Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 171: A Huge Decision, Batto Batto no Mi

Alex and Steven make their way toward a hooded player who's sitting silently at his stall. The guy isn't talking to anyone and has his face completely hidden. His stall only has a single item on display, a colorful, weirdly shaped black fruit with red lines in the form of swirls.

"That's the guy, right? Why the hell does he look like some kind of cultist? ...Well, not like I haven't used that tactic myself," Alex mutters, rolling his eyes. He quickly recalls his own habit of using [Jack's Spare Silvery Mask] along with other clothing pieces to disguise himself. So far, it's worked flawlessly and remains a solid option for him.

"Lots of people disguise themselves. There's always a small chance you'll end up in the same world with others, and if that world encourages PvP, you've got a huge target on your back," Steven says with a shrug. "It's lame, but I get it. The odds aren't high, but people might even pull these items from bloody chests if they're crazy lucky. And let's be real, there are tons of desperate players and gambling addicts out there willing to risk it. Hell, I might even do it too... if my target's a total asshole."

While they talk, the two other visitors at the stall give up and walk away after the hooded merchant ignores their questions.

Alex and Steven step closer, and to their surprise, the hooded man actually looks up and speaks directly to Alex.

"If you're interested in buying this, the price is clearly listed. There's no bargaining, but I'm willing to accept trades besides Soul Crystals and FC," the man says, his voice calm but firm.

"Wait a second," Steven cuts in. "Isn't this guy supposed to be silent? Why the hell is he talking to you, Alex? Do you know him or something?"

"Obviously not. Are you stupid?" Alex retorts, annoyed by the dumb question.

Steven is about to respond when the hooded man interjects, his tone sharp. "Your friend here is a fool. People like him always cause trouble. You should drop clowns like that early before they become a liability."

Steven looks offended, but the hooded man ignores him, focusing entirely on Alex. "I'm selective about who I talk to. I keep a low profile, but I'm always watching. You and your companion, the seer, rank as Number 3 and Number 2, respectively, on my list in this Realm. Naturally, I'm willing to talk to players of your caliber. As the Number 3, you should have the resources to trade for my item. The question is whether you're wise enough to accept the price."

What the fuck? Why am I only Number 3? Alex thinks, his pride stinging a little. But he keeps his mouth shut, not wanting to sound as dumb as Steven.

"The fuck? Why is Alex Number 3? And did you just call me a clown, huh?" Steven blurts out, glaring at the hooded man.

Alex blushes slightly, embarrassed that Steven asked the exact question he'd been thinking.

"My system for evaluating players is none of your concern," the hooded man replies coldly. "Players of your rank are insignificant and not worth my attention. You don't need to know how I rate people, as it's merely my personal evaluation."

Steven looks like he's about to argue, but Alex steps in, keeping his tone calm. "I don't care about your ranking system, but I am interested in the fruit. Let me take a look."

[Batto Batto no Mi, Model: Desmodontinae]
World: One Piece
Quality: Purple
Effect: Grants a new innate skill that can be leveled up.
Effect: Allows the user to transform into a half-bat or full-bat form. Renders you unable to swim and creates a weakness to water and Seastone.
Effect: Half-bat form - Gain +2 AGI, +4 SNS +1 per additional level, and the ability to fly and drain the blood of your targets. Draining your target's blood weakens them and can cause them to faint if enough is taken, while you recover HP, STA, and receive a temporary buff that increases STR, AGI, and PHY based on your target's strength.
Enables the user to unleash a shrill voice that can temporarily stun, confuse, and disorient an enemy, potentially damaging their hearing based on their SNS and PHY. Also effective for scanning large areas. The effect increases with each level and is more potent in Full-bat form.
Effect: Full-bat form - Gain +4 AGI, +8 SNS, +2 per additional level, and +2 PHY, +2 STR +1 per additional level. In this form, you fully transform into a bat, acquiring the same abilities as in half-bat form but losing the ability to use your hands, weapons, and most other abilities.
Note: Are you willing to accept the curse of the sea?
Note: Don't get greedy—eating more than one of these fruits is a bad idea.
Note: The devil within does not accept outside help, whether from other fruits or anything else entirely.