Capítulo 24: Chapter 24: Let's eat tonight
Chapter 24: Let's eat tonight
Karen could feel the effects of Life Return almost immediately as the food hit his stomach. The sensation was subtle at first—just a soft, coursing wave of energy that seemed to revive his tired muscles and calm his weary mind. He had experienced the power of Life Return before, but today felt different. There was a deeper, more profound sense of rejuvenation that settled within him, like every cell in his body was being revitalized.
It wasn't just fatigue that was being erased. His physicality seemed to be improving. He could feel his muscles becoming slightly more defined, his coordination sharper, and his movements more fluid. The physical boost was minor, but it was undeniable. His body was responding to the food in a way that was beyond what normal nutrition could provide.
He paused between bites, considering the implications. If his physical fitness was at level 10 before, after this meal, it might be at 10.01. It wasn't a huge jump, but it was still a gain. Curious, he tried eating faster, but the food was too much. His stomach could only hold so much, and he felt the familiar sensation of fullness creeping in.
Karen pondered the difference between his own body and someone like Luffy, who seemed able to eat without limit. The rubbery nature of Luffy's body, combined with his mastery over Life Return, allowed him to consume enormous quantities of food without any negative effect. Karen, in comparison, was still quite ordinary.
"One day," he thought to himself, "when I'm stronger, I'll be able to eat like Luffy."
He shook off the thought and stood up, his meal finished. It was time to test the true power of Life Return.
The training grounds awaited, and Karen wasted no time in setting up a series of tests. He wasn't expecting miracles, but what he experienced far exceeded his expectations.
The improvement wasn't just in his physical stamina, but in the control he had over his body. His punches felt faster, sharper, and more powerful. Every strike felt like it was guided with precision, the excess energy of his body channeled into his limbs with perfect focus. Even his running was more fluid, every step pushing him forward faster, as if his legs were propelling him with newfound efficiency.
Life Return didn't just repair his body; it gave him a sense of control, a mastery over his movements. His speed, strength, and reflexes all seemed to enhance by an incremental but significant margin.
"I feel like a master fighter," Karen said to himself, grinning. "No training technique could enhance me like this."
He continued testing his limits, his thoughts drifting to Smoker. If he could fight Smoker now, he was confident he'd be able to win without relying on his bare-handed swordsmanship. With his newfound control over his body, Smoker would be outclassed.
But there was something else on Karen's mind. The second week of the elite training camp was approaching, and with it came the opportunity to learn the Six Powers of the Marines. If his current control over his body was any indication, mastering the Six Powers would be far easier than he had initially anticipated.
He paused, taking in the results of his training. He hadn't expected Life Return to give him this much improvement, but now, fully understanding its potential, Karen knew this was only the beginning.
However, as with all things, there was a downside. The more he pushed his body, the more his hunger increased. His stomach growled, a constant reminder of the insatiable appetite that came with the ability.
Unable to ignore it any longer, Karen found himself back in the cafeteria. The normal food was cheap and abundant, but it wasn't enough. It didn't enhance his physique like the special Seaking-class ingredients from the paid window. The food he had just eaten had replenished his energy but hadn't offered the boost in physical enhancement he had hoped for.
Curious, Karen approached the cafeteria manager and inquired about the difference between the two food options. The manager explained that the free food was made with regular ingredients, while the paid food used Seaking-class ingredients, which had unique properties that enhanced the eater's physical abilities.
Karen nodded, understanding. It seemed that only food made from Seaking creatures could have the same kind of impact as Life Return. Unfortunately, he didn't have the money to purchase the special food, and he couldn't imagine how he'd obtain Seaking-class ingredients anytime soon.
With a sigh, Karen left the cafeteria and decided to call it a night. But just as he was settling in for a much-needed rest, his doorbell rang.
Groggy, Karen sat up and rubbed his eyes. The clock read 1 a.m., and the sound of the bell was jarring in the otherwise quiet dorm. He opened the door, surprised to see Smoker standing on the other side.
"Smoker? What are you doing here?" Karen asked, confused.
"I owe you something," Smoker replied, looking slightly embarrassed.
"At this hour?" Karen frowned, stepping aside to let him in.
Smoker entered the room, still smelling like sweat from a late training session. "Yeah, Zephyr made me train until midnight. I stayed a bit longer. But I'm here to fulfill my promise."
Karen raised an eyebrow. "Promise? What are you talking about?"
"You beat me this morning," Smoker explained. "I lost, so I'm here to make it up to you. What do you want?"
Karen smiled slightly. "I don't remember there being any stakes."
"Well, that's how it works for me," Smoker insisted. "If I challenge someone and lose, there's gotta be a consequence."
Karen chuckled. "Are you sure about this? I might ask for something tough."
Smoker straightened up. "No regrets!"
Karen's grin widened. "Then… treat me to a meal."
Smoker blinked. "Huh?"
Karen shrugged casually. "I've got a big appetite. So, yeah. Feed me."
Smoker's expression relaxed, and he laughed. "No problem! Eat as much as you want."
Karen nodded in satisfaction, a grin still on his face. Despite the long day and the challenges ahead, he couldn't help but feel content. Tomorrow, he would continue his training, but tonight… tonight, he would eat.
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