"A wager?"
After hearing Qin Yang out, Boa Hancock arched a delicate brow and spoke coolly.
"And how exactly do you intend to wager with me?"
"Sister, don't fall for his tricks!"
The one who spoke stood beside the bed curtains—a woman with wavy green hair.
Qin Yang had noticed her the moment he entered.
Boa Sandersonia.
One of Hancock's younger sisters.
She regarded Qin Yang with open hostility.
"You strange sea dragon… what are you really after?"
As she spoke, she glanced toward the woman on the opposite side.
Boa Marigold, the other sister—rounder in build—stood with her arms folded, studying Qin Yang curiously.
"This is bizarre," Marigold muttered. "You look like an ordinary human, yet your true form is a sea dragon over twenty meters long…"
Neither sister had been present during the confrontation at sea; they had only heard reports that he possessed the ability to control ocean currents.
"Can you show us your true form again?" Marigold asked.
"That may not be wise," Qin Yang replied, glancing around Hancock's chamber. "I may not rival the size of larger Sea Kings, but if I transform in here, this room won't survive."
Hancock lifted a hand, silencing her sisters.
"Continue," she said calmly. "How will you prove you are not a Devil Fruit user?"
"It's simple."
Qin Yang met her gaze without flinching.
She was undeniably beautiful.
But he had grown up in the modern world. Beauty alone would not sway him so easily.
"You all know the most effective method to identify a Devil Fruit user," he continued. "Throw them into the sea. Once a person gains that power, they can never swim again. That is the price."
Hancock's eye twitched slightly.
Such common knowledge required no explanation.
But she endured his preamble.
"However," Qin Yang went on, "you've seen my true form. I am a sea dragon. The ocean is not my weakness—it is my domain."
He spread his hands lightly.
"So that method won't work. We need another."
"Get to the point."
"Don't be so impatient, little girl. That temper won't make for a capable ruler."
He shook his head as if offering genuine advice.
"L-Little girl?!"
Hancock's eyes widened, fury flickering beneath her composure.
Since ascending the throne, no one had dared address her so casually.
"See? A few words and you're angry," Qin Yang clicked his tongue. "A ruler must remain calm even if Mount Fuji collapses before her."
"You—!"
Hancock's chest rose and fell sharply.
"Sister, calm down," Marigold intervened with a strained smile. "He's still wearing the title of 'Guardian.' We can't cause a scene here."
She shot Qin Yang a warning glare.
"If you continue spouting nonsense, I will not be so polite."
"My apologies," Qin Yang replied with an easy smile.
Inside, however, he was amused.
He had merely tested the waters. Their reactions were predictable.
The three sisters shared a secret.
As long as he did not cross that line, they were forced to tolerate his status as "Guardian."
"Hmph."
After a long moment, Hancock steadied herself, though anger still simmered in her eyes.
"Enough theatrics," Sandersonia snapped. "If we discover you are a Devil Fruit user pretending to be our Guardian, I will personally punish you."
"Very well," Qin Yang said lightly. "Back to the wager."
He paused, organizing his thoughts.
"Beyond their weakness to the sea, Devil Fruit users share another defining trait. Do you know what it is?"
"Stop stalling."
"A person can consume only one Devil Fruit. If they eat a second, their body will explode."
He looked directly at the three sisters.
"You know this, don't you?"
"Of course," Marigold nodded. "It is said two devils will fight within the body, tearing the person apart."
"Then it's simple."
Qin Yang's gaze sharpened.
"Bring me a Devil Fruit. I will eat it in front of you."
"If my body explodes, then I was lying. I will die here, and you need not lift a finger."
Silence fell.
"You're wagering your life?" Sandersonia exclaimed.
Even Hancock's eyes showed genuine surprise.
This sea dragon had nerve.
"Wait," Hancock said suddenly, brows furrowing. "If you eat it, you will lose the ability to swim. You are a creature of the sea. Are you certain?"
Qin Yang blinked.
He had not expected concern.
Beneath the icy exterior, there was a trace of kindness.
"There's no need to worry," he said quietly. "I am a 'deity.' Devil Fruits are born of devils. Even if I consume one, I will not become a Devil Fruit user."
He felt a faint twinge of guilt as he spoke.
The sisters exchanged glances.
Hancock studied him for a long moment before nodding.
"Very well."
Her voice turned cool once more.
"If you explode, I will have your remains fed to Bacura. The black panther has served the Empresses of Amazon Lily for generations. I imagine it would enjoy sea dragon meat."
A faint smile curved her lips.
"Marigold. Among the spoils we acquired, there is one Devil Fruit. Bring it."
"Yes, Sister."
Moments later, a boxed Devil Fruit was placed before Qin Yang.
Its surface bore the familiar swirling patterns.
Qin Yang suppressed a sigh.
At minimum, it was worth over one hundred million Berries.
And they were wagering it so casually.
To them, he was gambling his life.
To him, the risk was negligible.
He had deduced long ago that in this world, Devil Fruits were the most probable source of "mysterious energy."
Hancock crossed her legs once more.
"Eat it," she said coldly. "Tricks will not work."
"Much obliged."
Qin Yang smiled faintly and took a bite without hesitation.
The taste was revolting—so bitter it assaulted his senses.
But before the nausea could fully set in, the Fantasy Gene's emotionless voice echoed within his mind.
"Detected mysterious energy…"
"Activating absorption mode…"
"Absorbing… 1%… 50%… 100%…"
"Absorption complete."
"Congratulations, host. Second transformation unlocked—Shadow Demon."