Chapter 4: Summoning Ritual

Ethan spent another minute searching the semi-transparent main panel before finally spotting the tiny [Additional Rules] menu in the bottom right corner. This kind of setup was clearly designed to trap players with hidden pitfalls.

[Tsk...]

He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but he could've sworn he heard someone click their tongue.

He opened the [Additional Rules].

[1. The game bears no responsibility for player death or injury. Injuries are the player's responsibility, and there is no obligation to revive the player upon death.]

[2. Each summoning of a 2D anime character requires a medium. The better the medium, the stronger the summoned companion.]

[3. The player must raise the bond level of the previously summoned character to 3 (Trusted Friend) before summoning the next companion.]

[5. Monthly quests will be issued. Successful completion grants significant rewards, while failure incurs no penalty (but it's recommended to complete them).]

"Wait, what happened to rule number four?!" Ethan couldn't help but complain.

[Tsk...]

Ethan thought he heard that disapproving click again.

[4. Each summoned character will have their own memories and knowledge of the One Piece world, which may cause some mental confusion. Their initial relationship with the player will be that of a casual friend. Do not take advantage of this to lower their affection, or the newly summoned character may turn on you and send you to an early grave. Only when the bond level reaches 3 will they never betray you.]

'This system is terrifying! Why would you hide such important information?!' Ethan felt a wave of relief, realizing he had narrowly avoided a deadly trap. Was this the system's way of getting back at him for annoying it earlier?

[...]

The system's smug silence confirmed his suspicion.

[Additional Rules] Page 2

[5. Monthly quests will be issued...]

"Okay, I've read 5. What's next?"

[6. Player attributes (represented by ★) can be increased through training or by spending achievement points.]

[7. Summoned companions' attributes (represented by ★) can be increased through their own training or by spending bond points.]

[8. Bounties from defeated criminals can be directly converted into berries in the shop, eliminating the need to collect them from the Marines. This applies even if the player becomes a pirate.]

[9. Achievement points can be earned by completing events, hidden achievements, monthly quests, and temporary quests.]

[Ding!]

[Achievement Unlocked: "Witness the Dawn of the Great Pirate Era" – 3 achievement points.]

[Achievement Unlocked: "First Hunt" – 1 achievement point.]

[Achievement Unlocked: "First Million-Berry Bounty" – 1 achievement point.]

[Achievement Unlocked: "10 Bounty Kills" – 1 achievement point.]

[Achievement Unlocked: "Survive to Adulthood" – 1 achievement point.]

"Wait, I get points for past achievements? Shouldn't you have shown up as soon as I entered this world?"

[...]

[10. ...]

 ...

 ...

[998. Out of respect for player rights, players are free to choose whether or not to complete events and quests.]

[999. All consequences of completing events are the player's responsibility.]

[1000. The final interpretation of all rules belongs to the system.]

After reading through dozens of pages, Ethan had spent nearly an hour standing against the wall, deep in thought. Finally, he had a rough understanding of how the system worked. Summon 2D anime characters as companions, build a team, grow stronger, and become the new ruler of the world!

Even though he hadn't done anything but stand there like an idiot for an hour, he had gained seven achievement points. Not bad—at least the wall-staring wasn't a complete waste of time.

[Ding... You have a new message.]

[Monthly Quest #1: Summon a Companion]

[Objective: Between September 3, 1510, and the next 30 days, summon your first companion.]

[Reward: 1,000,000 berries, 5 bond points, and a single-masted sailboat.]

'Completing the quest even gets me transportation,' Ethan thought confidently. 'I really do have protagonist plot armor!'

Ethan looked around. The secluded alley was still empty, with no passersby in sight. "This place really is deserted," he muttered. "Might as well summon my first companion here!"

He bit his finger to draw blood and used it to draw a summoning circle on the ground. The wound was too small, so he had to bite himself several times. "Ouch..." He placed his newly purchased sword in the center of the circle, stood up straight, and stretched his hand toward the sword. "What was the summoning chant from Fate again?" he wondered aloud.

"Whatever. Summon! My companion!"

A faint glow flickered for a few seconds, but nothing appeared. A gentle breeze blew through, ruffling Ethan's bangs and scattering some dust. The wild grass in the cracks of the road swayed, leaving only an awkward silence.

[Item quality too low. Summoning failed.]

Ethan silently covered his face, embarrassed by his failed pose. He picked up the sword and replaced it with his more expensive new pistol, then tried again. "I summon you, my companion!" This time, he struck a pose with his right fist raised to the sky, mimicking an Ultraman transformation.

[Item quality too low. Summoning failed. Please refrain from unnecessary actions.]

"Ugh, this summoning system is so annoying..."

[Would you like to unbind the system? "YES" or "NO"]

"NO!"