Chapter 73 73: 73: Rewards from the Marineford Aftermath
Aether was not concerned with what others were thinking, but standing in the middle of such overwhelming fortune still felt excessive, even to him. Hancock's beauty matched his tastes perfectly, and her devotion stirred a faint warmth within him.
Still, showing affection so openly, especially with a group of acquaintances watching with mixed expressions, was not to his liking. Silvers Rayleigh in particular had a teasing look that made things worse.
This could not continue. Aether preferred Hancock's usual cold and elegant demeanor. That version of her made things far more interesting.
He took Hancock's soft hand and leaned close to her ear.
"Hancock, I prefer your serious look. Also, wait for me tonight. I will come find you."
Through the lens of her affection, Aether seemed even more captivating in Hancock's eyes. His voice carried a quiet intensity that made her heart race.
"Mhm, this concubine will wait for you."
She hugged him contentedly, her body pressing against his in a way that was difficult to ignore.
Aether lowered his gaze slightly, then shifted his attention away. He had already dealt with the clingy enchantress for now. If she kept this up, even someone with his composure would find it troublesome.
Forcing his focus elsewhere, he turned to the system.
Nearly two days had passed. By now, the news from the Marineford War had spread across the entire world through the World Economic Journal. For Aether, the real rewards were only just beginning.
[SS-rank character Monkey D. Dragon has generated positive emotions toward the Host. Medium friendliness. Reward: 20,000 EXP.]
[S-Class figures have generated ordinary emotions toward the Host. Reward: 9,000 EXP.]
[A-rank figures have generated ordinary emotions toward the Host. Reward: 74,792 EXP.]
[B-rank figures have generated ordinary emotions toward the Host. Reward: 543,895 EXP.]
[C-rank figures have generated ordinary emotions toward the Host. Reward: 1,623,931 EXP.]
[D-rank figures have generated ordinary emotions toward the Host. Reward: 3,148,439 EXP.]
[Total EXP Reward: 5.23 million]
[Level Up: Level 83 (149,868/1,200,000)]
[Completed Level 80 Achievement. Reward: One Purple Draw]
The first wave of experience alone pushed him up six levels. As more newspapers circulated, further gains were inevitable. Ironically, the World Government had unknowingly become his greatest ally.
Most of the emotional energy came from civilians who had missed the live broadcast, making the lower ranks the largest contributors. As for the SS-rank, only Dragon appeared. Aether had no idea what the Revolutionary leader had been doing during the war.
What truly satisfied him was the Purple Draw reward. Including his accumulated resources, he now had multiple chances at something valuable.
With his level increase, his attributes had also improved significantly.
[Host: Augustus D. Aether]
[Age: 26]
[Level: 83 (149,868/1,200,000)]
[Strength: Top-tier (Emperor Second-in-Command)]
[Constitution: Top-tier (Emperor Second-in-Command)]
[Agility: Top-tier (Emperor Second-in-Command)]
[Fruit: None]
[Technique: Top-tier]
[Armament Haki: Top-tier]
[Observation Haki: Peak (Voice of All Things)]
[Conqueror's Haki: Peak]
[Weapon: Supreme Grade Blade Ace]
[Points: 157,879]
[Purple Draws: 2, Blue Draws: 2]
Although his current state was weaker than his enhanced form, his Observation Haki had reached its peak. Having two types of Haki at that level, especially Conqueror's Haki, placed him among the strongest figures in the world.
Based on his knowledge, Aether believed he could now rival a standard Admiral. Even Zephyr in his prime had been around this level. Since his rebirth, he had finally overcome his previous lack of raw strength.
The timing of the Marineford War had accelerated everything. Without it, such rapid growth would have been impossible.
As for his Supreme Grade Blade, Ace, it still retained a fragment of its power. However, that remaining strength was limited. He would not use it unless absolutely necessary.
[Points: 181,360]
Compared to experience, points accumulated much more slowly. To increase them efficiently, he would need to involve himself in major events, wars that could shape the world.
Perhaps something like the Payback War, assuming it still occurred.
Without hesitation, Aether began his draws during the banquet.
The first Purple Draw activated. Countless purple lights rotated within the system before one finally emerged.
[A bottle of Special Longevity Pills, containing 8 pills]
Each pill could extend the lifespan of any being by thirty years. However, each individual could only consume one in their lifetime.
Aether fell silent.
This was underwhelming.
While useful, it was not something he urgently needed. At best, it could serve as a long-term resource. The only advantage was its universal compatibility across all species.
Still, receiving this from a Purple Draw felt like a waste.
He moved on to the second draw.
[Resurrection, Bloodline Exclusive Edition, Single-use Item]
This item could resurrect deceased relatives connected by blood, regardless of how long they had been dead. The closer the bloodline, the higher the success rate.
Additionally, the resurrected individual would undergo a positive transformation. In exchange, the user would experience an unpredictable physical change, though not a harmful one.
Aether stared at the description for a moment.
Another strange item.
More importantly, it had little value to him.
He had no direct relatives to use it on. The only person who could barely be considered was Portgas D. Ace, who was still very much alive and currently sulking somewhere.