Chapter 39: Return to the Blue Sea
After three days of effort from both peoples, the bell tower of the Golden Bell was finally transported to the center of Shandora. Eric also used thunder metallurgy to forge three pairs of rollers from the gold in Shandora's buildings to carry the bell tower—saving them a lot of energy.
"Thank you so much! Not only did you bring us the descendant of Great Warrior Kalgara's dear friend, but you also helped us move the Golden Bell," said the chieftain, wearing several feathers on his head, as he thanked Eric .
"Oh, no need. I just wanted to help Uncle clear his ancestor's name. You'd be better off thanking this generation's god, Gan Fall, who truly loves his people and understands reason. I hope you can live together peacefully from now on and protect this peace together." Eric felt a bit embarrassed, since his true reason for coming was the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, and bringing Cricket along was only to complete a side quest.
"When the Upper Yard was blasted into the sky by the Knock Up Stream, this bell rang due to the impact of the giant vine. That sound marked the beginning of a 400-year conflict. Now, it should be your people ringing the bell, to mark its end," Eric suggested. This was, after all, a tradition in Shandora.
"Indeed," the old chief nodded.
"Then, who should ring the bell?"
"Gan Fall has worked tirelessly over the years to end the war, he loves the people like his own children, and will lead both tribes going forward. I think he's the right choice."
"Mont Blanc Cricket is also a good option. He helped end the conflict, and he's the descendant of Kalgara's friend."
Without Luffy's golden punch to settle it, they couldn't decide who should ring the meaningful bell.
"Um… why not have Gan Fall, Mont Blanc Cricket, and Wyper all hold the chain and ring it together? It would symbolize the end of the war and the reunion of the friends' descendants. There's no rule saying more than one person can't ring the bell, right?" Eric finally couldn't take it anymore. Did such a simple matter really need so much debate?
"Yeah, that works!" Everyone's eyes lit up—it was settled!
'I feel so clever.' Of course, that thought stayed in his mind. No way he'd say it out loud.
DONG~ DONG~
The melodious sound of the bell echoed, even drawing out Lord of the Sky Nola, who raised its head and let out a long cry toward the heavens.
"What a beautiful sound," Da Vinci, ever the artist, said in awe.
"It feels like it cleansed the body and soul," Chiron also shared his thoughts.
[Temporary Quest 2 complete. "Mediator" achieved. Rewards: 5 Achievement Points / 2 Bond Points / Golden Pillar will be added upon leaving Sky Island.]
That night, they held an enormous bonfire celebration for the relocation of the bell, the end of the conflict, and the reunion of old friends' descendants.
The flames reached above the trees. "Isn't that too high? Won't it cause a forest fire?" Eric was the only one worried—after all, "Starting forest fires means life behind bars" was a deeply ingrained law in his heart.
"Eh? You've decided to leave already?" The Sky Islanders seemed a bit reluctant to let them go.
"Yeah, the conflict is over, and the lights of Shandora have been reignited. There's no need for us to stay," Eric replied a smile . "Only by parting can future reunions be even more meaningful."
"There's no feast that doesn't end—we're off now!" Eric called out cheerfully.
"But we haven't given you a proper reward yet!"
"Right! Take whatever gold you want as thanks!" many Sky Islanders shouted.
Eric 's figure swayed a bit on the ship. Maybe it was just an illusion.
He looked at Cricket. The chestnut-headed uncle simply closed his eyes, let out a "hmph," and shouted, "We'll be back! Save that gold for us!!"
"He's crying inside," Akame said quietly.
"Feels like he's still bleeding," added Da Vinci.
"Ugh… is the parachute ready, Da Vinci?" Eric quickly changed the topic before he really cried.
"Of course! Chiron already secured it."
"Thanks, everyone. Let's go—to our next adventure!"
From Sky Island's 7,000-meter-high Heavenly Gate, CHUANG~! the South Bird that had followed them up suddenly crashed into Eric and landed on him.
"Seriously? Bullied by a giant Sky Island South Bird?" Eric pulled it off and placed it on the ship's railing.
"Chu~ong!" The bird flapped its wings rapidly, seemingly in protest.
"Everyone, we're descending—stay alert!" This time, it wasn't Conis seeing them off (she was still young), but another gentle older sister from Sky Island.
They experienced true free-fall, a moment of weightlessness. Then, the four large parachutes on the ship opened. The sudden deceleration slammed Eric 's face into the deck. Then something heavy landed on him.
"Oh my~ To keep me from getting hurt, you used your body as a cuYoshino? So thoughtful and gentle, Captain Little Brother~"
"Uh-huh, so… now that you've had your rest… can you get off?"
"But what do we do? It seems I twisted my ankle~"
"I'll get the medicine! Akame, help support Da Vinci—I'll grab the med kit!"
After a brief commotion, Da Vinci finally let Eric go.
DONG~ DONG~
The melodious bell rang again from high above.
"Feels like another cycle has begun."
"Yeah. The last one lasted 400 years. Who knows how long this one will go."
"Uncle, don't worry—we'll come back in four years!"
"Is that so? If the captain's already planned a return route, then I've got nothing more to say."
Thud! An arrow of sarcasm pierced Eric 's heart. He had only just decided when to return—he hadn't even picked the next destination yet. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead.
"We haven't decided yet," Akame said, knowing Eric too well and blurting out the truth.
"W-Wow! Look at that beautiful scenery! You don't see sights like this every day!" Changing the subject was now Eric 's instinct.
"We'll land in about two hours. Let's enjoy the view," Da Vinci said. Thanks to her parachute design, the descent rate was one meter per second. From 7,000 meters, that meant a 116-minute journey—around two hours.
The wind brushed their faces, bringing an unexplainable sense of lightness and joy.
SPLASH!
Their small sloop finally touched down on the sea.
This time, they weren't blown by wind into the G-8 Marine Base like the Straw Hats.
"Phew! What an unforgettable adventure. Now then…" After two hours of falling, Eric had decided on the next target. He pulled out Captain Jack's compass.
"Our next target: the Foxy Pirates!"
[Ding… System-gifted Golden Pillar has been added to inventory.]
'Hehehe… When I return to Sky Island later, I can take the gold the Sky Islanders offer again. That counts as an extra reward, right?'
[You really are a little schemer]
'Hehehe, thank you for the compliment.'
[Then shall we increase the difficulty?]
'Thank you for your mercy, oh great System-sama.'
(END CHAPTER)
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