Rapid Progress

The next day, Carl reported to Zephyr on time. In truth, he was getting private lessons.

Carl had missed a week, falling behind considerably in his Six Powers training. Although Geppo was currently the only technique he could not use, as long as he could use Shave and possessed a powerful physique, he could easily master the art of stepping on his own feet to soar into the sky.

What Carl lacked now were a few useful tricks and practical combat techniques for the Six Powers, and Zephyr was clearly a qualified hand-to-hand combat instructor.

"I've already told you all the techniques worth explaining, but no amount of talking compares to a real fight!"

"Next, I'll be your sparring partner. Use every method at your disposal and attack me!"

Carl nodded, took up his stance, and immediately fired off a Finger Pistol. Then came a Nine Heavens Thunder Double Kick, which was really just a Tempest Kick. Finally, he used Shave to rush before Zephyr and punched at his jaw.

His moves looked fierce as a tiger, but his damage was only 250.

Zephyr received all of Carl's attacks without changing expression, then subdued him in one stroke.

"Such big movements! Are you deliberately letting others see that you're about to attack?"

"That's not how you use Tempest Kick. Swing your leg like a whip to maximize its power!"

In short, Zephyr showed Carl no mercy whatsoever during training. He taught him exactly as he should, and after a round of "military training," Carl's combat skills advanced by leaps and bounds. Other than Geppo, he had mastered every technique.

"Alright, that's enough for today! We'll continue tomorrow. Once your physique improves a little more, I'll teach you the techniques of Geppo!"

The filthy Carl panted lightly and slapped a burst of Holy Light onto himself, easing the fatigue from the high-intensity battle.

"Phew... Teacher Zephyr, when will I be able to awaken Haki?"

Zephyr frowned. He had wanted to scold Carl for wanting to run before he could even walk, but then he remembered that this fellow could not be judged by ordinary standards. After thinking it over repeatedly, he said,

"Carl, there's no need to rush Haki. Once you've thoroughly mastered the Six Powers, I'll give you special Haki training."

"Really? That's great! Thank you, Teacher Zephyr. Then I'll head back!"

Zephyr checked the time. Very good, there was less than an hour until lunch...

Life at the Training Camp was monotonous. Its only theme was hard work, struggle, and pouring out sweat!

Just like that, the days passed one by one. In the blink of an eye, the sixtieth day arrived, the prelude to the end of the recruits' Training Camp lives.

Because today was the day to assess the recruits' progress, more commonly known as the "Recruit Grand Competition."

After sixty days, Carl had transformed from a small fry into a true Navy elite. He stood alone at the top of the Training Camp, with even Ain and Ainz unable to compare.

Carl had long since completed the [Training Camp Turmoil Phase 2] mission. He had easily obtained ten Advanced Designated Attribute Enhancement Cards, along with the special skill Carl had most looked forward to, [Quick as a Rabbit].

Without using the Advanced Attribute Enhancement Cards, Carl's attributes were as follows.

Host: Carl

Age: 24

Physique: C

Perception: D

Will: D-

Special Abilities: [Still as a Virgin] [Quick as a Rabbit]

Holy Light Fruit: 5.8% (Awakening Progress)

Active Skill: Frailty (Usable)

It was not difficult to see from his attributes that Carl's strategy for using Attribute Enhancement Cards was to focus primarily on physique, secondarily on perception, and ignore will entirely.

Because Carl had discovered that as his strength continuously grew, his will attribute would gradually rise as well. So he could not be bothered wasting Enhancement Cards to raise it specifically.

The reason was simple. Physique affected Carl's strength, speed, stamina, recovery... while perception affected his reactions and thinking.

These two attributes had an enormous impact on Carl's combat power. One thing was certain: the higher these two attributes were, the stronger Carl's fighting ability would be.

As for will... the system's explanation was complicated, involving spirit, bearing, and all sorts of nonsense. The only thing worth noting was that once will reached S-rank, Conqueror's Haki would automatically awaken.

"Ring-ring-ring~"

"Carl, wake up! Aren't you taking the test today? Stop sleeping in!"

Monica, dressed in a white slip nightgown, shook Carl's shoulders vigorously. Carl soon opened his sleepy eyes, yawned, and muttered,

"Mm-hmm, okay, okay, got it!"

"Holy shit!"

Suddenly wide awake, Carl hurriedly climbed out of bed, dressed in his uniform in a panic, washed up, kissed Monica goodbye, and rushed toward the cafeteria. Only after eating did he arrive at the training ground.

"Phew, good thing I'm not late. Otherwise, Teacher Zephyr would tear me in half!"

"Morning, Brother Carl!" "Morning!"

After briefly chatting with Ain, Zephyr arrived at the center of the field. His deep, resounding voice rang out. "Recruits! Assemble!"

"Count off!" "One, two, three..."

Everyone was present.

Wearing a purple suit and a Justice cape, Zephyr swept his gaze over the ranks and said, "No need to be nervous. Today is only a test of what you've gained over these past two months."

"I have seen all your efforts and the sweat you've shed. To be honest, I'm very gratified, because you have not let your own hard work down!"

"You've all done well! Today, show the results of your efforts to your heart's content!"

"Oohhh!"

The hot-blooded recruits let out fervent cheers. Not wanting to seem out of place, Carl shouted along with them a few times.

Next, under Instructor Shuzo's guidance, all the recruits began warming up in preparation for the upcoming "Recruit Grand Competition."

Everyone understood clearly that today was their best opportunity, because it concerned their future prospects.

Zephyr had long said that officers of Commodore rank and above would watch every year's "Recruit Grand Competition." Anyone might be chosen by an officer to become their subordinate.

If they gained the favor of a famous Vice Admiral or even an Admiral, they could both enrich their records and earn massive military merits alongside them, drawing the attention of the Navy's upper ranks and rising rapidly through the ranks.

The Navy was not just about upholding justice and fighting. The Navy also had its share of social connections and unspoken rules.

That might sound somewhat utilitarian, but it was indeed the truth. Ten years of Navy service had taught Carl far too much.

Before he had built a good relationship with Charles, it had taken him seven years just to rise to Sergeant. After Charles took notice of him, he received one promotion a year and swiftly gained the rank of Lieutenant.

That pink-haired traitor Koby had risen straight to Colonel in only two years. Setting aside strength, Carl refused to believe Garp had not pulled strings behind the scenes.

Even Carl himself was the same now. Because of the characteristics of his Devil Fruit ability, he had caught the Fleet Admiral's eye, an Admiral's eye, and the attention of Zephyr, the man with the strongest Navy connections. Becoming an Admiral was no dream!