DOTM: Chapter 446/447

Chapter 446: Thieves and Magic Knights

Laura was suffering, but Logan did not care. What was a little hardship? She could grit her teeth and endure it.

Besides, this suffering was not meaningless. Although she underwent enhancements every day during the first week, Laura did not feel any obvious changes.

However, after the enhancements of the following two weeks were completed, she gradually began to notice changes in herself.

As the enhancements entered the later stages, the changes in Laura became increasingly apparent.

The sharp claws on her feet had long since disappeared, and those Adamantium claws had already been placed in the location Ethan had arranged for them.

At this stage of the enhancement, in addition to soaking in medicinal liquid in the special equipment every day, Laura also needed to adapt to the changes in her abilities.

The five-finger claws and the Adamantium claws had some similarities in use, so adapting was not difficult. Wolverine, Logan, personally sparred with her to help Laura adapt to her new fighting style.

The main focus was getting used to the sudden extension and retraction of her fingernails, as well as the blades that could suddenly appear on the outside of her arms, elbows, and palms.

At the same time, this sparring could better stimulate the medicinal power already latent in Laura's body, making it work faster and strengthening Laura's physical quality.

In this regard, just like the countless potions Ethan had made before, the improvements were not instantaneous but gradually increased with her own training, making it easier for the enhanced person to master their new strength.

This method of improvement ensured that the team members had enough motivation to train. Otherwise, everyone would just wait to get stronger by taking medicine without training, which would cause them to lose the drive to work hard. Ethan felt that such a team would eventually have problems.

There was nothing to say about the changes in physical quality and mutant abilities. Laura was very satisfied and just needed to adapt slowly from now on.

What she cared about most now was her figure and appearance. She found that her height had not changed much, but her body proportions had been slightly adjusted. The ratio of her upper body to lower body was closer to the so-called golden ratio.

Her appearance was also gradually being optimized. Because the changes were very subtle each day, they were almost imperceptible, and it was only after more than half a month that the changes became obvious.

She found that her appearance had indeed become more beautiful. This made Laura even more motivated to train. Ethan's potions worked this way, if you wanted the medicinal power to take effect quickly, you had to train harder.

Only by doing so could the enhancement be completed earlier, allowing physical adjustments that might have taken three to six months to be completed within one or two months.

Because she was so happy, Laura did not notice that during their sparring, the expression on Logan's face became increasingly strange.

Laura not noticing did not mean Ethan did not. During one sparring session, after Laura scratched Logan's face, he asked the earliest official member of his team what was wrong.

"Did you find something wrong?"

Logan's unusual behavior made Ethan very concerned, fearing there was a problem with his potion. It was normal for Logan, as a mutant, to detect something he could not, since this was his mutant ability, and he was more familiar with it than anyone else.

But Logan's answer made Ethan realize that was not the case.

"It's just that Laura's appearance is starting to resemble a familiar old acquaintance."

"Sabertooth?"

Laura was now using Adamantium claws, and her fighting style was indeed very similar to Sabertooth's. It was normal for Logan to think of him, but in terms of appearance... he carefully recalled Sabertooth's looks, and Laura did not seem to resemble him at all.

"No, Deathstrike."

Logan did not hide it or keep it to himself. He had been with Ethan for these years and knew that Ethan liked to speak directly and openly, so he asked the question in his heart.

"Did you meet Deathstrike before you met me?"

"No." Before meeting Logan, Ethan had not been to any X-Men worlds, and the movie version of Deathstrike only appeared in X2. Ethan had never gone to that trilogy's world at all. "Maybe it is your imagination? Perhaps Laura's fighting style reminded you of that enemy."

"Maybe..."

Logan was not entirely sure, as Laura and Deathstrike really did not have much in common in terms of appearance. Instead, she looked a bit like Quicksilver... He had once suspected whether the woman the institute used to conceive Laura was a distant relative of Quicksilver.

As time passed day by day, after Laura's enhancement gradually entered the completion and consolidation stage, Logan again looked at Ethan with a questioning gaze.

Ethan no longer dismissed it as imagination now. His mind was also full of confusion.

"This... maybe it is just a coincidence?"

Laura's appearance did indeed gradually start to resemble Deathstrike, or rather, a more Western-looking Deathstrike? Ethan did not know what was going on with this. Perhaps it was a prank by some abnormal cosmic will? Was the growth template for an immortal mutant female who could extend blades from her fingers simply like this?

