Chapter 12: Bonds Forged in the Mountains - IV

[Note:

" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]

> System inner voice ["speaking"] <

> Ash inner speech "speaking" <

{}

After tending to their injuries, Ash, Lucy, Ace, Selina, and Uta spent the rest of the day bonding and getting to know each other better. Ace, initially hesitant, opened up more to the group, while Selina's natural charm and warm personality quickly won everyone over. Her quick wit and occasional sarcastic remarks fit in perfectly with the dynamic, making her an instant favorite.

Ash, as usual, couldn't resist his habit of flirting, much to Uta's frustration. Every time he made a cheeky comment, Uta would deliver a swift bonk to his head. Lucy and Selina, watching this, would burst into laughter, while Ace would smirk, clearly enjoying Ash's misery. The playful atmosphere lasted until the evening, strengthening the newfound bond between the group.

As they sat in the clearing, the golden hues of the setting sun lighting up the sky, Ash decided to take a moment to study Selina further. He activated Observe, and her stats appeared before his eyes:

Name: Selina 

Age: 10

Level: 10

Title: Noble

Status Effects: Injured (Recovering)

....................................

Stats:

Strength: 46

Agility: 45

Endurance: 50

Intelligence: 36

Charisma: 40

Luck: 20

....................................

Skills/Abilities:

- Basic Combat Training: Level 20 (Common; Beginner)

- Pipe Fighting (Basic): Level 20 (Common; Beginner)

- Survival Skills: Level 25 (Common; Beginner)

- Tactical Thinking: Level 20 (Uncommon; Beginner)

.....................................

Affiliation: None

Equipment: Steel Pipe ; Knife

 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ash's gaze lingered on Selina's stats for a moment longer. One detail caught his attention—she didn't have a last name listed. This absence reminded him of Sabo from the original timeline, who had abandoned his noble family and renounced his surname to forge his own path. It made sense now: Selina was likely in a similar situation. However, unlike Sabo from canon, she seems to still carry the title of Noble, perhaps clinging to some part of her past or its lingering shadow.

As Ash connected these dots, another thought struck him—her abilities mirrored Ace's in an uncanny way. Both of them had shown exceptional adaptability, strong combat instincts, and an undeniable will to survive. These parallels made him wonder just how intertwined the fates of these two childhood friends were.

Selina's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. "Hey, Ash," she called, tilting her head curiously, "how do you do all those things? Like... pulling stuff out of thin air? The healing drink, that first aid kit—how does it work?"

Ash gave a sheepish laugh, scratching the back of his head. He explained his system abilities in simple terms, revealing something he had only shared with Uta and Lucy before. "It's a voice—Celeste—that guides me, gives me gifts, and even lets me buy things I need. It's kind of like having a personal helper," he said with a grin. "But you don't need to think too much about it right now—just think I'm awesome!" he declared, striking a dramatic pose.

Before he could revel in his self-praise, Uta promptly bonked him on the head. Lucy tilted her head curiously. "Who's Celeste?"

Ash chuckled, rubbing the spot where Uta had struck. "Calling it 'voice' all the time just felt weird, so I gave it a name. What do you think?" he asked, glancing at Uta and Lucy.

Both of them nodded in agreement, with Lucy grinning. "Yeah, it's a pretty good name!" Uta smiled as well, nodding in agreement.

["Finally! You stopped calling me as 'The Voice.' to them, huh?,"] Celeste teased, her tone dripping with mock exasperation.

Ash groaned inwardly, "Alright, alright," he muttered in his thoughts, trying to keep his expression neutral. "Fine. Stop teasing me, okay? Not a word more."

Celeste's laughter lingered, but mercifully, she said no more—this time.

After wrapping up his explanation, Ash turned to Uta and Lucy, signaling them to step aside. "I need to talk to you two for a moment," he said.

The three huddled a few paces away, speaking in hushed tones. "What do you think?" Ash asked. "Are you two okay with giving the Soul Bind Bracelet for both Ace and Selina? It's not a small deal, but I think it's the right move if they are friends with us from now."

Uta and Lucy exchanged glances. Lucy's brow furrowed in thought while Uta lightly tapped her chin. Occasionally, all three glanced back at Ace and Selina, who were looking at them suspiciously. Ace crossed her arms, scowling. "What are they scheming now?" she muttered to Selina, who chuckled in response.

After half a minute of quiet deliberation, Lucy jumped up, punching a fist into the air. "Yosh! Let's do it!" she declared with enthusiasm.

