In the medical room, Jake sat by Monet's bedside, his mind reflecting on his current system panel.
"Name: Jake Lawrence"
"Age: 16"
"Power Level: 10 (Under the nourishment of Holy Light, your body is now as strong as a normal human.)"
"Holy Light: 7 (Your faith is still not firm enough, demons often try to drag you into the abyss.)"
"Passive Ability One: Holy Light Infusion (5/100)"
"Passive Ability Two: Holy Light Retribution (3/100)"
"Active Ability One: Judgment Hammer Strike (2/100)"
"Active Ability Two: Healing Prayer (6/100)"
Observing the varying degrees of proficiency growth in these skills, Jake had roughly formed some deductions in his mind.
Holy Light Infusion and Healing Prayer were likely more aligned with the Holy Light methods used during today's treatments, though Healing Prayer probably had slightly better compatibility in certain subtle aspects.
As for Holy Light Retribution and Judgment Hammer Strike, they presumably operated differently from the Holy Light methods used for healing patients, hence the lower proficiency gains.
Still, his overall foundational understanding of Holy Light application had improved today, so from a macro perspective, they had more or less improve to some extend.
This afternoon, he had treated six people in total, each providing him with one point of Holy Light power.
At this rate, it wouldn't be long before he could master more abilities.
Since they hadn't reached their destination yet, his formal marine training hadn't yet begun, which meant his Power Level growth would be relatively slow.
However, judging from how his power level had increase along with Holy Light today, it seemed his Power Level might naturally rise alongside his Holy Light proficiency even without additional training.
Just as Jake was immersed in his system interface, a slightly exasperated voice abruptly pulled him back to reality.
"Jake, is talking to me really that boring? You've been spacing out for a full minute now."
Hearing the mildly complaining tone, Jake quickly explained.
"No no, I absolutely don't feel that way! It's just that after using my Devil Fruit powers so many times today, I momentarily glimpsed some new development regarding my abilities, which accidentally distracted me."
Seeing Jake's flustered expression, Monet covered her mouth with a light chuckle before saying.
"Relax, I was just teasing you. I know you must be exhausted today—how could I possibly blame you? How are the marine personnel you treated today? Were they all successfully healed?"
"Yes, naturally. Though unfortunately, my abilities can only be used five or six times a day. Any more than that and my body can't handle it. Otherwise, I could've saved even more people."
Hearing this, Monet looked at Jake with concern.
"I understand your feelings, but you must prioritize your own health. Don't push yourself too hard. If the maximum is five or six uses per day, does that mean the sixth use causes irreversible damage to your body? Devil Fruit abilities consume stamina—I know this well since I've eaten one too. Don't try to fool me."
"So tell me honestly—did you overexert yourself today?"
Under the light, a hint of seriousness flickered in Monet's golden eyes.
Noticing this, Jake gently patted Monet's hand over the blanket and replied.
"Don't worry, Monet. I'm a coward who values his life too much to do anything that would obviously shorten my life."
Hearing this, Monet still eyed Jake with suspicion, her gaze filled with distrust.
Jake naturally noticed Monet's thoughts.
To completely dispel her concerns, he gently reached out and took Monet's pale slender hand in his.
Under her slightly blushing gaze, a surge of the Power of Holy Light was triggered.
As a warm sensation spread through her, Monet felt as if her previous injuries and exhaustion had suddenly improved significantly.
Before Monet could say anything, Jake smiled and responded.
"I healed six people today, but my ability can actually be used up to seven times a day. Only exceeding seven uses would cause any harm to my body and even then, the damage is extremely minimal. That was my last use for today. How do you feel? Look at me now—do I seem off in any way?"
Seeing Jake's rosy complexion and vigorous energy, Monet finally relaxed.
She teased him softly.
"You're really a cunning one, keeping one healing ability in reserve."
"Call it cunning if you like, but not entirely. After all, this seventh healing was always meant for you."
At Jake's words, Monet's cheeks instantly flushed red.
She turned her head slightly and chided him.
"What nonsense are you saying? Honestly... Anyway, my body is almost fully recovered. Starting tomorrow, I want to go with you to meet Lieutenant Commander T-Bone. I want to join the Marines too."
"Then we'll be comrades and colleagues from now on, Seaman Recruit Monet. You'll have to call me Sir Jake, because I was given Petty officer rank directly by Lieutenant Commander T-Bone."
Hearing this, Monet covered her mouth and laughed.
"Yes, sir Jake."
"By the way, Jake, why haven't you left yet? If Ms. Elibam comes back, you'll be kicked out, you know."
Jake scratched his head awkwardly at Monet's words and explained.
"I'm actually supposed to sleep here tonight. Ms. Elibam won't be back—she's preparing medicine overnight in the crew's quarters. My room... well, it's actually Lieutenant Commander T-Bone's room. He just lent it to me, but he needs it tonight. After they discussed it, Ms. Elibam dumped me here. But don't worry, Monet! I'll sleep honestly on the floor!"
By the time Jake finished speaking, Monet's face had turned so red.
Her voice became almost inaudible.
"I trust you... but if you try anything funny, I'll freeze you into an ice block! Still, don't sleep on the floor—you'll catch a cold. You can sleep here and I'll rest on Ms. Elibam's bed."
Without giving Jake a chance to respond, Monet darted straight to Ms. Elibam's bed, burrowed under the blankets and left only the back of her head visible to Jake.