Chapter 131: Plague No More, Only Dreams Remain!
Plague Island, Island Edge.
"Woof..."
Beside Hitsujii, a dog with dark red fur and a sword-shaped pendant around its neck was growling.
It was small, looking rather cute even when angry.
But the survivors silently kept their distance.
Because they knew clearly what kind of monster this seemingly ordinary dog truly was.
"Your ability is truly incredible..."
Holding his cane sword, Issho couldn't help but sigh.
Even as an ability user himself, he couldn't help but marvel at Hitsujii's power.
"Not at all, just some immature tricks... Hey, Yazi, quiet down!"
Hitsujii interrupted his modest words to shout at the dog, who whined once and quieted down.
Hitsujii nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Issho. "Sorry, this guy is a product of anger, so he didn't leave a ship intact—I'll have to trouble you to send them back, Mr. Issho."
"No trouble at all."
Issho shook his head. "Witnessing their return home and ensuring their families' safety is this old man's heartfelt wish."
However, he looked at Hitsujii with some hesitation. "But, are you really going to stay on this island?"
Even though he had heard Hitsujii's plan, he still found it unbelievable.
Yes.
After dealing with the Addi Kingdom's fleet, Issho naturally planned to send the survivors back to their hometowns.
But Hitsujii was different—according to him, he intended to stay on Plague Island.
"To be precise, this island is suitable for completing the mission assigned by the Leader."
Hitsujii nodded.
"You should reconsider—even if the island's poison doesn't affect you, after what happened, the Addi Kingdom and the World Government will inevitably investigate..."
Issho said seriously. "They showed kindness to this old man, so I won't speak ill of them—but for you, it's truly not a good situation."
Hearing this, Hitsujii shook his head. "Did you forget, Mr. Issho? I am 'The Zodiac'."
He said calmly. "As for opposing the world, my colleagues have done it countless times—I have my ways to handle it."
"..."
Seeing Hitsujii's attitude, Issho fell silent.
But...
"After sending the survivors home and ensuring their safety, this old man will return."
He looked at Hitsujii seriously. "This is this old man's promise."
Hearing this, Hitsujii chuckled. "No need."
"To be honest, even if you return, Mr. Issho, you might not find this island."
"?"
Issho couldn't understand this.
"Anyway, promise made."
But he didn't mind, taking it as Hitsujii's evasion.
"Debts must be paid, grievances must be avenged."
The no-longer-blind swordsman grinned. "This old man likes the rules of that mythical beast you mentioned."
Before Hitsujii could reply, Issho turned decisively.
"Gravity · Floating Field!"
Purple light circles flowed. The ground beneath the survivors shattered and floated up amidst their exclamations, flying into the distance.
"...What a stubborn guy."
Watching Issho fly away determinedly, Hitsujii shook his head.
Then, he turned to the other figure behind him.
"So, Miss Kori—what about you? Are you sure about this?"
It was Kori.
Having completely recovered her appearance, she showed why a haughty Celestial Dragon bought her.
In terms of looks alone, she was perhaps the most exquisite person Hitsujii had seen—her features were almost perfect, looking like a legendary elf.
"I have decided, Lord Hitsujii."
But now, her moist eyes held no girl's weakness, only determination.
It made her look heroic.
"I won't go back. I want to join you."
"I know I'm weak, but I'm willing to learn from the basics."
She looked at Hitsujii earnestly. "Please grant permission!"
Yes.
Although she had the chance to return to normal life, she didn't plan to.
Her appearance and body recovered.
But part of her soul remained in the past forever.
The experiences of this period changed her completely.
She knew her brother was a member of The Zodiac, under 'Yuji's' command.
She knew he must have paid a lot to find her.
He fulfilled his promise, becoming a warrior against the world to find her.
But...
"I can't always hide behind others."
She felt she should step onto the battlefield too.
"If one day, Alan needs my help, or others like me in this world need help..."
"Then—I think I should go."
She looked at Hitsujii firmly.
So...
"Ah, no need to be so formal."
Hitsujii scratched his head. "Since you said so, I'm not unreasonable."
"But joining the organization requires assessment, can't just agree casually..."
He raised his hand, dream clouds rising, and tossed something to her.
"But my next mission happens to need an assistant—wear this first."
Kori caught it instinctively, then paused. "Lord Hitsujii, this is..."
She looked at the item in her hand.
It was a mask, but not a Sea Beast Mask.
It was a flowing veil, like a dream.
[Dream Creation · Veil of the Faerie]
"Your mission item. Complete the mission, and you can formally join The Zodiac."
Hitsujii explained casually.
"But before that, let's leave this sea area."
"Leave?"
Kori was confused. "Didn't you say you'd stay on Plague Island?"
Hearing this, Hitsujii patted her head with a smile.
"I only said I'd stay on this island, not in this sea area. And who said this island is called 'Plague Island'?"
As he spoke, Kori saw an incredible scene.
Hitsujii's body began to slowly merge into the ground beneath his feet.
Until his body completely disappeared into the ground.
RUMBLE!
Transformation began on the entire Plague Island.
VMMM!
Starting from where Hitsujii merged, changes spread.
The soil seeping with poison underfoot seemed painted over by an invisible brush, emitting a gentle luster.
The stinking poison swamps in the lowlands slowly turned into beautiful waters.
They converged into crystal-clear streams.
And the 'Miasma Forest' in the center underwent exaggerated changes.
The gray-purple toxic fog shrouding the sun churned and condensed, turning into transparent curtains filtering the sunlight gently.
Twisted trees vanished instantly, replaced by dreamlike plants.
They had leaves shimmering with rainbow light, massive canopy-like trunks, scattering starlight with the wind.
The ground had no rotting leaves or poisonous insects, but layers of glowing blue moss.
The entire forest was like a dream.
Finally, in the center of the forest.
A massive peak rose from the ground.
From the peak, seven-colored water of life flowed down, forming a huge pool in the center of the forest.
Yes.
In moments.
The Plague Island symbolizing death transformed into a fairy tale wonderland!
"..."
Watching this miracle, Kori, holding the veil, was stunned.
Just then...
BOOM!
She heard the waves and saw the changes in the tide.
Kori realized what was happening.
"The island is moving?"
She vaguely understood Hitsujii's words.
He didn't plan to leave the island.
But the island would leave this sea area.
And at this moment...
"Kori."
The ground beneath her feet suddenly opened its eyes.
"L-Lord Hitsujii!?"
Kori's eyes widened instantly.
Hitsujii's Sheep Mask face had become part of the soil beneath her feet.
This was the last fruit equipped on Hitsujii.
[Island-Island Fruit LV4 - Can merge body into an island, making the island part of oneself. Can change island appearance and form at will, sense everything within, and control island movement. In merged state, damage to the island reflects on the main body. In independent state, can still influence the island partially.]
At this moment, a voice came from the entire island.
It seemed like a silent declaration to the world.
"Remember, this island is not Plague Island."
"From today on—it is 'Neverland' (Dream Island)."
"And you..."
He smiled. "Are the Guide of the island, Miss Faerie."
☆☆☆
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