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"What have we here?" Ronan asked with a malicious grin as he held the green-glowing System-crafted sword in his hand. Standing behind him was the grade two Sophie. As well as a timid, bruised, and submissive Chloe as well as the upgraded Craig.
Craig had also changed after advancing to grade two. His ginger hair, which he had kept cropped short under his crewman's hat, darkened into an auburn colour. His features had become noble and haughty to reflect his inflated opinion of himself. His physique had not transformed much, only becoming more lithe and athletic with subtle orange-light flowing underneath.
"Poseidon has gifted me the blessing of his idol to share with his loyal followers. This is merely a fraction of the powers he has given to me. Any who wish to receive his idol, need only offer their worship." Theodore gulped as he summoned the courage to speak.
"Is that so? Show us then," Ronan responded.
"Ahem... Okay, who among you wish to receive the idol of Poseidon?!" Theodore cleared his throat, addressing the gathered crowd.
Without hesitation, someone from the crowd of the gathered ferry survivors pushed to the front to volunteer.
"I do!" Someone shouted from the crowd. Shortly after the first volunteer, people from the cruise ship and ferry quickly followed suit. Surprisingly, Josh was among the people who stepped forwards. The gentlemen's ability-users had arrived sometime during the spectacle. None of the ability-users from any of the groups moved to volunteer as they cautiously watched their rivals to see who would act first.
"Offer your worship to Poseidon to receive his idol!" Theodore declared as white-light once again gathered between his brows. The white lifeforce gathered to form that mysterious, incomprehensible symbol that gave the onlookers an impression of a trident without taking that shape. More than two dozen blank survivors had gathered from among the collective groups onboard.
Under the exposed skin of those gathered to receive Poseidon's idol, their lifeforce began to gather at the centre of their brow as it mirrored the mysterious symbol. A few of those assembled's lifeforce didn't react as they attempted to gain benefits without sincerely offering their worship. More surprisingly, a few survivors who didn't volunteer's lifeforce responded to the mysterious symbol and began to take form.
The white-lifeforce of so many gathered blank users created a beacon over the ocean. A mysterious power was summoned that affected the fiery sky above. The clouds swirled to make an opening above the cruise ship. The clear blue sky above was revealed briefly for the first time in months since the arrival. It lasted for barely a second before closing and once again obscuring the sky in thick red clouds. Many of the onlookers fell to their knees with tears streaming down their faces as they watched this miracle happen. More people began to react and develop mysterious symbols as they offered sincere worship to Poseidon.
Noah noticed that the lifeforce moving beneath some of the people receiving Poseidon's idol was not white, but were varying colours. Representing ability-users who had chosen to keep their abilities hidden. Among them was Josh, who had purple-light moving through the little exposed skin above his scarf.
All of the people receiving Poseidon's idol entered into a trance as they experienced a dream-state, caused by an inexplicable source.
The ocean surrounding the cruise ship began to churn like it was buffeted with galeforce winds, yet there was not even a light breeze as the air seemed to freeze in place while Poseidon's new followers received his mark.
A short time later, they began to wake up. A concerned Alex rushed to Josh's side as he blinked a few times when Poseidon's idol faded away. Alex hurriedly signed to him as he inspected Josh for any apparent signs of injury. Josh signed back to him before grabbing his face to give him a quick kiss on his cheek.
"What happened?" Noah asked Josh.
"Poseidon appeared to me in a dream and spoke to me through my crystal so that I was able to understand him. He told me that I was now his follower and could call upon his many abilities through prayer to use at my desire. Without his blessing, it will come at the cost of my lifeforce and the usual stamina drain to activate an ability. Only his priests have received his blessing, which removes the additional lifeforce cost. I'm only a follower until I found my own temple. The idol symbol is in the centre of my System Interface because Poseidon claims that it holds the most importance. Theodore is the only priest on the cruise ship. The ability he used is called [Ocean's Bounty]. It allows the User to recover treasures lost at sea, which I think means System-items." Josh explained.
"That's unbelievable! Is there no limit to what abilities can do?" Mister Kim exclaimed.
"We need to think of how to deal with our current situation. Ronan has my sword. He's not likely to give it back," Noah interrupted them.
"Give Noah's sword back, it's not yours!" Su innocently demanded.
"Haha, it's my sword now, little girl," Ronan replied as he turned his attention away from the spectacle.
"What do you plan to do with it?" Noah asked.
"You're about to find out," Ronan gestured to his subordinates standing behind him.
Orange-lifeforce appeared beneath Craig and Sophie's exposed skin as Noah's [Battle Instinct] ability alerted him to danger. Noah had the choice to dodge the [Ice Harpoon] ability now flying towards his heart. If Noah chooses to evade, it will harm the people assembled behind him. Most likely, someone without the ability to endure it.
"Fuck!" Noah cursed and stood his ground to become a shield for the helpless people sheltered behind him. He was no longer able to prevent Sophie's ability from ensnaring him. Orange-lifeforce moved through the metal railing as it savagely twisted in Noah's direction, shackling him in makeshift metal chains.
Moments before the harpoon formed from ice arrived, leaving a trail of icy mist behind it. Noah's [Spirit Armour] ability activated to cover him in a transparent blue glow. The [Ice Harpoon] knocked Noah hard into the restraints that now entangled him. The ice shattered into bits on his ethereal blue armour, causing the crowd to panic as the shards flew amongst them, cutting people as they passed.
"You can't just act as you please Ronan. There are many more ability-users now!" Mister Kim cried out as he activated his [Fire Whip] ability.
"They're not ability-users, Kim. They're still useless trash who wish they were. I'm about to show them how wrong they are," Ronan replied as he casually raised the [Grade 1 Wind Blade Sword] to slash towards the chaotic crowd pushing against each other.
