Chapitre 27: Chapter 14: Strength in Shadows
Author's Note:
Hey everyone! 🎄✨ First off, I want to wish you all a (belated) Merry Christmas! I hope you had an amazing time celebrating with your loved ones. I also want to take a moment to apologize for the delay in uploading this chapter. Life's been a little hectic, but I'm back on track now!
This chapter is shorter than my usual updates, but I promise the upcoming chapters will return to their regular length (or even longer!). Thank you so much for your patience and continued support—it means the world to me! 💖
Let me know your thoughts on this chapter in the comments, and stay tuned for more exciting content soon!
Happy reading!
Sky_15
[Note:
" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]
> System inner voice ["speaking"] <
> Ash inner speech "speaking" <
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As the others rested, Ash stayed up, sitting outside under the starry sky. He called out to Celeste in his mind, expressing his intent. "Celeste, I want to use an Ability Grade Upgrade and Skill Combining Tickets."
Celeste's calm voice resonated in his mind. ["Of course, Ash. Let me show you the abilities eligible for combining."]
A list materialized in his thoughts: Marksmanship, Hand-to-Hand Combat, and Swordsmanship, alongside a 2nd list: Leadership, Tactical Thinking, Strategic Intelligence, Fleet Coordination, Seamanship Fundamentals, Inspiration, and Voice Resonance.
Ash nodded after a brief moment of thought. "Use one ticket on the first set."
The energy within him stirred as Celeste acknowledged his choice. ["Understood. Initiating fusion now..."]
Fusion Skill/Ability: Apex Combat Mastery
Type: Hybrid (Epic)(Active/Passive)
Description: A fusion of marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat, and swordsmanship, granting unparalleled proficiency in all combat styles. This skill allows seamless switching between different weapons and martial arts techniques with fluidity and precision.
Reflexes are enhanced, boosting speed and attack speed, while critical hit chance and damage are increased. Additionally, any nearby object can be used as an effective weapon, adapting to any combat situation and making the user a versatile fighter in all environments.
{}
Ash picked up a stick and stood on the soft ground, giving the skill a quick test. With just a thought, his movements transformed. He shifted between fighting styles as though he had wielded every weapon in existence for years. Each strike felt natural, and even when switching to hand-to-hand techniques, the transitions were seamless.
"Well, this is one hell of a skill," Ash muttered, smirking as he felt the surge of passive and active effects enhancing his reflexes and adaptability. "A hybrid ability that works both ways—nice."
Satisfied, he paused and called out to Celeste again in his mind. "Alright, let's use the second ticket for the next category."
Celeste's cheerful tone echoed in his thoughts. "Understood. Initiating second fusion..."
Fusion Skill/Ability: Captain's Command
Type: Hybrid (Epic)(Active/Passive)
Description: Combining Leadership, Tactical Thinking, Strategic Intelligence, Fleet Coordination, Seamanship Fundamentals, Inspiration, and Voice Resonance, this skill enhances the user's ability to lead with unmatched efficiency.
It allows for strategic decision-making, inspiring loyalty in the crew/allies, and commanding with charisma and tactical brilliance. The user excels at directing both land and sea operations, boosting morale and ensuring success in complex situations.
{}
Ash felt the weight of the skill settle into his mind, bringing with it a sharp clarity and an aura of authority. He clenched his fists, feeling a connection to leadership he had never experienced before. "Looks like I've leveled up my abilities in more ways than one," he muttered, the stars above him twinkling as if in approval.
Ash leaned back, a satisfied grin on his face. "These upgrades will definitely be invaluable when leading in the future," he thought, envisioning scenarios where his new skills would shine. "Giving precise commands during tactical situations is going to feel natural now."
Eager to see more growth, Ash called on Celeste in his mind. "Use one of the Ability Grade Upgrade tickets on my 'Observe' skill. Let's bump it up from Uncommon to Rare."
["Understood, Ash,"] Celeste replied cheerfully. ["Here's the updated description:"]
Observe: (Uncommon -> Rare; Novice)
This upgraded skill grants deeper insight into individuals with a high relationship (80%+), revealing detailed information such as stats, abilities, current mental state, and emotions. For enemies, it only shows basic details and their emotional state, with no access to their abilities or deeper thoughts.
{}
With a deep breath, Ash reached out to Celeste in his mind again. "Alright, Celeste, use the second Ability Grade Upgrade ticket on Calm Mind. Let's push it to the next level."
["Acknowledged,"] Celeste replied with a note of excitement. Moments later, she chimed back in. ["Upgrade complete. Here's the new description for your ability:"]
Mental Fortitude (Epic; Enhanced)
An extraordinary ability that grants unparalleled mental resilience. The user becomes immune to most forms of mental interference, including fear, confusion, anxiety, and mild forms of mind control.
