The crimson hues of the underworld sky stretched endlessly above Raizer Phoenix as he sat alone in the gardens of the Phoenix estate. The massive phoenix statue loomed behind him, its golden wings glimmering in the flickering light of the estate's eternal flames. It was a place Raizer often came to think, to strategize, and to push through the constant sense of inadequacy he felt in the presence of his family.
Today, however, there was something different in the air—something he couldn't quite place.
Raizer had spent the morning practicing, forcing himself to summon flames with precision and control that belied his age. At four years old, he was already surpassing expectations, but for him, it wasn't enough. His family had raw talent, strength, and arrogance to spare, while he had nothing but his own stubborn drive to close the gap.
His hands were bruised from punching practice dummies, his flames still weak compared to his siblings', but he refused to stop. His ambition, fueled by his disdain for pompous attitudes and lazy ideals, kept him moving forward.
That's why he barely noticed the strange warmth pooling in his chest until it became impossible to ignore.
A Voice in the Void
Raizer paused mid-motion, his flames extinguishing as the heat surged through his body. It wasn't the familiar burn of his Phoenix heritage; this was something foreign, something alive.
Then, he heard it—a voice, calm and unyielding, resonating in his mind like a tolling bell.
"System initialization complete. Welcome, Raizer Phoenix."
Raizer's eyes snapped open, his amber gaze darting around the empty courtyard. "What the… Who's there?"
The voice didn't answer directly. Instead, a translucent blue screen materialized before him, hovering in the air. Its soft glow was out of place against the fiery backdrop of the estate, yet it demanded his full attention.
Raizer's breath caught as he read the text displayed on the screen.
[One Piece Summoning System]
Welcome, Raizer Phoenix. This system allows you to summon people, items, and abilities from the One Piece world in exchange for Phoenix Points. You have been granted a Beginner Pack to get started.
The words seemed both alien and familiar, stirring memories of his past life. One Piece. It was a world he had loved in another life, a world of pirates, devil fruits, and legendary swords. Now, it had somehow followed him into his new existence.
"What is this…?" Raizer muttered, reaching out hesitantly. His hand passed through the screen, the text remaining unaltered.
The voice returned, calm and unwavering.
"The One Piece Summoning System is bound to you. It will aid in your growth and allow you to summon beings and items of great power in exchange for Phoenix Points. Use it wisely."
Opening the Beginner Pack
Raizer's heart pounded. His mind, sharp and realistic even at his young age, immediately began analyzing the situation. This wasn't some random fluke—it was a gift, a tool that could tip the scales in his favor in ways he hadn't even imagined.
The screen prompted him again.
Would you like to open your Beginner Pack?
Raizer took a steadying breath and nodded. "Yes."
The screen flashed, and a wave of golden light erupted in front of him. The energy was warm and comforting, yet brimming with an untamed power that made the hairs on his arms stand on end.
Congratulations! You have received:
• 500 Phoenix Points
• One Free Summon (Character)
• One Free Summon (Item)*
Raizer stared at the words, his mind spinning with possibilities. The potential of this system was staggering. If it truly allowed him to summon beings and artifacts from the One Piece world, it could make him stronger than anyone in his family—no, anyone in the underworld.
"Let's see what you can do," he murmured, his voice steady despite the excitement bubbling inside him.
First Summon: A Legend Arrives
Raizer navigated the system's interface, marveling at its simplicity. The menu was divided into three main categories: Characters, Items, and Abilities. Each section listed options with descriptions and their respective costs in Phoenix Points.
He selected the Character tab first, eager to test the full extent of the system.
Free Summon Available. Would you like to use it now?
"Yes," Raizer said without hesitation.
The blue screen flickered, and the golden light returned, swirling and condensing into a single point in front of him. The air grew heavy, crackling with energy as a figure began to materialize.
Raizer's breath hitched as the light faded, revealing a man who towered over him with a presence that felt larger than life. He was broad-shouldered, his jaw square and unyielding, with a white marine coat draped over his back like a cape.
The man's laughter boomed, deep and hearty. "BAHAHAHA! Where am I? Who's the brat that called me here?"
Raizer blinked, his mind struggling to process the sight before him. He knew this man—he had idolized him in his past life.
"Monkey D. Garp," Raizer said softly, the name almost catching in his throat.
Garp turned his sharp gaze on Raizer, his grin widening. "You the one who summoned me, kid? You've got guts if you think you can handle someone like me."
Raizer swallowed hard