"Judging by the direction it's running from, it seems to have come from the tavern as well."
"Could it be that it witnessed what just happened and specifically chased after us to express its gratitude?"
"Are all animals in the world of pirates this intelligent?"
A thoughtful glint flashed through Will's eyes.
But this was clearly not something he could figure out in a short time.
So he didn't bother dwelling on it. Instead, he simply said, "Let's go. Ignore it."
"Once the townspeople realize the pirates have been dealt with, they'll naturally return to clean up the aftermath."
After speaking, he seemed to recall something. Lifting his hand, he reached into the massive bundle slung over his shoulder and pulled out two sausages, tossing them toward the little dog.
Without lingering further, Will resumed his stride toward the harbor.
Watching Will's tall figure from behind, Nami and Karina exchanged a glance, then smiled knowingly before quickening their pace to catch up.
Woof! Woof!
The little dog looked at the two sausages that had fallen before it. Instead of eating them immediately, it barked twice in Will's direction before lowering its head to pick them up.
A few bites later, it finished its meal.
A gleam of intelligence flickered in its eyes before it turned and dashed back toward the town.
--
Some time later.
Led by the little dog, Shushu, and the town mayor, Butler, who sported a distinctive poodle-like hairstyle, the townspeople hurried toward the harbor.
But by then, Will and his companions had already set sail, leaving the port behind.
In truth, the townspeople had long heard the commotion in town.
However, they hadn't dared to rush in recklessly to investigate.
It was only when Shushu suddenly ran up to them, barking loudly, that Mayor Butler realized something was amiss.
Without hesitation, he led the townspeople back into town, only to discover that the entire Buggy Pirates had been wiped out.
Even the terrifying clown, Buggy, was nowhere to be found.
Afterward, Shushu led the mayor and the townspeople to the harbor, hoping to find the benefactor who had saved their town.
Unfortunately, they had arrived a step too late.
"Hmm?"
While Mayor Butler felt a pang of regret, his gaze landed on a large bundle left at the harbor, filling him with surprise.
Walking over, he opened it—only to be utterly stunned.
Inside, gold and silver treasures gleamed brilliantly under the sunlight.
"Huh? What's this?"
At that moment, Butler noticed something peculiar resting atop the treasure—a book that appeared rather unremarkable.
Realizing it was likely left behind by their benefactor, he didn't take it lightly. Instead, he carefully picked it up and flipped it open.
Seeing the concise and straightforward content, he began reading aloud, word by word:
"A man must rely on himself."
"Rokushiki martial arts?"
--
"You're quite the kind soul, Captain Will."
Karina propped her chin on her hand, smiling as she gazed at Will, who was silently drinking in his chair.
"Not only did you take down the pirates for the townspeople, but you even left behind a sack of treasure."
"To be honest, I've never met anyone like you before."
"Even the so-called Navy wouldn't willingly share treasure with commoners after eliminating pirates."
At the helm, Nami, though still feeling a little heartache over the lost treasure, acknowledged Will's decision with approval:
"I think Will did the right thing. The Buggy Pirates may not have razed the town to the ground, but they must have looted the townspeople's wealth. Leaving them some treasure will help the town recover faster."
"Ohoho~" Karina chuckled, eyeing Nami with amusement before teasing:
"I personally don't mind. What I enjoy most is the thrill of acquiring treasure."
"But if I recall correctly, someone looked particularly reluctant when she saw that sack of treasure being left behind at the port."
"Uh…" Nami's expression stiffened at that remark.
However, she didn't bother arguing. With a cold huff, she ignored the sly fox beside her.
Just then, a thought struck Nami, and she turned to Will, asking curiously:
"By the way, Will."
"I saw you place a book inside that sack of treasure earlier. What was written in it?"
The corner of Will's lips curled into a subtle smile as he replied meaningfully:
"Nothing much, just something to give the weak a means to protect themselves."
"A means to protect themselves?" Karina and Nami exchanged puzzled glances, unable to fully grasp his intent.
Will didn't elaborate further. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the waves outside, silently sipping his drink.
At the same time, he shifted his attention to his system panel.
[Acquired 1,800 Purity Points]
[Current Purity Points: 25,200]
Will was quite satisfied with the rewards from this battle.
After some thought, he decided to spend 10,000 Purity Points on a long-awaited ten-roll talent draw.
[Acquired minor enhancements in physique and mental strength]
[Acquired skill: Explosive Garment Amplification]
[Explosive Garment Amplification: Upon garment destruction, one's aura and overall strength receive a significant boost.]
"Huh, I actually got a skill? Not bad."
Will was pleasantly surprised—after all, this was his first time drawing a skill.
"I never thought 'explosive garment destruction' could be an ability."
"It seems talents and skills don't always follow conventional logic."
"I'll have to find an opportunity to test it out."
As he felt his physique and mental strength subtly enhance, Will took another deep swig of his Sherry wine, a glimmer of anticipation flickering in his eyes.
--
Meanwhile, elsewhere…
While Will relaxed and chatted with Nami and Karina aboard the ship, things were far less pleasant for Buggy the Clown.
After being sent flying from the town and plunging into the sea…
The non-swimmer Buggy instantly sobered up, only to start drowning frantically before losing consciousness again.
When he finally came to…
He found himself washed up on an unknown island, his stomach grotesquely bloated.
PFFT—!
With one hand pressing against his belly, Buggy spewed out seawater like a fountain before staggering to his feet, exhaustion written all over his face as he scanned his surroundings in confusion:
"Damn it… Where the hell did I wash up?"
"Why is there no one around?"
He trudged toward the nearby jungle, looking left and right for any signs of life along the shoreline.
But just then…
A massive shadow loomed over him, swallowing his entire form in its darkness, freezing him in place.
Snapping his head around hastily…
He found himself face to face with an enormous, tiger-headed, bear-bodied creature, its jaws dripping with saliva as it lunged for him!
CRUNCH—!
"YAAAAAH! HELP ME—!"
With a loud snap of fangs, Buggy split himself in two just in time to evade the bite, his eyes brimming with terror as he howled in despair.
Seeing its meal suddenly split apart and reassemble, the tiger-bear froze in place, its eyes reflecting pure confusion.
ROAR—!
But it didn't ponder for long before charging forward again, growling ferociously!
"YAAAAH! STOP CHASING ME—!"
Buggy wailed, tears shooting from his eyes as he picked up speed.
And so, man and beast disappeared into the jungle…
Thus began a contest of speed and endurance.
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