OP: Sovereign of Blood and Seas

The ocean stretched endlessly before Eric, its waves reflecting the pale light of the moon as he stood on the beach. The map he had taken from the camp trembled slightly in his hands. His gaze traced the red routes scrawled across its surface, stopping at Loguetown.

"One step at a time," he muttered, folding the map carefully and tucking it into his satchel. "First, I need a boat. Then, I figure out what the hell I'm supposed to do next."

The jungle behind him had grown eerily quiet. The faint rustle of leaves and distant calls of strange animals had vanished, replaced by a stillness that felt heavy. He hadn't lingered at the camp after looting it, but the image of the blood pooling around his enemies was fresh in his mind. The system hadn't commented on his actions, but he knew deep down that his choices were beginning to shape him in ways he didn't yet understand.

Eric tightened his grip on the crude dagger in his hand. He wasn't going to survive this world by hesitating. Strength was the only currency that mattered here, and he would make himself rich in it.

The search for a boat was easier said than done. Eric spent the better part of the night following the coastline, hoping to stumble upon some evidence of civilization or a hidden cove where a ship might be docked. Instead, he found rocky outcroppings, tide pools, and dense thickets of mangroves that made progress slow and frustrating.

By dawn, his frustration had grown into a simmering anger. The hunger had returned, gnawing at the edges of his mind, and his body ached from the unrelenting effort of pushing through the rugged terrain. He had absorbed enough blood from his previous battles to keep himself from collapsing, but the system's reminders of his growing energy reserves only made the primal urge harder to ignore.

As the sun crept higher into the sky, Eric paused at the base of a cliff overlooking the sea. His sharp senses caught something—a faint, rhythmic sound carried on the wind. The creak of wood. The splash of oars.

A grin spread across his face as he scrambled up the rocky incline, ignoring the sharp edges that bit into his palms. When he reached the top, he crouched low, scanning the horizon. It didn't take long to spot the source of the noise: a small rowboat manned by two figures, heading toward a nearby cove.

Eric's heart quickened. The boat was old and weathered, but it was seaworthy. If he could take it, he'd have a way off the island.

He descended the cliff carefully, keeping the boat in sight. As he drew closer, he studied the two men aboard. They were rough-looking, their clothes tattered and stained. Pirates, most likely.

The system chimed softly.

Potential Threats Detected. Scanning…

Human (Male, Level 2) Human (Male, Level 3)

Eric smirked. Neither of them was stronger than him now, thanks to the levels he'd gained. Still, he couldn't afford to be reckless.

Eric stalked the men as they pulled the boat onto the shore. They spoke in low voices, their words carried faintly on the breeze.

"Damn currents nearly tipped us again," one of them grumbled, wiping sweat from his brow.

"You think we'll find him?" the other asked, glancing nervously at the jungle.

The first man spat onto the sand. "If he's still here, we'll find him. Boss wants him alive, so keep your eyes sharp."

Eric's stomach twisted. They were looking for someone—possibly him. His grip on the dagger tightened as he weighed his options. He could take them out now, quickly and decisively, or he could follow them and see if they'd lead him to something more valuable.

His hunger surged, clouding his thoughts. The urge to feed on their blood was almost overwhelming, but he forced himself to focus. Recklessness would get him killed.

He waited until the men had finished securing the boat and started toward the jungle before moving. Quiet as a shadow, he crept down to the cove and inspected the vessel. It was small, but sturdy enough to handle open water. The pirates had left behind a few supplies—water skins, a bundle of rope, and a small crate that rattled when he shook it.

"Not bad," Eric muttered, taking inventory.

The system chimed again.

Quest Updated: Secure a Vessel. Optional Objective: Eliminate Pursuers for Bonus Rewards.

Eric grinned. "Looks like I don't have much of a choice, huh?"

Tracking the pirates was easier than he expected. Their voices carried through the jungle as they argued, the louder of the two frequently cursing under his breath. Eric followed them at a distance, his heightened senses allowing him to stay just out of sight.

It wasn't long before they stopped at a clearing near a small stream. The louder pirate sat on a fallen log, muttering complaints while the other filled their water skins.

Eric crept closer, his movements silent. The hunger surged again, and this time, he didn't fight it.

"Blood Puppeteer," he whispered, focusing on the louder pirate.

The connection snapped into place instantly. The man froze, his eyes glazing over. His companion noticed immediately, stepping forward with a frown.

"Hey, what's—"

Eric didn't give him a chance to finish. He forced the controlled pirate to draw his cutlass and swing. The blade struck the second man's side, drawing a spray of blood that sent Eric's senses into overdrive.

The injured pirate stumbled back, clutching his wound. "What the hell are you doing?!" he shouted.

Eric stepped out of the shadows, his dagger gleaming. The controlled pirate stood still, his weapon raised but unmoving.

"Sorry," Eric said, his voice cold. "But I need your boat."

The injured pirate snarled, drawing a pistol from his belt. Eric was faster. He lunged forward, slashing with his dagger. The blade tore through the pirate's wrist, sending the pistol clattering to the ground.

The man screamed, but it was short-lived. Eric grabbed him by the throat and plunged his dagger into his chest. The rush of blood hit him like a drug, and he let out a shuddering breath as his strength surged.

The controlled pirate remained frozen, his glazed eyes staring blankly ahead. Eric turned to him, considering his options. He could release the man, but that would leave a loose end.

The hunger decided for him.

Eric stepped forward, placing his hand on the controlled pirate's shoulder. The blood flowed freely, his power growing with every second. When it was over, the man collapsed, lifeless.

The system chimed.

Combat Complete. Experience Gained: +300. New Level Achieved: Level 4.

Eric exhaled, wiping his dagger clean. His body hummed with energy, and the hunger had receded once more.

"Quest Complete: Secure a Vessel. Bonus Rewards Unlocked: +1 Attribute Point, Minor Skill Upgrade."

He opened the system menu, curious about the new reward.

Minor Skill Upgrade: Blood Puppeteer Enhanced. Targets can now be controlled for longer durations with reduced energy cost.

Eric smirked. "Not bad."

He spent the next hour dragging the bodies back to the cove and disposing of them in the tide. The sight didn't bother him as much as it should have. Maybe he was changing, or maybe he'd always been this way and just hadn't known it.

Either way, he had what he needed now. The boat was stocked, the map was ready, and the way forward was clear.

Eric pushed the boat into the water, the waves lapping at its sides. As he climbed aboard and grabbed the oars, he felt a surge of anticipation.

Loguetown awaited.

And Eric was ready to make his mark.