NOVEL NEXT Chapter 28: Domain of Gods
"Miss Stussy, when do you think you'll be able to develop the Human Potential Activation Beverage 2.0?" Vista looked at Katie, who was dozing off on the deck, with a broad grin, his tone filled with flattery. Although Stussy's latest concoction had effects that bordered on terrifying, the finished product was undoubtedly worth its weight in gold.
"Do you think it's something that can be whipped up so easily? Unlocking the human potential is a daunting task, and my achievement isn't merely about triggering your potential outright, but rather acting as a catalyst to awaken your latent abilities. I suspect the potential you tapped into last time hasn't fully translated into tangible strength yet, am I right?"
Stussy responded, turning her head to give Vista a knowing look, prompting him to scratch his head sheepishly.
"I've hit some roadblocks in my recent research. I doubt I'll be able to develop it in the near future. But if Vista is willing to assist with the research, who knows, we might just come up with a new product sooner than expected?"
Stussy said with a smile, though in Vista's eyes, she seemed like a devil tempting him into temptation, yet her offers remained tantalizingly tempting.
"Alright, Stussy, enough teasing Vista. Sorting out the issue of test subjects won't be too difficult. We can just pick some clueless pirates when the time comes."
Nicholas intervened. If Stussy could control her ability entirely, he wouldn't have intervened, but Stussy's ability, after extensive development, was beyond her complete control. Any mistake could lead to dire consequences, even for someone like Vista, with his robust life force from his giant lineage.
"Speaking of which, Stussy, how's the research on that book coming along?" Nicholas inquired with curiosity.
"That book isn't as complicated as it seems. Despite missing some sections, it's evidently an ancient artifact. Roger's crew has gathered many valuable books during their extensive adventures. These are intangible treasures for pirate crews like Roger's."
Stussy explained, retrieving a hard-bound book from behind her.
Nicholas accepted the book and began studying it. This book, acquired through an exchange with Roger's crew, was undoubtedly the most valuable item aboard the ship. Upon holding the book, Nicholas sensed that it wasn't crafted from paper but rather resembled tanned animal hide, enduring the test of time.
As he turned the pages, Nicholas was mildly astounded by the contents, for it was incredibly intriguing.
Yes, it was a compendium of Devil Fruits, rarer than the fruits themselves. While Devil Fruits were rare, at least some people had laid eyes on them. However, a Devil Fruit compendium, much like the one Vista had heard about through his father's connections, was something ordinary crew members aboard a ship like theirs wouldn't have had access to.
The first page of the book outlined Animal Types, as they were relatively common and their abilities were easier to analyze.
Subsequent pages listed various Animal Types, including some Ancient Zoans, though Mythical Zoans were notably absent. The book also contained entries for several Natural and Superhuman types of Devil Fruits.
However, the true value of the compendium lay in its descriptions of Devil Fruit research, not just the fruits themselves.
As he reached the final pages, Nicholas realized why Stussy had been cryptic. The pages contained information about a peculiar experiment involving Devil Fruits.
The experiment involved extracting demons from Devil Fruits, a revelation that sent shivers down Nicholas's spine. He closed the book, lost in contemplation.