Marvel 74

"Drink it," Max instructed, his tone firm but encouraging. "Let's show everyone here what the future of Fish-Man Island can look like."

The teen glanced nervously at King Neptune, who gave him a reassuring nod. Taking a deep breath, the young Fish-Man uncorked the potion and drank it in one swift motion.

As the teen drank the Atlantean Evolutionary Potion, a radiant golden light enveloped his body. Gasps echoed through the room as the transformation began. His previously slender frame started to fill out with lean muscle, and his scales shimmered with a polished sheen that seemed to reflect the ocean's light. His fins elongated, becoming sleeker and more powerful, while his eyes glowed faintly with an otherworldly hue.

The air in the hall grew thick with energy as the teen let out a surprised gasp. He instinctively flexed his fingers, marveling at the surge of strength coursing through his body. A ripple of water energy pulsed around him, an innate reaction to his newfound power.

The older Fish-Man, the battle-hardened warrior, watched in awe. "This… this is incredible," he muttered, his voice barely audible over the whispers spreading through the room.

Max stepped forward, his gaze steady. "How do you feel?" he asked the teen.

The young Fish-Man looked at his hands, then at Max. "I feel… strong. Like the ocean itself is part of me now," he said, his voice trembling with excitement and disbelief.

King Neptune rose from his seat, his towering presence adding weight to his words. "What is this power you have given him, Max?"

Max turned to the king, his tone calm and deliberate. "This is the power of evolution, Your Majesty. This potion was crafted by the Atlanteans to strengthen their people during their darkest times. I offer it to Fish-Man Island as a way to stand against the threats you face—from pirates, from the World Government, and from those who dare to oppress your kind."

The king's sons exchanged glances, their skepticism giving way to cautious hope. Fukaboshi stepped forward. "And you would give this gift freely? Without expecting something in return?"

Max smiled faintly. "Nothing in this world is free, Prince Fukaboshi. What I want is an alliance. I want Fish-Man Island to stand with me as I reshape this world—a world where no race is considered lesser, and no people are forced to live in fear."

The teen, still basking in the afterglow of his transformation, looked up at Max. "If this is what you can do for us, then I'll fight for that future."

Max turned his gaze to the older Fish-Man warrior. "Your turn," he said, holding out another vial of the Atlantean Evolutionary Potion.

The warrior hesitated, his scarred face a mask of contemplation. Finally, he took the vial, his weathered hands steady as he drank. The room watched in stunned silence as the golden light enveloped him as well, reshaping his body. His scars faded, his frame grew more imposing, and an aura of quiet power settled around him.

As the transformation completed, the warrior opened his eyes, his voice steady and filled with determination. "I am ready to protect Fish-Man Island—and to stand with you."

Max turned to King Neptune, spreading his arms wide. "This is just the beginning, Your Majesty. With your blessing, I can give this power to more of your people. Together, we can ensure that Fish-Man Island is no longer seen as a weak link in the world's chain but as a bastion of strength and unity."

Neptune remained silent for a moment, his gaze shifting between the transformed Fish-Men and Max. Finally, he spoke, his voice filled with gravity. "You ask much of us, Max. But what you offer… it is something I cannot ignore. We will discuss your proposal further. For now, I thank you for showing us what is possible."

Before Neptune could say more, a Fish-Man minister abruptly stood up, his voice ringing with fervor. "I don't think there is any need to discuss this further, Your Majesty!" His passion was evident as he continued, "With this power, we can become the true rulers of this world!"

Gasps and murmurs spread across the room as the minister turned toward Max, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "Mr. Max, if you share the formula for this potion, you will not just be the savior of Fish-Man Island—you will be our ultimate benefactor. Think of it! The Fish-Men, no longer oppressed, but reigning supreme over land and sea!"

Max's calm expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the minister. The tension in the room grew palpable. "What do you mean by 'true rulers'?" Max asked, his voice dangerously even.

The minister's enthusiasm only grew, his gestures wild as he replied, "It means we will rise above the humans! Above all others! With this power, we will take our rightful place as rulers of the world!"

Before he could utter another word, a sickening silence fell. Half of the minister's head was gone, replaced by a mist of crimson as his body crumpled to the ground. The room froze, horrified, as they turned to see Max standing in the same spot, his blade dripping with blood.

"You..." Neptune started, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear.

But before the king could finish, a wave of Conqueror's Haki erupted from Max, blanketing the hall with an oppressive force. Every person present, from seasoned warriors to royal guards, fell to their knees, unable to withstand the overwhelming aura of dominance and death that filled the air.

Max's voice was icy, devoid of any warmth. "Let me make one thing clear," he began, his words slicing through the silence like a blade. "I gave you this potion because I sympathize with the struggles your people have endured. But if you twist my gift into a tool for tyranny—if you even think of using it to oppress others—believe me when I say, I will kill every last Fish-Man on this island."

***

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