicing his sharpshooting, hitting distant targets with precision. Hiroshi was honing his swordsmanship, each strike more powerful and precise. Lisa was navigating intricate obstacle courses, while Surv was perfecting her combat skills with kitchen knives. Dr. Megulus was deep in study, working on new medical concoctions, and Rio was cleaning his sniper rifle, his eyes focused and sharp.

Arthur's enhanced presence was immediately sensed by his crew. They paused their training, looking at him with awe and curiosity.

"Captain, you feel different," Hiroshi noted, his eyes wide with respect.

Arthur smiled. "I've managed to break through to the next stage of Armament Haki. It's now Level A+."

The crew cheered, their morale boosted by their captain's progress.

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Arthur then turned his attention to the Denki Denki no Mi, the Electric-Electric Fruit. This Devil Fruit had no side effects from sea water, a rare and invaluable trait. He considered each crew member carefully, weighing their strengths and roles.

After some thought, he approached Surv. "Surv, I want you to have this Devil Fruit."

Surv looked surprised. "Me, Captain? But why?"

Arthur nodded. "Your combat skills are already impressive, and with your talent for cooking, you're essential to our crew's well-being. This fruit will enhance your abilities, making you a more formidable fighter. You'll be able to protect us and yourself even better."

Surv took the fruit, her eyes filled with determination. "I won't let you down, Captain."

Arthur smiled. "I know you won't."

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Status Panels: Silverhair Pirates

Sergio D. Arthur:

- Armament Haki: Level A+

- Observation Haki: Level B+

- Conqueror's Haki: Level A

- Swordsmanship: Level S

- Body Level: S+

- Combat Competence Level: Vice Admiral

- Host Potential Level: SS+

- Devil Fruit: None

Ventic Surv:

- Armament Haki: Level C

- Observation Haki: Level D

- Conqueror's Haki: None

- Body Level: C

- Combat Competence Level: Lieutenant Colonel

- Talent: Cooking Level A

- Potential Level: AA

- Devil Fruit: Denki Denki no Mi

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Surv consumed the Denki Denki no Mi, feeling a strange sensation as the power of electricity surged through her veins. She concentrated, and arcs of electricity crackled around her hands.

"Try channeling it into your combat techniques," Arthur suggested.

Surv nodded and focused her energy. She swung one of her kitchen knives, now crackling with electric currents, and struck a practice target. The target exploded in a burst of sparks, the electricity amplifying the force of her attack.

"This... this is incredible!" Surv exclaimed, her eyes alight with excitement.

Arthur smiled, pleased with her progress. "You've done well, Surv. Keep practicing and master that power."

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With their training sessions concluded for the day, Arthur gathered his crew to discuss their next steps.

"We've made great progress," Arthur began, his voice filled with pride. "But we need to keep pushing forward. Our supplies are running low, and we need to stock up. Alex, I want you to lead the way to the next island and handle the procurement of goods and food."

Alex nodded, ready for the task. "Understood, Captain. I'll make sure we get everything we need."

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