NOVEL WEB Chapter 11: Chapter 11: The First Hunt
The merchant ship had docked at a quiet port town, a place that seemed peaceful at first glance. Small buildings lined the coast, and a bustling market filled the air with the scent of fresh fish and spices. But Solian knew that danger lurked here.
A wanted man was hiding on this island.
His system had already given him the details:
Target: One-Eyed DregoBounty: 2,000,000 BerriesThreat Level: Low
It wasn't a high bounty, but for Solian, this was his first real test.
As he walked through the town, he focused on the power surging within him. His training had already increased his control, but now he needed more. Checking his system, he saw he had 2 System Points available.
He exhaled slowly. If he wanted to stand a chance in real combat, he had to get stronger.
He allocated both points into Devil Fruit Mastery.
A sudden rush of warmth spread through his body, almost like standing under an intense summer sun. His control over flames sharpened, and something inside him shifted—an instinctive understanding of his powers.
New Abilities Unlocked:
Basic Flame Projection: Can release controlled bursts of fire.
Short-Distance Rift Step: Can teleport up to 3 meters.
Testing it out, he flicked his wrist, and a small flame danced above his palm before vanishing.
He grinned.
"Alright… now I'm ready."
As the sun set, he followed his system's guidance to a cliffside outside of town. The salty ocean breeze mixed with the scent of burning wood. In the distance, a campfire flickered, surrounded by the silhouettes of several men.
A large figure sat in the center, flipping a coin.
One-Eyed Drego.
Solian crouched behind a rock, observing them. Six pirates in total. One main target.
His heart pounded in his chest. Unlike training, this was real. No safety nets. If he messed up, he could die.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of the shadows.
The laughter and drinking around the campfire came to an abrupt halt.
Drego raised an eyebrow. "Well, well… what do we have here? Another fool looking to get robbed?"
Solian smirked. "Actually, I'm here to collect your bounty."
For a moment, silence filled the air. Then laughter erupted.
"You?" Drego cracked his knuckles. "You ain't a Marine, kid. Just a lost brat looking for trouble."
Solian didn't respond. Instead, he lifted his hand. A flicker of fire ignited above his palm, swirling into a burning orb.
The laughter died.
One of the pirates muttered, "What the hell…?"
Solian fired.
The flame shot forward, striking Drego's shoulder and sending him stumbling back. His coat caught fire, and he cursed, slapping at the smoldering fabric.
"What the—?! He's got a Devil Fruit!"
The other pirates scrambled to their feet, weapons drawn.
Solian vanished in an instant, reappearing three meters to the side, dodging a thrown knife.
His teleportation worked.
He grinned, feeling a rush of confidence.
"That's right," he said, cracking his knuckles. "And I'm just getting started."