Chapter 1 Unexpected Time TravelA thick, viscous darkness, like unyielding asphalt, enveloped Axel's remaining consciousness.
His last sensation was the desperate screech of tires on the cold, wet pavement, sharp and drawn-out, followed by a dull, jarring impact that seemed to displace his very being. There was no pain, only a detached feeling as if his soul had been violently ripped from his body, followed by an endless, descent.
How long passed, he didn't know—perhaps a moment, perhaps eternity.
A salty, damp wind, carrying the stench of rotting seaweed, forcefully assaulted his nostrils, brutally shattering his last vestiges of consciousness.
Axel's eyes snapped open.
His vision cleared, the first thing to rush in was a blindingly blue sky, cloudless, with only a scorching sun hanging high. Then came the rough, gritty sensation beneath him—not the cold, hard asphalt, but warm, distinct grains…sand?
He propped himself up, his palms sinking into the scorching sand. Looking around, he saw a vast, golden beach stretching to the horizon, coconut palms growing crookedly, their leaves rustling in the sea breeze. Further on, the boundless, jewel-like, yet turbulent, azure sea stretched out before him.
The sea? The beach?
Shouldn't I be walking home in the alley after finishing that damned, seventh consecutive night shift? That car…
A gap in his memory brought a wave of intense dizziness and nausea. He gagged a few times, but nothing came out, only his stomach spasmed.
Just as his consciousness was about to be dragged back into darkness by this absurd reality and physical discomfort, a cold, mechanical, emotionless voice suddenly rang out in the deepest recesses of his mind:
[Ding—Matching entity detected…weak vital signs…soul fluctuations compatible…binding…]
[10%…50%…100%…binding successful.]
["The Strongest Sign-in System" activated. Host: Axel. Initial gift pack being distributed…]
*Buzz—*
It felt as if a faint electric current coursed through his limbs and bones. It wasn't painful; instead, it brought a strange warmth that dispelled some of the dizziness and weakness. Axel sat motionless on the scorching sand, unsure whether this was a hallucination from his dying moments or a hysterical reaction to his damaged head.
But then, a semi-transparent panel, glowing with a pale blue light and visible only to him, floated silently before him like a projection.
[Host: Axel]
[Age: 22 (Physical condition optimized after transmigration)]
[Constitution: E- (Barely out of the brink of death)]
[Mental State: D- (Frightened, but soul strength is still acceptable)]
[Energy: None]
[Skills: None]
[Items: None]
[Current Check-in Location: Nameless Island Beach (Not Checked In)]
The panel was almost rudimentary in its simplicity, with two smaller tabs below, shimmering faintly: [System Shop], [System Space].
Axel's heart began pounding uncontrollably, causing a sharp pain in his chest. A system? A standard feature for transmigrators? He pinched his thigh hard, feeling a sharp, distinct pain.
This wasn't a dream.
The cold voice sounded again: [Please complete your first sign-in as soon as possible to obtain initial resources. Hint: Signing in at different locations, events, and times may yield rewards of different qualities.]
Location sign-in? He looked around; besides the sea, there was only sand and a few coconut trees. This was the so-called "Nameless Island Beach."
He tried to access the [Not Signed In] option with his mind.
[Ding—Sign-in successful! Congratulations to the host for obtaining the following at "Nameless Island Beach":]
[Basic Constitution Enhancement Agent (Small) x1]
[Basic Gun Technique Introduction (Skill Book) x1]
[System Currency: 100 Points]
With a notification sound, icons for two items appeared in the inventory: a small test tube containing blue liquid and an old-fashioned thread-bound book. The system currency displayed was 100.
Before Axel could examine them closely, the system voice sounded again: [New Player Guide Quest Issued: Survival and Choices. Quest Content: Survive on the current island for 24 hours and make a preliminary decision about your future path. Quest Reward: One random item draw. Failure Penalty: None (New Player Protection Period).]
Survival? 24 hours?
Axel licked his chapped lips, his throat burning. Water and food were his immediate needs. He glanced at the bottle of "Basic Physique Enhancer (Small)," and without hesitation, selected to use it.
The virtual test tube icon disappeared, and a warm current, even more pronounced than before, instantly coursed through his body. His fatigue subsided considerably, and his weak limbs regained strength. While far from being strong, he at least had the energy to move normally. His physique rating jumped from E- to E.
Next, he looked at the book "Basic Marksmanship for Beginners." He touched it and selected to use it.
A flood of information rushed into his mind, not as words, but more like an innate imprint: the basic grip of a spear, stance, footwork, thrusting, stabbing, parrying, deflecting, blocking, seizing… the key points, power generation methods, and simple, coherent routines of these basic movements were instantly understood and mastered. Although muscle memory requires time to develop, theoretically, he had barely grasped the basics.
The skill bar changed: [Gunplay: Basic Beginner (0/100)].
After completing this, he turned his attention to the [System Shop].
Focusing his attention, the shop interface opened. It was categorized and filled with a dazzling array of items, but most of the icons were grayed out, displaying "Insufficient Permissions" or "Insufficient Currency".