"Anyway, it's no big deal."

Ethan certainly did not think it was a big deal. He did not care who Laura looked like. Logan, on the other hand, felt a lot of pressure. His daughter suddenly started to resemble an enemy he had killed with his own hands. The only reason he did not stab Ethan with his claws was because he was older and not as hot-tempered as when he was younger... That was a lie. If Ethan had not quickly stepped back when he saw the situation was bad, Logan would definitely have poked a few holes in him.

"Ahem, anyway, she will continue to optimize. Maybe she will not look like that person after she becomes more beautiful later."

Laura did not become exactly like Deathstrike, and that was impossible, because Deathstrike was Asian (the actress was mixed-race).

In short, Laura's enhancement was considered complete. When Laura no longer needed to soak in medicinal liquid in the equipment and began to focus on training to complete the later stages faster, Ethan began to turn his attention to the other crew members.

As the captain, he could not just consider the direction of advance, the upgrade of ship equipment, and logistical supplies. He also needed to understand the various needs of the crew members.

For example, after completing his own enhancement, O'Connell had begun to think about how to continue to improve himself. Ethan specifically found O'Connell to talk, and unexpectedly, Jonathan also came over.

Compared to O'Connell, who had fully activated the enhancement effects and was starting to consider learning how to use an energy source, Jonathan seemed very ordinary, but he was not lazy and had been steadily improving.

Compared to O'Connell, who did not know which direction to continue improving, Jonathan had long decided what he should learn.

"Shadow magic?"

"No, no, it is the kind of magic Miss Selene uses for stealth and concealment."

Ethan suddenly understood. He knew what Jonathan was thinking.

If the various abilities on the Prinz Eugen were considered as different class options in a game, then Jonathan had undoubtedly chosen the rogue class.

He did not need to have a deep understanding of shadow and Holy Light magic like Selene. He just wanted to learn how to use shadow power to hide himself.

Jonathan felt that he was not particularly outstanding, and his only special skill was 'taking' some things from somewhere. If he could combine this with the ability to conceal his figure, it would undoubtedly allow him to make better use of this strength.

Moreover, this ability could ensure that he was not discovered by enemies during combat, which was very suitable for someone with weak combat power like him to save his life.

"Selene's ability to hide in the dark is not shadow magic, but a unique ability born from the fusion and interaction of shadow magic and her original bloodline. I do not know if you can learn it, but if you can, it would be an unexpected surprise. You can ask Selene for guidance and try it."

There was originally no need to tell Ethan about this. He could have just gone to Selene directly. She would not refuse anyone on the ship asking her for guidance on the use and training methods of a certain ability.

Jonathan just felt that he should always inform the captain about what he was learning, in case the captain did not want him to learn this ability or had other arrangements.

Living on someone else's territory, you should always show enough respect.

"As for Rick..."

Ethan also did not know what O'Connell was suitable for learning. O'Connell was originally an ordinary soldier, maybe he could try training with Galahad and the others? If he mastered magic power, he could become a warrior or knight who used magic power.

As for Paladin, unless O'Connell was willing to learn and master the kind of Holy Light Ethan wielded, it would be difficult for someone with his personality to master the way of the Holy Light of Azeroth.

"A warrior who uses magic power?"

O'Connell thought that was not bad either. Although he had given Mordred a good beating, Mordred was still a child who had not grown up yet, and he had personally experienced the power of that girl's fists after they were enhanced by magic power.

"But can I learn and master magical energy?"

If he remembered correctly, Mordred had inherited powerful magic power from birth because something went wrong with the magic her mother used.

Galahad, for example, did not master magic power. He was just an excellent ordinary human knight.

"If you want to become a mage like me, I may not be very confident, unless my strength and life realm can be improved by a few more levels." Ethan had full confidence in O'Connell mastering magic power. "If it is just for you to master magical energy and use it as an auxiliary means to enhance your combat ability, then it is not that difficult."

In fact, Shirley also did not have the talent to become a mage, but Ethan had been teaching her how to strengthen her mental power and the use of magical energy.

According to Ethan's idea, Shirley's future magical ability did not need to be very strong. It was enough for her to use it to strengthen her own power, use some auxiliary spells, and activate some magical items.

