Abel felt a bit reluctant. He always felt that this skill should not be just this.
But the current situation wasn't favorable for experimenting.
However, the great chaos at the port was finally about to end.
Boom!
The enormous body of Black Bear Miles was once again heavily thrown to the ground.
And this time, he couldn't hold on any longer. His eyes went black, and he passed out, his body reverting from a black bear back into a human. He was absolutely unable to fight any longer.
Silver Sword Lawrence looked even more miserable.
Several minutes earlier, he had been knocked to the ground by Senor's Cat Ear Punch, even spitting blood, and his face was ruined.
Presumably, before the start of the fight, neither of them could have imagined they would lose so miserably.
Not only were they completely defeated in a two-on-one fight, but they also lost without any excuses.
Because that man called 'Senor' really did beat them fair and square, it was hard not to acknowledge it.
With the defeat of the two captains, the remaining pirates naturally became insignificant, all fleeing in terror.
At this point, the soldiers of this country who had been watching the spectacle for a while finally took action and began to clean up the aftermath.
All the riotous pirates were captured or killed, none were left unchecked.
If possible, they even wanted to arrest the members of the Donquixote family involved.
However, considering the potential retaliation from the Donquixote family, they couldn't afford to provoke them, and regretfully chose to let them go.
"Shhh"
Amid the cheers and flattery from the remaining crew members, Senor re-lit a cigarette, his gaze somewhat lost and melancholic as he looked at the sky, deep in thought.
This sequence of actions should have been cool, very captivating.
But his appearance at this moment was far from being cool.
His left cheek was swollen high, looking like he had a bun stuffed in his mouth.
His sunglasses had been shattered, leaving only a frame.
The most unfortunate part was his suit, which had basically turned into a beggar's outfit, hanging raggedly from his body and revealing too much.
He couldn't help it, it was his nature.
Even if he could easily win by ambushing enemies with his Devil Fruit powers, he'd rather stand in front of the enemy and fight them head-on.
One could only say that this guy really had eaten the wrong fruit.
"Hey, are you the executive sent by the Donquixote family this time?"
An official, protected by the soldiers, raised his head and stood in front of Senor.
"Senor."
"Hmm? What?"
"You can call me by my name, or Senor. An impolite man is truly unromantic."
Is this guy an idiot?!
The official's expression instantly darkened. If it weren't for these troublemakers, why would he be dealing with a filthy pirate?
"So, Senor, what happened here needs an explanation and a report to my king."
"Don't forget, we've purchased a large number of 'goods' from your Donquixote family as per our agreement. No matter the reason, today's events should not have happened. Wouldn't you agree?"
Senor continued to smoke his cigarette in silence, his expression melancholic.
Several minutes later, the official walked away, disgust written all over his face, pinching his nose.
Before leaving, he tied up the unconscious Silver Sword Lawrence to take him away.
That guy was the explanation and report that Senor gave to the other party.
The bounty of 35 million was enough to compensate for the damage caused by the reconstruction of the port, leaving no room for complaints.
The remaining Black Bear Miles and the two pirate ships were what Senor planned to bring back as an explanation to Captain Doflamingo.
Such was the nature of Senor. If it had been any other member of the Donquixote family present just now, they wouldn't have bothered to explain or report anything. Instead, they would've wiped out everyone, including these soldiers and the clueless official.
Dare to ask for an explanation?!
I can annihilate your entire country, believe it or not!
Then a crew member hesitantly approached Senor.
"Senor, in the previous battle, we took the liberty of using goods that were intended for the next transaction."
"I'm aware. Rest easy, it's not your fault. When we get back, we'll put all the blame on me."
"Senor..."
Hearing him say this, the crew members all revealed touched yet guilty expressions.
Indeed, at any time, Senor was the person they trusted and respected the most.
This was something they couldn't experience under any other executive.
... ...
At night, in the suburbs.
The now free Abel was eating heartily with Law, casually recounting the intense battle that took place at the port today.
Law listened very attentively, his actions unconsciously slowing down.
"Is the Donquixote family so powerful? Just one executive managed to defeat the combined force of two pirate groups!"
"You haven't heard of the Donquixote family?"
Abel was somewhat surprised and startled.
Law shook his head, "No one at home is interested in such matters, but I know about Germa 66."
"Huh?"
"I once saw a comic strip where the hero 'Sky' led a dream fused robot to defeat the evil army of Germa 66!"
"..."
Abel was speechless.
This was probably another scheme by the World Government and the Navy, trying to shape the strong and righteous image of the Navy and brainwash children.
Even when Law mentioned the name 'Germa 66', he subconsciously frowned, showing a disgusted expression, showing just how effective this method was!
"Abel."
"Hmm?"
"I want to join that Donquixote family you mentioned."
Abel was startled, then asked, "Are you serious?"
"I've thought about it. Just relying on ourselves, we can't even guarantee meals every day, let alone achieve anything."
"Our lives only have a few years left, I don't want to waste it like this anymore!"
"Since the two of us can't achieve anything alone, then let's descend into the abyss, willingly join these villains, and leverage their power to wreak havoc and slaughter!"
The madness in Law's eyes at this moment was enough to shock even Abel.
But after calming down, Abel could understand Law's feelings at this point.
If it weren't for his golden finger, if he hadn't found a way to prolong his life, perhaps he'd be as hysterical as Law right now, throwing caution to the wind.
But leaving all that aside.
Abel was destined to be different from Law.
So now, he started seriously considering the idea Law had just proposed - joining the Donquixote family.
What benefits and help it could bring him.
If there were none, then perhaps here, he and Law would have to part ways.
Even if Law hadn't suggested it, Abel had considered whether to join a faction first.
