The voice echoed in the void.
"Every reincarnated receives a randomly assigned system. Its primary purpose? Protection—against mind reading, body control, seers, and other external manipulations. Think of it as a safeguard with a bonus."
As the voice spoke, the screen in front of me shifted, revealing sixteen black and gold chess pieces floating in the void.
[Peerage Summoning System]
King Piece & 15 Summon Pieces
Each piece, aside from the King, allows you to summon one character from any world.
Grants various benefits: All-Speak (universal language comprehension), enhanced growth, increased lifespan. Increased growth rate based on pieces, energy wing for flight and floating, increased lifespan.
Protects against external influences (mind control, manipulation, possession, etc.).
Grants access to the world of the summoned and provides energy sources unique to them.
Allows proper backgrounds for world travel.
Soulbound.
I scanned the information, my mind racing with possibilities. This was a powerful ability—if I played my cards right.
"What about loyalty?" I asked. The last thing I needed was summoning someone who'd immediately try to kill me.
"You'll meet potential peerage members in a dream space—neutral ground, no tricks, no threats. The system will explain the benefits to them, but it's up to you to convince them to join. If they refuse, you'll have to try again later or pick someone else. They cannot be summoned if they intend to harm you, and you cannot force them to join."
That eased some of my concerns. No risk of betrayal, at least not outright.
"Additionally," the voice continued, "you may use a piece to select a world to freely travel to. However, that piece will be permanently linked to that world, restricting it to only characters from that universe."
I watched as the chess pieces floated toward me, dissolving into golden light before sinking into my chest. A rush of knowledge filled my mind, detailing every aspect of my new power.
Then, the screen shifted again.
"Now, let's see where you'll begin..."
The display flickered, symbols rearranging until two words solidified in bold letters:
[One Piece]
"You and your peerage will be able to unlock and use Haki, including Conqueror's Haki," the voice added. "Additionally, you may select a single Devil Fruit to start with. Be mindful—your choice will impact the story. You may also choose your age, time, and location of arrival. A proper background will be provided."
Jackpot.
This was huge not because I liked the world. But with the right strategy, I could get my hands on a second Devil Fruit, something almost impossible in this world.
"I want to be 25 years old and have the Rumble-Rumble Fruit," I decided. "As for location and time… send me to Sixis Island in front of the Flame-Flame, one day before the Flame-Flame Fruit is found by Ace."
"Understood. Sixis Island, three years before the main story. Done."
The world around me twisted, and everything went dark.
---
My eyes snapped open, a flood of memories surging through my mind. But I ignored them—for now.
Because in my right hand was a bright yellow, spiky fruit. And just a few feet in front of me, an unmistakable orange fruit with swirling flame-like patterns rested on a vine.
I didn't hesitate. I lunged forward, snatching the Flame-Flame Fruit and opening a golden portal with a mere thought. The space rippled as I shoved both fruits inside, the gate snapping shut behind them.
Only then did I let out a breath.
"Gotta tweak that portal color—way too flashy," I muttered.
Summoning the Gate of Babylon again, I peered inside. The only contents were the two Devil Fruits—nothing else. Good. With a mental command, I altered the portal's appearance, making it transparent aside from the shimmering distortions in space.
"That'll do."
Now that my main objective was secured, I took in my surroundings. The island was mostly rocky, with sparse patches of greenery clinging to cracks in the stone. Towering trees dotted the landscape, their roots stretching deep for nutrients. The salty tang of the ocean filled the air, the rhythmic crash of waves a constant backdrop.
According to my implanted background, I was a shipwreck survivor. A quick check of my belongings confirmed it—a backpack filled with basic supplies: dried food, a canteen, some beli (the local currency), a set of clothes, and simple camping gear. A sheathed dagger rested at my waist.
I drew it, using the reflective blade to get a look at myself.
Steel-blue eyes stared back at me. My sandy-blonde hair was unchanged, but my body? Completely different. Broad chest, powerful arms, perfectly defined abs—I was built for speed, power, and flexibility, not bulky muscle mass. Good. Strength alone wouldn't cut it in a world where people could be eleven feet tall and shrug off cannonballs.
...I also made sure my other parts were in place.
"Still intact. Nice."
All in all? A solid 8/10. I wasn't a supermodel, but I looked damn good.
But now wasn't the time for vanity. I needed to ensure my gifts were working properly before making my next move.
Closing my eyes, I reached inward—toward the new power dwelling within me.
---
When I opened my eyes again, I stood somewhere else entirely.
A vast, barren landscape stretched in every direction. The sky above was an endless expanse of blue, without a single cloud in sight. The only notable feature was a massive crystal-clear lake, its surface so still it looked like glass.
Besides that? Nothing. No trees, no grass, no wind. Just an empty world waiting to be shaped.
"Guess I'll be the one to change that," I mused.
I took a deep breath. First things first—time to test my abilities.