Chương 117: The First Sold Zoan-Type Devil Fruit

"Is there a problem?" Lucien turned to Morbius, his calm demeanor making it clear he found the question unnecessary.

"Lucien, maybe you missed the point—Zoan-type fruits transform people into animals!" Morbius stated with earnest concern, his brows furrowed.

"I didn't miss it," Lucien replied, unfazed.

"I read that part, but Zoan-type fruits also grant immense strength and incredible abilities. Let's be honest, gaining power comes with a price. Besides, it's not like I'd be permanently stuck as an animal." Turning to Rosh, Lucien asked with genuine curiosity, "Shopkeeper, just to clarify—the transformation only happens when the ability is actively used, right?"

"That's correct," Rosh confirmed with a nod.

"As long as the ability remains dormant, the user's appearance doesn't change at all."

"See?" Lucien gestured casually toward Morbius, his confidence unwavering.

"Tell me you're joking!" Morbius's tone grew sharper, his frustration breaking through his usual composure.

"Morbius, why so serious? You're a man of science—I expected a more open-minded approach," Lucien replied with a chuckle, brushing off his friend's worries.

"Relax, I'm just exploring my options." Still, as Lucien flipped through the catalog, his gaze repeatedly returned to the Zoan-type section. Each time, Morbius's anxiety seemed to deepen. Only when Lucien began reviewing the Paramecia-type fruits did Morbius let out a small sigh of relief.

"Feeling better now, Morbius?" Lucien teased, casting a quick glance at his friend before returning to the catalog.

"Some of these Paramecia fruits are truly extraordinary," Morbius said, seizing the opportunity to steer his friend's interest.

"They are," Lucien admitted with a nod, though his tone remained casual.

"So, have you found anything you like?" Morbius asked, watching Lucien closely.

"Absolutely," Lucien replied with a sly smile, closing the catalog and turning back to Rosh.

"Mr. Rosh, I'm particularly interested in the Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Bat." Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

"Lucien, you can't be serious!" Morbius exclaimed, his voice rising with disbelief. Lucien met his gaze with calm resolve.

"Morbius, listen. I've spent most of my life trapped in a tiny hospital room. My world was nothing but four walls, endless treatments, and the dull hum of medical machines. I've had enough of that." His voice grew more impassioned as he continued, "Now, I have a second chance—a chance to gain strength, to live my life without limits. How can you ask me to turn that down?" Morbius clenched his fists, struggling to respond. He wanted to protect his friend, but the determination in Lucien's eyes was undeniable.

Lucien's conviction was like an unyielding tide, and no argument seemed strong enough to dissuade him. The Bat Model wasn't Lucien's first choice. He would have gone for the Hawk Model, a far superior Zoan-type fruit, if he had the means. However, it was well beyond his reach, priced at an eye-watering 150 kilograms of gold. The Bat Model, though less impressive, came at a far more manageable price of 50 kilograms of gold—an investment he could actually afford.

"Apologies, store owner," Morbius said, addressing Rosh before pulling Lucien aside.

"Let me talk to him for a moment." The two engaged in a heated, whispered exchange. Morbius gestured animatedly, trying to dissuade his friend, but Lucien's resolve remained unshaken. Eventually, Morbius heaved a long sigh of defeat, his shoulders slumping. Lucien returned to the counter, determination etched across his face.

"Shopkeeper, I'll take the Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Bat. Please let me try the sample." Rosh, accustomed to such requests, handed over a sample without hesitation. Morbius stood off to the side, clearly frustrated but unwilling to intervene further.

"Thank you!" Lucien exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement as he bit into the fruit. His expression morphed from awe to exhilaration within moments. The rush of power he felt was overwhelming.

"This... this is amazing! I feel like I could punch through a wall!" Lucien reveled in the energy coursing through his body. The transformation was nothing short of a miracle for someone who had spent his entire life frail and weak. Acting on instinct, he activated his newfound abilities. In an instant, his body began to change. A pair of leathery bat wings unfurled from his back, his hands sharpened into deadly claws, and his face took on grotesque, bat-like features.

In this half-human, half-bat form, Lucien exuded raw power. However, his appearance was undeniably monstrous. Even Rosh couldn't help but think,'Man, that's ugly.'

"Whoa, I've got to test these out!" Lucien exclaimed, marveling at his wings. Unable to contain his excitement, he rushed outside, eager to experience flight for the first time. Once outside, Lucien flapped his wings vigorously, leaped into the air... and promptly crashed headfirst into a nearby tree with a resounding, THUD! ⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘ Next Chapter: The Real Power Lies with Rosh Next Next Chapter: Under No Circumstances Should We Provoke That Shopkeeper!

Next Next Next Chapter: Iron Man's Girlfriend Buys a Devil Fruit Can't get enough? Why not read ahead? Visit my P@tr3on or K0‑fi ''Isopuff'' page and unlock +20 extra chapters and daily updates!