Chapter 271

Boom! The entire world seemed to shake. It was a sudden, overwhelming shock. Which way was up, and which was down? Was I underwater, on land, or in space? Everything was too blurred to distinguish. Amidst this overpowering chaos and dizziness, Lloyd hunched over, feeling like he did that one time he drank too much for the first time and woke up the next morning with his world spinning.

“Ah, damn it!” Lloyd groaned, feeling nauseous on an empty stomach. It made sense. He nearly passed out. The light concussion and the dizziness were making him nauseous. Managing to suppress it, Lloyd lifted his head.

A massive silhouette unfolded before him. Not just any silhouette, but a mountain was right in front of him, except it wasn’t made of solid bedrock and soil but rather of thick mantle flesh, wrapping around a massive being. Its body spanned kilometers in diameter, its back as vast as Mount Everest itself.

Before him, a giant octopus Kraken was convulsing right in his face, and just like him, it was vomiting. “Kruung! Aaah-!” Seeing this, Lloyd thought, “I must be out of my mind. This is insane.” No matter how urgent the situation, to strike such a massive creature? It seemed like madness. “Well, maybe it was because that guy’s coat didn’t seem sturdy enough,” Lloyd recalled a recent event. The mermaid squadron executed a flawless tick removal operation. They successfully severed almost all eight of the Kraken’s massive tentacles. Black blood gushed out, and thanks to that, the Kraken belched deeply, though it was less than 2% effective.

In severe cases, one might resort to antacids, stand up straight, or undergo more drastic measures like getting a bad report card taken away by their mom or accidentally sending a wrong text to their boss and performing a 360-degree Thomas spin. However, the Kraken remained unscathed. “Kraken was like that until just now.” It tried burping with its hands raised but felt slightly unsatisfied. When it became uncomfortable again, it quickly shifted position. There was no time to delay. It gained propulsion from a double volcanic eruption and accelerated rapidly with a triple explosion. Activating the third booster, Lloyd collided head-on with the Kraken, hitting it right in the part equivalent to a human’s pituitary gland, essentially giving its belly a solid punch(?). Thanks to that, the Kraken slid away, its entire body trembling, and everything inside it seemed to be regurgitating!

“Wow. This too, proves that regurgitation is the ultimate weapon of a body in a rush.” He forced himself to vomit. Although it might lead to reflux esophagitis, and despite the damage to the esophagus and teeth from the acid reflux, it was a difficult tactic for the stomach, but a desperate measure when the body refused to fall.

Lloyd screamed. Of course, he took care of his own safety. Before boldly headbutting, he scanned the Kraken’s pit. “How tough is that area? Not as tough as it looks, right?” He figured it all out and chose the simulation option, confirming that slamming into it torso-first wouldn’t cause him much damage. The damage on his side wasn’t minor, though.

“Ugh, my stomach keeps growling.” Perhaps he suffered a slight concussion? The dizziness and nausea didn’t subside. However, the reward that was now in sight seemed to compensate for the damage. Ding-dong!

[Astonishing skill demonstrated in swiftly resolving the Kraken’s indigestion through keen observation, quick decision-making, and bold execution.]

[A new tribute has been generated for you.]

“Ooh?” It was a welcome message. He thought this incident was resolved as well. Enjoying his reward, Lloyd focused on the new tribute.

[New Tribute < Belly Punch! The Pit of the Stomach! Peace! > created.]

[Peace! The Pit of the Stomach! Peace!]

[Praise Rating: Oceanic Legend]

“Mom, I feel uneasy. So, what’s its name? Why mom? Because touching it will bring peace. It seems like it can’t rest peacefully forever if it doesn’t settle down. It’s okay, honey, don’t be afraid. It still hurts, scary. Haha, I want to learn from the Kraken. How was the Kraken? Even after being hit, it still leads a good life. It doesn’t mean it’s painless when hit. So, are you still feeling uncomfortable inside? Hmm… no. So, just face it. But it’s scary, mom! It’s okay, darling, what did mom’s hand say? Bye-bye… Weak hand! (Arm)]

[Praise Effect: Demonstrated dignity in resolving the Kraken’s indigestion in a single blow. Not only the Kraken, which was the subject of the indigestion at the time, but also thousands of mermaids witnessed this. Your heroics will soon spread across all the oceans of the world, and the belly-punch treatment will become a popular remedy for indigestion among marine creatures. Moreover, you’ve mastered the ability to breathe underwater freely with <Underwater Breathing>, and a powerful underwater attack that makes the opponent vomit everything in one hit, <Puke Shot>.]

