Deep within the forest.
Alvin stared at the water jet ski in front of him, utterly confused.
"What is going on? Do I get equipment drops from killing targets?" Alvin asked the system again.
The system remained completely silent.
A flicker of irritation crossed his face. "You're not actually mute, are you…?"
After a moment, he shook his head.
"Forget it. Let's add more points first. System, spend 8 million Bounty Points to strengthen my Physique."
Ding~
Strengthening… 3… 2… 1… Strengthening successful!
In the next instant, a mysterious force swept through his body.
This time, Alvin concentrated carefully, sensing every subtle change. It felt as if his entire body was being refined and reconstructed by an invisible power.
After a while, he examined himself.
His muscles were denser and firmer, their lines smoother and more proportionate. His physique looked almost sculpted, like a perfectly crafted work of art.
His Physical Strength had now reached the 24 million Berries tier.
However, Alvin understood clearly that this represented raw physical capability alone. His actual combat power had not truly reached the level of someone worth 24 million Berries.
He possessed no Martial Arts, no Swordsmanship, no Haki, and no Devil Fruit ability.
There was still a long road ahead.
He also noticed something else. This time, upgrading did not leave him ravenously hungry like before. The intense energy drain from the previous enhancement did not occur.
He found it strange but did not dwell on it.
By the time he finished upgrading, the sun had begun to set, and darkness gradually enveloped the forest.
"It's time to return to the city."
Alvin glanced toward the slums, then toward the brighter downtown district in the distance. After a brief pause, he chose to head toward the downtown area.
As soon as he exited the forest, he encountered Nico Robin.
Or rather, she had clearly been waiting for him.
"So it really was you," she said, stopping about five meters away. "But I don't understand. Why did you kill Steve?"
Her gaze was calm but probing.
In her view, Alvin had no obvious reason to intervene.
Alvin scratched his cheek lightly.
"If I said I just wanted to help you, would you believe me?"
"Alright."
"I believe you."
She did not press him further and instead stepped a little closer.
As the distance closed, she felt something different about him.
He seemed… more refined.
More striking.
When she asked his name, Alvin smiled brightly.
"My name is Garfield Alvin. I'm fifteen years old."
"What?"
"You're only fifteen?" Robin's composure wavered slightly.
She had assumed he was young, but she had not expected this tall boy, noticeably taller than her, to be five years younger.
He had grown to 234 centimeters at fifteen.
Alvin laughed lightly. "Maybe I just eat a lot."
He quickly shifted the topic.
"What happened after I left? Steve fired a signal flare, didn't he?"
Robin nodded.
"He did call for reinforcements."
"It was Mayor Zelas from Sagamia. In the end, both Steve's men and Kaib's men were eliminated."
"He saw my Devil Fruit ability and invited me to join him. His status as Mayor can shield me for now, so I accepted. At least temporarily, I won't have to fear the World Government's pursuit."
Her tone carried faint exhaustion.
How many organizations had she joined over the years?
Even she could no longer remember.
For more than a decade, she had wandered from country to country, constantly seeking refuge, constantly forced to align herself with different factions just to survive.
Alvin looked at her seriously.
"I've heard about Ohara."
"Whatever the World Government claims, I won't believe their lies. I think you're a good person."
Robin froze.
She stared into Alvin's clear eyes.
For a fleeting moment, warmth rose within her chest. A feeling she had long since grown unfamiliar with.
But she suppressed it quickly.
"Thank you, Alvin," she said softly.
"Anyone with common sense wouldn't believe the nonsense the World Government spreads," Alvin replied firmly.
"Anyway, thank you again. I just arrived in this city not long ago, and now I have to leave once more," Robin sighed. "I should go."
She turned and walked away.
Alvin watched silently. In this chaotic sea, no one could predict what tomorrow would bring.
---
Later, Alvin entered the downtown district.
Compared to the slums, it was a completely different world. The streets were lively, filled with well dressed nobles and merchants. Vendors called out enthusiastically, and the air carried the scent of alcohol and roasted meat.
Alvin entered a bar called Happy Tavern.
He ordered a glass of rum and several dishes, then took a seat at the counter.
The tavern was buzzing with discussion about the day's gang conflict. After all, the Mayor of a neighboring city had personally intervened.
"So does that mean Zelas will become the Mayor of Iceberg Bay too?"
"According to the King's decree, that's likely."
"Then he'll control two cities…"
"I heard Mayor Zelas used to be a mountain bandit with a 23 million Berries bounty from the World Government. Is that true?"
"It's true. I heard from my uncle's cousin's in law that he really did have a bounty…"
The rest of the chatter blurred together.
One fact remained clear in Alvin's mind.
Zelas once carried a 23 million Berries bounty.
Although he now held official status and the World Government had not revoked the bounty, the Marines had conveniently chosen not to act against him.
If Alvin killed Zelas, would the World Government issue a bounty for him as well?
There was another issue.
Nico Robin was currently under Zelas's protection. Alvin did not want to place himself in direct opposition to her.
And most importantly, a 23 million Berries bounty was not meaningless. It indicated real strength.
"This is troublesome…"
Alvin rubbed his temples, deep in thought.
Suddenly, loud laughter erupted beside him.
"Kid, you look underage. You shouldn't be drinking alcohol."
"Bartender, give this kid a glass of milk. Put it on my tab."
Alvin initially felt irritation rising.
But when he processed the man's words, he paused.
A stranger offering him milk instead of trouble?
In West Blue?
He blinked.
He had actually encountered someone decent.
...
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