Zone 4 Forbidden Zone.
Located in the outskirts of Tayan City, it was quite a distance from Martial Saint Academy.
After leaving the academy, Vincent Fox took a vehicle on his own and headed straight for the entrance of Forbidden Zone #4.
Just like the other zones, this one was also under strict military surveillance.
When Vincent arrived, it was already past 1 p.m. A massive line had formed outside the main gate.
A rough glance told him there were over a hundred people waiting.
At the gate stood two armed soldiers checking everyone's credentials.
It was clear that the government exercised tight control over the more dangerous zones.
Fugitives or enemies of the state wouldn't even have the chance to step foot here.
And that was a good thing.
At the very least, it helped reduce the risk of people with supernatural powers turning to crime.
After all, before committing any crimes, they'd have to seriously consider the price being permanently banned from the Forbidden Zones.
Vincent checked the time.
It was 1:20 in the afternoon.
Forbidden Zones usually opened every day at exactly 2 p.m.
He had already eaten on the way, and his mental state was in peak condition. With time to spare, he decided today was the right time to challenge Zone 4.
After waiting in line for about thirty minutes, it was finally Vincent's turn.
The guard at the gate glanced at his student ID, then let him pass without a word.
By the time Vincent arrived at the dimensional rift marking the entrance, it was already 1:50.
Just a few more minutes until the zone opened.
Many others were already there, quietly waiting outside the portal.
Vincent's arrival didn't draw much attention.
Most of those present were young people around his age.
Only a few girls took notice, their eyes lighting up the moment they saw him.
"Girls! Check it out! Total hottie!"
"Where? Where?"
"Left side, next to the vending machine…"
"Whoa, you're right! That physique… damn."
"You thirsty girl, wipe your drool. If anyone asks, I don't know you."
Vincent didn't even flinch at the giggling and whispers.
He'd gotten used to it over the past three months.
Ever since injecting himself with the Super Soldier Serum, his physical appearance had undergone a drastic transformation. His sharp features and athletic build had a magnetic effect especially on the opposite sex.
In fact, just on the bus ride here, a brave girl had asked him outright for his contact info.
(So guys, if you're heading out alone... stay vigilant!)
Soon, the time hit exactly 2:00 p.m.
A dark glow shimmered into existence at the portal, signifying that the zone was now open.
Everyone began entering in an orderly line.
Vincent stepped forward and passed through.
In the next moment.
He found himself inside a pristine white preparation chamber.
"Please select your faction!"
"Option 1: Marine Faction"
"Option 2: Pirate Faction"
Vincent didn't hesitate. He selected the Pirate Faction.
He had already made his decision before arriving.
When he watched the Marineford War arc from One Piece in his previous life, he had always felt a deep sense of regret about the fates of Ace and Whitebeard.
Now that he had a chance to intervene, maybe he could change their destinies.
Naturally, he chose the pirates.
More importantly.
Vincent believed the pirate faction offered more opportunities for action.
And since his goal was to earn the highest mission rating possible, pirates were undoubtedly the better fit.
As soon as he confirmed his choice, a flash of red light engulfed his vision, and his body was teleported.
When he regained sight.
He was already aboard a ship.
His clothes had changed into a slightly ragged pirate outfit. He wore a hat on his head and held a long sword in his hand. His appearance was now that of a low-ranking pirate grunt.
This sudden transformation, of course, was orchestrated by the Forbidden Zone system to help participants immerse themselves fully into the environment.
Around him were many other pirates dressed similarly, all standing tall and at attention, clearly preparing for battle.
The ship beneath Vincent's feet was made primarily of wood, yet it was massive comparable to an aircraft carrier.
Even more astonishingly, it wasn't sailing on the surface of the sea.
It was cruising beneath it.
A transparent membrane surrounded the ship, keeping the seawater at bay.
The entire vessel resembled a giant submarine gliding through the ocean depths.
Massive sea creatures swam just overhead, casting ominous shadows. The sight was terrifying to behold.
But none of that held Vincent's attention.
What truly drew his gaze was the burly, mountain-like man standing at the very front of the deck.
He held a massive naginata and stood tall like an immovable mountain.
Even though Vincent could only see the man's back, he recognized him instantly.
Whitebeard.
Vincent's eyes lit up with excitement.
The man stood roughly six meters tall and radiated an overwhelming presence.
Even just standing still, he emitted a suffocating pressure that demanded respect.
Behind Whitebeard were several of his division commanders.
Marco the Phoenix, Diamond Jozu, Flower Blade Vista…
Each one of them had a commanding aura. It was clear they were all terrifyingly strong.
'Since Whitebeard is on this ship, then this must be the flagship of the Whitebeard Pirates, the Moby Dick.'
Vincent's eyes flickered with emotion.
He was tempted to approach and speak to Whitebeard, but ultimately restrained himself.
At this moment.
The deck of the Moby Dick was solemn and quiet.
Most pirates were busy polishing their weapons, mentally preparing for the upcoming battle.
They all knew how dangerous the fight ahead would be.
Many of them might not survive.
Yet not one of them showed regret.
Because they were members of the Whitebeard Pirates.
And as long as it was that man's command, even if it meant storming the gates of hell, they would follow without hesitation.
The atmosphere was infectious.
Vincent's expression grew serious as he stood quietly, waiting for his mission to begin.
After a while.
The Moby Dick began to ascend.
"Everyone ready yourselves! We're surfacing now!" shouted Marco from the bow.
The pirates around him straightened up, gripping their weapons tightly.
And in the next instant
The Moby Dick burst out from beneath the ocean's surface.
----------------------------------------------------
The deeper he goes, the more the truth unravels. Don't wait read ahead and witness Vincent's rise before the world catches up!
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