172: Chapter 172 Alice's Past"Hey, you little guy in the straw hat, would you like to become my apprentice?I'm the most powerful dark element mage.If you're willing to become my apprentice, I, Alice, am willing to teach you all the dark element magic I know!" After her outburst, Alice came up to Luffy and invited him with an expectant look on her face.
Luffy looked at Alice, who was dressed in tattered clothes and seemed insane, with suspicion and confusion.At that moment, Vivi explained from the side, "Don't let her appearance fool you, Teacher, she's actually very strong!"
"Very strong?" Luffy looked at Alice with some skepticism, muttering to himself.He planned to visit the Kingdom of Elise after seeing Vivi and Robin, intending to learn about magic there.Although Luffy didn't intend to study magic, he wanted to improve his control over elemental forces.
Alice seemed to sense Luffy's suspicion.Suddenly, a sly smile appeared on her lips.She clasped her hands together, chanting an incantation.Instantly, a powerful dark force surged from her body.Luffy stared wide-eyed at the scene before him in astonishment.A black ball of energy appeared in Alice's hand, radiating a chilling aura.
"Is this dark elemental magic?" Luffy muttered to himself."I can feel that the power this person is unleashing is far, far greater than what I can unleash.If becoming her apprentice could increase the power of my dark elemental magic."
"Well, kid, are you willing to become my apprentice this time?" Alice said smugly.
After thinking for a moment, Luffy replied, "Becoming your apprentice is fine, but let me make it clear beforehand: I can only stay here for two months.I have other things to do after that, so I won't be staying here for long."
When Vivi heard that Luffy could only stay with her for two months, a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes.Although she wanted Luffy to stay with her forever, she had to consider her other sisters.Alice was also disappointed to hear that Luffy could only stay for two months, but she promised to do her best to teach him during those two months.Alice lived up to her reputation as the strongest dark element mage.In just one month, Luffy's control over dark elements far surpassed what he had done before.Luffy also realized his problem: when he used to control dark elements, he always focused on power but didn't pay attention to controlling the flow of dark elements, which greatly reduced the power of his skills.Under Alice's guidance, he learned how to better control the flow of dark elements, thereby improving the power and precision of his skills.
As Luffy practiced, he constantly tried new techniques and methods, gradually mastering more refined control.Curious, he looked at Alice and asked her about controlling other elements.Alice was surprised and puzzled by the question.She hadn't expected Luffy to be interested in these elements and ask her for advice.Looking at Luffy, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes; she realized he might have already mastered the ability to control one or more elements.Luffy smiled, indicating that he had successfully mastered the control of seven elements: fire, ice, earth, lightning, wind, wood, and light, and now wanted to learn more about other elements.
However, Alice shook her head, indicating that she didn't know how to manipulate the other elements.She explained that each element possessed unique properties, requiring in-depth study to understand their essence.While she knew some basic theories, she was completely ignorant of the specific methods of manipulation.Luffy frowned; he understood Alice's point.Alice told him that if he wanted to learn how to manipulate other elements, he could try searching for the Kingdom of Eles.That kingdom was known as the legendary magical realm, and perhaps it could offer him assistance.
Mentioning the Kingdom of Eles, Alice's eyes softened, revealing a deep longing.Luffy keenly noticed this and asked curiously, "Teacher Alice, are you also from Eles?" Alice nodded, confirming Luffy's guess.She told Luffy that she had once left Eles, but always cherished the memory of that magical kingdom.Luffy's heart stirred; he recalled his own experience visiting the Kingdom of Eles.He had helped King Lierst defeat the Demon King, restoring peace and prosperity to the country.He decided to tell Alice about this experience, perhaps this would forge a closer bond between them.
"I've been to Elise before, and I even helped Queen Lierst defeat the Demon King!" Luffy said proudly.Alice was stunned.She stared at Luffy in disbelief, her face filled with disbelief.She murmured to herself, "How could this be.how could this be."
Then she let out a long sigh, as if she had finally laid down a burden that had weighed on her heart for many years.Then she began to tell her story.It turned out that Alice was Lierste's mother.She had left Elise to search for someone who could simultaneously control both light and darkness.However, the king at the time did not understand her pursuit and even thought she was insane.Therefore, Alice chose to run away from home to continue pursuing her goal.
"Although Lierste was only a few days old when I left, she must have resented me for leaving without saying goodbye," Alice sighed.She missed her son dearly, but now she was trapped on this island, unable to leave.
Hearing this, Luffy and Vivi couldn't help but laugh.Luffy took out the teleportation stone, handed it to Alice, and said, "Master Alice, this is a teleportation stone.Crush it and it will take you back to your dream home!"
"Really?Is this real?" Alice trembled as she took the teleportation stone, examining it closely, her eyes gleaming with excitement.The light shone through.Luffy smiled and nodded, answering affirmatively, "Yes, it's true.Otherwise, why would I have suddenly appeared on this island a month ago?"
Upon hearing this, Alice was filled with joy and anticipation.She carefully put away the teleportation stone as if it were the most precious treasure in her hands.
Slightly puzzled, she asked, "Teacher, don't you want to go back now?"
Alice gently shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips, and said softly, "No rush.I want to prepare properly before going back.After all, I've been away from home for so many years, I should bring back some gifts for my family and friends!Besides, I promised Luffy that I would pass on all my knowledge to him in these two months, so I must keep that promise.Anyway, I've been away from home for so many years, one more month won't make a difference~" Her tone was firm yet gentle, as if she were filled with anticipation and hope for the future.