NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: Arrival
"Damn it! This system is so stupid. If you're going to time-travel, just let it be normal. Why make it so over the top?"
In the Holy Land, a small black dot suddenly appeared in the sky above Mariejois, cursing a few incomprehensible words as it fell.
As the black dot got closer to the ground, the people below finally saw what it was—it was a person!
Crash!
After landing, the man was surprisingly unharmed. He scratched his head, feeling confused, and noticed a sticky sensation on his rear.
"Saint Charlos!" A group of men in black suits watching the scene shouted in shock, their jaws almost hitting the floor as they saw Benson.
"What... Saint Charlos? That sounds familiar," Benson muttered, looking puzzled as he stood in the middle of the chaos.
He glanced down and noticed a bloody mess beneath him. There was red flesh, blood, a broken glass helmet, and a white robe stained with gore.
"...Are you cosplaying as a Celestial Dragon from One Piece? Well, that was a terrible idea. But I guess I'll be facing divine punishment now," Benson calmly stood up. As a mercenary, he was used to blood and violence, so this didn't faze him.
What? You think mercenaries don't watch One Piece or have a sense of humor? Mercenaries aren't born that way!
"But still, thanks. If it weren't for you, I would've died from the fall. Don't worry, I'll take care of your wife, and as for your child... I'll send them to the orphanage! Rest in peace." After saying this, Benson clasped his hands together and bowed respectfully.
Everyone around him was stunned. What's wrong with this guy!?
"Do you realize what you've done?! That's Saint Charlos!" one of the black-suited men yelled at him.
Benson turned and realized something was off. These people didn't just look like characters from a cosplay—they seemed too real. He quickly understood that he had been transported into the world of One Piece!
He'd killed a Celestial Dragon right off the bat. Wouldn't he be hunted by the World Government from the moment he arrived in this world?
As Benson pondered his situation, a man in a yellow-striped suit began walking toward him. The sound of his footsteps caught everyone's attention.
"Admiral Kizaru! You're just in time!" one of the suited men called out excitedly. "This kid fell from the sky and assassinated Saint Charlos!"
"Kizaru!?" Seeing the familiar, somewhat sleazy face before him, Benson's suspicions were confirmed. He really had traveled into the world of One Piece. There was no other explanation for a face like that!
Beep beep... Host detected: Traveler's name—Clover Benson, Traveler's age—17 years old, Current ability: Strength MAX (due to travel bonus). The modification is complete. First teleportation will occur in 3 minutes. You will receive enhanced speed, reflexes, and physique for three minutes. Enjoy your journey.
As Kizaru approached, an old-school computer screen popped up in Benson's mind.
"Oh?" Kizaru glanced at Benson, who was drenched in blood, then shifted his gaze to the mangled remains of Saint Charlos behind him. He hadn't expected such an incident while out for a walk today. "So, are you ready?"
In an instant, Kizaru transformed into light and appeared in front of Benson. A flash of a kick came towards him. "Have you ever been kicked at the speed of light?"
On instinct, Benson raised his right arm to block it.
Thud!
But instead of being sent flying, Benson stood his ground. Kizaru's kick was blocked!
Kizaru passed through Benson and landed on the ground, slowly turning around with his hands in his pockets. "You actually blocked that?" he said, frowning.
Benson, equally shocked, stared at his arm. That line about "maximum strength" earlier must have meant he was truly powerful now. He had casually blocked Kizaru's kick!
"Nani?" The suited men were equally stunned.
"That's an Admiral's attack! How was it blocked so easily?"
"It seems you're not an ordinary person," Kizaru said seriously. He pulled his hands out of his pockets, now fully prepared to strike. He reappeared before Benson and attacked with all his might.
This time, Benson didn't just defend—he punched back. Although Kizaru's body could transform into light, and Benson lacked Haki, the force of his punch still created a strong gust of wind that sent Kizaru crashing into a wall.
The men in suits stood there, mouths agape, speechless.
Benson also stared at his fists. "Wow, am I really this strong? I can hit a Logia-type user without Haki?" He was about to test his strength further when the old computer reappeared in his mind.
Beep beep... Time for teleportation!
Before Benson could react, the scene around him changed.
Moments ago, he had been in a lavish location. Now, he was standing by the sea, with waves crashing against rocks. Benson looked around, confused, and finally accepted the reality of his situation.
"I really traveled into another world..." He looked down at his reflection in the water, seeing a young, handsome face. He washed his face with seawater, appreciating his appearance. This face would probably charm many girls. He had been a rugged guy in his past life and was more than satisfied with this new look.
"That thing earlier... was it the system?" Benson thought back to the old computer that had appeared in his mind. As he pondered, it reappeared.
This system is a modifier. It allows the Host to modify any attribute—strength, agility, speed, etc. Complete the system's tasks to earn modification points, which can be used to alter any attribute. The system also offers a lottery with a 100% win rate!
Seeing this message on the old computer screen, Benson felt a surge of excitement. Without hesitation, he jumped into the sea to cool off. After washing off the blood, he was about to leave the water when he noticed a large black shadow rapidly approaching.
Benson quickly tried to get ashore, but the creature was too fast. It reached him before he could escape and burst out of the water with a mighty splash.
It was a massive sea creature, resembling a mix between a fish, dragon, and serpent. It towered over him like a three-story building.
"The Sea King?" Benson instantly recognized it. This was the same creature that had eaten Shanks' arm and the bandit king Higuma in One Piece. It was unbelievably strong!
Benson instinctively wanted to flee, but then remembered—he now had MAX strength. Why should he be afraid?
With newfound confidence, he dove back into the water, swam underneath the Sea King, and, with one powerful motion, threw the entire creature onto the shore.
Benson followed, climbing out of the sea as his stomach growled.
He rubbed his stomach and licked his lips. "Seems like food always shows up when you're hungry. As my first opponent in this world, I'll make sure you die with dignity."
With that, Benson began walking slowly towards the trembling Sea King.