#16 Upgrades, baby. Upgrades

Why rush back to his room?

Of course, it was to claim his reward!

The rewards from the system were way better than even those Devil Fruits. While Devil Fruits could grant abilities, improving one's physique and Haki required hard work and training.

Earlier, when they were in the Celestial Dragon's treasure vault, after Carlo took the Devil Fruits, the system's notification sounded.

However, it wasn't appropriate to accept the reward in front of Blackbeard. If something big happened, it would arouse suspicion. So Carlo hurried Blackbeard to grab weapons and return quickly.

Yeah, just like Blackbeard said, he was desperate!

Compared to dealing with Blackbeard? Carlo didn't care at all!

'Ding! Task complete: Successfully kidnapped a Celestial Dragon and obtained Devil Fruits.'

'Do you want to use the reward now?'

"Use it!"

'Douglas Bullet Physique Card used. Enhancing host's physique, please wait...'

'Awakening host's Armament Haki!'

'Armament Haki awakening complete! Beginning Armament Haki development, please be patient...'

As the system notifications rang out, Carlo could feel his physique rapidly strengthening. In no time, his body improved dramatically, surpassing even a Vice Admiral's level by miles.

It made sense. Comparing a Vice Admiral's physique to Bullet's monstrous body was like comparing paper to steel.

It had no comparison, Except for Garp, Kaido and Big Mom, of course...

"Heh, the original owner of this body was really pitiful."

"Even the system can't directly awaken Advanced Arament Haki, without first developing my physique..."

Looking at the black 'armor' covering his arms, Carlo couldn't help but laugh bitterly.

This body had been weak before. Even after three years at sea, it was only slightly stronger than an average person.

It didn't even have any of the three types of Haki. The system had to first develop his Physique before awakening Armament Haki.

Now, even though Carlo was a transmigrator, he was essentially starting from scratch. If it weren't for the system, he would have no way to achieve his goals...

Besides the physique, the most noticeable change was Carlo's Armament Haki. With a thought, the bright black Armament Haki could instantly cover his arms and legs. He could even cover his entire body, though it would consume more stamina and wasn't as powerful.

Carlo worried a bit. Even though he gained the foundation to use Ryuo, he wondered if the level of his basic Armament Haki would cause problems. Would he be able to use Ryuo effectively, or would it be like having a treasure he couldn't utilize?

Training Armament Haki took time, and reaching a level compatible with Ryuo could take years.

"Don't let me down, system. Give me some help here..."

Carlo closed his eyes, sitting cross-legged on the bed, praying silently.

The physical evolution didn't take long, only about five minutes. Soon, Carlo could no longer feel changes inside his body. Instead, he felt an overwhelming surge of strength and stamina, like an explosive force lying dormant within him awakening.

As he clenched his fist, he could hear the sound of the air being compressed and twisted, showcasing the terrifying power he now possessed. His muscles bulged impressively, looking like coiling dragons under his skin.

Carlo felt as if he could crush a mountain with a single punch!

"It's finally done!"

Carlo exclaimed, feeling immensely satisfied.

Despite the significant changes, there wasn't any noticeable commotion. Even if someone were beside him, they wouldn't detect much beyond his slightly more muscular appearance.

Although Carlo gained bullet's physique and strength, he didn't transform into a hulking beast like Bullet. He was just more muscular, with a perfect build for his over six-foot frame.

Carlo appreciated this. He didn't like overly bulky muscles, and his current physique was perfect.

"Now, for the real test..."

Carlo extended his right hand and clenched his fist, ready to see if Ryuo would work despite his basic Armament Haki's level.

'Ding!'

With a metallic sound, his right arm was covered in even brighter black Armament Haki. A moment later, colorful light swirled out, illuminating the dark room.

A colorful aura wrapped around his arm, flowing like a stream of water, beautiful yet hiding immense power.

"It worked!"

Carlo shouted in excitement.

His worries were unfounded. When he activated the Armament Haki, he realized everything was fine...

The upgrade had carried over to Carlo's body seamlessly.