Chapter 57: Who Did It?
"Really… really?"
"Then why do they say they're human?!"
Su Yan explained, "I suspect the long exposure to purple moonlight caused cognitive impairment. Even though they're demons, the Moon Drip's demon-removal effect likely suppressed their nature. That's why Leon and the others weren't affected."
Suddenly, a man approached them.
"That's incredible! Thank you so much, mages."
"Bo… Bobo…" The demon village chief was visibly moved as he recognized the newcomer.
"Ghost!!" Lucy screamed; clutching "Happy" in fear.
"Isn't that the punting uncle?!" Gray recognized the figure, his demon-like form still retaining features of the boatman they had encountered before.
"Eh? Eh? You're not..."
The punting uncle explained, "It's just a stab in the chest. Demons aren't easy to kill. But since everyone thought they were human, it was terrifying for them. I had to leave the island alone."
"I'm really sorry for not telling you the truth earlier. I was afraid you'd run away if you knew."
Lucy thought silently to herself: Of course I'd run! A whole village full of demons? That's terrifying!
After the uncle finished explaining, the village chief and his son were joyfully reunited, the curse was lifted, and the village hosted a lively celebration filled with food, drink, and dancing.
Despite their terrifying appearances, it became clear that these demons weren't much different from humans at heart.
[Ding! Automatic sign-in successful!]
[Sign-in location: Devil's Island]
[Reward: 10 free attribute points!]
The system's familiar prompt echoed in Su Yan's mind, causing his brow to twitch slightly. It seemed the island's potential had been fully tapped.
Still, it was another gain he could add to his progress.
[Super Salted Fish Template System]
Host: Su Yan
Observation Haki: 200 (Elementary)
Armament Haki: 500 (Intermediate)
Conqueror's Haki: 4000 (Top)
Physical Skills: 0
Devil Fruit: Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Azure Dragon Form (Activated Human Form; next form unlocks at 5000 points).
Special Constitution: 47%
Remaining Attribute Points: 100
Su Yan studied the system panel, pondering where to allocate his new 100 points.
Physical skills weren't worth considering; they required thousands of points for any meaningful improvement. Observation Haki was already sufficient at 200 points, serving its purpose for dodging and sensing threats.
The real debate was between Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki.
Armament Haki, resembling a fusion of internal and external energy, focused on defense. It was only 500 points away from reaching the top level, which was undeniably appealing.
However, Su Yan ultimately decided to invest in Conqueror's Haki. His physical defense was already formidable, and the best defense, as they say, is a strong offense.
"System, allocate all 100 points to Conqueror's Haki," Su Yan commanded.
[Ding! Attribute points successfully allocated!]
Conqueror's Haki rose to 4100 points, and his Special Constitution also advanced to 48%. Su Yan immediately felt his body grow stronger, his energy reserves demanding rich nutrition. Without hesitation, he dove into the feast, eating and drinking to his heart's content.
As he approached the threshold of 5000 points, Su Yan wondered what form would unlock next—the full Azure Dragon form or a hybrid Dragon-Man form.
The Next Morning
Su Yan and the group returned to Magnolia Town.
"We're back!!"
"Welcome back!!"
"Happy" sighed with relief. "Ah, we finally completed the task… and all we got was a key."
Su Yan smiled. "Don't regret it now."
When the villagers offered payment, Su Yan had refused. Since it wasn't an officially commissioned mission, he only accepted the Zodiac Key as a reward.
"7 million Jewels… enough rent for years…" Lucy lamented while admiring the key.
Gray frowned. "You're the only one who profited, and you didn't even help!"
Although Gray lost to Leon, he still fought hard. Even "Happy" assisted Natsu in battling the trio. Lucy, meanwhile, contributed little, mostly staying on the sidelines.
Lucy hummed nonchalantly, pretending not to hear the criticism.
"Happy" teased, "You should just sell the key."
Lucy gasped. "What did you say, you thieving cat?!"
"As I said, there are only 12 Zodiac Keys in existence. They're extremely valuable."
Natsu interjected with suspicion. "The cow and the maid? They weren't that impressive."
Having seen Lucy summon weak Zodiac Spirits before, Natsu wasn't entirely convinced of their worth.
Lucy bristled. "If I train hard, my Celestial Spirits will be stronger than you!"
Natsu grinned. "Looking forward to it!"
"You'd better be ready!"
The group continued toward the guild, laughing and chatting.
On the way, Su Yan noticed townsfolk avoiding them, whispering nervously as they passed. He frowned, a sense of unease building in his chest.
Before long, they arrived at the Fairy Tail guild.
"What's… going on?"
"This… this is our guild?"
The Fairy Tail guild stood in ruins. The sign was shattered, thick iron pillars pierced through the building, and rubble was scattered everywhere.
Suddenly—"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The ground shook violently beneath their feet.
A voice, filled with suppressed rage, echoed through the air.
"Who did this?"