Chapter 10

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The energy core had been modified, and once the outer frame was completed, the device would function stably, needing only a bit more time.

Upon hearing this news, the already busy pace in the canyon quickened. They were sprinting towards the finish line, giving their final push.

Ivankov and Ginny didn't abandon their original plan. To prevent any unexpected incidents during the final moments, they aimed to seize the Devil Fruits being used as prizes, taking advantage of the chaos caused by the arriving pirates.

But before that, they needed to participate in a new hunt. This time, the roles of hunter and prey had switched.

"Orlan, why don't you rest for a bit? We can handle the rest."

Modifying the energy core wasn't physically demanding but was mentally exhausting. Kate, who had maintained the electric field's stability, was now fast asleep, having reached her limit. Although Orlan seemed unaffected, Kuma and the others were worried.

"My body is special; I can go without sleep for a few days. If I sleep now, I might not wake up in time. Have you set up everything I gave you?"

"Yes, it's all set up."

Seeing Orlan's firm stance, Kuma and the others didn't press further. They understood Orlan's character well enough to know that once he made up his mind, further persuasion was pointless.

"Then everything is ready. Stick to the plan, but before that, I have something to say."

Orlan walked to a protruding platform on the rock wall. Looking at the people still working below, he picked up a simple megaphone and spoke:

"I believe everyone is aware that a Celestial Dragon has already approached us.

You've been lucky not to be discovered these past few days, but in the days gone by, the Celestial Dragons have ravaged your homeland, killing your loved ones, all for their amusement! Today you're lucky, but who can guarantee you'll be lucky next time? Is it so hard to fight back?

You've lost everything, and they still want to take your lives. In such a situation, don't you dare fight back even once?

The knife is at your throat, and you still want to reason with them?"

The people below momentarily paused their work, but no one responded. It wasn't surprising.

If shouting a few words could ignite the desire to resist, the Celestial Dragons' rule wouldn't have lasted so long.

Even if Kozuki Oden were here, the effect would be diminished.

As long as they bore the Celestial Dragons' title, even if they were stranded on a deserted island, few would dare to touch them.

"Of course, I'm not asking you to attack the Red Line—that's suicide. But if an opportunity presents itself and you don't take it, that's just cowardice. Now, a murderer is right outside! Who is willing to seek revenge?"

Silence prevailed among the majority, but a few scattered individuals stepped forward. Most were former slaves, and a few were locals who had lost loved ones. Compared to the total number, they were few, but it was a start.

Once the myth of the Celestial Dragons was shattered, their blood would nourish the seeds of rebellion, which would eventually take root.

"Report, Erathin Saint! Gringo Saint has ordered everyone to return to base immediately. The game is temporarily suspended."

"Does Gringo really think he's the boss? The Figarland family wants to order me around? If I were in the running, his position would be mine."

A man dressed in a black suit, looking like an agent, knelt before a masked man, speaking with utmost respect.

Surrounding them were similarly dressed individuals, but there were no Marines because this was a Celestial Dragons' hunt. They only needed scorekeepers and obedient hunting dogs to track the prey. Marines would be lucky if they were even considered for the job.

"Erathin Saint, the call mentioned that pirates are approaching. That's why..."

The agent didn't respond to Erathin's words. Matters concerning the Celestial Dragons were for them to decide. Intervening could mean immediate execution.

"A bunch of incompetents. Aren't the Marines good for anything? Can't they handle such a small matter?"

"You're right. What should we do now?"

"Finish searching this area, then head back. I still need a few more points. Gringo must be afraid I'll surpass him. That's why he's doing this. You worthless lot, stop idling and find traces of the prey! Remember, don't touch my prey, or I'll execute you all!"

"Yes, sir!"

Erathin grumbled but followed Gringo's orders. Even among the Celestial Dragons, there were hierarchies, and Gringo was undoubtedly the leader.

Complaining was one thing, but disobeying would lead to punishment.

Erathin hadn't found any high-value prey in days, putting him in a foul mood. If his score was too low, he'd be mocked by his family.

As he pondered this, luck seemed to favor him.

"Erathin Saint! Big find! It's the SR-class slave from the Buccaneer tribe!"

Kuma continued to act as bait, his value making him the perfect target.

"Quick, chase him! If we lose him, you'll pay with your head!"

Ordinary people believed the Celestial Dragons were invincible. Likewise, the Celestial Dragons were confident no one would dare oppose them. Erathin never considered the possibility of traps set against him. To him, Kuma was just a high-value escapee.

Familiar with the terrain, Kuma led them into a nearby canyon. Erathin, guided by his loyal dogs, followed closely.

Seeing Kuma standing still at the canyon's end, Erathin thought he had cornered him.

"Kid, don't run. Let me kill you quickly, and you'll suffer less."

A swift kill would earn extra points, so Erathin had no intention of torturing Kuma. But Kuma didn't respond, turning and disappearing again.

Without Erathin's orders, his agents pursued immediately. They didn't notice the mechanical lotuses hidden among the fallen leaves.

Click! An agent stepped on a lotus, triggering the device. The petals closed around him like a bear trap, and purple energy began to gather at the base.

(End of Chapter)