Chapter 123

### **Chapter 123**

Tears welled up in Olvia's eyes, the weight of sudden aging still **fresh in her mind.**

Before she could spiral further into panic, Carl **placed a hand on her shoulder.**

A soft **red glow** pulsed from his palm.

In an instant, Olvia's body **returned to normal.**

Her silver hair regained its luster, the deep wrinkles **vanished,** and the strength in her limbs **returned.**

She blinked rapidly, touching her face, her hands trembling.

Realizing this was the power of the **Bat-Bat Fruit,** her gaze snapped to Carl—who was watching her with a **mischievous grin.**

Her relief immediately **morphed into fury.**

**"Admiral Black Dragon, do you enjoy scaring me?!"**

Carl **spread his hands,** his grin widening.

**"Didn't you say I was going to die suddenly? I just wanted to prove that I'm perfectly fine."**

Olvia huffed, still shaken, but **her scholarly instincts** quickly took over.

With a serious expression, she began circling Carl, **examining him.**

Muttering to herself, she traced theories in her mind.

**"This is incredible… But isn't it impossible to eat more than one Devil Fruit?"**

She stopped, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

**"Could it be that people can eat two Devil Fruits? Maybe that person's case was just special?"**

Her logical mind **raced** toward a **wildly incorrect conclusion.**

Carl sighed and deactivated his ability.

With a **light flick to her forehead,** he smirked.

**"Stop with the theories. I'm special. That's all you need to know. Don't go spreading dangerous ideas that might get others killed."**

But Olvia wasn't done yet. **Her curiosity burned brighter.**

**"Then can you tell me why you can eat two Devil Fruits?"**

Carl shrugged. **"Oh, I can't."**

**"..."**

Olvia's **exasperation** was palpable.

She turned away, refusing to engage further.

Carl chuckled and reached out to pat her shoulder again—

But Olvia **jerked away, eyes wide in horror.**

The **trauma was still fresh.**

No one could **easily forget** the feeling of being aged into an old woman.

Carl raised his hands in surrender.

**"Alright, alright. It's a long story. I'll explain someday."**

His tone softened.

**"You've helped me quite a bit today. Is there anything you want? Maybe I can grant your wish."**

Olvia **hesitated.**

What she wanted most was **access to the Poneglyphs.**

But could she **admit that** to Carl?

Carl, noticing her pause, smirked.

**"Are you interested in history? Perhaps… the Poneglyphs?"**

**"!?"**

Olvia's pupils **contracted.**

Her breath hitched, and her fists clenched **instinctively.**

But she quickly **forced herself to relax,** taking a slow, deep breath.

Locking eyes with Carl, she spoke deliberately.

**"You already know."**

Carl smiled but didn't confirm or deny.

**"I know much more than you think."**

His voice lowered slightly.

**"Olvia, do you think I should hand you over to the World Government?"**

A **tense silence** filled the chamber.

Then, without hesitation, Olvia replied.

**"You should. But you won't."**

Carl raised an eyebrow. **"Oh? And why is that?"**

**"Because if you truly wanted to, you'd have already done it."**

Olvia's voice was **calm but firm.**

**"You have the Bat-Bat Fruit now. If you wanted to capture me, we wouldn't be standing here talking."**

Carl chuckled, crossing his arms.

**"If I let you go… will you continue your mission?"**

Olvia's answer was immediate.

**"Yes. The world has a right to know the truth."**

Carl's **smirk faded.**

Slowly, he stepped toward her.

**"The truth? Power?"**

A **suffocating pressure** suddenly filled the chamber.

The weight of **his Haki** pressed down on Olvia's shoulders.

His voice was **cold.**

**"Do you think those are things the weak can afford to touch? The only fate awaiting the weak… is death."**

The moment the word **"death"** left his lips, the pressure **intensified.**

Olvia **gasped for air,** her knees nearly buckling.

She clenched her teeth, **refusing to fall.**

But just as the pressure became unbearable—

Carl **withdrew his Haki.**

The weight lifted, and Olvia sucked in a desperate breath.

Carl's expression was unreadable.

**"And is the so-called truth really that important?"**

His voice had softened, almost casual.

**"Most people in this world just want to live in peace."**

Olvia **didn't answer immediately.**

Her expression was conflicted, as if she were **rethinking everything.**

Carl shrugged, letting the topic drop.

**"Forget it. Do what you want."**

He turned away.

**"Before the World Government catches on to you, I'll pretend I don't know a thing."**

A **soft whisper** escaped Olvia's lips.

**"Thank you."**

Carl smiled faintly. **"You're welcome."**

He glanced at her once more. **"My offer still stands. If you have a wish, tell me. I'll grant it if I can."**

Olvia hesitated, **about to speak—**

But suddenly, Carl's **ears twitched.**

His expression **shifted instantly,** and his serious demeanor melted into something **soft.**

**"It's time to head back. Lucia is still waiting for me."**

The sudden change didn't surprise Olvia.

She understood now.

Carl hadn't **changed the topic randomly.**

He had **heard** Lucia's voice—from the warship.

Before she could process that realization, Carl **wrapped an arm around her waist.**

In a **blur of motion,** they vanished—leaving only a **thick mist of blood** behind.

---

### **Back on the Warship**

Lucia lay near the edge of the deck, staring at the sea.

Carl appeared behind her **without a sound.**

He leaned in slightly and whispered, **"Lucia, I'm back."**

Lucia turned in surprise.

**"Cousin! I was just wondering…"**

Carl smirked. **"You were wondering why the young master hasn't returned with the fruit yet?"**

Lucia froze.

**"Wha—?! Cousin! Were you standing behind me this whole time?!"**

Carl smiled but **remained silent.**

A few steps away, Olvia frowned slightly.

She turned to Lucia, her tone careful.

**"Vice Admiral Lucia… did you really say that just now?"**

Lucia's **expression shifted.**

Her face turned emotionless, and her voice was **flat.**

**"Yes."**

**"Exactly those words?"**

Lucia **nodded.** **"Mhm."**

**"..."**

Olvia swallowed hard.

A sudden **realization hit her.**

Carl hadn't just **guessed** what Lucia was thinking.

He had **heard** her.

From that **far away.**

But that was impossible… right?

Unless…

Olvia's eyes flickered to Carl.

She had been **thinking about this all wrong.**

His enhanced hearing wasn't from **Observation Haki.**

**It was a power granted by the Bat-Bat Fruit.**

Because Carl **wasn't human anymore.**

**He was a vampire.**

---

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