Chapter 148

Chapter 148: Lucky to Survive

Even when traveling, Adrian had set a requirement for himself not to neglect physical exercise.

He had been following this routine for these days. Although it wasn't advisable to make too much noise in the Ryugu Palace where he was staying, the spacious room here allowed him to take out Tom's fitness equipment that he had won in the lottery.

It turned out that a brief workout could easily flatten Tom, purely because of Tom's own abilities, unrelated to the fitness equipment.

Those dumbbells, in Adrian's hands, were just ordinary equipment. Perhaps they might have unexpected effects when used as a weapon.

After getting used to exercising, breaking a sweat every day felt really great, especially since he often won the lottery after exercising.

Although most of the time, he received ordinary items, it at least enriched his inventory.

"Exhausted! Tom, come give me a back massage?" After showering, Adrian, wrapped in a bathrobe, threw himself on the bed and didn't want to move.

Tom didn't refuse because giving a back massage was also a novel experience for him.

So, Tom used all four of his feet to step on Adrian's back, carefully applying pressure.

"Mmm..." Adrian could feel the soft pads of Tom's paws on his body, moaning in comfort. "Although this feels great, isn't it a massage?"

Moreover, it was Tom's unique method of using his feet instead of hands, inspired by four-handed piano playing. The feeling was so comfortable that he didn't want to get up, and only someone who tried it would know.

Tom considered it and realized that if he were to give a back massage, he should stand upright and concentrate his body weight on his two feet. However...

"Let's change it back to a massage. Tom, you're too light; I can't feel it." Adrian thought that Tom's weight was not enough for stepping on his back.

But Tom was not convinced; he couldn't easily give up when he found something interesting. So, he took out a bowling ball from behind and held it to increase his weight.

"This weight is more interesting; a bit heavier would be just right." Tom didn't even know what material the bowling ball was made of, but its weight was definitely different from a regular one.

Not enough? Tom tilted his head, put the bowling ball back, and took out an iron ingot. He struggled to lift it over his head and raised his leg to step on Adrian's back.

"Ah~~~ My back, my back, my waist!" Adrian screamed in agony, feeling like his back was about to break.

Then came a crackling sound, and in the middle of the excellent-quality bed specially prepared for guests by the Ryugu Palace, a human-shaped hollow appeared. The sheets and blankets fell into the hole together with Adrian and Tom.

Three seconds later, Adrian and Tom stuck their heads out of the hole, looking at each other.

Adrian glanced at the messy bedding, sighed, and said, "Tom, what did you just pick up?"

Tom laboriously moved the iron ingot from the hole and showed it to him with a pleading smile. He realized he had made a mistake.

On the black iron ingot, '10T' was clearly written. Adrian covered his face and said, "I'm lucky to have survived today."

Finally, Tom sheepishly fixed the large hole in the bed's center, and both of them didn't have to sleep on the floor.

Adrian felt that he had to inform them about this or it would be embarrassing if they found out later. However, even if he told them, it would still be awkward. Sleeping on the bed and creating a human-shaped hole would be absurd.

...

The banquet the next day was grander. In addition to endless varieties of food and beverages, the most famous singer on Fish-Man Island, the best orchestra, and the most beautiful dance troupe were specially invited.

The purpose of this grand banquet, besides bidding farewell, seemed to be to express Neptune's gratitude.

Pekoms and Carrot were also invited. Jinbei didn't come in because the banquet hall was not large enough. Anyway, he didn't need to attend; they would save his share of food and drink. This meal might wear out several chefs.

When everyone took their seats, Neptune waved his hand, and music immediately filled the entire hall. Mermaids danced gracefully, and the atmosphere suddenly became lively.

To be modest, the orchestra was highly skilled, but when combined, they could barely match Tom alone.

The mermaids' dance was even more spectacular. If there was anything lacking, it was the absence of long-legged women.

In such moments, Adrian could understand the feelings behind saying, "After fighting all my life, can't I enjoy a little relaxation?"

Even the grandest banquet had its end. Finally, it was time to bid farewell. Neptune had the soldiers bring in covered trays.

When Otohime, the queen, uncovered them with her children, Adrian's eyes were almost blinded—gold, all gold! But it wasn't ordinary gold.

For example, in front of Tom was a life-sized golden statue of Tom standing with his hands on his hips.

Sharkler received a large golden toothbrush.

Rui Mengmeng had a golden sword studded with gems.

Artoria received a golden armor, similar in style to her silver-blue one.

As for Adrian, he received a golden folding stool.

These gifts were inspired by Neptune when he saw Tom holding Vander Decken's bracelet affectionately. To show sincerity, he even consulted Keimi about their preferences before having these items crafted by skilled artisans.

"Wow!" Rui Mengmeng exclaimed.

Tom, more straightforward than her, threw himself on the statue and looked at it from all angles.

Only Sharkler and Artoria remained composed.

Adrian, temporarily not caring about why his gift was a folding stool, said, "Is this too valuable? It doesn't seem appropriate."

Neptune didn't think so. "Compared to your kindness to Fish-Man Island, these things are far from enough to express our gratitude. We just thought of this in a hurry, and we hope you won't reject them."

Queen Otohime said, "To us, forming friendships with all of you is more precious than any gold. Please don't refuse."

Adrian and his companions looked at each other and finally said, "Thank you for your kindness."

Because they had been informed in advance, Keimi cautiously presented her own gifts after Adrian's group accepted the golden items.

She made beautiful necklaces from seashells, one for each of them.

Everyone happily accepted them. Although they couldn't compare in value to gold, the thoughtfulness behind them was just as touching.

After bidding farewell to each other, Jinbei said, "Arlong might be too tired from yesterday's events. If you don't mind, please take the Sun Pirates' ship on your way back. I

'll escort you personally."

Of course, they didn't mind at all. When it came to safety at sea, there was no one who could provide a greater sense of security than Jinbei. Having him personally escort them was more than welcome. Besides, the whole ordeal with Arlong was their fault.

Adrian said, "Of course, we don't mind. In fact, this is the best option. Also, I apologize for the trouble with Arlong yesterday."