{}
This skill enhances clarity, focus, and decision-making, even in the most chaotic situations, ensuring optimal mental and physical performance under stress. Additionally, the user's calm demeanor can inspire confidence and stability in allies, further amplifying its impact in group settings.
Ash read the description carefully, a thoughtful smile forming on his face. "This is already impressive," he muttered, "but if I can upgrade it further in the future, who knows? I might even be able to resist someone's Conqueror's Haki if they try to overwhelm me."
He leaned back, gazing at the starry sky. "Maybe there's a chance... someday."
Ash asks Celeste to shows his stats he wanted to see them after the upgrades he has just given himself.
Name: Rafael D. Ash (Shadow – Phantom Vortex)
Age: 9
Level: 13
Experience: 11,850/15,000
Title: Reincarnator; Fate Intervenor
Stats:
Strength: 52 -> 55
Agility: 50 -> 52
Endurance: 45 -> 48
Intelligence: 38 -> 40
Charisma: 38
Luck: 24
Unallocated Points: 55
Inventory: Basic First Aid Kit (x5) ; Sea King's Blood Tonic (x1) ; Ship Enhancement Core: Time Dilation Room (x1) ; Potable Cooking Set (x1) ; Herb Collection Kit (x1) ; Basic Health Potion (x4) ; Sea Stone Shackles (x1) ; Devil Fruit Encyclopedia ; Minor Luck Charm (x1) ; Purity Crystal (x1) ; Training Manual: Advanced Physical Techniques ; Ability Grade Upgrade Ticket (x1) ; Phoenix Feather ; Mask of Alteration (x1) ; Cloak of Shadows (x1) ; Training Boost Pill (x5) ; Complete Rokushiki Manual (x1) ; Crystal of Fortitude (x1) ; Basket of Eternal Fruits (x1) ; Ship Enhancement Core: Eternal Repair Module (x1) ; Skill Combining Ticket (x1) ; Gravitational Weights ; Soul bind Orb (x1) ; Chest of Bound Essence (seed of conqueror)
Store Coins: 12,080 coins
Lottery Ticket: 0
Currency: 13,010,530 Beli
Equipment: Solu Bind Bracelet ; Kashu
Abilities:
[Active Abilities]
- Stealth: Level 12 (Uncommon; Beginner)
- Fishing: Level 32 (Common; Intermediate)
- Cooking: Level 35 (Common; Intermediate)
- Observe: Level 1 (Rare; Novice) *
- Herbalist: Level 5 (Common; Novice)
[Passive Abilities]
- Calm Mind (Rare; Enhanced) * -> Mental Fortitude (Epic; Enhanced) *
- Perfect Recollection (Rare; Enhanced) *
- Survival Skills (Common; Beginner)
[Fusion Abilities]
- Apex Combat Mastery: Level 1 (Epic; Novice) *
- Captain's Command: Level 1 (Epic; Novice) *
Ash nodded as he checked his stats, feeling satisfied with the progress he had made so far. "Good," he muttered to himself, pleased with his growth and the new abilities he had gained. He also gained few stats for upgrading and fusing skills.
Later, as time passed, Ash entered the house and noticed the four girls sprawled out in the same spot where he usually slept. A thought crossed his mind, and he decided to check their stats, eager to see after the upgrade of Observe skill.
"Let's see it," he murmured as he approached them and uses the observe on them.
1)
Name: Monkey D. Lucy (Ember – Phantom Vortex)
Age: 7
Level: 12
Title: Avatar of the Sun's Flame
Status Effects: None
Stats:
Strength: 55
Agility: 54
Endurance: 66
Intelligence: 21
Charisma: 38
Luck: 16
Inventory Bag: Steel Fist Gauntlet ; Mask of Alteration
......................
Skills/Abilities:
- "D" Willpower: [Passive](Unlocked)
- Fighting Spirit: Level 32 (Rare; Intermediate) *
- Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics: Level 32 (Rare; Intermediate) *
- Unorthodox Movement: Level 20 (Uncommon; Beginner) *
- Combat Reflexes: Level 18 (Uncommon; Beginner) *
- Basic Grappling Techniques: Level 11 (Common; Beginner) *
- Foot Work Basics: Level 9 (Uncommon; Novice)
- Rubber Limbs Control: Level 9(Early Stage; Devil Fruit Ability) *
- Gomu Gomu no Pistol: Level 6(Early Stage; Devil Fruit Ability) *
- Gomu Gomu no Sling shot: Level 2 (Early Stage; Devil Fruit Ability) *
....................
