40 Chapter 40: The Gift of Destiny

"Why does it sound like the protagonist of some ghost story?"

Looking at the description on the panel regarding the first legendary reputation, Adrian's mood was inexplicably subtle.

In a sense, "Legendary Reputation" could be equated with a "Code Name."

In other words, if nothing else impressive is done in the future, then in the eyes of others in the world of pirates, Adrian's "nickname" on the road is basically the 'White Ghost.'

This nickname...

Honestly, it's not very imaginative.

But there's no way around it; it's what the system gave, and Adrian didn't have a choice.

"White Ghost" is at least better than titles like "White Devil" or "White Grim Reaper." (Maybe)

Adrian looked at the panel again.

Setting aside Devil Fruit rewards and legendary reputation.

In terms of experience points, aside from the experience rewards from mission settlements, everyone from the Capone Mafia, from the Mafia Godfather to the faction members, provided a considerable amount of experience point rewards with their lives. Especially killing Capone Bege and Capone Bell falls into the category of over-leveled kills, and the experience point rewards are astronomical.

Without much hesitation, Adrian invested all the experience points he had gained into leveling up, raising the level of [Formal Swordsman] to LV16. At the same time, his total level reached LV36, not far from reaching level 40.

He then allocated all the attribute points gained from leveling up and mission rewards into intelligence. At this point, his intelligence attribute reached 300, higher than the combined values of the other five attributes.

After settling the mission, the next step was to inform Mrs. Penelope of the specific news.

Thinking of Captain Capone Bege's words before his death, Adrian couldn't help but sigh, as his figure disappeared on the spot.

After a moment.

Adrian arrived at the safe house where he had placed the mother and daughter before, politely knocking on the door.

"Madam, it's me, Adrian. May I come in now?"

Inside the room, Mrs. Penelope, who was highly tense, relaxed upon hearing the familiar voice.

She ushered Adrian into the house and asked with concern, "Mr. Adrian, are you alright?"

"Madam." Adrian first shook his head, then spoke in a low tone, "I received some unfavorable news here, regarding Captain Krivat."

Mrs. Penelope's heart sank instantly.

"Capon Bell, the leader of the Capone Mafia— told me the news after their defeat," Adrian said in a low voice. "He said that your husband has passed away."

Even though Lady Penelope was mentally prepared, she still felt an extremely intense dizziness.

She tightly closed her eyes, one hand supporting her forehead, while the other trembled as it reached for a chair to sit down, her chest heaving violently.

Adrian silently poured a cup of hot tea for Lady Penelope.

Before he could utter words of comfort, Lady Penelope had already opened her eyes. There were no tears, no crying, just reddened eyes.

Unexpectedly, faced with the news of her husband's unexpected death, this outwardly delicate lady displayed a resilience beyond ordinary people.

"Thank you for informing me, Mr. Adrian."

Seeing this, Adrian changed his original thoughts. At this moment, he shouldn't continue with words of comfort, no matter what.

Adrian changed the subject, saying, "Madam, I plan to stay a few more days on Otefi Island. Do you have any plans?"

"Me?" Lady Penelope chuckled bitterly, unsure of how to answer.

Adrian asked, "Do you have any acquaintances or relatives in the West Blue?"

"I only know Krivat," Lady Penelope paused slightly before smoothly continuing, "Although he has a distant nephew who also works for the Shimizu Trade Association."

"How are you related to that distant relative?" Adrian's words hinted at a subtle recruitment.

Lady Penelope replied truthfully, "We're not very close, but at least we know each other well. He's a reliable young man."

"That's good to know. The Capone Gang has been completely eradicated, and once I clean up the remnants of their influence on Otefi Island, the Capone Gang will be history as well," Adrian explained his plan. "If your nephew, whom you know, is reliable enough, I wonder if he could leave the Shimizu Trading Company and come help me out?"

Yes!

Adrian was preparing to build his influence!

Earlier, during the trading between the Kano Country and beta testers, he realized something crucial.

In the upcoming open beta period, although Adrian could play roles like "professional tutor" or "novice instructor," he himself did not have sufficient "items" to supply players for trading.

Firearms, gunpowder, weapons, medicines...

These were things Adrian had no use for, but low-level players were in great need of!

Even if Adrian could acquire these items without much effort, the time and energy involved were astonishingly high, making it a cost not worth the benefit.

Since that's the case, why not find a suitable candidate to help you build your own force, Adrian?

Coincidentally, the Capone Gang has already been wiped out. Standing on the corpses of the Capone Gang, a new force can instantly establish its reputation in the West Blue.

If possible, Adrian could also have his subordinates specialize in developing and facilitating trade between forces and players, freeing himself from the hassle of mundane transactions.

Lady Penelope remained silent for a while before asking, "Mr. Adrian, what do you plan to do?"

"Hmm…" Adrian stroked his chin, "Start a trading company"

...

Five days later.

Dusty and worn out, Tommy arrived on Water 7's business ship, reaching the island of Otefi.

For Tommy, the feeling toward this 'mafia island' in the underground society of the West Blue was a mix of excitement and anticipation.

Nowadays, who in the West Blue doesn't know about the notorious Capone Gang? Due to stirring up trouble with terrifying enemies, the once-famous gang was annihilated in a day, completely becoming history?

Tommy never expected that someone as insignificant as himself could catch the attention of such legendary figures!

Although it was thanks to distant relatives…

About half an hour later.

Tommy arrived at a nondescript two-story building. In the living room of the building, he finally met the legendary - His Excellency White Ghost!

Adrian roughly assessed the young man before him, dressed in a coarse plaid coat, wearing a newsboy cap, and trembling with excitement all over. He nodded slightly in his mind, at least passing the appearance test.

"Your name?"

"Tommy, Tommy Shelby, Your Excellency." {Facepalm}

Adrian raised an eyebrow, "You have a very interesting name, Tommy."

"Is... is that so?" Tommy Shelby's face turned red, stammering in his response.

"I believe in friendship and am willing to first show my friendship." Adrian smiled slightly, getting straight to the point, "Tommy, are you willing to leave the Shimizu Guild and work for me, for yourself?"

"Very willing! Your Excellency!" Tommy Shelby immediately nodded, answering loudly.

After all, didn't he rush to Otefi Island just for this?

A moment later, Tommy lowered his head again and somewhat awkwardly called, "Godfather!"

Adrian smiled, "No, you don't need to do that, Tommy. I didn't invite you from Lady Penelope specifically to establish a gang. I'm planning to start a company, a legitimate trading company. Do you still want to help me now?"

The young Tommy Shelby looked a bit bewildered as he lifted his head, "You, sir, are planning to open a trading company?"

"Yes," Adrian nodded, "It will have nothing to do with me, at least on the surface. I plan to name it 'Shelby Company.' What do you think?"

"That…" A dazzling light flickered in Tommy Shelby's eyes, "It's absolutely fantastic!"

"Of course, in the process of the company's development, sometimes it may be necessary to resort to some violent means," Adrian added, "There's no choice. The cruel sea always undermines the noble character of businessmen."

Tommy Shelby's mind raced, and his tone gradually became excited, "So, we also need a bit of assistance from the underworld."

Adrian smiled contentedly, "Exactly. Do you think 'Razor Gang' would be a fitting name for a gang?"