The Armor Secret

Kael's breath came in short gasps as he stared at his trembling hands. Dark energy crackled around his fingers, flickering like a shadowy flame. The air was heavy, charged with raw power.

The old man took a step back, his eyes sharp. "That's not an ordinary power…" he murmured.

Kael swallowed hard. "What… what kind of fruit did I eat?"

The old man was silent for a long moment. Then, he sighed. "You ate a rare Solid Fruit—the Oblivion Stone Fruit."

Kael's eyes widened. He had heard of Solid Fruits—fruits that granted power over tangible elements like earth, ice, and trees. But Oblivion Stone? That was a name he had never heard before.

"It's a fruit of destruction," the old man continued. "Those who wield it have the power to crumble anything into dust. But that power is dangerous. If you can't control it… it will consume you."

Kael clenched his fists. He wouldn't let that happen.

"I need to master it," he said firmly. "I won't be weak anymore."

The old man smirked. "Power alone won't make you strong, boy. Even the greatest fruit users can be defeated."

Kael frowned. "By who?"

"By Armor Masters."

The old man raised his hand. A faint glow surrounded his fingers, shimmering like an invisible force. Then, without warning, he vanished.

Kael barely had time to react before—BAM!

A powerful force slammed into his stomach, sending him flying backward. He crashed into a tree, coughing.

"What the—?!"

The old man stood where he had been a moment ago, his body glowing faintly. "This is Armor—the power that rivals Elohim Fruits."

Kael struggled to his feet. "That… wasn't speed. You didn't teleport."

The old man nodded. "No. Armor enhances the body, strengthens attacks, and protects from harm. A true Armor Master can nullify an Elohim Fruit's power entirely."

Kael's heart pounded. So there was a way to counter fruit powers?

He gritted his teeth. "Teach me."

The old man studied him for a moment, then chuckled. "You're stubborn. Good."

He stepped forward, his eyes filled with wisdom.

"Then listen well, boy. There are three types of Armor. If you want to survive in this world, you must master them."

Kael took a deep breath. This was it. The true path to power had just begun.