[Physical Enhancement Agent (Small): 50 points] (Basic version already owned, slightly stronger effect)
[Mental Recovery Agent (Small): 50 points]
[Rough Iron Spear: 30 points]
[Basic Movement and Footwork: 80 points]
[Observation Haki (Weak Sensation): 10,000 points]
[Armament Haki (Local Hardening): 15,000 points]
[Conqueror's Haki (Trial Card - One-Time): 50,000 points]
[Immortal Body (Primary Cell Activity): 1,000,000 points]
[God-Level Spear Technique "Wildfire Hundred Strikes": 500,000 points]
[Eight Gates Formation (Full Open): ??? (World rules adaptation in progress, currently unavailable for purchase)]
...
Axel was dazzled and his heart raced, especially at the items that cost tens or even millions of points, and the "immortality" and "god-level marksmanship"—they seemed like myths. He only had a pitiful 100 points in his pocket.
His gaze fell on the [rough iron spear]. He had the marksmanship; he needed a spear. 30 points left, 70 remaining.
He then looked at the [basic movement and footwork], which cost 80 points. After buying the spear, he wouldn't have enough. As for the "Conqueror's Haki Experience Card" costing a whopping 50,000 points, he didn't even dare to dream of it.
Buy the spear!
With a thought, 30 points were deducted. In his system space (an initial virtual storage area of only 10 cubic meters), a plain, dark iron spear appeared, about 2.2 meters long, with a sharp, gleaming spearhead.
Holding the iron spear that had appeared out of thin air in his hand, a heavy, reassuring feeling washed over him, and the spear techniques he had memorized seemed to become clearer. He subconsciously practiced a horizontal thrust, his movements still a little clumsy, but the stance was beginning to take shape.
With a weapon, he felt slightly more at ease. Axel began exploring the beach. Luckily, at the edge of a coconut grove, he found a small amount of fresh water seeping from a crevice in the rocks. Although mixed with mud and sand, it was at least enough to quench his thirst. He then laboriously used his spear to poke down a few green coconuts; the juice was sour, the flesh hard, but it was barely enough to fill his stomach.
Time slowly passed as he searched for food and water, remaining wary of any potential wild animals (though he found none). Night fell, the island's temperature plummeted, and the sea breeze carried a bone-chilling cold. Axel hid behind a large, sheltered rock, clutching his iron spear, listening to the crashing waves, and gazing at the starry sky.
The starry sky here was terrifyingly clear, the Milky Way stretching across the sky, countless stars hanging low—a sight he had never seen before in a city night sky. Loneliness and bewilderment belatedly washed over him, engulfing him.
How would he get through the next 24 hours? Where did his future lie? The world-destroying abilities in the system shop were certainly tempting, but the points required were astronomical. In this strange world, clearly not Earth, how could he, an ordinary person who had just escaped near death, earn those points? By signing in? And where were the sign-in points?
Amidst these chaotic thoughts, exhaustion finally overwhelmed everything, and he leaned against the cold rock, falling into a deep sleep.
The next day, he was awakened by a strange "patter, patter" sound and the sound of something heavy being dragged across the sand.
The sunlight was already quite blinding. Axel jolted awake, gripped the iron spear beside him, and cautiously peeked out.
On the beach not far away, a boy wearing a tattered straw hat, a red short-sleeved shirt, and blue shorts was pulling a huge, three- or four-meter-long fish tail towards the shore, his back to Axel. The fish's head was missing, the cut jagged and uneven, as if it had been torn off by something. The boy wasn't very tall, but his movements exuded astonishing energy.
Straw hat? Red shirt?
Axel's heart skipped a beat, and a thought that almost suffocated him surfaced.
As if sensing his gaze, the boy abruptly turned around. It was an exceptionally clean-cut face, beaming with a wide smile, his round eyes brimming with unguarded curiosity and innocence.
"Ah! Someone's here!" Seeing him, the boy wasn't intimidated by the iron spear in Axel's hand; instead, his smile widened, revealing a set of white teeth. "Hello! I'm Monkey D. Luffy! The man who will become the Pirate King!"
*Buzz—*
Axel's mind went completely blank, as if struck by a hammer.
Monkey D. Luffy. The Pirate King.
He really…transmigrated into the world of *One Piece*! Not just similar, but that exciting world with the Grand Line, Devil Fruits, the Navy, and pirates!
Seeing Axel's stunned expression, Luffy didn't mind and continued pulling hard on the large fish's tail, saying to himself, "Were you also stranded on this island? My small boat capsized in the waves, I was starving, and I just happened to see these fish fighting, so I fished them up!" He used the word "fish," but judging from the severed head, Axel was skeptical of his method.
"By the way, what's your name? Can you use a gun?" Luffy's gaze fell on the iron gun in Axel's hand, showing great interest. "It looks cool!"
Axel opened his mouth, forcing out a dry, hoarse sound: "Li... Axel." He forced himself to calm down; the system's existence absolutely could not be exposed. It was his greatest asset and secret in this world. He brandished the gun in his hand. "I... I know a little."