O'Connell could also choose this way of becoming stronger, becoming a powerful magic warrior (or knight).

(To be continued.)

Chapter 447: Good Luck Recently

In the following days, Ethan chatted with everyone on the ship.

He learned in detail about everyone's "development direction" and also asked if anyone had any needs besides training.

Ethan did not think he could solve every problem. He just wanted to better understand the mental state of his crew, to know what they wanted or did not want.

For example, Evelyn was generally satisfied with her current life. She lived easily every day, enjoying the sea breeze, sunbathing, reading, chatting with Annette about various magical creatures and viruses, and discussing the vanished ancient Egyptian culture with Imhotep.

Now, with Galahad and Mordred joining, Evelyn had two more people to talk to. She was eager to ask what Britain was really like under King Arthur's rule, which held a fatal attraction for an archaeologist. Unfortunately, this King Arthur had been influenced too much by Ethan, and his Kingdom of Britain was already infinitely close to a modern state.

Fortunately, besides the areas around Camelot, there were still many places in Britain that retained the customs and practices of that era. Mordred and Galahad, who had campaigned with King Arthur, had some understanding of these places.

However, Mordred found those places backward and dirty, and the local people ignorant and foolish. She had no interest in the customs of such places and would not wander off alone from the troops. At most, she would glance at some scenic spots.

So, Evelyn quickly exhausted the information Mordred had. After that, she talked more with Galahad, and Mordred was finally liberated to do her own things.

Evelyn lived happily, and Jonathan and O'Connell were also working hard to improve themselves.

Imhotep had become Ethan's follower or attendant. He could be with Anck-su-namun sweetly, gain long life, and obtain power far exceeding ordinary people. He was very satisfied with his current life.

Although the climate at sea was very different from Egypt, this discomfort had long been overcome.

As for personal training, Imhotep had re-completed the basics of magic and divine spells, restoring his strength from when he was alive, not his strength as a mummy. In that state, he had nearly infinite mana and immortality, far surpassing his strength as a high priest when alive.

Considering that Imhotep's physical fitness was now stronger, his overall strength had surpassed his former self.

In terms of magic, he could use all the ancient Egyptian spells again, but some divine spells that required borrowing the power or authority of gods could not be used. Imhotep now worshipped Ethan as his god, and he had subtly established some connection with the cross Ethan often wore. He could use the Holy Light power within the cross by casting divine spells.

So, it was hard to say exactly what Imhotep's situation was now. He possessed a warrior's physique and knew how to use many cold weapons and hand-to-hand combat techniques. He could skillfully cast ancient Egyptian magic. He could also cast divine spells based on Holy Light energy.

Overall, he was a powerful spellcaster who was not afraid of close combat, with no obvious weaknesses, improving his strength in a balanced way.

Anck-su-namun was slightly inferior to Imhotep. As a concubine of the Pharaoh, she had decent cold weapon combat skills, but she had no talent in magic.

After being resurrected, Imhotep helped Anck-su-namun choose potions that enhanced spiritual power and personally taught her the basics of ancient Egyptian magic, but the results were limited.

At the same time, like Imhotep, she chose to "serve" Ethan, and under Imhotep's guidance, she could also use divine spells based on Holy Light.

On this basis, Ethan suggested that Anck-su-namun continue to strengthen her close combat ability and choose auxiliary and enhancement-type spells to train and learn, becoming a warrior who primarily focuses on close combat with spellcasting as a supplement.

Speaking of which, none of the members on the Prinz Eugen relied purely on physical fitness and combat skills. Even Wolverine Logan could no longer be considered a pure warrior, since besides being able to use druidic magic, he also possessed abilities.

Selene went without saying. As for Ada, she had been quietly researching something, and when Ethan occasionally asked about it, the response was always a charming smile.

"Why do you always smile without saying anything?"

"Oh? Isn't it that when I smile, you get mesmerized and forget what you just asked?"

Ada's words left Ethan speechless. When had he ever been so mesmerized that he forgot his questions? Before, he just did not press further when he saw Ada did not want to talk.

"You're quite confident."

"I just know why I was invited onto the ship by you."

