Chapter 14

"Are you sure?" Garling's voice was cold, with a hint of questioning, but it was clear he had already accepted the outcome.

This question was just a formality.

After all, the life card technology had never failed since its inception.

Garling didn't like Erathin; the latter's behavior always seemed erratic to him. Although Erathin's brother was a formal member of the Holy Knights, Erathin himself had never even made it to the reserves.

However, a Celestial Dragon dying at the hands of an outsider was unprecedented in the last hundred years. To Garling, who valued his honor immensely, this was a severe insult to them all.

Of course, there were people daring enough to attack Celestial Dragons. Rocks was an example, and the pirates following him showed no fear of the title either. This group of lawless pirates only needed a leader to do anything.

"Hand over the treasure to us!" A pirate swung his sword at Garling, but was shot dead by a bullet from a nearby female Celestial Dragon.

"Garling, what are you doing? I don't want to attend your funeral representing my family."

The female Celestial Dragon held a gun decorated with precious gems, continuously shooting at the landing pirates. Each bullet fired was imbued with strong Armament Haki.

On this sea, the strength of a gunner heavily depended on their Haki. Seeing Garling's switch from defense to offense, she seemed concerned.

"Such riffraff can't harm me. Who leaked the island's secret? How did these pirates know the treasure is here?"

"Garling! My brother!" another Celestial Dragon shouted.

"I know! Holy Knights! Assemble! Clear these enemies swiftly and then find Erathin. After that, erase this island entirely!" Garling's combat style turned aggressive as he charged into the pirates.

"Die!" Garling shouted.

"Newgate!" A female pirate called out, and a massive figure wielding a naginata intercepted Garling's charge.

"Don't worry, Ba Jin. I'll handle this. You go find the treasure," Whitebeard laughed heartily, clashing with Garling.

The Holy Knights engaged the Rocks Pirates' monsters, but the situation was chaotic. More pirates from various factions landed, further overwhelming the defenses.

"Can't hold them! Too many pirates! Where are the reinforcements?!"

"Reinforcements are here! Vice Admiral Garp!" a Marine shouted.

"Tell me where Roger is!" Garp's focus was clear, causing confusion among the Marines.

Meanwhile, in the canyon of God Valley, the Hextech core was fully charged, and the crowd was filled with complex emotions.

Moments ago, Orlan had completed the final setup of the device, linking the core to the external components. Erathin, the captured Celestial Dragon, was bound on a makeshift platform.

The crowd had been hearing about Orlan's feat from those who witnessed it firsthand.

"Did you say that person tied up there is a Celestial Dragon?"

"Yes, we saw it with our own eyes. That guy was strong, but the Masked Man was stronger. He cut through a mountain with one slash."

Rumors spread wildly among the people, each more exaggerated than the last. Orlan himself remained silent, waiting for the device to finish charging and for news from others.

Boom! A white light streaked through the sky, creating a bear paw-shaped crater. Moments later, Ivankov climbed out.

"Orlan! The mission was a success! Kuma is rescuing others on the island. He said not to wait for him and to proceed when ready!"

Ivankov, covered in dust, reported. They had managed to secure two Devil Fruits, though Big Mom intercepted one. Kuma ate the Paw-Paw Fruit and was now using his power to save as many as possible.

Ivankov's arrival marked the beginning of the final phase. Orlan approached the crowd, speaking loudly.

"Look at this Celestial Dragon, who sees you as mere dust and playthings! Today, he stands no different from any of you, a frail human. He bleeds and fears just like you!"

As Orlan's words echoed, the crowd began murmuring, their eyes shining with new resolve.

"Freedom isn't given; it's earned through courage and resistance. Today, we break their myth with blood and courage. Fight for your future, your freedom!"

Orlan raised his sword, driving it through Erathin's throat, ending his life. The crowd gasped, then fell silent, absorbing the weight of his words.

"You have the power to change your fate. Use it!" Orlan declared, stepping away from the lifeless body of Erathin, a symbol of their newfound courage.

(End of Chapter)