Above the vast waters of the East Blue, the pirate ship sailed toward its next destination.
"Yes, yes, yes!" The navigator frantically nodded in response to Rin's inquiry. "The nearby islands include Lobal, Kyle, Windmill Village, and Knight's Island—also known as Arthur Island."
"Knight's Island?" Rin's interest piqued. "Tell me more about Arthur Island."
"Yes!" The navigator nodded repeatedly. "Arthur Island was once an ordinary island, but long ago, it was invaded by pirates who terrorized the villagers. Then, an unexpectedly powerful female knight appeared. She single-handedly defeated the pirates, saving the island. The grateful villagers revered her, and as the island developed, it eventually became a small kingdom. She became its first ruler, and the island was named Arthur Island in her honor."
"A female knight? Named Arthur?" A gleam flashed in Rin's eyes as a familiar image surfaced in his mind.
A young woman clad in blue and white armor, golden hair cascading down her back, gripping a majestic sword, her presence radiating grace and authority.
Artoria Pendragon.
King Arthur from the legends of the Holy Grail War.
It just so happened that Artoria was also a knight—no, a female knight, with the title of King Arthur. The similarities were uncanny.
"What was the name of the first king of Arthur Island?" Rin pressed further, curiosity creeping into his voice.
"I know it!" The navigator hurriedly responded. "Her name was Artoria Pendragon. However, she disappeared centuries ago and is believed to have died long ago."
"!!!"
Rin's eyes widened in shock.
Artoria Pendragon.
Could it be a coincidence?
Or was it truly her?
His heart pounded. He had initially thought it was just a resemblance, but this was too similar—right down to the name and title.
"Could it really be the same person?" he speculated.
If he could transmigrate into this world, why couldn't Artoria? The mysteries of crossing between worlds were unfathomable. Anything was possible.
After a moment of contemplation, Rin made his decision. "Set sail for Arthur Island. Once we arrive, I'll let you all go."
The pirates, relieved at the prospect of survival, eagerly complied. They adjusted the ship's course and headed toward Arthur Island.
However, despite being classified as "nearby," the journey was no short voyage. It would take at least two days to reach their destination.
For those two days, Rin focused entirely on training.
In the blink of an eye, the days passed.
On the morning of the third day, Rin stood on the deck, watching the waves. "How much longer?" he asked the navigator beside him.
"We should arrive in about three or four hours."
"Got it." Rin nodded, and the navigator quickly excused himself, feeling uneasy in his presence.
As the navigator departed, Rin turned inward and called upon his system.
"System, open the daily pack."
Ding! The host currently has three daily packs. Open all?
"Of course." Rin confirmed without hesitation.
Ding! Opening [Daily Pack] x3!
Ding! Congratulations! You have obtained the ability: Navy Six Styles – Moonwalk!
Ding! Congratulations! You have obtained the item: Skill Book [Sword Qi]!
Ding! Congratulations! You have obtained the weapon: Reim's Meteor Hammer!
Moonwalk (Geppo): One of the Navy's Six Styles, allowing the user to propel themselves mid-air by kicking the air itself, creating the illusion of flight.
Sword Qi Skill Book: Upon use, grants the ability to release cutting sword energy from slashes.
Reim's Meteor Hammer: A powerful weapon from a distant land, wielded by the warrior Reim in the battlefields of another world.
As the notifications flashed before his eyes, Rin's lips curled into a satisfied smile…
—————