"Oh! Axel!" Luffy nodded, seemingly unconcerned by Axel's slightly stiff demeanor. He clapped his hands and pointed to the large fish's tail. "I'll treat you to some meat! In exchange, how about you start a fire for me? I only know how to eat it, not how to cook it."
The survival mission required staying on the island for 24 hours; it didn't say anything about not being able to interact with characters from the storyline. Moreover, this person before him was one of the core figures of this world's future, the chosen one.
Axel nodded, lowering his guard somewhat, and walked over.
Starting a fire took some effort, using the most primitive method of friction to start a fire. Fortunately, Axel's enhanced physique and patience paid off. Luffy, with his rubber-like, outstretched arms (which still amazed Axel when he saw it), somehow managed to obtain several enormous leaves as containers. He then used a stone to crack open the fish bones, tearing off large chunks of pinkish-white raw fish meat, eagerly waiting for the fire to blaze.
The fish meat was skewered on rough wooden sticks and grilled over the fire, quickly emitting a fragrant aroma. Luffy impatiently grabbed a half-cooked piece, stuffed it into his mouth, and, despite the heat, his face beaming with happiness, exclaimed, "Delicious! So delicious! Axel, your grilled meat is pretty good!"
Axel ate slowly too. The fish was coarse, with a fishy smell, and without any seasoning; it wasn't exactly delicious, but it was certainly a much-needed boost of energy. He watched Luffy eat with such carefree abandon, and his feelings were complex.
This was Luffy. Simple, direct, possessing incredible power and charisma.
"Axel," Luffy suddenly stopped chewing, tilting his head to look at him. The shadow of his straw hat partially obscured his eyes, but his gaze was surprisingly bright. "What do you do? Do you have a ship? Want to sail with me?"
Here it comes. A classic invitation.
Axel's heart skipped a beat. According to the "plot," Luffy's first crewmate should be Roronoa Zoro, at some naval base in the East Blue. He, this unexpected variable…
He was silent for a few seconds, looking at the leaping flames before him, and slowly spoke: "I… don't have a ship. I don't know what to do." This was the truth. "Sailing… where to?"
"To adventure, of course!" Luffy waved his arms, fish scraps flying everywhere. "To find crewmates! To find ONE PIECE! There are countless islands on the high seas, countless adventures! How about it, become my crewmate!"
His invitation was so matter-of-fact, so certain, as if Axel's acceptance was a matter of course.
Axel lowered his head, stroking the rough iron shaft of his spear. With the system at his disposal, this world was incredibly dangerous. Following the protagonist's crew would undoubtedly allow him to access more "check-in locations" and "events," whether to gain points to become stronger, or to... find his place in this magnificent world—it seemed like a good choice.
Besides, Luffy... was hard to refuse.
He looked up, meeting Luffy's expectant gaze, and nodded: "Okay."
"Great!" Luffy jumped up, almost throwing his straw hat off, laughing loudly, "I knew you'd say yes! I have a crewmate! Hahaha! Celebrate! I'm going to eat more meat!"
Seeing his pure joy, Axel's lips couldn't help but curl into a slight smile. But deep down, his vigilance and planning remained undiminished.
The system was his biggest secret. The gun was the path he chose. And becoming stronger was his first priority.
"Luffy," Axel began, "where are we now? How do we leave this island?"
Luffy scratched his head: "I don't know either! My little boat is broken. But it's okay, someone will pass by eventually! Or we can build ourselves a raft!"
Axel looked at the boundless sea, then at the excited Luffy. Okay, that's so Luffy.
Just then, a system notification sounded in his mind:
[Ding—Newbie tutorial quest "Survival and Choices" completed. Reward: One random item draw.]
[Draw now?]
Axel's heart skipped a beat, and he silently said, "Draw."
A virtual wheel spun rapidly in his mind, then slowly came to a stop.
[Ding—Congratulations, host, you have obtained: "Conqueror's Haki (Trial Card - One-Time Use)" x1.]
Axel: "..."
He glanced sharply at the "Conqueror's Haki Trial Card" priced at 50,000 points in the system shop. A newbie reward? This is it?
[Conqueror's Haki (Trial Card - One-Time Use): After use, releases a moderate-intensity Conqueror's Haki shockwave, stunning targets with mental strength lower than the host, causing them to faint. It cannot have a decisive effect on targets far stronger than the host or possessing a strong will. Disappears after use.]
Moderate intensity? One-time use?
Even so, this is a trump card capable of turning the tide in a critical moment! In the early days of the East Blue, where Haki is not yet widespread, it's practically a nuclear weapon level of deterrence!
Suppressing his overwhelming joy, Axel carefully "placed" the trial card into the deepest part of his system space. This thing cannot be used lightly; once used, it must be ensured that no survivors or absolutely trustworthy people are present. The system must never be exposed.
Luffy was still excited about having a new crewmate, clamoring to start an adventure immediately. Axel, however, gazed at the sea, gripping his iron spear tightly.
A new identity, a new world, a new journey.
Monkey D. Luffy's crew has gained a new companion named Axel, who carries an iron spear.
No one knows what astonishing secret this seemingly ordinary young man harbors, or what waves he will stir up on this vast sea.