Luffy opened Laboon's attribute panel again and, focusing his mind, clicked on the plus sign in the second skill slot.
Instantly, a small window popped up from the skill interface, displaying the words "Please select skill level" in bold letters, with five large numbers from one to five beneath.
Without hesitation, Luffy tapped on the top number, Level 5.
Laboon's incredible innate skill had given Luffy a fresh perspective on skill extraction.
If there was already such a godlike power that could alter spatial laws, maybe even more exciting surprises awaited!
[Ding! Laboon has learned a normal skill, Unicorn White Whale (Ice).]
"Unicorn White Whale???"
The name sounded vaguely familiar to Luffy.
In his memory, it was a minor jutsu used by a low-level ninja in Naruto.
"Does this need chakra to use? And I don't think this is a very powerful technique anyway," Luffy thought nervously as he opened the skill's description with his mind.
[Unicorn White Whale (Ice): Summons an ice-elemental unicorn whale, equal in size to the user, to attack a target.]
"Huh??? That's it, system? Just that little?"
Luffy was puzzled.
When introducing the innate skill, the system gave so much explanation. Now, for a normal skill that cost him one million gold coins, the description was just a single line.
The system's cold voice replied without delay: [Host, the introduction is complete.]
Luffy choked a little on the system's curt answer, then resignedly covered his face and muttered, "Forget it. Just tell me, how strong is this Unicorn White Whale attack?"
[Host, Unicorn White Whale (Ice) is a summoning skill that calls forth an ice-elemental clone of the unicorn whale species from the ice element plane. The clone's body is composed entirely of ice with an extremely high density. It weighs twice as much as Laboon despite having the same volume. Upon attacking, ice energy rapidly spreads around, causing slight freezing damage. Exact damage varies and cannot be precisely calculated.]
"Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Luffy clicked his tongue. From the system's explanation, this skill basically summoned a huge block of ice roughly the size and shape of Laboon to charge at enemies. That was about it.
Even the ice elemental attack was described as "slight."
Twice Laboon's weight was neither particularly impressive nor disappointing.
It would probably wipe out low-level pirates from Paradise, but against the big players in the New World, it'd be lacking.
In short, it was bland enough to eat but a pity to discard.
Sighing, Luffy shook his head in disappointment. The higher his hopes, the greater the letdown, and this contrast was upsetting.
In truth, Unicorn White Whale (Ice) was still a pretty strong skill, effectively doubling Laboon's attack power.
But after experiencing the World Within the Belly, a skill that opened a whole new spatial world, Luffy was just no longer impressed by basic attack skills.
He focused again and clicked on the third slot's plus sign, selecting level five once more.
Even if Unicorn White Whale wasn't as strong as he'd hoped, that didn't mean Laboon's skill levels should be downgraded.
[Ding! Laboon has learned a normal skill, Self Regeneration.]
[Self Regeneration: Consumes energy to rapidly heal injuries.]
Again, just a brief description.
Luffy figured normal skills were basically offense and defense abilities.
Unicorn White Whale was a decent offensive skill, and now Self Regeneration was a defensive self-healing ability. Beyond that, it seemed unlikely any more exotic skills would appear.
But since he didn't plan to make Laboon a fighter anyway, this was fine.
On voyages, Laboon could handle the small fry in the seas by himself, meaning Luffy and the others wouldn't even need to show up.
That made Luffy look forward to the ultimate skill.
Unlocking it required ten million gold coins, so it couldn't be weak.
Without hesitation, Luffy clicked the plus sign on the fourth normal skill slot.
[Ding! Laboon has learned a normal skill, Surf.]
"Surf?" Luffy muttered and immediately opened the skill description.
[Surf: Summons gigantic waves that can be ridden at high speed or used as attacks. Effective against deep-sea targets.]
Looking at the three skills costing three million gold total, Unicorn White Whale, Self Regeneration, and Surf, Luffy nodded approvingly.
One offense, one defense, and one offensive speed-boosting skill made a well-balanced set.
Overall, a success.
Adding in World Within the Belly, the pet system had definitely surprised Luffy.
Finally, his gaze turned to the last skill slot.
If Unicorn White Whale, a near double-power attack, only cost one million gold, he was eager to see what the expensive ultimate skill could do.
He hesitated slightly. This one click would cost a third of his total assets.
He still hadn't bought gear for Robin and the others yet, planning to organize everything once they settled down.
Spending all his savings too soon would be really awkward.
Ten million was probably still acceptable... right?
[Ding!]
The cold system chime signaled Luffy's painful decision.
[Laboon has learned the ultimate skill, Transform into Kun.]
"Huh???"
Suddenly, a phrase echoed through Luffy's mind:
"Thought the evolution failed, but it actually crossed the tribulation and became Kun!"
Filled with anticipation, Luffy quickly opened the ultimate skill description.
[Transform into Kun: Like a bird evolving into a phoenix, or a fish transforming into Kun.
Awakens and alters the fish's latent talents, gaining a devouring ability capable of consuming all things, converting them into energy to nourish itself, evolving endlessly.]
Endlessly.
Luffy's eyes sparkled at the four characters on the screen.
This was the first time he'd seen the system give such high praise.
He had to admit: for once, the system wasn't ripping him off. It really had given Laboon a skill that astonished him.
Was Laboon about to open wide and devour everything, embarking on an endless evolution journey?
If Transform into Kun really turned Laboon into a gigantic Kunpeng beast, could he break through the skies and soar the infinite galaxies?
All these thoughts flashed through Luffy's mind, but he kept them as just thoughts, no real expectations.
Back on the ship near the island, Luffy called out excitedly:
"Robin! Brook!"
Soon, Robin and Brook came out from their rooms and onto the deck, just in time to see Luffy waving at them happily.
"What's up, Luffy?" Brook asked as he approached.
"Come quick! I've got something fun to show you!"
Like a kid showing off a new toy, Luffy couldn't wait to share.
Without waiting for their response, he shouted toward the sky:
"Laboon! Surface and teleport us onto your back!"
"Booooo~!"
"Hmm?"
Robin and Brook were momentarily stunned. Then the scene shifted.
The wooden deck and ship cabin were gone.
The once calm sea had transformed into churning waves, roaring all around them.
Robin and Brook stared in amazement at their surroundings.
Brook bent down and touched the ground in disbelief.
"This… this is Laboon's skin?"
=============
150+ Advance Chapters Available on Patreon! Patreon.com/Veltoria