Thanks to the beginner's guide, Ray was able to summarize the essential features of the Myriad Personality System:
First of all, the system had no sophisticated AI. It wouldn't assign him missions or guide him step by step. It only showed up in specific situations to offer him rewards.
For instance, just encountering David, a "plot character," had automatically earned him 100 exploration points.
As for what other types of situations might grant rewards—besides meeting key characters—the guide didn't say. That part, Ray would have to figure out on his own.
Second, the only known function of the system at this point was using system points to redeem character cards of various levels. Each card would randomly create a new sub-personality modeled after a fictional character from another world.
These sub-personalities would perfectly replicate the abilities of their original versions. Though, of course, there were likely some limitations—which Ray didn't know yet.
The stronger the card's tier, the more powerful the sub-personality would be.
That said, it wasn't a hard rule. A low-tier card could, in rare cases, yield a personality just as powerful—sometimes even more so—than one from a higher tier. But the odds were slim.
Currently, Ray had access to three tiers of character cards:
Bronze Character Card: 100 system points
Silver Character Card: 1,000 system points
Gold Character Card: 5,000 system points
The guide also listed a few miscellaneous features, but nothing of practical value for now. Ray mentally shelved them.
"So the 100 exploration points I got can be turned into 100 system points… Which only lets me redeem a Bronze card?" Ray muttered.
After reviewing the guide, he realized he didn't have much of a choice.
Locked up in a psychiatric hospital, he had no way to keep exploring or look for new plot characters. Opportunities to earn more system points seemed nonexistent for now.
Unless… if meeting a plot character granted points, maybe interacting more deeply with them—say, defeating or even killing them—might yield greater rewards?
From a logical standpoint, that didn't sound impossible.
But it definitely wasn't something he could afford to test.
For one, he wasn't some deranged killer running experiments with people's lives. And two, the only plot character he had access to was David.
No way he was going to mess with that guy.
David was a ticking time bomb. Even if no one provoked him, he could snap at any moment. Add any extra stress, and he might just blow up for real.
"Screw it. Let's just try one and see what happens."
Having made up his mind, Ray converted all 100 exploration points into system points and redeemed a Bronze Character Card.
A new interface appeared in his mind, like a video game inventory screen.
In the first slot was a single bronze-colored card, aged and engraved with detailed markings.
That had to be the card he just pulled.
As soon as he focused his attention on it, a system prompt appeared:
Would you like to activate the Bronze Character Card now?
Yes / No
"Yes."
Without hesitation, Ray confirmed.
> Activating Bronze Character Card...
Bronze Sub-Personality Unlocked — "Captain Kuro of a Hundred Plans"
Original Background: "Kuro of a Hundred Plans," from the world of One Piece. Former captain of the Black Cat Pirates. Known for his cunning and trickery, yet not lacking in combat skills. Bounty — 16,000,000 berries.
"Him?" Ray blinked.
Then a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He was pretty satisfied.
Why? Because even though he wasn't entirely sure how big the gap was between Bronze, Silver, and Gold sub-personalities, the guide made it clear that their tiers were based mostly on physical power.
In other words, the reason he got Kuro as a Bronze-tier personality was that Kuro's physical strength fell within that category.
But… Kuro's intellect? That probably wasn't factored in.
And if Ray remembered correctly, this former East Blue pirate captain was one of the most cunning strategists in the entire One Piece universe.
If only he hadn't been so physically underwhelming, stuck in the weakest sea, he might have risen to fame across the Grand Line.
So yeah, this first card pull? Definitely a win.
Sure, it wasn't like he had drawn a lucky Silver or even Gold-tier on his first try. But to unlock a sub-personality with elite-level strategy skills? That was a serious asset.
"Well then… let's see what this guy can do."
Following the guide's instructions, Ray closed his eyes and concentrated. With a single thought, he switched into Kuro mode.
The effect was instantaneous—his expression changed completely.
Where Ray normally gave off a calm, competent vibe, now he exuded a mix of lazy arrogance and subtle madness. It was a completely different aura.
"Mmm… The air smells delightfully crisp," he murmured, instinctively pushing up nonexistent glasses at the bridge of his nose.
Then he paused, realizing he wasn't wearing any.
Blinking once, he chuckled and shrugged it off.
After casually scanning the room, he spoke again:
"What a suffocating place… Stay in here long enough, and even a sane man would go crazy."
"Should I just slash my way out? Doesn't seem too hard."
"Relax, relax. I'm not seriously going to break out. I'm just fantasizing a little. No need to get tense."
"What? I'm being pulled back already?"
"Can't I enjoy the fresh air a little longer? How unfair…"
Muttering to himself, Ray's expression gradually returned to its former calm.
The real Ray was back in control.