Ash grinned. "Alright. Let's get this done."

Ash gestured for Ace and Selina to step forward. "Alright, you two, come here and show me your hands," he said, his tone carrying a playful edge.

Ace narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously. "What are you planning now, you pervert?" she demanded.

Ash smirked mischievously. "I want to give you a kiss. What do you say?"

Ace's face immediately turned a bright shade of red. "You idiot!" she shouted, her embarrassment evident.

Before things could escalate, Uta delivered another well-placed bonk to Ash's head. "Get to the point already!" she scolded, crossing her arms.

Ash, wincing and rubbing his head, gave a sheepish grin. "Fine, fine! No need to get violent." With mock seriousness, he asked again, "Ace, Selina, hold out your hands."

Still grumbling, Ace extended her hand toward Ash, and Selina offered hers to Lucy with a curious look. Both Ash and Lucy closed their eyes, focusing intently as they visualized the Soul Bind Bracelet forming on the wrists of the people in front of them.

A soft glow appeared around Ace and Selina's wrists, surprising them both. Slowly, a shimmering bracelet materialized on each of their hands.

The moment the bracelets appeared, Ace and Selina felt a slight prick against their skin, making them hiss in surprise.

"What the heck is happening?" Ace asked, looking down at the glowing band on her wrist, her tone shifting from surprise to confusion.

Selina rubbed her wrist, her expression mirroring Ace's. "It feels... strange," she murmured, trying to make sense of the sensation.

Ash raised his hands, calming their confusion. "Relax, it's called the Soul Bind Bracelet. It has a few cool features," he explained. "It's indestructible, always returns to you if lost, and lets you sense where the other bracelet holders are. If someone's in danger, it'll alert everyone else and guide them to help. Plus, it only bonds with people who genuinely are our friends—any malicious intent of harming us makes it disappear."

He grinned at their astonished expressions. "Pretty awesome, huh?"

Ash smirked, leaning slightly toward Ace. "Soo...., it seems like you really consider us friends now, huh, Ace?" he teased with a playful glint in his eye.

Ace's face turned a light shade of red as she crossed her arms. "Who considers you guys friends? Don't get ahead of yourself!" she snapped, though her blush betrayed her words.

Selina, now fully understanding the bracelet's purpose, chuckled softly. Ash added with a grin, "Well, if you had even the slightest enmity towards us, the bracelet wouldn't have bonded with you—it would've left. So, yeah, you're stuck with us now."

Lucy laughed loudly, pointing at Ace. "Looks like you're stuck with us forever, Ace!"

Uta giggled at Ace's predicament, while Selina joined in, poking fun. "Oh, she might get angry sometimes, but she's such a softy inside," she teased.

"Selina, stop it!" Ace exclaimed; her face now fully red as she waved her hands in protest.

Ash clapped his hands together dramatically. "Well, there's only one thing left now," he declared, turning to Ace with a mischievous grin. "How about a kiss to seal the deal?"

That was the final straw. Ace, face burning, yelled, "Stop asking for a kiss, you pervert!" and swung a fist at Ash, landing it squarely and starts thrashes him.

Uta joined in, bonking him on the head finally. "You never learn, do you, Ash?" she said, rolling her eyes but smiling.

After the chaos subsided, Ash sat on the ground, his face swollen from the combined assaults. Ace and Uta exchanged a glance, then gave each other a high five, their shared annoyance finally bringing them a moment of camaraderie.

Selina burst out laughing. "I guess you two do have something in common after all!" she said, clutching her stomach.

Selina continued, her tone turning more serious. "By the way, I have a problem, guys. I've lived in that trash heap for so long that everyone there knows about me. Now that the pirates are chasing us, they'll easily find me if I stay there."

Ash leaned back, thinking for a moment before responding confidently. "Then come live with us at Dadan's house," he offered casually.

Ace, Uta, and Lucy blinked in surprise. "Will Dadan even allow that?" Uta asked skeptically.

Ash smirked and waved them off. "Just follow me. Trust me, I've got this."

On the way to the bandits' hideout, they encountered three mountain buffalo blocking the path. Without missing a beat, Ash, along with Ace, Uta, Lucy, and Selina, worked together to take them down effortlessly. They dragged the buffalo with them, treating it like an everyday occurrence.

As they reached the house and stepped inside, Ash strolled in as if nothing unusual was happening. The bandits greeted them enthusiastically, with Dadan leading the charge. "Ash! Are you cooking today?" she asked excitedly, her eyes lighting up.

