บท 2: The Gateway’s Realm

Floating in an endless darkness, 100 million people were unable to see or speak, yet they could clearly hear a cold, emotionless male voice.

Voice: "Congratulations to you all for being chosen. This day will undoubtedly be a memorable one in your lives—however short they may be. Taking into account the fragility of your race, I will do you a favor and select a world with a significantly lower upper limit of power compared to the previous one. Do not disappoint me again; this is your last chance, humans."

As the voice faded, a blinding white light pierced the void, illuminating the darkness.

Voice: "Participants, prepare for world traveling. You may invite others to join you or proceed alone; the choice is yours."

Voice: "Participant Ethan, would you like to invite someone?"

Ethan Cross: "Yes. Please send invitations to Levi York, Hank Xander, and Rosalie Xander."

Voice: "Participant Ethan, your invitations have been accepted. You may now form a party. Remember to stay alert, as you will be teleported to a random location with land."

Voice: "Teleportation begins in... 3... 2... 1... Goodbye."

Ethan's Perspective:

As the white light faded, my eyes were met with the endless blue of the ocean. I quickly spotted my companions, all tense and ready to defend themselves.

We regrouped immediately, forming a defensive stance. Scouting the area, I found a sturdy stick to use as a weapon, while my allies armed themselves with rocks. We began cautiously exploring our surroundings.

We had landed on a beautiful sandy beach, though its beauty held little meaning to us. Caution took precedence as we scanned for any threats.

After some time, we stumbled upon clear signs of human activity. What we discovered was horrifying—a garbage-strewn wasteland filled with a nauseating stench. Frail, malnourished individuals scavenged for scraps or lay motionless, their bodies weak and deteriorating.

Determined to gather information, I approached a frail-looking man who appeared to be a beggar.

Ethan Cross: "Sir, can you tell us what year it is and where we are?"

Beggar: "You don't seem to be from around here. Why don't you know this already?"

Ethan Cross: "Let's just say curiosity killed the cat. We just need information. Cooperate, and we'll leave you alone."

I waved my stick menacingly, but the beggar merely scoffed.

Beggar: "Look, kid, you're not scaring anyone with that stick. If you don't have something to trade, stop wasting my time."

Frustrated, I turned to my companions.

Ethan Cross: "Guys, jump him."

We attacked him, throwing rocks and overwhelming him with numbers. Despite his surprising resilience, we eventually subdued him. To ensure he wouldn't retaliate, I smashed his knees and ankles with a rock. When he regained consciousness, he was no longer a threat.

Ethan Cross: "Don't look at me like I'm a monster. You saw how durable he was—any of us would've been dead if we took hits like that."

I addressed my companions, justifying my actions.

Ethan Cross: "Remember, mercy to the enemy is cruelty to ourselves."

Levi York hesitated but nodded.

Levi York: "You've changed, Ethan. You weren't this violent back on Earth."

Ethan Cross: "I haven't changed. I've always done what needed to be done. You just didn't see it."

After ten minutes of interrogation, the beggar finally relented.

Beggar: "It's September 1st, 1510, in the Sea Circle calendar. You're on Dawn Island, in the Goa Kingdom, specifically the Gray Terminal—a notorious dump for the kingdom's garbage. Everyone here is treated like trash, not even recognized as human."

Ethan Cross: "Is there any sailor or navigator around these parts?"

Beggar: "Well, there's a very infamous and insane navigator around here. His name is John Derk. He used to be middle class in the kingdom—unlike us,we are treated as less than human by the guards. But John got into trouble. He offended a powerful noble merchant, which cost him all his wealth and got him thrown here into the Gray Terminal. Now, he's on his last legs. That's why we call him crazy—if he hadn't stood up to the noble, he might've avoided all this."

Ethan Cross: "Where can I find him?"

Beggar: "Near a big garbage pile about an hour's walk ahead. So… can you let me go now?"

Ethan Cross: "Not yet. First, tell me about the people here. How strong are they? How durable and fast are their bodies?"

Beggar: "The Gray Terminal's full of gangs armed with knives and flintlocks. People here are tough. I've seen gangsters punch through wood without injuries. Personally, I have healed broken bones in six weeks—faster with some good food. Some heal in just a week."

Ethan Cross: "What about wild beasts?"

Beggar: "No wild beasts in the Gray Terminal, but they're a menace in the wilderness. I've only heard of a two-meter-tall man killing a bear bare-handed.Bandits and beasts are equally dangerous. Swords barely scratch the tougher animals; only flintlocks can reliably kill them. Is that all you wanted to know?"

Ethan Cross: "Yes. Now, do you have any money or weapons?"

Beggar: "I don't."

Ethan Cross: "What are you hiding in your hands, then?"

The beggar hurled a steel pipe at me. I deflected it easily and gestured to my companions while muttering, "Your sacrifice, my friend, will be noted."

I struck him repeatedly until he stopped breathing. I couldn't let a potential threat remain.

Some might call my actions monstrous, but my life in the orphanage taught me that ensuring survival often requires ruthless decisions. As I killed him, something unexpected happened.

Mission Unlocked

Voice: "Congratulations, Ethan Cross. You have unlocked your main personal mission: to leave this world."

Mission Name: Bloodbath

Requirement: Kill 1 million intelligent beings with an IQ close to yours.

Progress: 1/1,000,000.

When I informed my team, the news wasn't well-received.

Levi York: "So, our mission is to become mass murderers?"

Ethan Cross: "This mission is preparing us for what's to come. It's kill or be killed, eat or be eaten. As someone once said, 'The hardest choices require the strongest wills.'"

A somber mood settled over the group as we continued toward our objective.

I began processing the situation and realized we were in the world of One Piece. Compared to universes like Dragon Ball, the power levels here were far lower. My advantage was my knowledge of this world—its systems, Haki, races, and Devil Fruits.

For now, survival was key. Training, stealing, and leveraging my knowledge would be the foundation of our strength.

Ethan Cross: "Let's move. We have work to do."