The tavern went still—only the crackling fireplace dared make a sound.
Rael's golden eyes met the pirate leader's gaze, expression unreadable.
The man smirked. "You look expensive, stranger. That coat alone could feed my crew for a month."
Rael took a final sip of his drink and placed the mug down gently.
"I suggest you leave. While your bones are still intact."
The pirate barked a laugh, his steel pauldron clinking as he stepped forward. "Tough guy, huh? Boys, show him why they call us the Steelbacks!"
The crew surged forward—eight men, all scarred and armored, wielding swords, axes, and clubs.
The tavern exploded into chaos.
CRACK!
Rael moved like lightning. His elbow met the first pirate's jaw, shattering it with a single blow. The man flew backward into a table, flipping it over and crashing into bottles and mugs.
Two others came from behind.
Rael didn't turn. He ducked, grabbed the first by the ankle, and slammed him into the second like a human club.
"MONSTER!" one screamed, charging with a pair of jagged daggers.
Rael caught both wrists mid-swing and twisted. SNAP.
The pirate howled and crumpled.
Another jumped from the bar with a battleaxe. Rael sidestepped, caught the handle, and with inhuman strength, crushed the weapon in his grip.
He raised his palm—
BOOM.
A shockwave erupted from it, blasting the pirate through a support beam.
The tavern gasped.
Even the bounty hunters paused, mugs halfway to their lips.
The pirate leader backed up, face pale. "Y-You… What are you?!"
Rael stepped forward, wiping dust from his coat. "A ghost from the past."
He reached out—and in a flash, had the man by the throat.
"Tell me, who put a price on me?"
The man choked, struggling. "It—it was a Marine officer! Said… said if anyone took you down… they'd be paid in golden berries! Said you were a threat!"
Rael's eyes narrowed. So… even here, the chains of divine control echoed.
"Pathetic."
He tossed the man through the tavern window. The body crashed into the street outside, groaning.
Then—
BOOM!
The tavern doors burst open, and Marine officers stormed in—six of them, led by a stocky man with a crooked mustache and a long saber at his hip.
"Enough!" he barked. "Everyone on the ground! This man is under arrest for—uh… disturbing the peace!"
The tavern stared in disbelief. Someone muttered, "But it was the Steelbacks who—"
The Marine officer raised his gun. "Did I stutter?!"
Rael turned slowly. "So the corrupt rats finally show themselves."
The officer sneered. "You messed up, outsider. You're in my port now."[System Notice]
Corrupt Marine Detected: Lt. Harven Malloy
Crimes: Extortion, Bribery, Illegal Bounty Deals
Status: Protected by Rank. Civilian Retaliation Not Advised.
Override?Rael grinned. "Override."Confirmed.Lt. Malloy blinked. "Wha—"
Rael vanished.
A split second later, he was in front of the lieutenant. A fist buried itself in the man's gut, folding him over with a guttural gasp.
"Guh…!"
Rael slammed him against the wall and hoisted him up by the collar.
"I'm not in your world to play your games. I've been betrayed by gods. You're nothing."
The other Marines fumbled for weapons—but one look at their groaning lieutenant, and they froze.
Rael stared into Malloy's terrified eyes.
"You think placing bounties on strangers keeps you safe? You're not justice. You're just a worm wearing its clothes."
He dropped him.
Malloy crumpled.
The tavern was silent again—this time, in awe.
Rael turned and walked out the front door into the night. No one stopped him.
Behind him, the villagers peeked from alleys and windows. Whispers stirred.
"…he just beat them all…"
"…a devil fruit user?"
"…no… something worse…"
Rael stood in the moonlight, coat flapping in the salty wind. He looked up at the stars.[System Notice]
Chains Fractured: 2%
Strength Limit Raised: +0.5 Tier
Multiversal Karma Increased: +15
New Destination Unlocked – Island: Windspire
Would you like to sail immediately?Rael's eyes narrowed.
"Soon. But not yet."
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