[Praise Domain: Oceans, rivers, lakes, bathtubs, and all environments deeper than 50 cm]

[Tribute Duration: 3000 years]

[The effects of the tribute apply within the praised area and duration, 24 hours a day. Furthermore, the range and duration of the praise can be expanded or reduced based on your future actions.]

[CP provided monthly as tribute: 5]

[Current CP: 1312]

“…Amazing. That’s truly a super skill.” Lloyd clenched his fist. The praise was exceptional this time too. First, he confirmed that the Kraken’s rapid physical recovery was complete thanks to the praise. Moreover, the options granted by the praise were nothing short of a jackpot.

“Underwater breathing. Now, even without the necklace given by the mermaids, I can breathe freely in water deeper than 1m. The pressure and temperature are different issues, but at least I won’t drown. And with the name attached… Eh, if I don’t like someone, I can use it to empty their belly.”

Anyway, he had gained two very useful effects from the praise. “Let’s retreat quickly.” After all, a reward is a reward. The thought that something bad might happen if he lingered crossed his mind because of the Kraken.

“Anyway, it suited me. I even vomited.” If he made a mistake, he could be the target of the Kraken’s revenge. But what if that revenge came with the scale of Everest, harboring a grudge and attacking boldly? Honestly, he couldn’t afford that. Even Grand Master Javier might wonder if he could stop it. But then, ding-dong! As Lloyd was moving away, looking back at the Kraken, suddenly, another clear and beautiful sound resonated.

“Hmm?” Initially, he wanted something. He reflexively moved his eyes. An unexpected message appeared.

[Opening Affinity]

[The Kraken has accepted you as a true friend for solving its indigestion.]

[You are now considered an equal friend by the Kraken.]

[You can increase your intimacy with the Kraken and earn RP.]

[Upon unlocking affection, an additional 50RP will be awarded.]

[Current RP: 2532]

[Kraken’s affection increased by 11.]

[Current relationship with Kraken: +11]

[Your relationship level was acquired through relationship improvement, currently at 33RP.]

[Current RP: 2565]

“What.” Public affinity with the Kraken was something Lloyd hadn’t even considered. It was then that the Kraken roared with tremendous force in front of him. And it rolled its eyes in his direction. Not just a glance but the kind of look that could fill a football stadium with students focusing on you. If you were asked during an interview if you’ve ever received such a deep gaze, you’d confidently say “Yes.” And if asked how it felt, you might reply, “I guess I was confident enough not to pee myself.” It was truly an overwhelming experience. But did it understand his feelings?

The Kraken slowly and carefully moved one of its tentacles. “I apologize. I won’t put mayonnaise on squid legs anymore.” Lloyd almost shouted in greeting the Kraken’s tentacle, which cast a huge shadow over him. But under the threat, he remained silent, ready to throw a grand party. However, he discovered an unexpected object attached to the tentacle’s sucker.

“A statue?” It was indeed a statue, about 3 meters tall, made of brilliant emerald. It was a statue of a seahorse, but it was vibrating intensely, like receiving a wrong call early on a Sunday morning.

“Buzzing!” The whole body trembled. “But why does this vibration feel familiar?” Lloyd thought back to when he touched the remains of the prison site with Mr. Rotorua. The entire prison vibrated like that, resonating with the surrounding seawater. Yet, the vibration of the statue seemed almost identical in intensity and pattern to that resonance.

“No way,” he mused, turning to the Kraken. “Did you just vomit this out?” “Kruung-!” “And you felt better after vomiting this out?” “Krumble!” The Kraken seemed to understand Lloyd’s words and nodded, then said, “Krumble! Kruung! Collapse! Kruung!” It seemed like it had accidentally swallowed this about 300 years ago. Something shiny on the ocean floor caught its curiosity, and it ended up swallowing it by accident. After that incident, nothing significant happened, so it completely forgot about the ordeal.

