Three months later, after hundreds of revisions, a brand-new drug was finally developed by Muret and Mia.
This substance could no longer be called a poison pill. Its toxicity, after countless adjustments, had been weakened to its lowest point. Compared to the positive effects the drug could produce, its side effects were entirely acceptable. If it were to be sold on the open market, it would likely be welcomed by a vast number of pirates.
Perfected Excitement Activator: Stimulates the body's functions to full awakening, forcibly unleashes dormant potential, maintains a state of high excitement for an extended period, disables the body's self-preservation mechanisms, and significantly reduces pain.
Side Effects:
1. A single dose consumes three days of life force.
2. Forcibly overdraws future potential.
3. The toxicity places a massive strain on the internal organs.
4. Effectiveness diminishes with prolonged use.
This was the most perfect potion Muret and Mia could create. In their effort to reduce the side effects even slightly, they had nearly lost all their hair over the past few months. After extensive testing, they discovered that three days was indeed the most perfect state they could achieve; any further changes were beyond their current abilities.
So, the moment this potion was ready, Bellamy immediately summoned everyone.
"I've called you all here for a reason I'm sure you've already guessed."
Bellamy's gaze swept over everyone present. Except for Heracles, his crewmates should all know what he intended to do.
"During this time, thanks to the efforts of Muret and Mia, we have obtained a new drug."
He took out dozens of wooden jars filled with a liquid potion and placed them before them.
"I won't go into the details of this drug's effects," he said, his voice low and serious. "I only want to tell you this: take it, and you will gain strength much faster."
Upon hearing this, a fiery light ignited in Drake's eyes. Among everyone present, when it came to the thirst for power, Drake was second only to Bellamy.
"Captain, are there any side effects?"
If there were no side effects, knowing Bellamy's personality, he would have made everyone take it long ago without all this fanfare.
"Your life," Bellamy stated bluntly. "One dose, and you lose three days of your life."
"Your potential," he continued. "It overdraws your future."
Bellamy pointed to the few white hairs on his own forehead. He had been the one to personally test every batch of the potion they had created. In these three months, his lifespan had been depleted by about a year. This was the price of craving power, but Bellamy reveled in it. Because in these three months, his strength had grown as much as it would have in a year of normal training.
Nothing fascinated Bellamy more than becoming stronger. If there was anything, it was becoming even stronger.
"Make your choice, Drake, Ross," he said, his gaze firm. "And you two."
Bellamy looked at Muret and Mia. They were the weakest among them and, in his opinion, the ones who needed this new drug the most.
"To take it, or not to take it."
This choice would have a massive impact on their future. This very moment was a fork in the road of their destiny. As for Heracles, he was not yet a member of the Bellamy Pirates.
Bellamy stood to the side, watching them quietly. He didn't rush them, and he certainly wouldn't force them. Strength was not something that could be forced upon anyone. Only when they had a true awakening from the bottom of their hearts could they become truly strong.
Drake hesitated for only a moment before grabbing a bottle and downing it in one gulp.
"Good!"
His decisiveness earned Bellamy's great admiration. As expected of his first mate; he hadn't shamed him.
Ross stood to the side, clenching his jaw, his mind at war with itself. No one would willingly throw away their own life; the instinct to survive was inherent in all intelligent beings. But having followed Bellamy for so long, Ross had caught a glimpse of the truest, most brutal side of the world. If you were strong enough, the entire world would grovel at your feet. But without power, you weren't even worthy of being called a person.
At this fork in the road, did they truly have a choice? Perhaps it had all been decided the moment they set out to sea.
In a daze, Ross seemed to have a moment of enlightenment. "Give me a bottle."
That Ross made his decision so quickly surprised everyone. Bellamy studied him closely, as if seeing something new in him. The small-time hoodlum who had followed him all this way finally seemed to have the resolve to become strong.
"You won't regret today's decision," Bellamy said. He was fond of a saying: fate has already secretly marked a price for everything. Every choice you make today determines your future.
"And what about you two?"
If Muret and Mia chose not to take it, Bellamy could understand. After all, they were not combatants. Their primary roles were not in fighting. But in his heart, Bellamy still hoped they could keep up with him. They had already come so far together; it would be a real shame if they fell behind here. Teammates who could trust each other were the most valuable resource of all. If he could, Bellamy would never want to lose them.
"I'll have one, too."
The first to make a decision was, surprisingly, Muret. Ever since Bellamy had reprimanded her in the East Blue, Muret had been secretly working hard. She had fought for Devil Fruits several times, all in an effort to keep up with her captain. It was unclear if she had ultimately found her purpose for going to sea, but now, at least, Muret had the resolve to become strong. Whatever the case, Bellamy couldn't ask for more from her.
The unexpected resolve from Muret and Ross brought great comfort to Bellamy. His small crew was finally starting to develop the air of true powerhouses.
"Then that just leaves you."
All eyes turned to Mia. What choice would their chef make?
"What are you all looking at me for?" Mia put her hands on her hips, feeling indignant. Why were they making her seem like the dead weight? That bastard Muret had made her decision without even a heads-up, putting her in a position where she almost had to take it.
Mia snatched a potion from Bellamy's hand and downed it in one go. "So I'll live a few years less, so what?" she declared. "What's the big deal!"
"Well said!"
What's the big deal about a few years of life?
In this world, there are two kinds of lives. One is calm and peaceful, the other is turbulent and stormy. Everyone has the chance to choose their own life. Either live in mediocrity, or ride the terrifying waves.
At this fork in the road of destiny, the Bellamy Pirates chose the extraordinary.
This path was destined to be arduous, destined to shed much blood. But rather than die in mediocrity, Bellamy would rather die fighting on the great sea.
"Do not fear hardship, and do not fear bloodshed!" Bellamy's voice boomed. "Every wound we receive is a golden suit of armor bestowed upon us by fate!"
"Go, learn from the eagle! Shatter your beak, tear out your talons, pluck your feathers, and in the midst of heart-wrenching pain, be reborn!"
"When the azure clouds churn, that will be the day the divine eagle appears!"
One day, their names would be remembered by the world.
And that day was coming soon.