---
Compared to the previous mutated garbage ray, this was far too much.
However, it was still too early for Abel to celebrate.
The moment the implantation was successful, the gourmet cells within his body sprang to life. The barbecued meat he had devoured earlier was being digested at an astonishing speed.
Yet, it still wasn't enough to satisfy him!
He needed to eat—a lot—and right now!
The overwhelming hunger from his stomach screamed at his brain for sustenance. But it was too late to look for food, and Abel couldn't let anyone witness his unusual state.
Without hesitation, he retrieved the reward he had just received from the system package—[Century Soup].
---
[Century Soup]
Type: Disposable Consumable
Description: A legendary soup from the life menu of one of the Four Heavenly Kings, Toriko.
Effect: The first consumption deeply repairs and purifies the human body. If the body contains gourmet cells, they will be completely satisfied and evolve.
Side Effect: The drinker uncontrollably smiles due to extreme satisfaction. (Duration: 1 hour.)
---
The soup was impossibly clear and transparent, as if it were made of air itself. But the mesmerizing aurora hovering above the bowl and the intoxicating aroma confirmed its presence.
Abel leaned in, his broken arms forcing him into an awkward position, and drank it all in one go, performing what could only be described as a "dragon sucking water" technique.
As the thick, divine flavor flooded his senses, a blissful, almost idiotic smile spread across his face. It was a satisfaction like none other, surpassing anything he had ever experienced in this life—or his previous one.
No words could fully capture the exquisite taste, but "delicious" was the closest he could think of, inadequate as it was.
---
When Abel finished the last drop of the [Century Soup], an immense wave of energy surged through him. Every injury his body had endured since birth began to heal.
If he had the ability to see through his body, he'd have noticed his broken bones mending rapidly. Even old scars, relics of past injuries, faded away.
It was as if someone had rented out a rundown house, found it unsatisfactory, and decided to renovate it completely, replacing even the furniture.
Yet, amidst the purging of toxins, the lead virus lurking in his heart—now a part of his unique talent—remained untouched. This confirmed his earlier suspicions.
At the same time, the gourmet cells within him, fully satisfied, began to evolve for the first time. Abel could feel every cell in his body greedily devouring energy, growing stronger by the second.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the restless cells quieted.
---
[New Talent Acquired: Quick Digestion (Purple)]
Description: A talent born from the evolution of gourmet cells, allowing food to be digested at peak efficiency to extract energy.
Bonus: While in a "satiated" state, gain a tenfold boost to learning any knowledge.
---
Abel felt completely reborn—this wasn't just a metaphorical feeling. His entire being was revitalized.
Testing his newly healed body, he removed the splint on his arm and moved it freely. The wound on his forehead no longer hurt, and even childhood scars had vanished.
This was akin to the "washing of the marrow" often described in the world of cultivation.
Taking a deep breath, Abel marveled at the unprecedented vigor coursing through him.
Though impressed by his new purple talent, he couldn't help but wonder just how outrageous orange and red talents could be.
For now, he decided to replace the splint and get some rest.
The unfortunate soul still suffering in the garbage dump? Completely forgotten.
---
The Next Morning
Abel feigned weakness and continued to enjoy the attentive care of Baby-5, who was feeding him breakfast.
During their conversation, he picked up an interesting tidbit.
"Doffy... Captain Doflamingo left with the others?"
"Yes," Baby-5 confirmed. "Except for Mr. Corazon, everyone else has gone to the port town of Raxishu to hunt down a traitor. The young master hates betrayal, so he's making an example of them."
Seeing her expecting praise, Abel smiled slyly. "Good thing you stayed behind. I really, really need you right now. You're amazing."
The compliment hit Baby-5 like a cannonball, her cheeks reddening and steam practically rising from her head.
Seizing the moment, Abel gently pinched her cheeks. They were soft and surprisingly pleasant to touch.
---
Later, as Abel and Baby-5 explored the base, their tour was interrupted by the sound of breaking glass and a heavy thud.
"That's the twentieth time..." Baby-5 mumbled, exasperated.
Outside, Corazon sat on the ground with a cigarette in hand, looking annoyed. He had just thrown Law out of the second-floor window again.
But Law, determined and furious, wasn't giving up. Spurred by rage, he picked up a dagger and crept toward Corazon's back.
Abel and Baby-5 emerged just in time to witness Law plunging the blade toward Corazon.
"Ahhh!" Baby-5 screamed.
The sound drew Corazon's attention, but instead of dodging, he turned slightly, taking the blade into his shoulder to avoid a fatal injury.
Law, seeing he had struck, felt a rush of grim satisfaction. But before he could celebrate or silence the witnesses, he noticed Abel.
"That guy...!" Law's mind raced. He couldn't afford loose ends.
---
And so, chaos ensued.