Selina, stepping into the house for the first time, was taken aback. "Wait, Ash can cook?"

Magra let out a hearty laugh. "Ash sure can cook! If you try his food, you'll be begging for seconds and thirds!"

Selina's face lit up with excitement. "Really? Then I want to try his cooking too!"

The bandits, now nodding in agreement, chorused, "Oh, you definitely should!"

But suddenly, as if a lightbulb flicked on in their collective minds, the room went silent for a beat before everyone simultaneously shouted comically, "WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!"

Dadan's loud voice cut through the chaos as she turned her attention to the group. "Ash, Ace, Lucy, Uta—who is she? And why the hell is there another brat with you now?!" she demanded, pointing at Selina with wide eyes.

The tension hung in the air as Ash scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin, while Selina blinked, unsure whether to laugh or feel nervous.

Ash gave a subtle head signal to Selina. She nodded and stepped forward, extending her hand to Dadan. "Hi there, I'm Selina. You're Dadan, right?"

Dadan squinted at her, recognizing the name. "Selina, huh? Aren't you the little pipsqueak I've heard about?"

Selina smiled back; her tone playful. "Oh, really? I've also heard that you're quite the shitty old hag."

Dadan's eyes widened in mock outrage. "Don't collect unwanted information!" she shouted, causing everyone to burst into laughter. Ace smirked at the exchange, clearly enjoying the banter.

Ash, trying to bring some calm to the situation, interjected. "Selina's going to be living with us from now on."

Dadan, not pleased with the idea, snapped back. "I won't accept it! I can't handle you four brats, and now you want to add another one? Not happening!"

Meanwhile, Ash, ever the problem-solver, had already placed the hot food in front of Dadan, despite the commotion. He gave her a simple nod.

Dadan's constant reason for Selina not being slowly began to resolve and it seemed to crumble in the face of the meal. She sighed, shaking her head. "Alright, fine. The brat can stay."

The bandits, watching the exchange, couldn't help but shout in unison, "YOU EASILY GOT CONVINCED WITH JUST FOOD!"

Ash chuckled. "Food's ready for everyone," he announced. The bandits, having forgotten the tension moments ago, rushed toward him for their fill.

Ace, Lucy, and Uta gave Selina a friendly pat on the back, assuring her with smiles that everything was resolved. Selina just chuckled in response.

Lucy jumped up excitedly, shouting, "Yes! Selina is staying with us!"

With that, everyone gathered for their meal, and after the laughter died down, everyone went to sleep. Well, almost everyone—Ash remained resting in his spot, not quite ready to sleep just yet.

Ash settled into his resting spot; his eyes half-closed as he reached out to Celeste in his mind. "Hey, Celeste, show me the message I received," he thought quietly.

Celeste's voice responded in his mind, clear and calm as always. ["You've completed the 'Befriend Ace' quest."]

A notification popped up before him, the familiar text illuminating in his mind:

Quest Completed: Befriend Ace

Objective: Gain Ace's friendship.

Rewards: 100 Coins, 2500 XP, Bonus Reward.

Celeste continued, her voice light and informative. ["You've also completed the chain quest for saving Selina from the Blue jam Pirates and befriending her."]

The screen flashed again, this time showing a new quest he completed:

Quest - 2 Completed: Save Selina from Blue jam Pirates and Befriend Selina

Objective: Help Ace save Selina from the Blue jam Pirates and gain Selina's friendship.

Rewards: 500 Coins, XP based on enemies defeated, Bonus Reward.

"Celeste," he called out in his mind, "How did I complete a chain quest without even knowing I had it?"

Celeste's voice chimed in, calm and matter-of-fact. ["Based on the situation, a chain quest will be released. For example, if Selina hadn't been taken by Porchemy, you would have received a standard quest to simply to befriend her like you got for Acelyn. However, she was captured, so the quest adapted into a chain quest to reflect the complexity of the events."]

Ash furrowed his brow, intrigued by the explanation. "So... there's a possibility to trigger quests like this depending on how situations unfold?"

["Exactly,"] Celeste replied. ["And not just that—if a quest is already assigned to you and the situation changes midway, the quest itself will adapt to reflect the new circumstances. If the difficulty increases, the rewards will also scale accordingly to match the challenge."]

Ash let the information sink in, nodding thoughtfully. "That... actually makes sense," he admitted. "But it also sounds like a lot to keep track of."

Celeste chuckled lightly. ["That's what I'm here for, Ash"]. Ash thanks celeste chuckling.

