Deon Infinity stared blankly out the classroom window, his mind miles away from the lecture on history. He wasn't trying to be rude—it was just that he already knew everything being taught. The same way he'd known everything taught in practically every class for as long as he could remember. His grades were flawless. Teachers praised him. His classmates admired him. His parents' friends envied his parents for having "such a perfect son."
It wasn't just academics where Deon excelled. As a top member of the school's boxing club, he'd yet to lose a match, easily outperforming opponents who had trained just as long and hard as he had. His physique was well-built, athletic, and strikingly fit, and his features were sharp enough that he could've modeled if he'd ever cared to. He was the complete package: brains, looks, and strength. He was every teenager's dream.
And yet, Deon felt empty.
Every achievement felt like nothing more than another box checked off. When he scored the highest in a test, there was no thrill of victory. When he won another boxing match, he hardly felt a rush of pride. It was all so…predictable. So easy.
There were no challenges, no moments of true exhilaration. Just a life spent going through the motions, like a pre-recorded show on repeat.
As he walked home that day, lost in thought, he found himself wondering, Is this it? Is this all there is? Deon wanted more. Something wild, something that pushed him to his limits. But in his world, that didn't seem to exist.
But then, everything around him seemed to freeze.
Deon blinked, and the world went silent and still. The wind stopped blowing. The sounds of passing cars faded away. Even his footsteps came to a halt as he looked around, realizing he couldn't move his body at all.
Then, he heard it—a calm, powerful voice resonating inside his mind.
"Hello, Deon Infinity," the voice said, with a tone that was both warm and wise. "I've been watching you for quite some time."
Deon's eyes darted around, trying to find the source of the voice. "Who…who are you?"
"I am the God of Choice," the voice replied simply. "I have seen your life, seen how easy everything has come to you, and I know the desire for challenge that lies within your heart. I'm here to offer you an adventure beyond anything you've experienced."
Deon's heart pounded. He'd been wishing for something different, but hearing it like this was surreal. "An adventure? Like… in another world?"
"Yes. In a world full of wild oceans, powerful enemies, and endless possibilities," the God of Choice continued. "A place where you will truly be tested. Where every decision you make will shape your destiny. I can place you there, but know that this world is dangerous. You'll be thrust into a life where survival is uncertain, and nothing will be handed to you."
The excitement he had longed for surged within him, tempered only by a flicker of hesitation. But that hesitation was fleeting. He was ready.
"Take me there," Deon said, his voice steady. "I want to experience it all."
The God of Choice chuckled. "Very well. I shall grant you a system, unique to your journey. Whenever you face a significant decision, this system will offer you choices, and each choice will reward you differently."
The world around him began to fade, and Deon's vision swirled with light. The God of Choice spoke one last time as he slipped into unconsciousness.
"Good luck, Deon Infinity. May your choices lead you to the life you desire."
A New World
Deon came to his senses, only to find himself crammed into a small, dark space. The air was salty, thick with the scent of the sea, and the floor rocked beneath him. He pushed against the walls, realizing they were curved and hard.
Am I… in a barrel? he thought, bewildered.
Just then, a glimmering blue screen appeared in front of him, hovering in the dark. It was transparent, with elegant golden lettering that read:
Welcome to the God of Choice System.
"Deon Infinity," the system spoke in a calm, digital tone. "You have been granted the God of Choice System. This system will offer you choices in critical moments, and based on your decisions, you'll receive rewards that may aid you in your journey."
A thrill shot through Deon as he read the words. It was real. This was his new life, his new adventure. And this time, it would be anything but predictable.
System Notification: A Choice Has Appeared!
A new prompt flashed in front of him, with three options.
Choice #1: Breaking Out of the Barrel
1. Break out immediately and face your new surroundings head-on.
Reward: Saiyan fighting mastery , allowing you to adapt your fighting skills to any opponent.
2. Stay calm and observe quietly until you're discovered.
Reward: Beginner's Observation Haki, enabling you to sense the presence of others around you.
3. Bang on the barrel to make noise and attract attention.
Reward: Basic Luck Boost, increasing your ability to be lucky and to receive better items in the future.
Deon's heart raced as he considered his options. Each choice seemed to have its own advantages. Saying fighting mastery would give, him an edge in combat. Observation Haki, though, was something entirely new, something he could only get in the One Piece world. And Charisma Boost might help him navigate the world of pirates, where alliances and deals were often made with words as much as with strength.
He took a deep breath. I'm here to experience something new, he thought. So why not take a chance?
After a moment of deliberation, Deon chose Option 2: Stay calm and observe quietly until you're discovered.
A gentle warmth filled his mind as the system rewarded him.
Congratulations! You have received Beginner's Observation Haki.
As the power flowed through him, Deon closed his eyes, focusing. For the first time, he sensed faint life forces outside the barrel, a crew of rowdy pirates bustling about the ship. One in particular, with an intense, fiery presence, was getting closer.
His senses alerted him just in time, as the lid of the barrel was suddenly pried open. Blinking in the sudden sunlight, Deon found himself staring up at a group of pirates, all eyeing him curiously. One of them, a hulking man with a scruffy beard, grinned and crossed his arms.
"Well, look what we got here, boys," the pirate chuckled. "A stowaway, or maybe a gift?"