Three years—an eternity for a child stranded alone. For Regulus, those years had been a crucible, shaping him through solitude and relentless training. Now eight years old, his once frail frame had filled with lean muscle. The constant exertion, fueled by the gradual integration of the Monkey D. Garp Template, had transformed him. His movements were sharper, his reflexes faster, and his strength had grown exponentially. The melon-sized rock that once strained him was now effortless to lift, and even the larger boulders near the shoreline posed only a moderate challenge. The system, ever detached and clinical, informed him that his Garp Template integration had reached 20%, granting him strength rivaling a seasoned Marine Vice Admiral.
His days followed a strict routine. At dawn, he would begin his exercises—hundreds of push-ups, countless squats, lunges, and long runs along the beach and through the jungle. Hunting had become second nature. With rudimentary spears and traps, he could catch wild boars and large birds, supplementing his diet of shellfish and foraged fruits. Over time, he had identified several edible plants, adding much-needed variety to his meals.
The Character Template System remained a silent but constant presence. Regulus often accessed it, monitoring his progress and accumulating spins—rewards earned through training and survival. These spins could unlock new templates, skills, or even items, but he had resisted the urge to use them impulsively, waiting for the right moment.
Lately, impatience had begun to stir within him. Physical prowess alone would not be enough in this world. He had seen the devastating power of Devil Fruits in his hazy memories of One Piece. To truly thrive, he needed more than brute strength.
His accumulated spins had reached a substantial number—enough for at least two high-tier acquisitions: one for a Devil Fruit and one for a weapon. The time for restraint had passed.
Sitting on a sun-warmed rock overlooking the endless ocean, he accessed the system interface. The familiar blue screen flickered to life as he navigated to the "Special Ability Acquisition" menu. His pulse quickened.
The first option: Devil Fruit Acquisition. He selected it.
A swirling vortex of colors appeared, a cosmic roulette wheel spinning before his eyes. Below it, text flashed:
[Initiating Devil Fruit Acquisition. Cost: Accumulated Spins. Confirm?]
Regulus hesitated for only a moment. The possibilities were endless—a weak Paramecia, an uncontrollable Logia, or, perhaps, a powerful Zoan. Taking a steady breath, he confirmed.
The vortex spun rapidly, colors blurring together. His heart pounded. The spinning slowed, shapes forming, and with a soft chime, the selection was made. Before him appeared an intricately patterned fruit, vibrant purple with flame-like swirls curling across its surface.
[Acquired: Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Fenrir (Mythical Zoan)]
Regulus stared, his mind reeling. A Mythical Zoan. Among the rarest and most powerful Devil Fruits. The power of a legendary wolf deity. His fingers clenched with anticipation. This was beyond anything he had dared to hope for.
With renewed excitement, he navigated to the Weapon Acquisition option. Another vortex spun. His anticipation soared.
The spinning slowed, and an image formed—a blade, dark as obsidian, absorbing the light around it. Intricate silver runes pulsed faintly along its length. The hilt, wrapped in an unknown beast's fur, exuded both menace and elegance.
[Acquired: Fang of Fenrir (Divine Weapon)]
Regulus inhaled sharply. A divine weapon? Not just a sword, but something beyond the ordinary—a blade seemingly forged to complement his newfound Zoan power. He felt an instinctive pull toward it, as if it were an extension of himself.
Exhilaration flooded him, making his head spin. In a single moment, his potential had skyrocketed. He now possessed the power of a Mythical Zoan and wielded a weapon of divine origin. The island, once his prison, was now his training ground.
Closing the system interface, he stood, a grin stretching across his face. His three years of solitude had led to this moment. The next chapter of his life had begun. The call of destiny—or perhaps the sheer thrill of power—beckoned.