Chapter 52: Fallen Angel

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Seeing Lucia's transformation, Carl couldn't help but glance at Garling in admiration.

"Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit? It looks like one. Uncle Garling, you're really generous. Thank you."

Garling folded his arms and remained silent, but a faint, almost imperceptible smile played at the corner of his lips. He was clearly pleased with Carl's words.

If Carl had known what was going through Garling's mind, he might have suspected that his uncle was deliberately showing off.

By now, Lucia had fully unleashed her fruit's power. When she opened her eyes, her amber irises had turned deep purple, glowing with an eerie radiance.

The transformation had also refined her appearance—her face now carried a mature, almost divine beauty, and her already alluring figure had become even more captivating.

When she turned to look at Carl, he felt an unexpected heat rising within him. A strange restlessness coursed through his body.

Carl definitely wasn't harboring any improper thoughts—this sensation was most likely linked to Lucia's Devil Fruit ability.

Lucia, however, seemed completely at ease in his presence. She slightly parted her red lips and spoke in a voice as soft as silk.

"Young Master, my fruit is a Mythical Zoan… the model of a Fallen Angel. My ability is—"

"No need to explain," Carl interrupted, narrowing his eyes. "I think I've already got the gist of it. Let's begin—I want to experience it firsthand."

Lucia smiled. "As you wish, Young Master."

With a single beat of her black wings, she shot forward like a streak of darkness, leaving a trail of black feathers in her wake.

*Clang!*

*Kōrō no Hikari* and *Muramasa* clashed, sending a burst of energy rippling through the training hall.

In her Fallen Angel form, Lucia's speed and strength had increased drastically. Carl could tell from just this exchange that she was definitely stronger than today's top female Marine student, Gion.

However, the one truly surprised at this moment was Lucia.

Even in her enhanced state, Carl had blocked her attack effortlessly. She had expected resistance, but this level of power was beyond her imagination.

She gazed at Carl's youthful face in a daze. And then, to Carl's utter confusion, tears suddenly welled up in her eyes.

"...Huh?"

Carl was stunned. *I haven't even attacked yet—why is she crying?*

He stopped caring about the fight entirely. Using just enough force, he pushed *Kōrō no Hikari* away, then pulled Lucia into his arms.

"What's wrong, Lucia?" he asked gently.

Lucia's nose twitched, and she choked out, "Young Master… You must have suffered a lot outside all these years. There's no way you could have grown this strong just by training in the Marine Academy…"

Carl blinked. *So that's what this is about?*

He thought back to his experiences. Aside from his time in the Valley of the Gods, his life hadn't been particularly hard.

Scratching his head, he said, "Lucia, I think you're overthinking this. My life outside wasn't as bad as you imagine. Honestly, it was pretty easy. As for my strength… maybe your Young Master is just exceptionally talented?"

Lucia wiped her tears, preparing to respond—

But before she could, Garling's sharp voice cut through the air.

"What are you two doing?! Carl, do you want me to test your strength personally?"

Lucia immediately jumped back, flustered. "Young Master, let's continue the fight!"

She knew that Garling wasn't the type to hold back. If Carl refused to take this seriously, his uncle might step in himself—and Lucia feared that would end badly for Carl.

Carl, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. *If Uncle Garling really starts attacking me, I'll just use Kamui and let him swing at air. It's not like it'd be the first time.*

In fact, Carl was even tempted to mess with Garling, just to see his frustrated reaction.

But seeing Lucia's anxious expression, he decided against it.

Time to wrap this up.

Without hesitation, Carl raised his knee and executed a lightning-infused Rankyaku.

"*Rankyaku!*"

Lucia's pupils contracted slightly. Without missing a beat, her golden armor expanded, reinforcing itself as she raised her sword in defense.

The Slash Wave struck *Kōrō no Hikari*—but instead of dissipating, its sheer force pushed Lucia backward.

Beads of sweat formed on her forehead. *If I hadn't transformed in advance, that attack alone would've ended this fight.*

Carl still underestimated her.

She smiled, her confidence returning.

Dark purple flames ignited around her body as she activated her ability further.

Her strength surged once again. With a swift slash of *Kōrō no Hikari*, she dissipated Carl's attack entirely.

Looking up at him, she gave a smile both sweet and seductive.

"Young Master, you truly are amazing," she murmured. "I like you the most."

Carl froze.

"…What?"

Lucia giggled, her lips curling playfully. A faint purple mist escaped her mouth as she spoke.

"Young Master, I just used my fruit ability."

Carl narrowed his eyes. "What kind of ability?"

"This purple flame is called the *Flame of Desire.*"

Lucia's voice was hypnotic.

"It causes people to burn in their own desires until they turn to ashes. But when I use it on myself… it amplifies my strongest desires, greatly increasing my power."

Carl's expression darkened slightly.

"…So your strongest desire is—"

"Yes." Lucia smiled, her eyes shimmering with mischief. "*You,* Young Master~"

Her words sent a ripple through Carl's mind.

The strange heat in his body intensified. The *Flame of Desire* was affecting him, making his heartbeat quicken unnaturally.

Carl wasn't worried about losing control—he could suppress it.

But what he *was* worried about… was Lucia running her mouth any further.

After all, Garling was still watching.

With a flicker of movement, Carl appeared right in front of Lucia. Flipping *Muramasa* around, he aimed to strike her abdomen with the blunt side—

But before he could land the hit, Lucia spread her arms and embraced him.

"Wha—?!"

Caught off guard, Carl had no time to stop his momentum. He crashed straight into Lucia's ample chest.

Lucia giggled, wrapping her arms around him.

Then, before he could react, she leaned down—

And kissed him.

Her black wings folded inward, wrapping around them both.

Outside, Garling's eye twitched. He stared at the unfolding scene, then closed his eyes and sighed deeply.

"…I should never have let these two fight."