This Time, It Was the Erudite Advancement Quest (Continued)

Adrian withdrew his equally damp fingers and pressed them against Elizabeth's lips.

"Just focus on what you're doing. Don't talk."

That afternoon.

The heartless man pulled up his pants, left behind the sheet music for two piano pieces, and waved goodbye to the reluctant singer.

On the deck of the Nether Abyss at the Ballywood Kingdom docks.

Shanks leaned lazily against the railing, an empty bottle dangling from his hand as he stared idly at the crowds passing through the port.

"Doctor Moe, did Adrian leave you any word about when he'd be back?"

Wrapped in bandages, Doctor Moe shook his head. "N-no."

"But we agreed we'd leave today! It's already afternoon!"

Shanks scratched his head, exasperated.

"If I'd known, I wouldn't have spent every last Beli I had last night!"

Doctor Moe had been about to comfort Shanks, but after hearing that last part, he swallowed the words.

"Get ready to leave. Now."

A familiar voice sounded beside them.

At the same time, the sails on the masts billowed without anyone touching them.

At the sight, Shanks and Doctor Moe instantly realized their "captain" had returned.

The Nether Abyss slowly sailed out of port.

Shanks glanced around, then quietly tossed the bottle into the sea.

Adrian's voice came again. "Shanks, come here!"

Shanks grimaced. "I haven't even done anything today!"

"Why do you look so guilty?" Adrian appeared on deck. "I found you a swordsmanship instructor."

Shanks walked toward him. "You mean yourself?"

"Golden Lion!"

Shanks perked up at once, and his steps quickened.

"So I wasn't dreaming that time?"

"Dreaming about what?"

Adrian gave Shanks a puzzled look, recalling what had happened half a month earlier.

"When you found the Float-Float Fruit," Shanks explained.

"I was badly hurt, remember? But I still saw you fight Golden Lion.