Chapter 40: Angel of The Lord

Third Person's PoV:

Sitting on a seat to enjoy the sun, Josh had his eyes closed and a tranquil feeling overcame him. He was currently on the upper platform of the deck with everyone else doing their own things.

Josh could feel his injuries aching but most importantly, it was itching as a result of the fast recovery. 'My immunity went up right? Can you explain exactly how I can increase it further?'

[As the immunity module is exclusive to the Host, the system is unable to discern exactly how to increase immunity further. However, according to the system's analysis, it should increase with more exposure to the object of immunity.]

The system replied uncertainly. It was a mystery even to the System. What Josh was afraid of was that too much exposure could kill him. Did that mean that he would have to be poisoned or get sick often just to increase the percentage? Would it increase if he was exposed to the same thing over and over again?

His calm and tranquil rest was only on the outside. When in fact, his mind was in a turmoil. Stroking his slightly bulging stomach due to overeating, Josh continued on with his questioning. 'Can I buy a smartphone or something? I miss playing games...'

[Request denied. The system's level isn't high enough for the Host to access that level of technology.]

Josh sighed...it seemed to him that the system had quite a lot of restrictions. Unwilling to give up so easily, he pushed on, 'Then what level do you need to be for me to buy it? Wait...what do I need to do for you to level up anyway?'

[The System needs to be at least level 2. The Host can use 100 million system points for a level up.

Warning: The number of points required will double for each advancement.]

"I guess I've got a long way to go before I can enjoy everything in luxury..." Josh said out loud. Not at all afraid that he might be overheard by the others.

Right now, the Merry was about an hour of sea travel away from reaching their destination. Josh wasn't concerned a bit about Arlong. He personally saw Luffy beat him before and he himself was more than enough for that fish bastard.

This wasn't the case for everyone else though, especially for the more fearful people in the crew. Sanji and Luffy were the ones who were most eager for a fight. Zoro being placed right below them. More fights meant that he could improve himself even further.

Usopp, Johnny, and Yosaku were the ones who were most unwilling, however, thinking back to Nami's tragic backstory, they steeled themselves for an unavoidable confrontation anyway.

Somewhere in the South Blue.

On the island of Baterilla in the south Blue, was the town that was once suspected of having the child of the devil. Countless marines searched day and night for the unborn baby, going as far as to slaughter some of the newborns to ensure that the rumors were kept dead. It resembled the birth of Jesus Christ from a certain transmigrator's original world.

In the present day, the island went back to being just one of the numerous islands in the world and was forgotten by many.

A couple were strolling down the road. They had a reservation with one of the most reputable restaurant on the island. This was because today was a significant day for them, the day of their anniversary.

As the couple were running slightly behind their intended schedule, they decided to take a shortcut through the alleyway.

As it was currently nighttime, most people would avoid places like the alley, however, the happy couple decided to do so anyway. After all, Baterilla was not like those islands in the Grandline and crime wasn't rampant everywhere.

"Honey, I have a surprise waiting for you at the end of our date." The man said as he quickened his steps. The woman beside him perked up after hearing him and stuck her body even closer. As they had their arms already linked, the man could feel his wife's ample assets sticking on to his body.

"I'm looking forward to it, Koku dear..." the woman playfully winked.

Just as the two married couple were enjoying the mood, a sudden sound startled them. From in front, two burly and unkempt men appeared out of nowhere. They had malicious smiles on their faces as they threateningly took steps forward.

The two startled people hurriedly tried to turn back and make a run for it, however, once they turned around, they noticed two more people already stationed behind them.

"Hehehe...you're not going anywhere." A man stepped up and told them. He had a short and stubble beard, but that was all the hair that was present on his entire head.

The man, whose name is Koku, stood straight and went in front of his wife to shield her. They slowly backed into the wall of the alley so as to not get sandwiched. As they were ordinary people, when up against four muscular men, the couple felt fearful.

"This is all of the money we have...please, just let us pass." After some mental deliberation, Koku decided to obediently hand over their valuables so that they don't get hurt.

"Kahahah...brothers, it seems like this guy doesn't get it!" The smallest man among them spoke up, as he said this, all of the men started laughing as well.

"We don't just want your money, we want everything you have! Even that beautiful woman over there..." a man sneered. His eyes were filled with lust as he glanced over Koku's wife.

Koku wasn't able to take that comment lying, he had his pride as a man as well. These thugs were vying after his wife! How could he possibly just let them do as they pleased just to save his own skin?

With anger as his fuel, Koku took a step forward and engaged the four muggers. However, reality hit him in the form of punches and kicks. He was just an ordinary man, how could he possibly match up to four muscular men?

Blood trickled down his face and his vision went hazy. He got distracted for a moment and in that moment, a sharp sensation suddenly came from his abdomen. The woman shouted worriedly.

Looking down, there was a short dagger planted firmly in his stomach. Koku fell down face first into the ground. He was in so much pain that he was having trouble hearing the desperate pleas of his wife who was struggling with all of her might.

Koku felt so much pain and that was the same for his emotions. Anger, hatred, resentment, helplessness, self pity/hatred, regret..Koku could only feel those emotions as his life waned slowly.

Just then, a bright white light filled the entire area. The light was so pure that one would feel that they could actually touch it. It looked exactly like the time with Josh.

However, the difference was that the painful high pitched sound was not there. Indistinct sounds that resembled whispers were heard occasionally.

"Yes... if you can save my wife, then YES!" A shout suddenly resounded and the white light entered into Koku's body.

"Koku" got up from his original place in the ground. His injuries were nowhere to be seen, even the one in his stomach.

The man slowly made his way over to the four men who were still restraining the lone woman who had tears running down her face. She looked like she had already given up all hope. Strangely, it was as if none of them noticed the intense light that briefly shone throughout the entire area as they carried on their business of stripping Koku's wife.

A hand suddenly grabbed one of the men's head and without any warning, bright lights shone from his eyes, nose, and mouth. After a terrified scream, the man stopped struggling.

If one took a closer look, one would notice that his eyes were burnt out and it seemed as though his entire head was fried.

The same quickly occurred to the remaining trio who were intent on escaping after witnessing the scene before them.

"K-koku....? Is that you?" The woman slowly got up and nervously asked. She was sure that her husband was lying on the ground dying a moment ago. Relief washed over her as the man standing before her was indeed her husband.

That relief was quickly smashed when she noticed the expressionless look on Koku's face. Without responding, Koku turned around and intended to walk away.

"Koku? Koku!! Where are you going?" The woman hurriedly shouted to stop him. It worked, as Koku slowly turned around, however, the words that came out of his mouth made her heart despair.

"I am not Koku." An emotionless voice rang out. It was a voice that was so devoid of emotions that it sounded almost robotic.

"Then...who are you!?"

When the woman asked this, the dark night became even darker, black clouds gathered in the atmosphere and thunder rained down intermittently.

Koku's eyes suddenly shone brightly and behind him, the shadows of two giant wings could be seen.

"My name is Arial. I am an Angel of the Lord!"

Thus, an Angel came into the world of One Piece on the very same island that once resembled Bethlehem.