"Spiritual energy..." "Life energy..." "Conqueror's Haki..."
Argus stared at his newly updated system panel, his expression unreadable.
Conqueror's Haki he understood well enough. Even if he hadn't unleashed it yet, it was almost a birthright among true Edwards. The bloodline carried kingship like it carried their bones.
But the others...
"Spiritual energy... Life energy..." he muttered, brows knitting together.
He frowned.
They sounded like spiritual power and vitality—but the system, as always, offered no confirmation. No explanations. No guidance. No pity.
The classic "three-no" policy.
Left to his own devices, Argus started theorizing.
Current Status: Spiritual Energy: Level 5
Life Energy: Level 9
Conqueror's Haki: Level 5
"Let's test it," he decided coldly.
Without hesitation, he grabbed a steel letter-opener from the desk and slashed at his own forearm.
The blade bit in—
No. It didn't.
It skidded off harmlessly, not even leaving a mark.
"...Tch."
Argus added a layer of Armament Haki and tried again.
This time, the blade managed a shallow cut—but the wound sealed itself instantly, before a single drop of blood could fall.
He stared at his arm, flexing his fingers.
"So it's real," he muttered. "My body's life force has undergone a complete evolution."
Sitting down, he began mentally categorizing the changes.
Summary:
Spiritual Energy: Represents mental resilience, memory, willpower—the strength of the soul.
Life Energy: Governs vitality, healing speed, physical resistance, and likely extends lifespan.
Argus whistled low.
"This isn't just power... It's evolution."
He never cared much for the usual treasures of the world—Devil Fruits, ancient weapons, mythical artifacts. Tricks, all of them. Temporary tools for temporary kings.
True supremacy wasn't found in borrowed strength.
True supremacy was becoming strength itself. Mind and body, sharpened to the point where no trick could harm you. No storm could move you.
A being beyond monsters. A being closer to gods.
One thought. One step. One punch. And the world bends.
With that thought anchored in his mind, Argus closed his eyes.
A dreamless, undisturbed sleep followed.
---
BAM! BAM! BAM!
"F**k—?!"
Argus jolted awake, a dagger already in hand.
The door slammed against the wall, practically flying off its hinges.
Newgate charged in like a sea king on fire, his laughter booming like thunder.
"GURARARA~~!"
Argus rubbed his temples.
"Bro... it's not even dawn. We drank until one in the morning, remember?"
"What sleep?!" Newgate bellowed. "GET UP, DAMMIT! This one wants to see my niece!"
"You've gotta be kidding me..." Argus muttered.
He wasn't kidding.
No matter how much he grumbled, he still got dragged out of bed, and only bought himself time by forcing Newgate to sit through breakfast first.
Finally—at a slightly more human hour—he returned to Serena's room.
Serena was sitting up, nursing Artoria. Amusement danced in her eyes.
"Husband," she said warmly, "you might as well bring her out. Otherwise, Big Brother's going to explode."
Argus sighed heavily, but obliged.
Cradling Artoria with careful hands, he stepped out onto the sunlit balcony.
There she was.
Wide awake. Alert.
Big golden eyes surveying the world like a conqueror in miniature.
Golden hair shimmering.
Small fists clenched with innate pride.
She didn't look like a newborn. She looked like a young queen.
Newgate's breath hitched.
Then—
Plop!
The mountain of a man dropped to his knees without shame or hesitation.
Tears streamed down his face as he extended trembling hands.
Argus didn't speak. He simply, solemnly, placed his daughter into his brother's arms.
Newgate cradled her like she was sacred treasure.
"Gurarara~~..." he laughed brokenly, voice thick with emotion.
This was more than blood. This was the future. This was the legacy they would build with their own hands.
He held her for a long time.
Suddenly, a surge erupted from deep within him.
His muscles tensed. Energy exploded inside like a dormant volcano coming alive.
[System Notification: Resonance Lock Released. Transferring Regenerative Constitution ...]
[Recipient: Edward Newgate. Life Energy increased. Constitution Enhanced. Haki Surge Imminent.]
Newgate's eyes widened as a wave of heat spread through him.
His Conqueror's Haki flared out like a shockwave, shaking the walls.
Maids screamed. Guards froze. The castle creaked.
Only Artoria giggled.
Newgate blinked. Then blinked again.
He looked at Argus in disbelief. "What the hell was that?!"
Argus smirked faintly. "A thank-you gift from my daughter, apparently."
Newgate touched his chest. The strength swelling inside was unreal.
"...Maybe it's because I finally let go. I was obsessed with family for years. Maybe now that I've got one, the sea answered."
Argus didn't correct him.
Let him believe it.
Newgate threw back his head and laughed.
"THEN WE BUILD, BROTHER!"
---
The manor was a flurry of activity.
Serena's health had been declared perfect by Kureha herself, who scoffed when asked.
"Tsk. As if any problem would slip past me," she muttered. "The child's aura is practically divine. The mother's strong as a bull shark."
Shella and Sally came next, practically floating in with nervous smiles.
They cooed at Artoria, staring in wonder.
"She's perfect…" Shella whispered.
Sally rubbed her own belly absentmindedly, eyes shimmering. "I wonder if ours will be like her..."
Serena smiled softly. "Don't worry. Every child born of the Edward bloodline will have their place in history. And I'll make sure you're both taken care of. Always."
They nodded, shoulders relaxing, gazes drifting back to Artoria.
---
Elsewhere, in the main hall—
Doma, Hiroshi, and little Jozu stared with slack jaws.
"Is… she really a baby?" Jozu muttered.
Artoria, in Serena's arms, blinked once at them.
Then she giggled.
All three boys were Starstrucked.
---
Newgate stood tall on the castle steps.
Behind him, the wind caught his cloak like wings.
"I'm going to sea," he declared. "To find our place. To make our name."
Doma, Hiroshi, and even Jozu rushed up beside him, grins wide and hearts pounding.
"Then we're going too!" Hiroshi shouted.
Newgate turned to Argus.
Argus crossed his arms. "Then it's time we prepare a vessel worthy of our name."
Newgate grinned. "I'll be waiting."
---
A servant stood at the edge of the castle, releasing a small white pigeon into the wind.
A tiny scroll was tied to its leg.
The bird flapped once—twice—and vanished into the clouds.
---
Somewhere far away, in a candlelit room, a man opened a window and caught the bird.
He unraveled the scroll.
His eyes widened.
"Edward Artoria…"
His mouth curled into a slow, dangerous smile.
---
(CHAPTER END)