Of course, Lloyd couldn’t understand the Kraken’s explanation directly. However, through the Kraken’s behavior and gestures, he made his own assumptions. “So, vomiting up this statue made it feel better… I see. That’s it. The vibration inside my belly was what made the Kraken so uncomfortable. That was the cause of its acute physical distress.”

But it was Lloyd’s own action, the belly punch, that prompted the Kraken to expel the statue. Thanks to that, it seemed like the rapid discomfort subsided. “Moreover, seeing this statue vibrate… The pattern and intensity of the jewel’s vibration are identical. This means… it’s related to the jewel.”

Confident in his deduction, Lloyd asked the Kraken, “Hey, showing this to me… are you giving it to me?” “Kruung!” The response was immediate. Before the Kraken could change its mind, Lloyd quickly accepted the statue. Thud! The statue, as it detached from the Kraken’s sucker, landed heavily in his arms.

“Wow.” It felt like embracing a mercilessly vibrating 3-meter-tall cell phone. Lloyd struggled to keep his composure, fighting off the returning dizziness and nausea, and swam quickly towards the location of the prison. “If my guess is right, this statue was part of the prison site.”

Therefore, it needed to be returned to its rightful place. That would reveal some secret, he thought. That’s when he began to swim diligently, leaving behind the mermaids concerned for the Kraken’s wellbeing, and soon found himself shoulder to shoulder with Grand Master Javier at the prison site. The closer he got to the jewel, the more intense the statue’s vibrations became.

“Whoa!” And it felt malevolent! Despite the concussion-induced dizziness and stomachache, Lloyd swallowed the rising bile. Javier, looking on with concern, asked, “Are you okay?”

“Do I look okay to you?” “Well, you look moderately okay and moderately not okay.” “What kind of vague answer is that?” “It means a suitable amount of concern and a suitable amount of amusement.”

“…” “Just lie down on your back for a moment.” Javier extended his hand after giving Lloyd a reproachful look. Lloyd touched it with his palm. Was this some incredible mental technique at work? Warm mana seeped through his back, permeating his skin and muscles, through his spinal cord and nerve vessels, circulating throughout his body before returning to his palm. It felt as though mana was inflating the sore spots, erasing the dizziness and nausea without a trace.

“I think I’m okay now. Your complexion looks much better.” Javier smiled and added, “Not that your face is anything to boast about, but a good complexion is essential.”

“…Thank you so much, I’m moved to tears,” Lloyd replied. “It was nothing.” “Wow. This is how it feels to be healed. My spirit has been uplifted. Feels good, right?” “Yes, it feels good.” “My goodness. You don’t even deny it publicly.” “Because it’s fun to see your flustered face at moments like these, Lloyd.” “…” “Consider that joy as payment for the treatment.” “Heh, heh, heh, heh.” Lloyd laughed. Even though he said it, he wondered if Javier was also worried about him.

“Anyway, let’s start with this.” He focused on the statue he was holding. The vibration intensified. Lloyd paid close attention to the vibration’s strength. “Until recently, when I was returning to the prison, the vibration was stronger, but now it’s changed.”

The intensity of the vibration varied depending on which direction he moved near the prison. That indicated one clear thing. “Its original place. The closer you get, the stronger the vibration.” With that, Lloyd began to move in the direction where the statue’s vibration intensified. He approached without hesitation, cutting through the water with each step. And then, he found it.

“Here it is.” About 20 meters south from the jewel’s bottom, there was a hole in the ground with a diameter of about 70 cm, perfectly matching the base of the statue. “This must be the entrance point to the jewel.” That seemed likely. With that thought, Lloyd placed the statue down. Clunk! The base of the statue fit perfectly into the hole. At that moment, the resonance between the statue and the treasure site ceased.

Then, it started. Tszuzuzuzu…! A radiant light enveloped the statue, reflecting dazzlingly from within the emerald sculpture, shooting out through its eyes. The light projected a three-dimensional map in the water, showcasing beautiful lines and shapes, an intricate festival of light. Finally, the blueprint of the jewel was revealed. However, it felt strangely familiar. Realizing this, Lloyd murmured to himself, “What’s this? A pyramid? A general’s tomb?”