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## Chapter 2: The Gift of Power
Ling City's dusk fell softly as **Lu Yuan** stepped from the crowded street into a modest inn. He moved with quiet purpose—the weight of a promise pulsing in his veins. The wooden door clicked shut behind him, sealing out the noise of merchants and travelers.
He turned the lock, took a deep breath, and unfolded the **five-leaf grimoire** from his cloak. The layered leather glowed faintly in candlelight. Just then, as he curled onto the narrow bed, a familiar sound echoed inside his mind:
> **"Ding — Host has reached Spirit Power Level 10. Reward delivered to inventory."**
The system interface blinked into view. Two new items had appeared:
1. A **190‑year-old soul ring**, its pale-blue glow shimmering like trapped moonlight.
2. A **mythic-level card** delicately folded inside a vibrant red envelope.
For a moment, Lu Yuan stared at the ring—tangible, powerful. But the sealed card promised something mysterious and grand. He sighed, reminding himself of a discipline born long ago:
> *"Absorb the ring first."*
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### The Long Night of Absorption
He sat on the bed, fingers trembling as he placed the soul ring into the designated slot. A hush fell, and the red bookmarks in his grimoire turned black. Three hours later, a low hum filled the room. His skin tingled, spirit surged—but fatigue overwhelmed his exhaustion-drained limbs. He collapsed onto the thin mattress and surrendered to deep sleep.
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### Dawn's First Light and the Shape‑Shift Sword
Soft morning light embraced the room. Lu Yuan stirred, every nerve alive with energy. He nudged the grimoire with a smile. The leather cover flared, and from between the pages sprang a mighty **greatsword**, black as midnight, pulsing with faint crimson veins.
Smiling, he whispered,
> "So… this is Shape‑Shift."
He focused a sliver of his spirit into the sword. It shrank—no longer a hulking greatsword but a practical, swung-at-a-moment's-note weapon. Releasing more power reversed the effect; the blade grew tall again. He shifted power back and forth, swinging lightly.
> "Does not consume much soul power—this is fantastic."
Laughter escaped him—soft, triumphant. He tested a few quick slashes; the edge sang. His spirit soared.
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### The Mystery Card Unsealed
Calm returned. Lu Yuan placed the colossal blade down and knelt before the red envelope. A single tap broke the seal. He drew out the mythic card:
**An illustration of a scarlet-haired man wielding a long sword, aura fierce and proud.**
He nearly gasped:
> "Red-Hair Shanks?"
Below the image, words glowed:
> "Template: Shanks (One Piece world) – Merge 40%. Full template unlock at Spirit Power Level 25."
He tapped **"Merge."**
Then a crackling rush of energy—like waves pounding a distant shore. His eyes flickered as memories flooded in: the **start of Shanks's journey on the seas**, his first duels, and faint echoes of **Haki**—that spiritual armor and spirit-presence only the strongest can muster.
Lu Yuan's chest pulsed. Strength enveloped him:
> *"Even at forty percent… I feel stronger than ever."*
He stood, the redrawn sword glowing faintly as if acknowledging the change.
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### A Template Rooted in Haki
Over the next minutes, fragments of knowledge filled his mind. He envisioned:
* Shanks exuding **Supreme King's Haki (Haoshoku)**, a rare power few possess([onepiece.fandom.com][1])
* Moments like his legendary glare scaring off a Sea King([sportskeeda.com][2])
* Clashing with Whitebeard and splitting the sky with pure Haki-infused strikes([gamerant.com][3])
* Projection of Conqueror's Haki across miles, even affecting Marine admirals([onepiece.fandom.com][1])
* Mastery of Kenbunshoku (Observation) Haki—seeing glimpses of the future([screenrant.com][4])
His body tingled with newfound resilience and stamina controlled by a refined will. He set the card down, breathing steadily.
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### Running Through Pain—Then Laughter
He closed his eyes, feeling endurance flood his bones. A smile crept across his lips as his soul fired—laughter bubbled up, defying exhaustion:
> "This… this is just 40%. At 25," his voice cracked with excitement, "I'll truly rival the heavens."
For a moment, he tested the shape-shift sword again—its weight humming a proud counterpoint to his own growing spirit.
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### The Path Forward — Forest Training
He loosened the sword in its sheath, grabbed the grimoire, and packed away the card and ring. With the new template, he felt like he stood on adult ground for the first time.
He walked out before dawn, and found a small stall serving buns and spiced tea. He ate swiftly. Money was tight—but energy was full.
At the carriage stand, he hailed a driver.
> **"To Star-Southern Forest,"** he told him. "For training."
The driver nodded. The horses trotted into the cool morning air. Lu Yuan looked north, grimoire tucked firmly, sword by his side. In his mind, he heard Shanks's presence: indomitable, calm, rising.
With each rumble of wooden wheels, his future path grew clearer: *growth through trial, strength through will—but always guided by heart.*