Chapter 108: The Elixir of Life
Originally, Adrian dismissed Dr. Kureha's chatter as mere habit, paying it little attention. However, when he noticed the sincerity in her expression, he became genuinely interested.
The use of food to regulate the body is uncommon in the sea, though not entirely unheard of.
According to the information Adrian already knew.
Makarabaka…
Ptui!
Momoiro Island, also known as the future Land of the Okama, or the Kamabakka Kingdom, held a peculiar culinary secret. The island's inhabitants prepared a unique dish—one that not only invigorated the eater but also influenced their body shape, personality, and other aspects related to human physiology.
Even the most honest individual, starting at 0, would transform into an assertive 1 after consuming the mysterious dishes there.
It was rumored that Emporio Ivankov, the queen of the okama, might have developed this dish. After all, Ivankov possessed the Hormone Fruit, granting control over various bodily functions, from temperature regulation to pigmentation and emotional states.
At this stage of the seas, it is possible that such an offensive dish does not exist.
However, Adrian naturally declined that dish with malicious intent.
Dr. Kureha, on the other hand, stood apart from the okama of Kamabakka Country. This 118-year-old "young" beauty, with her smoking, drinking, and wavy blonde hair, likely represented the pinnacle of medical expertise achievable by human effort on these treacherous waters!
Adrian harbored suspicions that the "Rumble Ball," later developed by Tony Tony Chopper, might have originated from Dr. Kureha's hints.
As everyone knows, the Zoan Devil Fruit allows the user to transform into an animal, progressing through three stages: human, beast, and man-beast.
Even for users of Zoan-type Devil Fruits or those possessing rare Mythical Zoan abilities surpassing even natural elemental powers, they generally cannot escape these three stages of limitation.
But what about Chopper?
His enhancements seem to defy the typical limitations of Zoan-type Devil Fruits. Leg strength, weight, brainpower, fur quality, wrist strength, flexibility—all enhanced. And then there's the tantalizing possibility of a final stage: the 'Monster Enhancement,' potentially unlocked through the awakened form of the Zoan-type Devil Fruit.
By using the self-made Rumble Balls, he disturbs his own animal transformation wavelength, thus obtaining additional transformation stages beyond the usual three.
Dare we say there's not a bit of Dr. Kureha's interference in all of this?
After all, Dr. Kureha is the one who imparted Chopper with a lifetime of medical knowledge!
But Adrian remains skeptical of Dr. Kureha's claim to 'eternal youth.' Anyone can see that the only part of this "witch" exuding youthfulness lies below her head.
Yet, Dr. Kureha's longevity? That's undeniable!
This young and beautiful girl has lived for 118 years!
Adrian leaned forward, fixing his gaze on Dr. Kureha. "If I were to ask, would you truly reveal the answer?" he inquired.
Dr. Kureha, caught off guard by such directness, blinked in surprise.
Dr. Kureha took a sip of wine, as if to cover her surprise. She then drew a deep breath and said, "I was nearly overwhelmed by your determination. Do you truly believe I wouldn't dare to reveal it?"
Adrian raised his hand abruptly. "Wait," he interjected, "let me guess first! If what I say is related to Dr. Kureha's 'secret to eternal youth,' will you confirm it?"
Dr. Kureha's interest was piqued. She had always posed the question, "Do you want to know the secret to my eternal youth?"—a habit she'd developed. But for the first time, someone responded directly with a resounding "Yes!"
Initially prepared to divulge the answer outright, Dr. Kureha found herself unexpectedly intrigued by Adrian's desire to "take a guess."
"Very well!" she declared, taking another sip from her nearly empty bottle and slamming it onto the wooden table. "Even if young Adrian's guess misses the mark, I'll still reveal the secret!"
Adrian pondered for a moment before speaking:
"Dr. Kureha, is the secret you're talking about related to the 'Millennium Dragon'?"
Dr. Kureha's pupils contracted instantly as she stared at Adrian in shock.
"Young Adrian," she said, "you may not appear very old, but know a lot of things!"
Adrian looked at Dr. Kureha in surprise.
Not denying it directly is to indirectly admit it!
So, the "eternal youth" secret, whispered by this witch with an immortal body, was indeed tied to the [Millennium Dragon]!
Long ago, a dragon was exiled from the West and arrived at a place called Asui—
Cough cough!
Well, it's not quite the peach dragon capable of creating immortal monsters!
The [Millennium Dragon] is a real creature in the legend of the sea god.
Legend has it that every thousand years, the Millennium Dragon returns to its nest, breeds offspring, and then meets its own demise.
In ancient legends, the bones of the Millennium Dragon were said to hold the key to creating the elixir of immortality. This elixir could significantly slow down human aging, granting a lifespan far beyond that of ordinary people.
According to the lore, both Millennium Dragon bones and Pure Gold rank among the greatest treasures capable of prolonging life.
Dr. Kureha glanced at the trembling Dr. Moy, dismissing him entirely.
"Since you're already aware of the Millennium Dragon's existence, Adrian," she began, "I have no reason to withhold anything from you."
Her words hung in the air as she continued:
"Yes, the primary ingredient in my Elixir of Life is none other than the bone of the Millennium Dragon! The legends about its life-extending properties are indeed true."
"But that's all I can reveal," she added. "If you desire a dose of the Elixir of Life, Adrian, bring me the Millennium Dragon bones, and I'll grant you a free serving of the potion!"
At the same time, a notification appeared on the panel.
[You have triggered a random quest: The Elixir of Life!]
[Quest prompt: The Millennium Dragon, Eternal Life!]
[Quest requirements: Submit at least two quotas of Millennium Dragon bones to Dr. Kureha.]
[Quest reward: The Elixir of Life!]
Adrian blinked in surprise at the sudden quest prompt. He hadn't anticipated that even the panel would recognize the authenticity of Dr. Kureha's elixir of life.
This witch is for real!
It's really hard to imagine what kind of legendary seafaring experiences this 118-year-old "young" beauty had in her younger days...
"I won't take this lightly, Dr. Kureha," Adrian declared as he accepted the quest. "Although I don't currently need the elixir to extend my lifespan, I'll certainly remember your words. Who knows? Perhaps one day, I'll encounter a real Millennium Dragon!"