Chapter 2

Emerging with considerable difficulty, a ragged and gaunt figure gasped for breath, barely avoiding suffocation.

Immediately, a horrifying cocktail of odors filled his nostrils, the pungent mixture of blood, rot, and other indescribable smells.

"Ugh!"

He retched violently, especially when he finally discerned his surroundings, spewing his guts out even more.

"So, there truly is a hell after death, and it's terrifying!"

"No, this isn't hell...this is Fravence, and my name is Gustavus Abel!"

By the time Abel had finished retching, he had successfully integrated the memories of two lifetimes.

In his past life, he was a 'self-made man', a fairly successful 'young entrepreneur'.

At just 30, he had easily achieved a few modest goals with a bit of help from his in-laws.

To prove he wasn't just a freeloader, he devoted himself to his company. One late night, after a long day of work, he met with a car accident.

Upon opening his eyes, he found himself here, a place akin to purgatory!

The body he had reincarnated into was equally unfortunate.

Gustavus Abel was his name, born in the North Blue's beautiful and prosperous land - Fravence.

He had a loving family. His parents, renowned merchants in the area, possessed significant wealth.

He received a good education from an early age, inherited his parents' good genes, and was outgoing and generous. His handsome looks and likable personality made him popular among his peers.

Had it stopped there, he might have been grateful to reincarnate into such a person.

But as memories surfaced, terms like 'White Town,' 'Lead Plague,' 'Pirate King,' 'World Government,' 'Celestial Dragons,' reminded him of the terrifying world he had entered!

Moreover, his current situation was dreadful!

After all, like any other manga enthusiast, he too had read the popular manga about pirates. But as he gradually focused on his career, he read less and less, occasionally catching up with the plot developments during his downtime.

For instance, he remembered the mythical zoan-type Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika that was heavily critiqued.

"Truly, neither the timing nor the place of my reincarnation is ideal."

Recalling his past, Abel could only manage a wry smile.

Living in Fravence, also known as 'White Town', wasn't a blessing. Nearly everyone was inflicted with an incurable disease, the Lead Plague. His generation was even unluckier, destined to die in endless suffering before reaching adulthood.

Looking at the distinct white patches on his arm, Abel knew he wasn't an exception. It seemed that being able to live once more had already used up all his luck.

Worse still, even if he had reincarnated a few days earlier, he could've found a way to flee with his parents, gradually seeking a cure.

But it was too late now. To keep their secrets, the World Government let Fravence fall into utter destruction through war. His parents, along with many others, had perished.

Deceived nuns, innocent children caught in the crossfire—merely recalling these memories made Abel's fists clench.

After all, when their memories merged, there was no 'you' or 'I' anymore, only a single name - Gustavus Abel!

He felt every single emotion, every single experience.

Sooner or later, he would seek justice for his parents, for all those who died in Fravence!

However, it was a matter requiring careful planning. At least for now, he didn't possess the capabilities to do so.

"My priority should be to escape. Although I've somewhat adjusted to the smell here, if the soldiers discover me, I might have to reincarnate again...if I still have that chance."

Murmuring to himself, Abel attempted to rise, only to roll off a pile of corpses.

His condition was already critical. Deprived of food and water for an unknown length of time, coupled with his recent bout of vomiting, left him feeling dizzy and extremely weak.

"Damn it!"

Leaning against a corpse, Abel struggled to sit up and take a few breaths. Intense hunger and weakness were relentlessly assaulting his brain.

In his current state, the idea of leaving undetected, crossing the border, was delusional. He needed to regain at least some strength.

But the bad news was that there was neither food nor water here. The longer he delayed, the higher the chance he'd run into soldiers!

"Damn it! Since I've encountered something as absurd as reincarnation, shouldn't there be some kind of a bonus or advantage?"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

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