The floating fruit box shimmered faintly in midair, releasing a soft, prismatic glow that reflected across Liam Ross's face.
He tilted his head, staring at the strange object. It was glowing beautifully, but the problem was obvious he had already eaten the Earth-Earth Fruit.
According to everything he knew from the legends of the Grand Line, no one could consume two Devil Fruits. The body could only handle one curse; the first person to bite the fruit gained its power, while anyone else who tried got nothing but the taste of death or something close to rotten sludge. And if anyone were foolish enough to eat a second one, their body would collapse under the conflicting demonic powers, tearing them apart from the inside.
Of course, there was that one special exception: Marshall D. Teach, better known as Blackbeard. Rumor had it that his strange body or perhaps the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit allowed him to break the unbreakable rule. He had taken Whitebeard's power during the war at Marineford, an event that had shocked the entire world.
Liam rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "System, be honest with me. Can I eat a second Devil Fruit?"
"Negative," the system replied coldly.
Liam sighed, disappointed. "Figures."
So that was that. Even if he opened this mysterious box and got some legendary fruit, what good would it do him if he couldn't use it? Give it away?
Wait a second…
Actually, that wasn't a bad idea.
He thought of his superior, Commander Burke a lazy, bureaucratic officer who had probably gotten his position through backdoor deals and bribes. The man spent his entire day sipping the same cup of tea in his office, moving only when the clock said it was time to leave.
That, Liam mused, was the kind of life worth envying.
Other people gave bribes of money, food, or favors. But he? He'd start big an actual Devil Fruit. Who could say no to that?
He smirked. "Fine then. Hopefully, it's a useless one. That way I can gift it and build some connections."
Because if it turned out to be something insanely powerful, like the Lightning Fruit his dream ability he might just cry from frustration knowing he couldn't use it himself.
Just as he was mulling it over, the system spoke again.
"Friendly reminder: if the host obtains a rare item through sign-in, there is a small chance it may solve your current limitation."
Liam's eyes lit up. "So… it's not impossible. I just need the right item?"
That was all he needed to hear.
He grinned. "Alright, let's open it!"
The fruit box began to rotate slowly in the air, shining with vibrant, swirling colors.
Click!
The lid popped open. Inside sat a Devil Fruit unlike any he'd ever seen.
Liam blinked. "What the…?"
It looked like two oversized cherries fused together one big, one small glowing a deep crimson red.
The system chimed: "Congratulations, host. You have obtained the Clone-Clone Fruit, Paramecia-type."
Liam's eyes widened.
A brand-new fruit never recorded in any pirate chronicles? Now that was rare.
"A Clone Fruit, huh?" he murmured, tapping his chin. "So… I can make duplicates of myself?"
The question that immediately came to mind: one clone or many?
If it was unlimited, that would be wild. He could stay hidden at Marine Headquarters while sending thousands of clones across the seas to cause chaos, gather intel, or build influence a true mastermind controlling everything from the shadows.
"Too bad I can't use it yet."
He sighed and stored the fruit inside his system warehouse. Maybe someday, once he figured out how to safely eat a second fruit, he'd finally test it out.
Five minutes later, he left his simple dorm room and went back to work.
After all, he was a man of principle he couldn't just take his monthly salary without finishing his assigned tasks. Even as a system-wielding super-soldier, he still had his sense of duty.
That night, Liam invited a few of his colleagues Jennings, Jabo, and the rest for drinks. Oddly enough, they all ended up getting completely drunk, something that had never happened before.
The next morning, a groggy Liam reported to the logistics department.
"System, morning check-in," he muttered.
"Congratulations, host. You have obtained one Basic Experience Card."
He immediately used it to enhance his mastery of Rokushiki, the Navy's Six Techniques.
As he cleaned the hallway floors, Liam frowned. He'd already checked in at nearly every corner of Marine Headquarters. The only remaining spots were… questionable.
Specifically, the women's dormitory, bathhouse, and restroom.
Even with his invisibility ability, he had never crossed that line.
He wasn't that kind of man.
Still… the temptation whispered in his mind. What if I just sneaked in once at night? No one would know…
He froze mid-thought. "No, Liam Ross! You're a decent man, not a creep. Have some dignity."
After a deep breath, reason triumphed over curiosity.
Instead, he thought about transferring jobs. Maybe a position that let him travel more often that way, he could explore new places, sign in across the world, and level up faster.
From what he knew, there were three Marine jobs that fit that lifestyle: intelligence officer, courier, or patrol ship crew.
The first two were straightforward, but the last joining a patrol ship was like being a royal inspector from old times. Every month, a vice admiral would lead a patrol to maintain order across the seas.
Liam immediately crossed that one out.
Sure, the pay was good, but the risk was astronomical. Unless you were powerful enough, you were basically cannon fodder.
An intelligence officer? Also too dangerous. Spying wasn't exactly his style.
Which left one perfect option: courier.
A mailman of the Marines. Low risk, high mobility, and perfect for his sign-in system.
"Sounds good to me," he decided.
He went to see Commander Burke and explained his request to transfer.
At first, Burke didn't seem too interested.
So Liam slipped him fifty thousand Berries under the desk.
Burke's face instantly lit up. "Ha! A simple department transfer? Consider it done!"
He patted Liam on the shoulder. "Write up your request. I'll handle the rest."
Liam nodded gratefully and submitted the form the next day.
A week passed.
"Congratulations, host. You've signed in for seven consecutive days and earned a Weekly Bonus Pack. Would you like to open it?"
"Open it."
"Congratulations! You've obtained: fifty thousand Berries, a basket of Windmill Oranges, ten packs of Lucky Senbei, and two Intermediate Experience Cards."
Liam shrugged. "Only the experience cards are worth anything."
Just then, he arrived at the logistics office when Burke called out, smiling. "Liam! Good news. Your transfer has been approved!"
Liam's eyes lit up with excitement. Finally, he could travel freely, explore the world, and gather rewards without boundaries.
But then Burke's next words nearly stopped his heart.
"Congratulations, kid! You've been assigned as a patrol soldier! Double the salary, instant promotion from Third-Class to First-Class Seaman. Work hard out there I'm counting on you."
Liam froze.
"Wait, sir… did you say patrol soldier? I applied to be a courier!"
Burke just grinned.
Liam's face fell in horror.
This was not the adventure he had signed up for.
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