Even before Law said anything, Abel had already been considering whether they needed to join a powerful organization.
Right now, they were far too weak and had no means of protecting themselves. A handful of homeless men had nearly pushed them into desperation.
If anyone discovered they were survivors from the White Town of Flevance, they wouldn't stand a chance.
In truth, having someone willing to shelter them wouldn't be a bad thing at all.
Although Abel had a cheat ability, he needed substantial resources to truly take advantage of it.
This time, he had been lucky. He took advantage of the chaos caused by two pirate groups, made a massive grab, and finally received a four-star review.
But what about next time?
Who could guarantee such coincidences would keep happening?
He desperately needed a powerful backer — someone who could protect him, provide support, and help him accumulate resources and strength in the early stages.
To be honest, when thinking of a "reliable" backer, Abel's first choice had actually been the Navy.
It was the safest option, offered the best path for career development, and possessed immense resources.
If the destruction of Flevance hadn't been directly tied to the World Government, he might already be convincing Law to join the Marines.
But reality didn't allow for "what ifs." What was done was done.
After living through all this, not only did Law hate the Navy, but Abel also found himself unable to feel anything positive toward the so-called "justice" they claimed to uphold.
If they weren't joining the Navy, then options were limited — especially in the North Blue.
Abel immediately ruled out Germa 66.
It wasn't because they were hard to find, nor was it because of Law's childhood impression from propaganda comic books.
In truth, Germa 66 was not weak—they had once ruled the North Blue and possessed terrifying high-tech weaponry.
The problem was Vinsmoke Judge, ruler of Germa 66: mentally unstable, solitary, vain, arrogant, cold, hypocritical, and selfish.
More importantly, the Vinsmoke family would never accept outsiders into their inner circle unless it involved marriage.
So even if they managed to locate the elusive Germa 66, Abel and Law would likely end up as disposable soldiers, never valued.
By comparison, the Donquixote Family had grown rapidly until the protagonist of the original story attacked their base.
During that time, Abel believed not only could he grow safely under Doflamingo's protection, but he might even rise through the ranks, become an officer, and use Donquixote resources to complete system wish orders and strengthen himself.
If everything went well, replacing Doflamingo himself wasn't impossible.
The thought stirred Abel's hidden ambition until it burned hot beneath the surface.
Compared to everything else, contacting the Donquixote Family really was their best option.
Seeing Abel silent for a long time, his expression shifting constantly, Law assumed he was struggling with the decision. He spoke quietly:
"This is my own path. You don't have to come with me."
"Ha. Don't flatter yourself. Without me, you'd already be dead. Before you repay the two lives you owe me, you don't get to die without my permission."
"Uh… you mean…"
"Hopefully the Donquixote Family doesn't have strict entry requirements. It'd be perfect if they provided food and shelter."
When Law finally understood Abel's answer, he felt unexpectedly moved. He assumed Abel agreed because of him.
He had no idea Abel had already prepared to part ways, depending on how things turned out.
"Abel, you—"
"Alright, sleep. Tomorrow we figure out how to get on a ship. We can't stay here any longer."
Abel cut him off impatiently. He didn't want Law misunderstanding, and he definitely didn't want sentimental gratitude.
Because his answer earlier truly came from careful analysis.
No idea how long he slept, but the night was deep.
Abel suddenly opened his eyes and pulled a deck of playing cards from his clothes.
He'd gone out of his way to find them earlier.
Thankfully, many taverns had card games, so they weren't hard to locate.
He pulled out the Ace of Hearts, placed it before him, and activated his only skill without hesitation:
Magic Card Modification.
A steady flow of spiritual energy poured into the card.
Seconds later, a soft white light flashed, and the playing card completely changed.
The red heart pattern on the front vanished, becoming a blank card.
The design on the back transformed into a silhouette.
Abel couldn't shake the feeling that the silhouette looked like himself…
Alright, irrelevant.
The important part was that after activation, the card received a new name.
[Spell Card: Blank]
Type: Disposable item
Description: A specially modified card containing sealing power.
Effect: When using an active skill, that skill's effect can be sealed into a magic card. (Currently, the maximum skill level for sealing is LV1.)
Note: Skills above the card's level and certain special skills cannot be sealed.
…
Abel stared at the card, expression thoughtful.
"This is just like magic scrolls in fantasy novels — tear one open to launch a fireball or something."
It didn't seem complicated.
Once he learned other skills, he could convert them into magic cards and hand them off to others.
He could even… use them to fulfill wish orders.
Abel's eyes lit up.
For example, someone in danger might generate a prayer order. He could then trade a magic card sealed with a combat skill and help them overcome the danger.
Low cost, high return!
The only catch: he needed useful, powerful skills first.
Abel glanced at his pathetic skill list, stuffed the card into his pocket, and muttered:
"Damn it. Sleep."
At least in dreams, anything was possible.
That night, Abel dreamed he learned ninety-nine god-level skills.
Then he punched Kaido, kicked Big Mom, and descended like a god to crush Imu into the ground.
After killing every Celestial Dragon, Robin, Nami, Hancock, and countless other beauties begged to have his children.
Naturally, he agreed without hesitation.
Then—
Law shook him awake.
"..."
No helping it. Any further, and the censorship would've kicked down the door themselves.