Ada's honest remark directly choked Ethan, leaving him unsure how to respond. After all, he did have certain thoughts when he invited Ada onto the ship. Of course, he could deny this, but Ethan was not so cowardly as to not face his true thoughts, and it was not a big deal anyway.

"Speaking of which, we have been sailing leisurely all this time, not even searching for islands. Haven't you decided what to do next?"

The two of them were standing by the railing on the foredeck, looking at the somewhat boring sea, discussing their next goal.

"There is not a specific goal, really. Let's first cross the Sea of Storms and reach the Sea of Miracles."

This route was longer than Ethan had imagined. He had been sailing in a straight line all this time and still had not seen any sign of the Sea of Storms, but after so many days of sailing, they should be arriving soon.

"Didn't you say the latter half of the route is very dangerous?"

Ada looked at the sea, which had some waves but was not particularly rough, and the weather, which was similar to the earlier part of the journey and consistently sunny. She felt that this so-called dangerous route was a bit overrated.

"Maybe we're just lucky?"

Ethan had also wondered about this. He had not paid much attention before, as it was not impossible to go for a while without encountering trouble. With good luck, perhaps they could sail on relatively calm seas all the way to the Sea of Storms.

No one wished for big winds and waves. If the sea conditions were bad, even the Prinz Eugen would be affected. Not to mention anything else, just the rocking of the ship would be enough.

Although Ethan had been sailing for many years and had long adapted to various winds, waves, and sea conditions, who would complain about living too comfortably?

"Captain, please come to the bridge immediately."

Just as Ethan was marveling at their recent good luck, the ship's broadcast suddenly sounded. It was Hill's voice, who usually stayed on the bridge except for eating, sleeping, and exercising.

"All hands, attention! Condition Three Alert."

During this time, Commander Hill had established a simple three-level alert system. Level One was the highest alert, and Level Three was the lowest.

Condition Three Alert meant possibly encountering adverse sea conditions such as storms. At this alert level, crew members were to return to their cabins as soon as possible, secure the doors, and refrain from activities outside.

Level Two meant they would encounter a certain degree of combat. Everyone not only had to stay in their cabins but also take certain precautions. Cabins like the mess hall and recreation room would be sealed. Crew members were either to go to their combat stations or hide in their cabins and not wander around.

Level One Alert was a full combat state. Everyone had to go to their designated positions. In fact, it meant everyone gathering on the bridge. Even those who could not participate in combat, like Evelyn and Annette, should not stay in their cabins because staying near Ethan was safer than being there.

The three levels were easy to understand, and everyone accepted them quickly. When necessary, issuing an alert directly would let everyone know what kind of trouble they were facing and what to do, so no one had any problems, and it was smoothly implemented on the ship.

Hearing the Level Three Alert, Ethan glanced at Ada beside him.

"The trouble you wished for has arrived."

Ada shrugged. She was quite curious about what kind of trouble they had encountered this time, so she went to the bridge with Ethan, only to find that everyone on the ship had come over.

Although it was only a Level Three Alert, they had finally encountered a situation, and life on the ship was relatively uneventful. Besides exercising, everyone did not have much to do to vent their excess energy.

Having finally encountered some trouble, everyone naturally came over to watch the excitement.

"What's going on?"

It was only a Level Three Alert, so Ethan was not very worried. He walked over slowly. When he reached the bridge and looked out through the windows, he saw that the weather outside had changed dramatically. Thick black clouds were gathering in the sky at a visible speed, and the winds and waves on the sea had also increased. As he finished speaking, the bow of the Prinz Eugen was suddenly lifted high by a wave. After climbing over the wave, it slammed heavily onto the lower sea surface, splashing large amounts of spray.

"The Prinz Eugen's detection equipment predicted a strong storm..."

Hill was reporting when the intelligent system Eugen suddenly spoke, "It will be a blizzard. The temperature began to drop rapidly thirty seconds ago."

After hearing Eugen's reminder, Hill immediately corrected herself, "A strong blizzard is approaching. In addition, the detection equipment has also detected abnormal turbulence in the ocean not far ahead. According to calculations, several large whirlpools may appear."

"Can't we go around?"

Whirlpools were not uncommon. They could appear even outside the navigation route. Usually, you could just go around them.

Hill would not need to specifically report something like this unless the situation was not that simple.

"There are quite a few whirlpools... it is difficult to go around... unless we turn back."

(To be continued.)