Rapid Progress

The next day, Carl reported to Zephyr on time, which essentially meant getting private tutoring.

Carl had been absent for a week, so his training in the Six Powers had fallen quite a bit. Although the only technique he couldn't use yet was Geppo, as long as he knew how to use Shave, combined with his formidable physique, he could easily master stepping on his left foot with his right foot to ascend into the sky.

Currently, what Carl lacked were some tips and combat techniques for using the Six Powers, and Zephyr was clearly a qualified instructor in close-quarters combat.

"I've already told you the techniques you need to know, but talking about it a hundred times doesn't compare to a real, head-on fight!"

"Next, I'll be your sparring partner. Use all your means and launch an attack on me!"

Carl nodded, assumed a stance, raised a hand to deliver a Finger Pistol, followed by a Nine Heavens Thunder Double Kick—which was actually a Tempest Kick—and finally used Shave to rush in front of Zephyr, throwing a punch straight at Zephyr's mandible.

It was a flashy flurry of moves that looked like a fierce tiger, but the actual damage dealt was pathetic.

Zephyr accepted all of Carl's attacks without changing his expression, then subdued Carl in one swift motion.

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

"A Tempest Kick isn't used like that. Treat your leg like a whip and lash it out to maximize the power!"

All in all, Zephyr held back no mercy when teaching Carl; things were done strictly by the book. After a round of "military training," Carl's combat skills progressed by leaps and bounds, and aside from Geppo, he had thoroughly mastered all the other techniques.

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

A grime-covered Carl panted slightly, casting a Holy Light onto himself to soothe the exhaustion left by the high-intensity combat.

Phew—"Teacher Zephyr, when will I awaken Haki?"

Zephyr frowned, instinctively wanting to scold Carl for wanting to run before he could even walk, but thinking that this fellow couldn't be lumped together with ordinary people, he thought it over and said.

"Carl, there's no need to rush regarding Haki. Once you completely master the Six Powers, I'll give you specialized training in Haki."

"Really? That's great! Many thanks, Teacher Zephyr, then I'll be heading back!"

Zephyr glanced at the time—very good, there was still less than an hour until lunch...

Life in the training camp was very monotonous; its sole themes were hard work, striving, and shedding sweat!

Just like that, day after day passed, and in the blink of an eye, the sixtieth day arrived, which was also the prelude to the end of the recruits' training camp career.

Because today was the day to test the growth and gains of the recruits—commonly known as the Recruit Grand Competition.

Sixty days had passed, and Carl had also transformed from a mere grunt into a true elite marine, standing out head and shoulders above the rest in the training camp, leaving Ain and Ainz far behind.

Carl had also long since completed the Training Camp Turmoil Phase 2 mission, easily obtaining ten Advanced Designated Attribute Enhancement Cards, along with the special skill Quick as a Rabbit that Carl had been looking forward to the most.

Without the advanced enhancement cards, Carl's attributes were as follows.

Host: Carl
Age: 24 years old
Physique: c
Perception: d
Willpower: d-
Special Abilities: [Still as a Virgin] [Quick as a Rabbit]
Holy Light Fruit: 5.8% (Awakening Progress)
Active Skills: Frailty (Available)

It wasn't hard to tell from his attributes what Carl's strategy was regarding the attribute enhancement cards: he maxed out physique as his primary focus and perception as secondary, while completely ignoring willpower.

This was because Carl discovered that as his strength continued to grow, his willpower attribute would gradually rise on its own, so he couldn't be bothered to waste enhancement cards specifically on pumping it up.

The reason was simple: physique affected Carl's strength, speed, stamina, and recovery... while perception affected reflexes and thinking.

These two attributes had a massive impact on Carl's combat power, and it was certain that the higher these two attributes were, the stronger Carl's combat capability would be.

As for willpower... the system's explanation was very complex, involving a messy jumble of spirit and mettle. The only thing worth noting was that once willpower reached the S-rank, Conqueror's Haki would automatically awaken.

"Ring, ring, ring~"

"Carl, wake up quickly! Aren't you supposed to participate in the test today? Stop sleeping in!"

Wearing a white slip nightgown, Monica vigorously shook Carl's shoulders. Soon, Carl opened his sleepy eyes, yawned, and mumbled.

"Yeah, yeah, oh, oh, got it!"

"Holy crap!"

Suddenly jolting awake, Carl scrambled up from the bed in a panic, hurriedly put on his uniform, washed up, exchanged a parting kiss with Monica, and rushed off toward the cafeteria. Only after eating did he finally arrive at the training ground.

Phew—"Good thing I wasn't late, or Teacher Zephyr would have torn me in half!"

"Morning, Big Brother Carl!"—"Morning!"

After briefly exchanging pleasantries with Ain, Zephyr walked to the center of the parade ground, and his deep, resonant voice rang out: "Recruits! Gather!"

"Count off!"—"1, 2, 3..."

The entire roster was present.

Wearing a purple suit and draped in the cloak of Justice, Zephyr scanned the formation and spoke: "Everyone, don't be nervous. Today is simply a test of what all of you have gained over these past two months."

Your hard work and the sweat you've shed have all been witnessed by me. To be honest, I am extremely gratified because you haven't failed your own efforts!

"You are all doing a fine job! Today, please show off the fruits of your hard work to your heart's content!"

"Oh, oh, oh!"

With their blood boiling, the recruits let out fanatical shouts. Not wanting to look out of place, Carl also yelled along for a bit.

Next, under the guidance of Instructor Shuzo, all the recruits began warming up, preparing themselves for the upcoming Recruit Grand Competition.

Everyone understood very well in their hearts that today was their best opportunity, as this concerned their future prospects.

Zephyr had long since stated that every year's Recruit Grand Competition would be watched by officers of Commodore rank and above, and everyone had a chance to be selected by an officer to become their subordinate.

If one gained the favor of a high-profile Vice Admiral or even an Admiral, it would not only enrich their resume, but they could also follow them to earn massive military achievements, thereby catching the attention of the higher-ups in the navy and rising smoothly through the ranks.

The navy wasn't just about upholding justice and fighting; the navy also involved human relationships and networking.

Putting it this way might seem a bit utilitarian, but the reality was indeed so. Ten years of a navy career had taught Carl a great deal.

You must know that before getting on good terms with Charles, it took him seven years just to be promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer. After catching Charles's eye, he was promoted every single year, rapidly securing the rank of Lieutenant.

That pink-haired double agent Koby jumped straight to Captain in two years; leaving aside factors of raw strength, Carl simply didn't believe Garp hadn't pulled strings behind the scenes.

Even the present Carl was the same: because of the characteristic traits of his Devil Fruit ability, he was valued by the Fleet Admiral, valued by the Admirals, and valued by Zephyr, who had the strongest connections in the navy. Rising to the rank of Admiral was no dream!