At the port of area 13 on the Sabaody Archipelago, Ron sat facing a weathered pub. His gaze fixed upon the distant sea, now a canvas of golden hues under the setting sun, with seagulls adding a touch of both solitude and vitality.
"I'm Ron," he stated, acknowledging that his past he was just an ordinary worker, not many friend, no love life and not really any close relationship to anyone.
Yet, Now he own a Tavern. A traveler from the Earth, Ron found himself in the world of One Piece. This situation thrilled him, though he was keenly aware of the dangers. The Sabaody Archipelago, where even a pirate with a bounty surpassing 10.000.000 Berries can easily get himself killed or worse become a slave.
However, the activation of the Myriad Realms Tavern system prevented Ron from running away. A mechanical voice abruptly resonated in his mind, announcing the opening of the Tavern and the initiation of the system's testing phase.
"Finally," Ron sighed in relief.
As the system underwent activation and the Tavern opened its doors, offering a novice gift pack, Ron prepared for the arrival of the first guest and subsequent visitors from other worlds.
The tavern was instantly bathed in a radiant burst of light, fading gradually as Ron received another message from the system:
"[Ding, Tavern certification is complete.]"
"[The tavern's automatic purchase permission is activated.]"
"[The system will break the dimensional wall, allowing visitors from other worlds a chance to enter the world of pirates!]"
As Ron pushed open the door and stepped inside, a complete transformation greeted him—a once decrepit tavern now exuded in luxury. It appeared spacious, illuminated, and featured entirely new furnishings, from tables to chairs. The wine cabinet dazzled with an array of fine selections.
However, Ron's attention was drawn to something peculiar—the wine displayed in the cabinet: Tiger Bone Wine, Hua Tuo Shi Quan Da Bu Jiu, Wu Liang Ye, Moutai...
"Is something amiss?" Ron puzzled over this, addressing the system: "Open the novice gift package."
"[Ding, congratulations to the host for receiving the body-strengthening pill, the fighting instinct and skills of Ip Man, and a random clerk!]"
Confused by the system's announcement, Ron couldn't help but question the references to Ip Man. Would these gifts provide him with proficiency in martial arts? He contemplated the advantage it might grant in combat scenarios and his potential martial art prowess.
Opting to try the body-strengthening pill, Ron silently focused on acquiring the fighting instincts of Ip Man.
With a determined gulp, a potent force surged through his body, seamlessly integrating into every cell and bone without causing any discomfort. The experience was a continuous metamorphosis, culminating in a transformed physique within mere minutes.
Ron's physique underwent a drastic transformation. Body fat morphed into a new muscles, emitting explosive sounds with even a slight movement of his neck. He felt invigorated, believing he could knock a guy out in one punch.
"Awesome." Ron inspected his reflection in the window's glass, nodding with contentment. His complexion had lightened, facial features remained unchanged yet refined, exuding a touch more heroism. Reflecting on his looks in a past life, he speculated that with effort in various fields, he could even debut as a new actor.
"Summon the clerk," Ron requested, prompting a faint blue magic circle to appear before him.
A notification followed: "[Ding, congratulations Host summoned the first clerk, twin maids: Rem, Ram.]"
Puzzled by the directness of the system, Ron couldn't help but question its functionality. Recollecting details about the two assistants, Rem and Ram, he remembered them from "Re: Zero - Starting Life in Another World."
Ram, the elder sister, had sacrificed her only horn to protect her younger sibling, rendering her unable to fight for an extended period. She possessed a gentle and considerate nature, allowing the host to unlock related postures. On the other hand, Rem excelled in versatility and housework, and a friendly reminder was given about her different attributes compared to her sister.
"Rem, it appears he's our master," one of the sisters remarked.
The other replied, "Must you use such a word as 'master'?"
Blushing cheeks adorned Rem and Ram as they leaned on each other.
"[Ding, the summoned clerk is 100% loyal to Host.]"
Addressing the sisters, Ron stated, "My name is Ron. Henceforth, you will serve as waitresses for this tavern."
Over the next hour, Ron trained the twin sisters in the tavern's day-to-day operations. Just as the session was concluding...
Outside the tavern, a sudden commotion erupted. Several Marine warships had docked at the port, their marine soldiers flooding into the No. 13 area armed with loaded guns. In moments, darkness and flames dominated Ron's sight, accompanied by deafening explosions that shook the entire vicinity.
After over ten minutes, the fight subsided. Disappointed by the lack of excitement, Ron, seated at the entrance, mused over the possibility of the disturbance being caused by the strawhats pirate.
As he prepared to return inside, a slightly fatigued voice caught his attention from behind.
"Strange. Another tavern here?"
"Boss, do you serve West Blue spirits?"
Turning around, Ron noticed a man with a square face, clogs on his feet, and a nearly extinguished cigarette tucked in the corner of his mouth. This figure, draped in tattered justice cloaks atop khaki shirts, emitted an oddly familiar yet slightly peculiar aura.
The man was the current Marine vice Admiral: Tokikake, a character known for his dogged determination.
Ron greeted him warmly, suggesting better and stronger wine within the tavern. He invited Tokikake to try it, to which the vice admiral hesitantly agreed.
As Tokikake entered the tavern, the system sprang into action:
"[Ding, guests enter the tavern and commence testing.]"
"[After analysis, this guest exhibits a 'dog-licking' characteristic, and the following four guests from other worlds will also possess similar traits.]"
"[Customers confiding in the Host and reaching a certain level of confidence can acquire designated abilities.]"
"[Those involved in the confiding process will be bound to the tavern and will soon enter.]"
"[Note: Binding a bond requires a strong relationship between the host and guest, or it will be invalid.]"
Ron couldn't help but express his confusion: "???"