The third time-this is the current [Scholar] advancement quest. (Continued)

Rather than forcing a draw as he had before by relying on his complex, ever-changing Devil Fruit powers!

But the Profession Upgrade Quest would take a great deal of time and effort. He couldn't rush it.

Instead of dwelling on some distant leap in strength, he was better off focusing on the present: making short-term plans and dealing with the people who needed dealing with.

Adrian left the Captain's Cabin and followed the clean, spacious passageway until he reached another cabin.

He raised a hand and knocked lightly on the wooden door.

"Please wait a moment!"

An urgent voice came from inside. After a rustle of movement, Fisher Tiger, the Fish-Man Adventurer whose body was wrapped in white bandages, opened the door.

"Is there something you need, Lord White Ghost? If you have any orders, I'll do everything I can to carry them out!"

Respect and deep gratitude mingled in Fisher Tiger's voice.

"No. There's nothing I need you to do right now."

Adrian raised a hand, declining Fisher Tiger's offer outright, then looked him up and down.

"Are you feeling any better?"

"I'm fine now—cough, cough!"

Fisher Tiger confidently raised his right fist and thumped his chest several times, only to set off a violent coughing fit. He hurriedly turned away.

Adrian took a few discreet steps back.

"Don't push yourself too hard, Fisher Tiger."

The Fish-Man Race did possess physical abilities far beyond those of humans, and Fisher Tiger was exceptional even among them.

But Adrian didn't know how long he had been enslaved in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise. The Celestial Dragons' relentless abuse had drained much of the strength from his once-healthy, powerful body.

The Fish-Man Adventurer's injuries went far beyond the bullet holes on his skin.

Of course.

On these seas, recovering one's strength