It was just like the first time Mio had used the cultivation system—steam filled the screen, accompanied by all kinds of roars and strange noises. Fortunately, unlike the previous experience with Mondo, there were no taunting voices this time.
[Please choose the cultivation direction: Beast-type? - Human-type?]
"Definitely human-type," Mio said without hesitation.
Soon, the cultivation was complete.
Inside the cultivation tank, a brand-new figure slowly came into view. When Mio saw it clearly, he was stunned—and then immediately pinched his nose.
"My goodness, this is way too tempting…"
Floating in the tank was a silver-haired girl—completely naked.
Although she had originated from an ant's body, her form was perfectly human: two arms, two legs, and a delicate figure. She was petite, with soft skin and long, waist-length silver hair. Her most distinguishing features were the cute pair of antennae on her forehead, gently twitching, adding an innocent charm to her ethereal presence.
[Cultivation successful!]
[Name: Unnamed]
[Abilities Acquired:]
Kendo (Passive: Extremely talented in swordsmanship)
Divine Power (Passive: Full power release can instill overwhelming fear)
Ant King (Can command large ant colonies; exudes kingly aura)
Sword Control (Spiritual-level mastery of sword manipulation)
Poison Immunity (Passive: Completely immune to poison)
Speed (Passive: Possesses terrifying agility)
Hard Skin (Passive: Despite her appearance, her defense is shockingly high)
Insect Language (Can understand and communicate with insects)
[Combat Evaluation: Equivalent to a Navy Commodore! (Possesses potential to rival a Navy Vice-Admiral at peak strength)]
[Potential: Still largely untapped]
"Hiss…"
Mio sucked in a cold breath. He was genuinely shocked.
This girl's talent was insane.
Even though there were no flashy abilities like elemental manipulation or mythical power, the sum of her passives and core strengths painted a terrifying picture. With her foundations alone, especially in kendo and sword control, it was clear she could grow to rival—or even surpass—Dracule Mihawk.
"A general-level subordinate, huh? What a jackpot," Mio muttered, eyes sparkling. "Though she's a girl, I definitely won't complain. Maybe someday I can enjoy the life of a pampered gigolo…"
Grinning, Mio turned and headed to the cabin. He brought back a set of spare clothes and walked back toward the tank, where the silver-haired girl was now blinking awake.
She opened her eyes slowly and looked at Mio, intelligent light gleaming in her gaze. Then she softly said:
"Master."
That voice—sweet, light, and soft like a little girl's—made Mio's expression twitch. No, that was a full-on smile of delight.
"Good girl. From now on, your name is Erica," Mio said, reaching out to gently pat her head.
Erica narrowed her eyes slightly, then leaned into his palm with a soft hum, clearly enjoying the head pats.
Mio's heart melted a little.
"Alright, go ahead and get dressed now," he said, pulling his hand back and handing her the clothes.
"Okay, Master." Erica nodded and slowly began putting on the clothes right in front of him, her movements calm and obedient.
With that taken care of, Mio turned back to the system panel.
"Let's start the gene draw."
[Drawing initiated… Draw successful!]
[Congratulations! You've acquired the ability: Kendo and one-tenth of the cultivated creature's overall attributes!]
A surge of warm energy instantly flowed through Mio's body.
Unlike the first time, this enhancement didn't come with pain. Instead, it felt like soaking in a warm spring—comfortable, almost addictive.
As the warmth faded, Mio clenched his fists, a delighted expression forming on his face.
"…Incredible."
His strength had surged dramatically—at least two or three times what it had been before. And this was just one-tenth of Erica's total stats?
Mio's respect for Erica's potential soared even higher.
He spent about thirty minutes getting used to the power boost—strength, speed, reflexes—all significantly enhanced. Clearly, Erica's base stats far surpassed even Warwick's. Likely because her body was that of a double-mutated ant, and she had fused with the other powerful ant's genes as well.
After adapting, Mio smiled and took Erica's small, soft hand, and led her out onto the deck.
Warwick was sitting cross-legged on the deck, fishing lazily. When he heard footsteps, he turned and looked up.
"Master," Warwick greeted.
"Mm." Mio nodded. "Warwick, this is Erica. She'll be joining us as our new companion."
"Warwick remembers. Buddy Erica." Warwick nodded seriously.
Erica looked at him, then turned to Mio and said solemnly, "Erica remembers Warwick too."
"Good girl." Mio reached out and pinched her soft cheek, unable to resist teasing her a little.
Warwick blinked at the interaction, tilting his head in confusion. For some reason, he suddenly felt a little envious.
Why doesn't Master praise me like that…?
If Mio knew what he was thinking, he'd probably roll his eyes and mutter, Because you're not a cute silver-haired loli.
The ship sailed quickly across the open sea toward Cazorla Island.
On the deck, Warwick continued to fish as usual, humming a low tune. Mio, meanwhile, sat across from him with Erica beside him.
He pulled out a katana and handed it to her.
"How about this for your weapon?"
Erica's eyes sparkled as she took it, running her fingers along the blade before nodding excitedly. "I love it!"
She hesitated for a moment, then looked up.
"Master… Erica wants another one."
"Huh? Another sword? Why?" Mio asked, curious.
Erica raised her left hand and said plainly, "Missing one for the left hand."
"…Dual sword style, huh?" Mio chuckled in surprise. "Alright, we'll get you another one when we reach Cazorla Island."
"Okay!" Erica nodded, beaming.