Chapter 3: Chapter 3: "A Timed Challenge"
Morning sunlight filtered into the ship's cabin as Xander completed his daily exercise routine. His muscles burned, but the sensation only fueled his determination.
"Ninety-nine... one hundred!" he panted, dropping to the ground to catch his breath.
The familiar chime of the system echoed in his mind, signaling his progress.
[Daily Exercise Completed.
+1 Strength
+1 Agility
+2 Charm]
Xander stretched, feeling the incremental improvements in his physique. He glanced out the cabin window to see his crewmates preparing to set sail.
The ship rocked gently as the crew worked diligently to load supplies, the captain barking orders from the helm. Xander watched them for a moment, conflicted. I can't leave Shells Town without completing my mission. I'll lose a crucial opportunity to grow stronger.
He made his decision. Quietly gathering his few belongings, Xander waited until the crew was distracted. Then, slipping past the bustling deck, he jumped onto the dock and disappeared into the alleys of Shells Town.
---
Xander roamed the streets, considering his next move. He had left his crew behind, but now he faced a new challenge: finding shelter and completing his mission.
Mari might be my best option, he thought. The tavern owner had seemed warm enough during his previous visit, and she had mentioned needing help.
The creak of the tavern door announced his arrival as he stepped inside. Mari glanced up from behind the counter, her eyes narrowing.
"Well, look who's back," she said, setting down the glass she was cleaning.
"I need a favor," Xander said, his voice tentative.
Mari raised an eyebrow. "What kind of favor?"
"I need a place to stay," Xander admitted. "And I'm willing to work for it—cleaning, serving drinks, whatever you need. Just some food and a place to sleep."
Mari studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then she sighed. "Fine. But if you slack off, you're out. Got it?"
Xander grinned. "Got it."
---
For the next three days, Xander worked tirelessly at the tavern. He cleaned floors, hauled barrels, and served drinks to the steady stream of patrons. The work was grueling, but he embraced it, knowing it was a small price to pay for shelter and an opportunity to grow closer to Mari.
By the third night, Mari's attitude toward him had softened. As they cleaned up after the last patrons had left, she leaned against the counter, watching him with a small smile.
"You're not half bad," she said, her tone light.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Xander replied, flashing a grin.
As they worked, a familiar chime echoed in Xander's mind.
[Mission Complete: Earn Mari's trust.
Reward: Basic Observation Haki Awakening.
+5 to all attributes]
Xander froze as the rewards washed over him. His senses sharpened, and for a brief moment, he could feel everything—the subtle vibrations of footsteps outside, the faint rustle of leaves in the distance. The awakening of Basic Observation Haki filled him with awe and a newfound confidence.
Before he could revel in his success, another notification appeared.
[New Mission Unlocked: Kiss Mari.
Reward: Basic Armament Haki Awakening.
And 10 Harem Points.]
The addition of a timer made his heart sink.
[Time Limit: 24 Hours.]
Seriously? Xander thought, glancing at Mari as she hummed softly, wiping down a table. He had one day to figure out how to approach her without making things awkward—or losing the reward.
---
The next day, Xander's anxiety was palpable. He went about his tasks at the tavern, but his mind remained fixated on the mission. Each interaction with Mari felt like a high-stakes negotiation, and the ticking clock in his head didn't help.
By evening, he knew he couldn't delay any longer. The tavern was quiet, its last patrons having left for the night. Mari was tidying up behind the counter when Xander approached, his heart pounding.
"Mari," he began, his voice hesitant.
She looked up, curious. "What is it?"
Xander hesitated, searching for the right words. "I just... wanted to say thank you. For taking me in, for trusting me. It means a lot."
Mari blinked, caught off guard by his sincerity. "You don't have to thank me," she said softly. "You've earned it."
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the air between them seemed to shift. Xander took a step closer, his pulse quickening.
"I mean it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mari tilted her head, her gaze searching his. "You're acting strange tonight. What's going on?"
Xander took a deep breath, steeling himself. "I just... feel like I owe you this."
Before he could overthink it, he leaned in, brushing his lips against hers.
The kiss was brief but warm, leaving both of them momentarily stunned. Mari pulled back, her cheeks flushed.
"What was that for?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise.
"I don't know," Xander admitted, scratching the back of his head. "It just felt right."
Mari shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You're a strange one, Xander."
[Mission Complete: Kiss Mari.
Reward: Basic Armament Haki Awakening and 10 harem Points.]
The surge of power flowed through Xander, and he could feel the knowledge of Armament Haki settling into his mind. A sense of accomplishment washed over him, though he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.
Status:]
Name: Xander
Age: 18
Strength: 16
Agility: 15
Charm: 15
Haki: None (Locked)
Devil Fruit: None
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone