As both Alex and Jewel stare at the Realm worker with anticipation, she kindly smiles and begins to speak:
"Before we proceed, would you like to first learn the skills? Maybe you don't want to upgrade the skill, depending on the result?"
"You mean…" Alex says, "the [TM 10]? Well, even if the element is something undesirable like Poison, Jewel should still learn and upgrade it."
"Understood, player," she responds politely. "Your Pet will be a little overwhelmed and will probably be asleep for a few days after upgrading two skills to level 5."
"Yeah, I remember," Alex says, rubbing his head.
Princess Jewel has grown much stronger since then—she will surely resist the temptation of sleep this time.
I don't think this will end well, but let's just do it. It's your choice Jewel, we can take this slow if you want.
Princess Jewel is ready to become... superior!
"Let's just start with the [TM 10] then, and only learn it. That shouldn't be too much strain on her, right?" Alex asks.
"Of course, however, why are you asking me, player?" The worker tilts her head, looking a little confused.
"Ah…" Alex says, realizing what she meant.
Did Soulmate forget that Princess Jewel can just learn skills? This is not like player skills, which require the upgrade cabin in the Skills Hub. We only require help from this worker to upgrade them! Princess Jewel learned her previous skill instantly.
"..."
"1337, teach Jewel the [TM 10]... wait a minute, you could have told me earl—"
[Congratulations! Pet Jewel (Mutated Thornback Queen Hatchling) has learned a new skill — Hidden Power (Deep Blue).]
[Hidden Power]
Leveling Requirements: 1500 Fantasy Coins + 500 per level
Effect: Teaches Hidden Power
Effect: Increases Damage, Radius, and Range by 10% per level.
Hidden Power (Dark): Creates a small shockwave that deals dark damage on impact.
Cost: 30 MP
Damage: 60
Effective Range: 20 meters
Maximum Range: 30 meters
Radius: 2 meters
Note: Gradually loses up to 100% of its damage when the target is between the effective and maximum range.
"Dark, huh?" Alex says, not sure about the relevance. "So you secretly harbour a dark soul and personality, Jewel! I knew it!"
This must be a mistake. Princess Jewel is a noble and shining being. Maybe it is the opposite of Jewel—that's why this ability is called Hidden Power.
"X," Alex says, "let's continue with the next one."
What does X mean?
"1337, continue with [Pet-Skillbook: Superiority]," Alex orders.
[Congratulations! Pet Jewel (Mutated Thornback Queen Hatchling) has learned a new skill — Superiority (Deep Purple).]
Alex looks at Jewel, who is happily jumping on top of the counter.
"Are you ready, Jewel? We can always take this slow..." Alex asks.
Princess Jewel is ready!
"Okay then," Alex looks at the worker, "go ahead, please!"
"Of course. Do you have the required FC?" she asks.
"Yes, please deduct the FC directly," Alex responds.
Alex pays 15,000 FC to upgrade Hidden Power and 25,000 FC to upgrade Superiority.
The worker directs Jewel onto a nearby platform. The platform shines and Jewel glows, resembling a large firebug.
Two minutes later, the process is finished, and Jewel slowly stumbles forward, looking like a spider on roller skates—briefly making Alex remember the iconic scene from the third Harry Potter movie.
See, Soulmate? Princess Jewel did not fall asle—as—a...
"... This was expected," Alex mumbles, glancing at the worker, who just smiles knowingly, as Jewel collapses and falls asleep.
Alex picks Jewel up and carries her in his arms. "Thank you and goodbye. I'll hopefully see you soon...."
"I'd love to welcome you back, player," the worker replies. "For what it's worth, your Pet is extremely loyal and cute. That is not a given—you can be grateful. It's also a sign you are raising it correctly."
After spending 35,000 FC to designate Benezia as his combat Supporter, 40,000 FC for Jewel's skill upgrades, and of course, the 120,000 FC for the skills themselves, Alex is left with less than 500,000 FC.
I need to address this later.
Fantasy Coins: 454,500 Soul Crystals: Small x20Medium x8 Fantasy Shards: 0
Carrying the sleeping Jewel back home, Alex spends a few days on basic training and taking care of her.
Finally, his 30 days are nearly up, and he activates [Baroque Works Invitation].
[Next World Designated as One Piece—Random Players between level 5 and 10 will be gathered once the mission timer runs out.]
He also immediately tells Tereza, who uses her [Duo-Leveling Request Beta].
[Does Host wish to accept the Request from Tereza? Does Host need clarification on the details?]
"Obviously, no! You know what to do, accept!" Alex responds.
[This system is merely asking because it can't make decisions like these without explicit consent from Host.]
"Sorry..." Alex says in realization. "I guess that makes sense. Thank you, 1337."
Exactly three days before the 30-day limit is up, Alex lies on the couch with Tereza, Menchi, and Benezia joining him, of course, sitting on the other couches and chairs. Together, they watch the One Piece live-action series, recently released. Meanwhile, the still-sleeping Jewel lies on the table, acting as a cute Purple statue and adding a lot of charm to the room.
"This is so silly," Benezia can't help but comment.
"It is..." Menchi agrees. "It's fun! This world looks incredible! I can't wait to go there! Alex, we will rake in a fortune! You, along with Benezia and Jewel, need to bring me rare ingredients. Tereza, I am offering this to you, too. I will gladly cook for you as well!"
"Thanks for the offer, Menchi," Tereza says, looking a little embarrassed.
"Compared to the damn manga and anime, it's as serious as you can imagine, but I share your enthusiasm, Menchi," Alex says. "The last time I was so confused and was scared shitless. This time I am going in confident and ready to do my utmost to get the best results... and enjoy my time, despite the risk!"