After Ash clicked on the bonus reward he got for the Quest - 1 for Ace, five mystery boxes appeared before him, just like when he finished Lucy's friendship quest. Each box had a "?" mark on it, waiting to be opened.

Ash clicked on one of the boxes, eager to see what was inside. A notification appeared with the following reward:

 {1}

Name: Skill Combining Ticket (x3)

Grade: Epic

Type: Consumable (One-Time Use per Ticket)

Description: These rare tickets allow the user to combine two or more existing skills into a single, enhanced ability. The fusion creates a new skill with unique effects or amplified attributes. The tickets can be used by the holder or given to others, enabling them to create hybrid skills.

Effect:

Allows the user (or someone else, if the ticket is given) to combine two or more existing skills into one new, hybrid skill. The new skill can be used immediately after the combination, retaining the best features of the original skills while adding new effects, damage, or utility.

Limit: Limited to 3 uses (one per ticket).

/////

Ash was excited to see what the next mystery box held. He couldn't wait to try out the Skill Combining Ticket later, imagining the possibilities of combining different skills. As he read through the description of the first reward, he decided to store it in his inventory for later use. He clicked on the second box, eager to see what he would receive.

{2}

Name: Gravitational Weights [Debuff Gravitational strain Str, Agi: 70% ; End : 40%]

Grade: Epic

Type: Equipment (Attachable to Hands and Legs)

Description: Advanced training equipment imbued with gravitational manipulation technology. These weights can dynamically increase their mass from the smallest measurable unit to an infinite amount, as determined by the user's will. Designed to push the user's body to its limits, they significantly reduce stats when equipped but grant stat growth through adaptation once removed.

Effect:

The user can set the weight to any desired value, from near-zero to infinite. When equipped: Strength and Agility decrease by 70%. Endurance decreases by 40%. When removed: The user's adjusted body immediately gains a permanent boost to Strength, Agility, and Endurance based on the weight the user adapted to while wearing the equipment.

The stat growth is proportional to the weight set and the duration of usage.

Limitations:

Excessive weight without adequate endurance can cause injuries or exhaustion.

////

Ash grinned as he saw the third box's contents. The Gravitational Weights would definitely help with his training, and he was already thinking about how to make the most of them. Eager to see what the final box held; he clicked on it.

{3}

Name: Equipment Upgrade Ticket (x1)

Grade: Epic

Type: Consumable (One-Time Use)

Description: A rare and valuable ticket that can be used to upgrade any piece of equipment, weapon, or accessory to its next tier. This upgrade enhances the item's attributes and grants new potential abilities or enhancements, making it more powerful and versatile.

Effect:

Upgrades any non-legendary equipment or weapon to the next tier (e.g., Common → Uncommon, Uncommon → Rare, Rare → Epic). The upgrade will increase the base stats (such as attack power, durability, defense, etc.) and potentially add a new unique effect or ability tied to the item's type (e.g., elemental damage, enhanced durability, special abilities, etc.). Note: If the equipment is already Epic, it will be enhanced further, potentially unlocking a new hidden ability or bonus effect (e.g., elemental enchantment or a unique passive effect). 

Limitations:

One-Time Use: The ticket can only be used once and will disappear after use.

Restrictions on Legendary or Higher: This item cannot upgrade Legendary or higher-tier items, but it can enhance Epic tier items to their maximum potential

//// 

Ash couldn't help but grin at the Equipment Upgrade Ticket—it was a great find, and he already had ideas about which piece of equipment to enhance. However, as he took a moment to reflect, a slight frown tugged at his lips. "All Epic... I was hoping for something a little more than Epic," he muttered to himself.

Celeste's voice echoed in his mind; her tone amused. ["Did you forget how much luck you had with the lottery? There's always a balance to things."]

Ash chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Yeah, you're right. I'm not too sad about it," he replied in his mind, the smile returning to his face as he imagined the possibilities for his future upgrades.

Ash mentally asked Celeste to open the bonus reward for Selina, eager to see what he would get this time. With a soft chime in his mind, Celeste revealed five new mystery boxes. Ash grinned, feeling the excitement of the unknown once again. He selected one of the glowing boxes, and as his finger hovered over it, the box lit up with a faint glow, signaling it was ready to be opened.

The anticipation hung in the air as the box slowly began to unravel, awaiting the mystery it contained.