After all, their current state was exceedingly weak, they had no ability to defend themselves. A few vagrants had nearly pushed them to the brink.
If anyone found out they had escaped from the White Town of Flevance, they would have even less chance of survival.
So, if there was a faction willing to protect them, it would indeed be a good thing.
Abel may have had the golden finger, but to fully utilize it, he unquestionably needed a large amount of resources.
This time, he got lucky. He managed to score big during the chaos created by the two pirate groups, grabbing a four-star rating.
But what about next time?
Who could guarantee such luck and coincidence every time?
Hence, he also needed a backer who could protect him, help him accumulate resources and strength in the early stages.
Truth be told, when it came to a 'backer' meeting these criteria, the first thing Abel thought of was the Navy.
It's the safest option, with ample room for promotion, and extremely abundant resources.
If the whole destruction of Flevance wasn't inextricably linked to the World Government, he might already be planning to drag Law into the Navy.
But there are no ifs, and what has happened cannot be changed.
After all these experiences, not only Law began to detest the Navy, but even Abel had lost any fondness for these two words 'Navy', even doubting the very justice these people preached!
Without the option of the Navy, there were only a few choices left, especially in the North Sea.
Abel was quick to rule out Germa 66.
The reason for dismissing Germa 66 was not due to difficulty in finding them, nor because Law had a prejudiced perception of them.
To be fair, Germa 66 is a formidable power, once the overlord of the North Sea, and they hold a lot of impressive high-tech advancements!
But the problem is that Vinsmoke Judge, who leads Germa 66, is somewhat unhinged, and a thorough autocrat.
His labels include vanity, arrogance, cold-heartedness, hypocrisy, and selfishness.
What's more important is that the Vinsmoke family would never accept outsiders into their core circle, unless it's through marriage.
So even if they managed to find the elusive Germa 66, they'd likely be transformed into expendable soldiers, receiving no special attention.
In contrast, the Donquixote family had been developing rapidly until the main character's group came knocking on their door.
During this time, Abel figured that he could not only grow under the protection of Doflamingo, but also aim higher, strive to become an executive, and utilize the resources of the Donquixote family to fulfill the system's [Prayer Orders] and strengthen himself.
If everything went well, it wouldn't be completely impossible to even replace Doflamingo.
Thinking this, Abel's deeply concealed ambition became restless.
Comparatively, getting in touch with the Donquixote family indeed seemed to be the most suitable choice for his current situation.
Seeing Abel silent for a long time, his facial expressions changing back and forth, Law thought he was in a dilemma and said, "This is the path I chose, you don't have to accompany me."
"Ha, as if. Without me, you'd be done for. Before you repay the two lives you owe me, even if you want to commit suicide, you have to ask my permission."
"Uh, you mean..."
"I hope the entrance requirements for the Donquixote family aren't too high. If they provide food and accommodation, even better."
Finally hearing Abel's answer, Law was a little touched. He thought Abel had made this decision because of him.
He had no idea that in the thought process just now, Abel had already prepared to part ways with him.
"Abel, you..."
"Enough, let's sleep. We have to figure out how to sneak aboard a ship tomorrow! We can't stay here."
Abel spoke with slight annoyance, not wanting Law to misunderstand, and not willing to hear any sappy thanks.
Because the answer he just gave was indeed the result of serious consideration.
An indeterminate amount of time passed, and it was deep into the night.
Abel suddenly opened his eyes and took out a deck of playing cards from his clothes.
He had deliberately sought these on his way back.
Fortunately, many taverns had the habit of playing cards, so it wasn't hard to find.
He casually pulled out the Ace of Hearts, placed it in front of him, then used his only current ability without hesitation.
Magic Card Modification!
Instantly, a continuous flow of psychic energy was poured into this card.
After a few seconds, a soft white light flashed over, and the original playing card completely transformed.
Firstly, the Ace of Hearts design on the front disappeared, turning it into a blank card.
Secondly, the original design on the back directly changed into a silhouette.
No matter how Abel looked at it, the silhouette seemed like his own.
Well, that wasn't important.
What was important was that after using his ability, this card got a new name.
[Magic Card: Blank]
A one-time consumption item.
Description: A card specially modified, containing sealing power.
Effect: When using an active skill, the skill effect can be sealed into the Magic Card. (Currently can seal skills up to LV1)
Note: Skills exceeding the card's level and some special skills cannot be sealed.
... ... ...
Holding this brand new card, Abel showed a thoughtful expression.
"This thing is like those magic scrolls in Western fantasy novels. You tear it open and you can launch a fireball spell or something. I think that's the idea."
Abel felt his understanding wasn't bad, it should be similar to this.
In the future when he learns other skills, he could entirely produce Magic Cards, and then let others use them.
Even better, he could use them to complete Prayer Orders!
Suddenly, Abel's eyes brightened. Suppose someone was in danger, unable to defeat their enemy, and then a Prayer Order was generated. He could completely trade a Magic Card sealed with 'XX skill' to help them overcome difficulties.
In this way, the cost would be nearly zero, and the rewards handsomely plentiful!
But there was a prerequisite: he must first master some truly useful and powerful skills.
Abel glanced at his pitiful skill list, directly stuffed the card into his pocket and muttered, "Damn it, sleep! Dreams have everything!"
That night, Abel dreamt of learning 99 god-level skills. He dreamt of boxing Kaido, kicking Big Mom, and descending like a deity to rub the so-called Im-sama into the ground.
After eliminating all the Celestial Dragons, Robin, Nami, Hancock and other beauties all came running, pleading to bear his children.
Facing this kind of request, he agreed without hesitation, of course!
Then...
Then he was awakened by Law.
No choice. If he kept dreaming, the river crab deity would have had to intervene!