Do you really believe you're a god capable of controlling the world?
Vane sneered. These old men likely hadn't stepped outside Mariejois in decades. How tragic it must be for those perched atop power to fall so terribly.
Soon enough, Mariejois itself would be toppled.
He turned and strode back to his quarters—there was work to be done.
Vane now held ten Devil Fruits:
Six from Whole Cake Island
Two from Fish-Man Island
One from Sabaody Island
One gifted by Doflamingo
Few in the world command so many at once—aside from the Celestial Dragons, who casually toss theirs to servants, or perhaps Kaido, rumored to have a hoard. But artificial Devil Fruits? Even Doflamingo's creation hasn't quite materialized yet.
What power lies in ten Devil Fruits?
First, Vane examined Kalifa's progress with the Goro Goro no Mi. Using Devil Fruit to accelerate development was exactly what the [Investment System] was built for. Traditional Baltic investments couldn't yield growth like this.
- Kalifa –
Abilities: Goro Goro, Armament & Observation Haki, Rokushiki mastery
Investment: 1 Devil Fruit
Result: 200 million-volt discharge (body limit reached)
Vane prompted:
"Confirm investment direction?"
"Electrical output."
"Confirm?"
"Yes."
"Accepted. Duration: 24 hours. Accelerate?"
"No."
Kalifa didn't need haste—the full effects would manifest in time.
Next, Esdeath.
- Esdeath –
Abilities: Ice Teigu, Kendo, Haki
Investment: 1 Devil Fruit
Unlike Kalifa, Esdeath's weakness was physical durability—sea-stone blades and hardened Haki could harm her. Strengthening her Ice Teigu would balance her power.
"Confirm investment direction?"
"Enhance elemental immunity to Seastone and Armament Haki, increase Mahapadma uses to three per day."
"Confirm?"
"Yes."
"Investment accepted. Duration: 36 hours. Accelerate?"
"No."
First two investments complete.
Vane surveyed his remaining eight Devil Fruits. He contemplated adding fresh skills to his arsenal beyond Shock Fruit and Flame Blade. A new talent should be awakened.
"[Investment System], initiate dimensional character scan."
"Scan initiated. Duration: 10…9…8…"
"Detection complete."
"Candidates found: Accelerator from Academy City, ancient fate king Gilgamesh."
Both suggestions were titanic.
Accelerator offers vector manipulation—control over momentum, light, electromagnetism, even gravity and infrasound. His ability deflects nuclear blasts, launches supersonic projectiles, generates tornadoes… An almost inhuman power.
Gilgamesh's King's Treasure is even more extravagant—a divine arsenal that materializes legendary weapons and treasures from the Golden City, with artifacts of godlike caliber.
Only one investment allowed:
Accelerator: 3 Devil Fruits
Gilgamesh: 4 Devil Fruits
Vane weighed his options:
Vectors are complex and unstable. King's Treasure is pure power—royal, absolute.
He chose:
"Invest in Gilgamesh."
The [Investment System] consumed four Devil Fruits, solidifying the pact.
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