(1)

Name: Blaze Repeater (Upgradable)

Grade: Epic (Bordering on Legendary)

Type: Weapon (Pistol)

Description: A soul bound pistol that grants the user the ability to create infinite ammo. Bullets are limited only by the user's imagination, from fire and ice to sound and energy. It can be infused with Haki if the user knows it, allowing for enhanced effects. This weapon is upgradable and can unlock even greater potential, making it a near-Legendary grade item.

Effect:

- Infinite Ammo: Manifest any bullet type based on imagination.

- Soul bound: Responds intuitively to the user's thoughts, enhancing control.

- Haki Infusion: Allows Armament or Observation Haki infusion for enhanced effects.

Limitations:

- Imagination-based: More complex bullets require greater mental focus.

- Stamina Drain: Powerful bullets drain stamina over time.

- Soul bound Restriction: Cannot be wielded by others.

////

Ash, after reading the description, thinks this will be a perfect gift for Ace and keeps it in his inventory. He imagines how much Ace would enjoy wielding such a weapon and how it could enhance his abilities, especially with the Haki infusion and there is still a chance for upgrade.

Ash clicks the second and third boxes without hesitation, eager to see what rewards they hold.

(2)

Name: Soul bind Orb

Grade: Uncommon

Type: Item (Orb)

Description: A mystical orb that can be used in times of grave danger. When crushed, it teleports the user directly to the person they are bound to, if that person is in immediate peril. The orb links partially to the Soul bind bracelet, allowing for immediate teleportation, even from great distances.

Effect:

- Soul bind Teleport: The orb teleports the user instantly to the person they are Soul bound with, if that person is in immediate danger (e.g., near death, trapped, or critically wounded).

- One-Time Use: The orb can only be crushed and used once before becoming inert.

- Directional Guidance: The Soul bind-linked individuals receive a signal that indicates the direction to the person in danger, allowing the user to act quickly if they are nearby.

Limitations:

- Single Use: The orb can only be activated once.

- Soul bind Condition: The orb only works for individuals with a Soul bind bracelet linked to the wearer.

- Danger Condition: The orb activates only if the person in danger is in grave peril.

- No Combat Use: The orb cannot be used during combat unless the person in danger is in life-threatening danger.

(3) 

Name: Chest of Bound Essence

Grade: Legendary

Type: Item (Chest)

Description: A mystical chest that duplicates consumables. Place a consumable inside, and it will create an identical copy after 2 days.

Effect:

- Item Duplication: When any consumable (from common to mythic grade) is placed inside, it will be duplicated into an exact copy after 2 days.

- Cooldown: Can be used after a week from the day copy is finished. 

Limitations:

- Consumables Only: Only non-equipment consumables can be duplicated.

- 1-Time Use per Consumable: The chest can only duplicate one item at a time.

////

Ash looks at the Soul bind Orb and feels a sense of satisfaction. He knows that it will be incredibly useful in the future, especially if someone close to him finds themselves in a dangerous situation. The ability to teleport instantly to them in a moment of peril is something he knows could be a lifesaver. He places it securely in his inventory, his mind already racing with possibilities.

Then, his eyes settle on the Chest of Bound Essence, and a wide grin forms on his face. Finally, a Legendary item that has immediate value. The idea of duplicating consumables, whether it's potions, food, or even rare ingredients, makes his mind spin with excitement. This chest will be a great asset in the long run, and he's already thinking of all the ways it can support the crew and their future battles.

"Finally, a legendary grade," Ash mutters to himself, feeling a sense of accomplishment from the rewards.

Ash carefully takes out the Seed of Conqueror from his inventory and places it inside the Chest of Bound Essence. He watches as the chest closes, knowing that it will take two days for the chest to duplicate the seed. After ensuring the chest is securely stored, he places it back in his inventory.

In his mind, Ash is already looking forward to what's coming. He had long thought about how difficult it was to get more Seeds of Conqueror from the store, and now, with the chest, he has found a solution. This will give him a steady way to obtain more seeds, allowing him to help his crew unlock their latent potential when the time is right. With the chest safely in his inventory, he feels confident in the plan he's set in motion.

Celeste chimes in Ash's mind, reminding him of the EXP he gained from the defeated pirates. Ash slaps himself in his mind, realizing he completely forgot about it in the excitement of the rewards.

"Show me how much I've gained," Ash asks.

