The little creature had the head of a tiger, the body of a lion, and a pair of deer-like antlers atop its head. Its fur was pure snow-white, and its appearance was irresistibly adorable. The moment it appeared, it instantly captured the hearts of the girls. Even Robin, who usually kept her emotions carefully hidden, was not spared.
Because Bai Ze had hatched from Eli Winters' blood, a natural bond had formed between them. Eli could easily sense its thoughts, as well as clearly understand its abilities.
Even while still in its infancy, Bai Ze already possessed extraordinary powers.
Whenever it joined its companions in battle, Bai Ze could release a mysterious energy that granted powerful buffs to its allies. These enhancements came in many forms, and as Bai Ze continued to grow, their effects would only become stronger.
Once Bai Ze reached adulthood, its power would be nothing short of astonishing. At that stage, it would be able to wield lightning itself, fighting with a force no weaker than those who possessed the legendary Lightning Fruit.
But what delighted Eli the most went far beyond combat.
When Bai Ze guarded a territory, the fortune of that land would undergo a dramatic transformation. Ordinary soil would become fertile and prosperous, as though blessed by heaven itself. Favorable weather would become the norm, and even more astonishingly, the likelihood of talented individuals being born in that region would greatly increase. Because of this, calling Bai Ze a guardian divine beast was no exaggeration.
After playing happily for a while, the newborn Bai Ze soon grew sleepy and quietly curled up in Eli's arms. Looking at the tiny creature, no larger than a human head, it was hard to believe it had hatched from such a massive egg.
Felina gently stroked Bai Ze's head and asked softly, "Brother Eli, what should we do next? Are we staying here, or leaving?"
The others all turned their eyes toward Eli, waiting for his answer.
"Let's stay for a few days," Eli said with a smile. "There's no rush. Exploring Starfall Island properly sounds nice."
"Awesome!" Big Pan said cheerfully. "We can stock up on local food. I have to say, the beast meat here is really good."
"You're such a glutton," Felina said, rolling her eyes.
Everyone burst out laughing.
The Next Day
Instead of exploring together as usual, everyone split up to pursue their own interests. The girls formed a group and excitedly headed for the bustling streets to shop, while Big Pan led the guys toward some of Starfall Island's unique recreational activities.
Eli did not join either group. He stayed behind in the inn, deep in thought, trying to figure out a way to speed up Bai Ze's growth.
After thinking for a long time with no success, he finally turned his attention to the system shop.
After some searching, he found something promising.
Universal Beast Feed.
The price was steep. Each pack cost one thousand Prosperity Points. According to the description, feeding a pet one pack would increase its growth speed by ten percent.
It was expensive, but for Bai Ze's sake, Eli clenched his teeth and decided to buy one pack to test its effects.
The moment he took it out, Bai Ze instantly became excited. Its bright eyes locked onto the fragrant feed in Eli's hand, and drool began to drip from its mouth as it stared longingly.
Seeing this, Eli could not help but laugh. He gently flicked Bai Ze on the head. "So you're a little foodie too, huh?"
"Awoo…" Bai Ze whimpered pitifully, looking at him with watery eyes.
"Alright, alright. I'll give it to you," Eli said, smiling as he patted its head.
The pack was not large, roughly the size of ordinary pet food. Eli poured about half a bowl into a wooden basin for Bai Ze.
Bai Ze eagerly started eating, but after only a few bites, it suddenly began whining.
This startled Eli. He quickly picked it up. "What's wrong?"
After a brief exchange, Eli could only laugh helplessly. It turned out Bai Ze had eaten too much. The feed contained a large amount of energy, and with its current body, it could only handle about half a bowl. Any more and it would suffer indigestion.
"That's my fault," Eli said apologetically. "I should have checked first. Sorry, little one."
Bai Ze rubbed its head against his palm, as if trying to comfort him.
"Alright. Go rest and digest it," Eli said gently, placing it into a soft bed.
Putting the remaining feed away, Eli could not help but sigh. Products from the system really were worth their price.
Over the next three days, Eli and his companions fully enjoyed their time on the beautiful and mysterious Starfall Island.
Three days later, they decided to continue their journey.
After briefly saying goodbye to Lang Yan, Eli opened a spatial gate. One by one, they stepped through and vanished without a trace, the entire process swift and unnoticed.
Before leaving, Eli silently said in his mind, "System, sign in."
"Ding. Sign-in successful at Starfall Island. Rewards received: 11,332 Prosperity Points, one Technology Castle, and one Mechanical Ship Flight Module."
"System really gets me," Eli muttered with satisfaction.
"Honored Sage, Mr. Eli Winters and his group have departed," Lang Yan reported respectfully inside an elegant pavilion.
The ratfolk Sage nodded calmly, as if he had already known.
Lang Yan was about to leave when the Sage spoke again, his voice low and steady. "Lang Yan, General Hu Shan of the Seventh Legion has been severely injured and can no longer serve. From today onward, you will take his place."
Lang Yan's face first lit up with surprise, then darkened with concern. "Honored Sage, the Seventh Legion is filled with veterans loyal to General Hu Shan. I fear I may not be able to command them."
The Sage smiled faintly. "It is fine. Go and assume the position. Someone will help you stabilize things."
Lang Yan bowed deeply. "I will not fail your expectations."
After he left, the foxfolk woman appeared once more.
"Rat Nine says the demonization potion is at its final stage. They only need a test subject," she said softly.
The Sage smiled coldly. "The leader of the Seventh Legion sounds suitable."
"You mean Hu Shan?" she asked, worried. "He is proud and difficult to control."
The Sage chuckled. "The Seventh Legion no longer belongs to Hu Shan."
Elsewhere, Eli and his crew returned to the place where they had first departed from Alabasta.
Eli summoned the Silver Dragon from storage, and everyone eagerly boarded it.
That night, they held a grand feast. Afterward, Eli distributed essential crew gear to Robin and Bai Ze, including storage rings and tags.
The next morning, everyone received beautifully engraved waist plaques bearing their names, each containing enough space to last them for years.
Standing at the bow, Felina asked excitedly, "Brother Eli, are we heading straight for Sky Island?"
"Of course," Eli replied with a confident smile.
Robin closed her book and asked curiously, "Do you truly believe Sky Island exists?"
"It does," Eli said softly. "And it holds something you'll find very interesting."
Robin's eyes widened. "The Poneglyphs?"
Eli laughed. "As sharp as ever."
Though excited, Robin soon frowned. "But how do we get there? No one knows the route."
Felina gasped. "Isn't following the Log Pose enough?"
"Don't worry," Eli said. "Sky Island is above Jaya. Once we reach it, you can carry us up."
Felina blinked. "How do you know all this?"
Eli only smiled. "We need a permanent Log Pose to Jaya first. I know where to find it."
Soon after, they retrieved the Log Pose and set sail, the sea breeze carrying them forward toward the legendary Sky Island.
As for what Luffy would do without that Log Pose, Eli decided to worry about it later.