Character Template: Gilgamesh
Development Level: 0%
Ability: 1. King's Treasure
In an instant, as if enlightened, a card appeared in Rex's mind, and he simultaneously understood how to use it.
Humanity's most ancient king, the Hero-King Gilgamesh.
The Development Level referred to the degree of imitation. By replicating the character's speech, mannerisms, and aura, when the Development Level reached 80%, the next check-in location could be unlocked, and this character template could become an independent, controllable entity.
Abilities, on the other hand, must be enhanced by absorbing special energy.
At this stage, Gilgamesh's only ability was the King's Treasure. Others, such as the Star of Omniscience and Omnipotence and the Sword of Rupture, required the absorption of special energy, the nature of which was currently unknown.
Seeing this, Rex licked the corner of his mouth.
"The most ancient king... I didn't expect this to be the first check-in reward. My gamble paid off!"
The King's Treasure was the only ability Gilgamesh could use at this stage. Its mechanics, usage methods, and techniques... all of it seemed to be engraved deep within Rex's soul.
Using the character template's abilities consumed Rex's own stamina.
To use the King's Treasure by firing its treasures like bullets, the stamina consumption was minimal, only for the initial activation. Therefore, with the stamina befitting his one-hundred-million-Beri bounty, Rex could use the King's Treasure for three days and three nights without any problem.
"Kid, what do you think this place is? This is the deepest part of Impel Down. Once you're in, you'll never get out..."
"Who gave you permission to question the decision of this king?"
In an instant, Rex's gaze sharpened as he quickly got into character. If he was going to imitate, he had to be thorough. That kingly demeanor, ingrained to the bone, was not so easy to replicate. Rex could only do his best to emulate it.
Carrying a hint of anger, a metallic clanging sound came from within Rex's cell.
At the same time, Rex's appearance began to change.
Heavy golden armor gently covered his body. Golden earrings hung from his ears, swaying with a soft chime.
His long, golden hair stood on end, and his eyes held a gaze that viewed all things in the world as his own.
"Kid?? How dare a mere newcomer be so arrogant?"
From the opposite cell, a voice roared with fury.
However, in response, the most ancient hero in the darkness merely lifted his right arm. In the empty air, golden ripples began to spread.
With a thud.
A golden treasure shot out from the ripples like a cannonball, blasting into the opposing cell at an incredible speed.
"Wha—"
Amidst a cry of shock, the opponent had no time to react.
Who could have imagined that someone could attack and kill on the lowest level of Impel Down? That was a privilege reserved for Magellan.
With another thud.
The golden treasure pierced straight through the man's chest, pinning him to the cell wall.
"What— this guy, just who..."
It all happened in a flash, so quickly that the occupants of the other cells didn't even know what had transpired.
The next moment.
Rex's cell exploded. Amidst the dust and smoke created by a dense barrage of golden treasures, the figure of a king emerged.
"Mongrel, do you wish to ruin this king's good mood?"
When the man in the opposite cell saw the Hero-King, his pupils shrank violently, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"How is this possible... that kid from before has turned into..."
Before he could finish.
The Hero-King's displeasure was deeply etched between his brows, the vertical wrinkles instantly turning his majestic aura into a fierce one.
Two more golden treasures were fired, and the cell instantly exploded.
"You ant crawling on the ground, who gave you permission to raise your head? You are not worthy of looking upon this king. Ants should be like ants; just lie on the ground with your head bowed and die."
Rex, transformed into Gilgamesh, slowly walked out of the cell.
"I didn't think the imitation would also change my appearance..."
Rex could change back at any time, but there was no need. Maintaining this form was better for increasing the Development Level. Once it reached 80%, this persona could become independent.
"Simba seems to have been killed!"
"Was that the work of that newcomer kid?"
"Impossible, this is the Infinite Hell..."
"Wait, that doesn't look like the kid from before. Who is that?"
...
The Hero-King strolled leisurely, and in the darkness, only the sound of his armor clanking could be heard.
"Did this king not say it just now? This king is only here to retrieve something from the Infinite Hell and will be leaving soon."
Hearing this, everyone present gasped.
This king before them was the newcomer kid from earlier? Impossible!
"Is he a Devil Fruit user? He wasn't wearing Seastone handcuffs... Magellan was truly careless."
"Let me out! Quickly, let me out!"
"Let me out, and I'll give you all my treasure!"
"And me! I need to get out and kill Whitebeard..."
...
Seeing the Hero-King appear, the prisoners clutched at him as if he were their last hope, each one wailing.
Hearing this, the Hero-King swept his gaze over the cells, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"Only the subjects of this king shall receive my protection... So, are you willing to submit to this king and become my subjects?"
In an instant, the Infinite Hell fell silent.
The next moment, a deafening cheer erupted.
"I am willing! Let me out quickly!"
"Me too!!"
"Let me out!!! Hahaha, my time has finally come!"
"I'm going to kill that diarrhea bastard!"
...
Hearing their voices, the Hero-King smiled.
It was impossible for all of them to submit. The Infinite Hell was filled with proud and unruly individuals who would not yield so easily.
Rex was only asking to fit the persona of the Hero-King.
Regardless of their answer, he was going to release these prisoners.
Right now, although he was the most ancient king, he only possessed the King's Treasure. Facing Shiryu and Magellan alone would likely be difficult.
Only in chaos could he make a clean retreat.
"Well then, since that is the case, this king has decided: Today!! A general amnesty for all!!"
In that instant, behind the Hero-King, countless golden ripples appeared. They spread out like a star-filled sky, dispelling the darkness