Celeste responds by displaying the breakdown of the EXP:

Category Breakdown:

(1) Low-Level Pirates (Weak Pirates, Grunts)

 Number of People: 12

 EXP per Person: 300 EXP

 Total EXP from Low-Level Pirates: 300 EXP * 12 = 3,600 EXP

(2) Mid-Tier Pirates (Stronger Pirates, Skilled Fighters)

 Number of People: 7

 EXP per Person: 700 EXP

 Total EXP from Mid-Tier Pirates: 700 EXP * 7 = 4,900 EXP

(3) Boss-Level Pirate (Porchemy)

 Base EXP: 2,500 EXP

 Difficulty Multiplier (1.5x) for Porchemy: 2,500 EXP * 1.5 = 3,750 EXP

Total Base EXP:

- Low-Level Pirates: 3,600 EXP

- Mid-Tier Pirates: 4,900 EXP

- Boss-Level Pirate (Porchemy): 3,750 EXP

Total Base EXP: 3,600 + 4,900 + 3,750 = 12,250 EXP

Final Total EXP for Ash: 12,250 EXP

/////

Ash asks Celeste to open his stats and show him.

Name: Rafael D. Ash

Age: 9

Level: 12 -> 13

Experience: 3400/12,000 -> 11,850/15,000

Title: Reincarnator; Fate Intervenor 

...............................................................

Stats:

Strength: 48 -> 52

Agility: 46 -> 50

Endurance: 42 -> 45

Intelligence: 36 -> 38

Charisma: 36 -> 38

Luck: 21 -> 24

Unallocated Points: 50 -> 55

...............................................................

Inventory: Basic First Aid Kit x 5 ; Sea King's Blood Tonic x 1 ; Ship Enhancement Core: Time Dilation Room x 1 ; Potable Cooking Set x 1 ; Herb Collection Kit x 1 ; Basic Health Potion x 4 ; Sea Stone Shackles x 1 ; Devil Fruit Encyclopedia ; Minor Luck Charm x 1 ; Purity Crystal x 1 ; Training Manual: Advanced Physical Techniques ; Ability Grade Upgrade Ticket x 3 ; Phoenix Feather ; Basic Inventory Bag x 2 ; Iron Rod x 1 ; Mask of Alteration x 5 ; Cloak of Shadows x 1 ; Training Boost Pill x 5 ; Complete Rokushiki Manual x 1 ; Crystal of Fortitude x 1 ; Basket of Eternal Fruits x 1 ; Ship Enhancement Core: Eternal Repair Module x 1 ; Skill Combining Ticket x 3 ; Gravitational Weights ; Equipment Upgrade Ticket x 1 ; Blaze Repeater x 1 ; Soul bind Orb x 1 ; Chest of Bound Essence (contain seed of conqueror)

Store Coins: 11,480 -> 12,080 coins

Lottery Ticket: 0

Currency: 13,010,530 Beli

Equipment: Solu Bind Bracelet ; Kashu

..................................................................

Abilities:

[Active Abilities]

- Basic Marksmanship: Level 32(Rare; Intermediate) *

- Tactical Thinking: Level 31 (Rare; Intermediate) *

- Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics: Level 35 (Rare; Intermediate) *

- Seamanship Fundamentals: Level 31 (Common; Intermediate)

- Leadership: Level 9 (Rare; Novice)

- Strategic Intelligence: Level 9 (Rare; Novice)

- Stealth: Level 12 (Uncommon; Beginner)

- Fishing: Level 32 (Common; Intermediate)

- Cooking: Level 35 (Common; Intermediate)

- Basic Swordsmanship: Level 34 (Rare; Intermediate) *

- Fleet Coordination: Level 6 (Rare; Novice)

- Observe: Level 31 (Uncommon; Intermediate) *

- Herbalist: Level 5 (Common; Novice)

[Passive Abilities]

- Calm Mind (Rare; Enhanced) *

- Perfect Recollection (Rare; Enhanced) *

- Voice Resonance (Rare; Unique; Enhanced) *

- Inspiration (Rare; Novice)

- Survival Skills (Common; Beginner)

/////////

After seeing his stats, Ash smiles and nods in satisfaction. He feels good about his progress and the rewards he's gathered. Knowing there's much work to do tomorrow, he decides to rest and prepare for the challenges ahead. As he lies down, he closes his eyes, anticipating the busy day to come.

To be continued...

Hey everyone! I'm always looking for ways to make this story even better, and I'd love to hear your ideas. What powers do you think should be available in Ash's store? Maybe you have some cool concepts for abilities, weapons, or items that could make the adventure even more exciting!

Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, and if there's anything specific, you'd love to see in future chapters, let me know! I might even integrate your ideas into the story.

Also, don't forget to give some Power Stones if you're enjoying the journey! Your support means the world. 😊