Facing the system's response, Katie fell into deep thought.
In fact, ever since the system mentioned it was going to update, she had already suspected that the system might make some changes specifically targeting her. She had even considered that the price of Senzu Beans might increase, but she didn't expect it to increase by this much. However, after hearing the explanation given by the system, her attention was no longer on the price of the beans but rather on the rules it mentioned.
No one could clearly define what the system truly was. It was like a god existing outside the rules, possessing unimaginable power, as if there was nothing it couldn't do.
But now, it seemed that wasn't the case. The system, too, was bound by certain rules—she just couldn't imagine who or what could possibly stand above it to impose such restrictions.
"I accept the new price of Senzu Beans. But can you tell me what you gain from me? Or rather, how does me completing these tasks benefit you?" Since she couldn't change the system's decision, Katie decided to at least ask for some answers.
The system didn't respond immediately. Just as Katie was about to give up, its voice finally rang out.
"The world you are in is called the Pirate World. It has its own trajectory of operation, but from the moment you descended into it, this world began to change. And every time you complete a task I assign, these changes become more obvious and rapid. What I need… is this change."
"For now, that's all I can tell you. When your strength is sufficient, I will tell you the rest—about this world, this time-space, and the true secrets and rules that govern it."
"In short, I need your power. So, within the limits of the rules, I will do everything I can to increase your strength, because only then can I use you to achieve what I want."
When it finished, the system's voice disappeared, but Katie stood frozen for a long time.
Though the explanation was vague, it opened her mind to endless possibilities, as if a brand-new world had been unveiled before her eyes, overturning her previous worldview.
"Forget it. No point overthinking. I should focus on getting stronger. Even if I learn everything, what good will it do if I don't have the power to act on it?"
She shook her head, clearing her thoughts. Strength was what mattered most.
"System, how many exchange points and skill points do I currently have?"
After several battles, Katie no longer remembered how much wealth she had left.
"The host currently has 67.45 million exchange points and 260 skill points."
Hearing the long string of numbers, Katie felt a rush of satisfaction. Her hard work and risks hadn't been in vain—this was her reward, enough to raise her strength to a whole new level.
"Oh, right. What's this A-rank Plane Character Summoning Card?" She suddenly recalled the reward from completing her main mission, something she still didn't understand.
"As the name suggests, it's used to summon powerful individuals from other planes. Planes, like people, vary in strength. Akame ga Kill, One Punch Man, My Hero Academia—these are all considered A-rank planes. This card can summon a powerful character from such worlds."
"However, there are two things you must note: First, the summon is random—you might get someone incredibly strong or utterly useless. Second, the summoned individual will have their own personality and may not necessarily obey you."
"Use it with caution."
After hearing this, Katie's evaluation of the item boiled down to two words: uselessly awkward.
This thing relied too much on luck. If her luck was bad and she summoned a weakling, it'd be pointless. Even if she summoned a powerhouse, they might not listen. If he summoned Saitama and the guy didn't like her… one punch and it'd all be over.
Turning her attention elsewhere, Katie decided to focus on things she could control. Compared to these unpredictable elements, she preferred tangible power. She still hadn't copied Whitebeard's ability—time to try her luck.
"Katie, why are you back again?" At this moment, the feast had just ended, and Marco was still by Whitebeard's side. He didn't expect Katie to return so soon and looked at him curiously.
"I ran into some problems and thought I'd come ask Uncle for advice."
Katie lied without blinking. Actually, it wasn't entirely a lie—she really did have a question for Whitebeard.
"Oh? What is it?"
Whitebeard grew interested. Katie had always been monstrously talented, to the point where it seemed nothing could trouble him. Hearing that even Katie had something she couldn't decide surprised him.
"It's like this: I have many abilities—swordsmanship, Haki, Devil Fruit powers, and more. I don't know whether I should focus on mastering one ability to the extreme or train all of them simultaneously."
Seeing Katie's troubled expression, Marco felt a flash of irritation. He had never seen anyone so annoying complaining because he had too many abilities. What about people who only had one ability? How were they supposed to live?!
Unlike Marco, Whitebeard thought seriously, his gaze toward Katie meaningful.
Being stared at like that gave Katie the unsettling feeling that Whitebeard could see right through her.
"Hmm… that is indeed a problem. Let me think."
"My advice would be the latter—develop all of your abilities together. Your growth will be slower this way, but if you can bring all of them to their peak, you will have no weaknesses. Of course, that's just my opinion."
He didn't make Katie wait long for an answer.
"Thank you, Uncle. I know what to do now. Please rest well—I won't disturb you further."
Whitebeard watched Katie's back for a long time, only withdrawing his gaze after Katie completely disappeared from sight.
"Marco, you know… meeting someone like Katie is both your blessing and your misfortune. The blessing is that you get to witness a new era. The misfortune is that you'll merely become the backdrop for that era—or rather, for Katie herself. She shines too brightly, like the only sun in the sky, leaving no room for anyone else to be noticed."
"Come on, Pops, no way. Once Ace fully develops his fruit, he'll be just as strong as Katie. You're exaggerating."
Marco truly didn't understand why Whitebeard spoke of Katie with such high praise. It was almost as if he was saying Katie was destined to become the Pirate Queen.
"Just watch. Soon, you'll see the world change because of her."