I agree, though... but that's the charm of One Piece. I guess.
In the middle of the first episode, the mysterious "Jewel statue" slowly opens her eyes and begins to move.
"Good morning, Jewel," Alex says. "Feeling okay? You slept for so long again. Do spiders hibernate?"
Lies! Princess Jewel merely closed her eyes for a few minutes.
"... Well, whatever. The time limit ends in three days. I'm glad you're awake—I was getting a little worried."
Princess Jewel is now ... superior!
"Yeah, that skillbook was kinda busted. I can even see a golden dragon portrait around your icon, Jewel—really impressive," Alex jokes. "I wonder what you drop? Tell me your loot table!"
"What are you even talking about, human? I don't understand what you're saying," Benezia says, looking confused.
Alex sighs. "Sorry. I'll try to avoid inside jokes. Anyway—now that Jewel is back, Benezia, can you give me 100,000 FC?"
"Oh, now you are outright asking for FC, Alex?" Menchi smirks. "I can give you as much as you need—no need to bother Benezia."
"I told you already... Alex, my FC is your FC. I still have enough left to invest," Benezia says, seemingly not bothered.
Alex shakes his head. "I'm giving you a Medium Soul Crystal. I told you, Benezia—I want you to invest that FC. I just think it's better if you sell it for me once the prices are more favorable. You know what, just do whatever you want, I am sure you get more than 100,000 FC for it."
"You really don't wish to take anything from us, huh?" Menchi asks.
"I don't want to pull out my investment too early! On the contrary, if you need more, tell me. I can easily sell some things," Alex says.
"That won't be necessary," Benezia replies.
Alex looks at Jewel, who is slowly getting used to her improved body, climbing around him. "Let's go gamble tomorrow, okay, Jewel?"
Princess Jewel wants to gamble!
"Don't go broke... it can be an addiction," Alex explains. "If I had a normal amount of LUK, I wouldn't do it ever. I once lost a hundred bucks on online poker, and that was enough for me."
"..."
"..."
"Haha, a little too careful, perhaps. Typical for you," Tereza laughs. "You gamble exactly how you drive."
"I'll take that as a compliment, thank you!" Alex says, not taking the bait.
The next day, Alex checks his new funds.
Fantasy Coins: 554,500 Soul Crystals: Small x20Medium x7 Fantasy Shards: 0
Only accompanied by Jewel, he makes his way to the secret shops he discovered before the last mission thanks to his guildmates' advice. The former two have nothing that even slightly interests him.
Finally, he arrives at the gambling store. The store hasn't changed in the slightest and is still perfectly hidden, the entrance a barely recognizable door in a less popular part of the Realm, in a tiny side street.
The room with mirrored silver walls and the suspicious panel in the center screams sketchy, but Alex knows what to expect. He takes another look at the only item he can buy. To his surprise, he notices something alarming.
[???]
World: Fantasy Realm
Quality: ???/???/???/???
Effect: Grants a random reward. The maximum quality depends on the price.
Note: Warning: This item only grants items from the Fantasy Realm.
Note: Can't be traded!
Price: 5,000 FC, 50,000 FC, 500,000 FC, 5,000,000 FC
Quantity: 0 / 0 / 3 / 0
I am lucky I borrowed money and didn't just buy the 50,000 FC option. I don't even have a choice. This shop will close down soon! Only three items left.
"No need to hesitate!" Alex says confidently.
Alex activates his [Drakul's Vitality], using up a [Blood Essence].
You have recovered 0 HP.
All stats increased by 6.
"35 LUK! This better work! 1337 buy the 500,000 FC [???]!" Alex yells, obviously more than a little nervous.
Just like last time, an item magically appears in his hands, and the details quickly emerge.
[Death Duel Voucher]
World: Fantasy Realm
Quality: Deep Gold
Level Range: 5-10
Effect: Forces another player into a duel that only ends when one player is dead. The player must be within 20 meters of their target.
Effect: This item can only be used on players in a mission that allows PvP—however, it can't be used on players who are either allied or are members of your faction or organisation. Should you spontaneously end relations with that player, by quitting a faction or revoking your alliance, there is a limit of 1 hour before this item can be used.
Effect: When this item is used, a random battlefield is created that other players, NPCs, supporters, or pets can't enter or affect, and both players' Resources are fully restored, along with the removal of most debuffs and negative effects. Inside the battlefield, players can only use their skills and are forbidden from using items or switching equipment. However, they are granted a 30-second period to make last-minute equipment adjustments and prepare mentally. This battlefield only disappears when one of the players is dead. Time can't run out, and the battle can't end through special circumstances.
Effect: In addition to the usual rewards, the victor may look at his defeated opponent's equipped items and choose a single item to take. In case that item is bound to the previous user or ranked up, it will revert to its base rank and change control towards the victor of the duel.
Note: Can't be traded. This item will disappear if not used within the next three missions or once the player reaches level 11.
Note: It's nothing personal, it's just an affaire d'honneur.
Alex gulps, "That is... something, alright."
Princess Jewel can't help Soulmate?! This isn't fair!
"Let's discuss this rationally, Jewel..." Alex says, looking serious, realizing the possibilities this item brings with it. "This is... a really nasty weapon. This can really change everything!"
"..."
"..."
"..."
Back home, Alex, Jewel, Benezia, Tereza, and Menchi do their best to research as much as they can about One Piece.
It takes exactly 16 days until Alex, Benezia, Menchi, Tereza, and Jewel finally get the long-awaited notification.
[Mission starting in 0 Days, 23 Hours, 59 Minutes, 57 Seconds]
It's time! We're going to the Grand Line!
------------------------------------------------
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