Chapter 121

### **Chapter 121**

Carl's warship had been specially customized by Marine Headquarters after consulting him. Aside from Carl, both Lucia and Ginny had their own rooms, each tailored to their preferences. Since Ginny hadn't joined them this time, Olivia was given her room for the night. After all, being *"invited"* by Carl for assistance, she deserved some special treatment.

Ginny's room had a soft pink décor, a girlish touch that subtly eased Olivia's nerves after a long and tense day.

Despite her usual composure, Olivia had been **shaken** by Carl's actions earlier. Now, finally alone, the exhaustion washed over her in waves.

She let out a slow breath, shaking her head before stepping into the bathroom for a hot bath.

Nearly an hour later, Olivia emerged, wrapped in a **white bathrobe.** The warmth of the bath had relaxed her muscles, but as she dried her hair and collapsed onto the bed, her mind remained restless.

The ship swayed gently, the distant sound of waves lulling her thoughts into a haze.

**Knock, knock.**

Olivia bolted upright like a startled bird, **heart racing.**

She hastily pulled the bathrobe tighter around her. **"Who is it? Please wait a moment!"**

A calm, **cool** voice responded from the other side.

**"It's Lucia. No need to open the door. I just wanted to inform you that at this speed, we'll reach our destination by tomorrow morning."**

Olivia let out a small sigh of relief. **"I understand. I'll be up early tomorrow and ready for work."**

**"Good. Please do."**

Though Lucia had said there was no need to open the door, Olivia, out of courtesy, quickly dressed and pulled it open.

Lucia was already **gone.**

A cold sea breeze **rushed in,** making Olivia shiver as it bit into her freshly bathed skin.

She quickly shut the door and mumbled, **"What a tiring day…"** before returning to bed.

---

### **Elsewhere on the Ship**

Lucia didn't head to her own room. Without Ginny onboard, it felt unnecessary.

Instead, she naturally made her way to **Carl's cabin.**

Inside, the sound of running water filled the space.

Carl, **mid-shower,** didn't even flinch when Lucia **entered without hesitation.**

He was used to it.

---

### **The Next Morning**

Olivia woke **early.**

As a scholar, discipline was ingrained in her routine. She expected to be the first one up—**but she wasn't.**

When she arrived on deck, **Carl was already waiting.**

Brimming with energy, he stood at the ship's railing, gazing at the distant **fog-covered island.**

He barely slept the night before—only **a short nap** was enough to recharge him. Lucia, on the other hand, still lay in bed, completely drained from their **late-night endeavors.**

Unlike her, Carl's excitement for the **Vampire Fruit** had driven him to rise early.

He turned at the sound of Olivia's footsteps, **grinning.**

**"Olivia, we've reached our destination. I'd appreciate your help once again."**

Olivia **nodded,** stepping forward.

**"It's my pleasure."**

Before she could react, she was suddenly **lifted off the ground.**

A brief wave of **dizziness** washed over her as Carl **soared.**

His powerful **black wings** cut through the mist, carrying them toward the **Ancient Town.**

By the time they landed, Olivia barely had time to process what happened. Carl helped her stand upright before turning to survey their surroundings.

Despite being called a **town,** it was completely abandoned.

A thick **miasma** hung over the land—a fog-like curse that induced **sleepiness** year-round. Over time, the original inhabitants deemed the place **unlivable** and left, turning the island into a ghost town.

The eerie mist curled around their feet, the silence heavy and **oppressive.**

Olivia hurried to keep up as Carl began walking forward.

Despite her strength, she was still **only human.** And in this unnatural place, **anxiety** stirred within her.

However, walking behind a **Marine Admiral,** she felt **a little safer.**

Suddenly, Carl **stopped.**

Distracted by the fog, Olivia **didn't notice in time—**

**Thud!**

She bumped into his back, stumbling slightly.

**"Ouch…"**

Rubbing her forehead, she looked up to find Carl **smirking.**

Without a word, he gestured **forward.**

Olivia squinted through the fog but saw **nothing.**

Realizing the difference in their vision, Carl simply **wrapped an arm around her waist.**

The next moment, they **moved.**

A gust of wind parted the mist as Carl effortlessly **flashed forward,** stopping in front of a **large stone tablet.**

Unlike before, the distance was short. Olivia quickly regained her balance and **focused.**

The **ancient inscriptions** covering the tablet were unmistakable.

**An ancient text.**

Her eyes lit up, the scholar within her **fully awakened.**

Without needing Carl's prompting, she **immediately** got to work.

For a while, only the sound of her quiet **murmurs** filled the air.

Then, she stepped back, looking **satisfied.**

Carl, watching from the side, asked, **"What does it say? Can you understand it?"**

Olivia **nodded, smiling.**

**"Yes. It describes a fruit—one said to hold evil power. Anyone who eats it will transform into a **devil**, drinking human blood and wreaking havoc."**

She paused, considering her words.

**"Judging by the description, it seems to be a **Zoan-type** Devil Fruit. The former residents of this place likely misunderstood Devil Fruits and thought those with abilities were monsters."**

Carl's expression **shifted.**

His mind wandered to **Robin.**

If history repeated itself, she could be **hunted** in the same way.

His gaze flickered toward Olivia before he **nodded.**

**"That sounds right. This is indeed the place."**

Then, he added, **"Let me tell you something else. The fruit in question is called the **Vampire Fruit**—a highly valuable **Mythical Zoan.**"**

Olivia's **eyes widened.**

**"A Mythical Zoan? No wonder the Navy sent an Admiral!"**

She assumed Carl was on **official orders** to retrieve it.

Carl didn't **correct her.** He simply **smiled.**

**"The tablet should also reveal the way to open the ruins. I'll need your help again."**

Olivia, filled with **confidence,** patted her chest.

**"Leave it to me!"**

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**+86 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg**