Lloyd stood frozen for several seconds, raising his hands with hesitation and clenching his fists tightly.
He did not feel even the slightest trace of weakness. Instead, the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit within him felt far stronger than before.
After standing silently for a long moment, Garling stepped forward with a faint smile and asked, "How do you feel? Are you satisfied with your current strength?"
Lloyd nodded once, then shook his right hand. The blade-shaped mark on the back of his hand writhed as several streams of pure darkness flowed out along his fingers, converging into his palm until they formed the unmistakable outline of a blade.
His arm trembled as the fluid darkness solidified. The Demon Blade Muramasa appeared in Lloyd's hand, radiating deep black light.
Holding the blade, Lloyd could feel the dark power inside him continuing to surge out. If it weren't for his thoughts about exploring the treasures in the secret chamber, he truly would have wanted to unleash his full strength then and there.
Lloyd probably already guessed why he wasn't affected by Sea Stone. Looking down at the Demon Blade Muramasa, he asked,
"Uncle Garling, is it because of this blade?"
"That's right," Garling confirmed, "The Demon Blade Muramasa not only enhances the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit, it also conceals your Devil Fruit aura. From now on, you need no longer fear the Sea or Sea Stone."
A smile spread across Lloyd's face.
As he and Garling walked toward the exit, he reached out and cast Almighty Pull on the door. Under the force of gravity, the two massive Sea Stone doors slammed shut with a thunderous boom.
Garling pulled out the key and locked it behind them before they left.
Outside the palace, Lucia had already dismissed all the golden-armored guards and stood alone, waiting.
When Lloyd and Garling emerged, Lucia's fervent gaze locked instantly on Lloyd.
Lloyd raised a hand to wave, and Lucia immediately hurried to his side, her voice gentle as she addressed him.
"Lloyd San…"
Lloyd took her hand calmly.
Her amber eyes glittered warmly and she said with a soft sparkle,
"Lloyd San, I am your loyal companion. This closeness feels natural…"
Even as she spoke, Lucia made no effort to pull back and instead leaned closer to Lloyd.
"Don't call yourself a companion," Lloyd said gently, "You know I have never treated you as anything less than someone important."
Lloyd reached into the dark bible and withdrew a long blade.
Lucia's eyes widened as she looked at the sword in his hand.
The blade rested in an exquisitely crafted scabbard, its guard shaped like golden petals and its crimson handle wrapped with intricate, dark-gold patterns.
Even sheathed, its sharp aura hinted at the blade's extraordinary nature.
"Lloyd San," Lucia said softly, "Did Saint Garling give this to you?"
Lloyd shook his head.
"No," he said, "This is for you. I chose it myself. Its name is Doom."
"This… this is for me?"
Lucia's surprise showed in her widened eyes.
After a moment, she waved her hands reluctantly and said,
"Lloyd San, this is far too valuable. I don't deserve it!"
Seeing her try to refuse the gift, Lloyd's expression turned stern.
"What do you mean you don't deserve it? If you don't want it, then you don't have to follow me anymore."
At that, Lucia's cheeks flushed, and she instantly lost her coy reluctance.
She knew Lloyd was serious beneath his calm tone, and she did not want to challenge that certainty.
Very obediently, she accepted the sword from Lloyd's hand.
"Thank you, Lloyd San," she said in a soft voice.
"That's better," Lloyd said, as if it was no big deal, "It's only a Great Grade Skill. Accept it without worry."
Lloyd attempted a dramatic flourish, part playfully cool, part serious.
Lucia's eyes softened, crescenting with warmth.
From the side, Garling subtly rolled his eyes.
You brat, he thought, using something I gave him to impress someone else and acting like it's your own style. This is unbearable!
Gazing at Lloyd and Lucia together, Garling finally reminded him in a plain tone,
"Lloyd San, have you forgotten what I told you inside?"
Lloyd didn't turn his head, answering casually, "Hmm? What did you just say, Uncle Garling?"
"You fool… I said I want to see your strength now that we are out here. You and Lucia, come with me to the training room."
There was no question about it; that was an order.
Lloyd sighed and pulled Lucia along to follow.
Although Garling called it a training room, when Lloyd entered, he realized this place was vast, even larger than the training field at the Navy School.
The walls and floor were densely marked with countless sword cuts.
Once inside, Garling said,
"Alright, you and Lucia will spar. I want to see the results of your training at the Navy. If I'm not satisfied, you'll train here until I am done. Oh, and Lloyd , no Devil Fruit abilities."
Before Lloyd could reply, Lucia said with a troubled look,
"But… I don't want to attack Lloyd San."
Her words were bold, and Garling's expression turned slightly displeased.
"You are quite brave, refusing an order. Are you afraid of hurting Lloyd?"
"No, Lloyd San is definitely stronger than me, I just…"
"Alright then," Lloyd interrupted with a wave of his hand, "I'm stronger than you think. Let's begin."
Lloyd knew Garling was losing patience, and he did not doubt that without his presence, Garling might have struck Lucia outright long ago.
Garling's outward kindness toward his family did not extend to others.
To most people, he saw every life as insignificant.
Only toward Lloyd did he show patience and a gentler side.
Lloyd had, in essence, saved Lucia's life.
The two stood in the center of the training room.
Lucia drew the Doom blade Lloyd had given her; its black edge gleamed with a chilling light.
Lloyd summoned the Demon Blade Muramasa.
He looked at Lucia across from him and smiled faintly.
"Lucia, Unc Garling said you are also a Devil Fruit user. Show me your ability."
Lucia nodded obediently.
Closing her eyes, a deep violet flame burst into existence around her.
Black wings unfurled from her back, and the golden armor she wore shifted under the forging heat of the purple flames, adopting darker tones and ancient patterns glowing with power.
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