Chapter 21
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"Aha, the quality of this gun is really not bad, such a loud sound, it must be from a master craftsman."
"Wish I had one myself. Can you introduce me to one, Zyhark?"
After a few seconds of silence, Aqua, with a face full of smiles, quickly hides the exploded gun behind her, while sneakily flicking a spring from her hair with the other hand.
"Of course, of course... I'll introduce your mother!" Zyhark, usually elegant, finally loses his composure at this moment.
The big black bear, not fooled by this poor act, realizes the threat to its life is gone and unleashes its wild nature with a ferocious roar.
No matter what, these two arrogant humans must die today!
ROAR!!!
The bear, showing its fangs, charges at Zyhark with all its might.
In this critical moment, without anything to rely on, Zyhark can't practice Observation Haki calmly like before.
He stands firm, raises his arms in front of him, and forcibly blocks the bear's swipe.
"This strength is really heavy!"
The beast's natural power transmits through his arms to his entire body, and Zyhark clenches his teeth to withstand it.
Thankfully, his consistent training over the year, along with the defensive enhancements from the wishing well, prevent him from being overwhelmed at the moment of impact.
Of course, considering the current situation of slowly sinking, failure seems only a matter of time.
"Aqua, I can take this guy for awhile, you go first, head back to the village and call for some reinforcements!"
Zyhark instructs Aqua while resisting the bear's paws with all his might.
"Zyhark, you…"
Aqua is moved by the scene in front of her.
Since being summoned to this world, her impression of Zyhark has always been of cunning mixed with a hint of hidden perversity, always thinking things through with a calm demeanor.
She hadn't expected him to act quite manly at a critical moment!
Aqua's lips curl into a touching smile—if only her face wasn't covered in mud.
"Don't worry, I won't waste the opportunity you've created by risking your life!"
Aqua, with determined eyes, throws away the useless gun and decisively turns to run.
Then, a second later, she stops, standing awkwardly in place.
She doesn't know the way back to the village…
But it's also because of this, recalling Zyhark's word "reinforcements," that Aqua remembers a crucial piece of information.
As the capable and all-powerful Water Goddess, she actually has supportive skills that can enhance physical abilities!
"Aiya, aiya, always using Holy Water magic against the bandit hideouts, I almost forgot what I'm best at."
Aqua turns back towards Zyhark and the bear, poses with her hand on her forehead in what she considers a very cool gesture.
"Who do you think you're trying to impress with your posing, useless goddess!"
Under the immense pressure of the bear's strength, Zyhark's arms tremble, "I can't hold on much longer, hurry up with whatever you have!"
If he wasn't so tied up, he'd run over and give this fool a piece of his mind!
Perhaps it's because Aqua's other aspects (like her intelligence) were too dazzling, Zyhark hadn't considered she might have supportive skills.
"Hmph, since you're so earnestly requesting support, I, the goddess, shall fulfill your need."
"But after that, remember to join the Axis Church and become Aqua-sama's most devout follower!"
Aqua raises her goddess staff, pushing her remaining power to the limit.
Buzz! Glorious light transforms into pure energy at the staff's tip.
"Blessing! Attribute Enhancement!"
With Aqua's serious cry, icy blue light weaves around Zyhark's feet, forming a cool magic circle.
Immediately, Zyhark feels his body being filled with rapidly expanding power.
Speed, strength, defense, perception, and spirit all receive significant boosts!
"Finally, you're of some use, my partner." Zyhark's lips curl into a slightly domineering smile.
Looking again at the bear close by, his eyes are no longer weary but filled with confidence.
Besides sturdy defenses, he now possesses "fangs" and "claws" to match the bear's might!
"Be careful, big dumb bear, now it's a fight between beasts!"
With those words, Zyhark's arms unleash a force far beyond his previous capabilities, pushing back the dazed bear!
ROAR!!
The bear's primal instincts fully awaken, sensing danger, its eyes turn blood-red, fangs fully bared.
This is the desperate state it enters when facing a formidable creature!
Thus, what was supposed to be a simple Haki training session for Zyhark, thanks to Aqua's meddling, turns into a real battle for survival!
...
After a fierce battle lasting several minutes, Zyhark stands as the victor through sheer physical dominance.
With a thud, the bear collapses, lifeless, alongside Aqua, who lies sprawled by the river's edge.
The bear was defeated by Zyhark's direct punches, while Aqua, well, was essentially drained by Zyhark…
Having just crossed into the world of pirates, Aqua's potential is high, but her stamina is limited.
The noon sunlight filters through the trees, casting light on the battle-scarred clearing.
The bright light makes it difficult for Aqua to open her eyes, her mud-caked face cracking like a shattered mask.
Zyhark is also in rough shape, bruised and battered, his shirt torn by the bear's claws, revealing his muscular chest.
"Even though this mess is all your fault, and our training turned into a disaster, you did well, Aqua!"
Dragging his weary body, Zyhark moves to Aqua's side, blocking the harsh light for her.
He bends slightly, offering a hand to the limp goddess.
"You're really something, Zyhark. If it wasn't for me today, you'd probably be bear food by now."
"Don't know where you got such good luck to have a goddess as outstanding and powerful as me for a partner!"
Aqua, instinctively ignoring Zyhark's earlier remark, basks in the praise, showing off her true colors.
Despite her words, she still reaches out her hand.
Even a high and mighty goddess sometimes needs help.
(End of Chapter)