Devil Fruit: Hito Hito no Mi (Human – Human Fruit) Model: Nika (Mythical – Zoan) – Early Stage
Affiliation: None (Pirate Aspirant)
Equipment: Soul Bind Bracelet ; Basic Inventory Bag
Lucy's Relationship meter: 87% (Crush but cannot understand)
Emotional State: Sleeping, but hungry.
Current Thoughts: Dreaming of a picnic with Ash, enjoying food together in a peaceful setting. She feels content and warm, imagining spending time with him while eating her favorite dishes.
Ash just chuckles at what he sees and checks Uta's, Ace's and Selina's
2)
Name: Uta (Siren – Phantom Vortex)
Age: 9
Level: 11
Title: Songstress of the Grand Melody, The Cursed Harmony of Tot Musica
Status Effects: Cursed (Tot Musica)
Stats:
Strength: 35
Agility: 43
Endurance: 30
Intelligence: 32
Charisma: 35
Luck: 20
Inventory Bag: Mask of Alteration
......................
Skills/Abilities:
- Harmonic Resonance: Level 37 (Common; Intermediate) *
- Melodic Manipulation: Level 27 (Rare; Beginner) *
- Songstress's Will: Level 28 (Rare; Beginner) *
- Dream World Creation: Level 9 (Late Stage; Devil Fruit Ability) *
- Emotional Resonance: Level 8 (Late Stage; Devil Fruit Ability) *
- Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics: Level 21 (Rare; Beginner) *
- Agile Acrobatics: Level 13 (Uncommon; Beginner) *
- Echoed Strike: Level 6 (Late Stage; Devil Fruit Ability) *
- Resilient Will: Level 8 (Uncommon; Novice) *
....................
Devil Fruit: Uta Uta no Mi (Sing-Sing Fruit) – Late Stage (Paramecia)
Affiliation: None
Equipment: Soul Bind Bracelet ; Basic Inventory Bag ; Resonance Pendant
Uta's Relationship Meter: Maxed (In love with Ash)
Emotional State: Sleeping, feeling at peace, but haunted by memories of the curse.
Current Thoughts: Dreaming of Ash, imagining him singing with her and sharing moments of happiness. Deep down, she's wrestling with her cursed past but feels comforted by Ash's presence. She longs for peace and wishes to overcome her curse with his support, hoping they can create a beautiful future together
3)
Name: Portgas D. Acelyn (Crimson – Phantom Vortex)
Age: 10
Level: 11
Title: Heir of the Pirate King
Status Effects: None
Stats:
Strength: 50
Agility: 52
Endurance: 50
Intelligence: 40
Charisma: 41
Luck: 20
Inventory Bag: Flintlock Pistol ; Knife ; Blaze Repeater ; Mask of Alteration ; 117,000 Beli
.................
Skills/Abilities:
- Basic Combat Training: Level 20 (Common; Beginner)
- Basic Marksmanship: Level 21 (Uncommon; Beginner)
- Survival Skills: Level 26 (Common; Beginner)
- Tactical Thinking: Level 21 (Uncommon; Beginner)
.......................
Affiliation: None
Equipment: Soul Bind Bracelet ; Basic Inventory Bag
Ace's Relationship Meter: 87% (Crush)
Emotional State: Sleeping, content and at peace, feeling pride in her parents legacy.
Current Thoughts: She dreams of her father, understanding his true nature, and imagines being with him and her mother. Ash is there by her side, providing support and comfort, making her feel loved and understood. Selina, Uta, Lucy are also by her side offering support.
4)
Name: Selina (Silver – Phantom Vortex)
Age: 10
Level: 10
Title: Noble
Status Effects: None
Stats:
Strength: 46
Agility: 45
Endurance: 50
Intelligence: 36
Charisma: 40
Luck: 20
Inventory Bag: Steel Pipe ; Knife ; Iron Rod ; Mask of Alteration
.........................
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: Soul Bind Bracelet ; Basic Inventory Bag
Selina's Relationship Meter: 87% (Crush)
Emotional State: Sleeping, calm, and secure, with a sense of warmth and affection.
Current Thoughts: She dreams of Ash, feeling grateful for his support and understanding. In her dreams, she imagines Ash standing by her side, helping her grow stronger, and offering a steady presence. She also envisions being surrounded by friends she considers family, all supporting each other and sharing moments of happiness together
Ash, after seeing their stats and reflecting on the deep bond they shared, smiles to himself, feeling content. He realizes how important each of them has become in this life, and how far they've all come together. With a sense of peace, he lies down to sleep, waiting for tomorrow 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. 😊
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone