In the arena, a nervous voice shouted, "What's going on? We're here to join the Rocks Pirates!"
These two groups of pirates were nothing unusual for Beehive Island. It was common for desperate crews to show up at the headquarters, hoping to curry favor and earn a spot in the infamous crew.
No sooner had they arrived and explained their intentions than they were seized and controlled.
"We are currently selecting candidates,"
Roya smiled lazily and said, "The Rocks Pirates don't accept trash. Prove your worth with your swords."
The two pirate crews exchanged tense glances. Such trials were expected from the world's strongest pirate group. The Rocks Pirates didn't recruit weaklings.
Perched on his throne, Roya rested his head on his massive paws, amused. Pirates were an easy species to manipulate.
Now, it was time for the show.
The pirates instinctively gripped their weapons, eyes sharp and calculating. Even wild beasts measured their prey before attacking.
Roya watched with interest—he loved to be entertained.
Suddenly, the fragile peace shattered.
"Charge!"
The two pirate captains led their crews in a furious clash.
The sound of steel on steel rang out as broadswords and cutlasses met with sparks flying. Powerful shockwaves raised dust from the arena floor.
Pirates screamed and roared as the brutal brawl erupted.
Within minutes, blood splattered and broken limbs flew.
"Hmm," Roya breathed deeply, eyes gleaming. "Not bad."
The pain and despair of intelligent creatures were the richest sustenance for Roya.
"But... not quite enough yet."
The battle lasted just over ten minutes before a victor emerged.
The strength difference between the captains was clear. One captain finally slew the other, turning the tide decisively. The winner moved through the remaining foes like a tiger among sheep—unstoppable.
Such was the nature of pirate battles. Except for the Rocks Pirates, a captain's strength alone often surpassed that of half their crew combined.
Though victorious, the winning crew was heavily battered—only a dozen remained standing, all covered in wounds.
But they had won.
"Ohh! Amazing!"
Roya couldn't help but stand. "They ended it so fast—I didn't get my fill!"
The victorious captain slammed his sword into the ground and looked up expectantly at Roya.
"With this, we can join the Rocks Pirates, right?"
Roya turned to Dylan beside him. "Did I ever say they'd be accepted if they won?"
Dylan shook his head calmly. "You only said to prove their worth."
The pirate captain's face paled. "What do you mean?"
"Sorry, you didn't pass."
Roya sighed. "I already said the Rocks Pirates don't take trash. Defeating other trash doesn't make you anything else."
In truth, these crews had been pre-screened. The truly valuable pirates had already been absorbed into the fleet.
Roya wasn't picky. But stronger pirates didn't necessarily produce better black mist—the essence Roya craved.
"You bastard! You're joking!"
The captain's eyes reddened with fury as he pointed his sword at Roya. "I'll kill you!"
Roya frowned in disbelief. "How dare you resist a leader of the Rocks Pirates?"
Fear rippled through the gathered pirates.
They knew well the terrifying reputation of Rocks and his crew.
"That's right! You should be afraid."
Roya's smile twisted cruelly. "Kill yourself now, or I'll do it for you."
The captain flushed crimson, muscles twitching. "You little brat! I'll drag you to hell with me!"
Since death was inevitable, why not fight?
Roaring, the captain hefted his heavy blade and charged.
He vaulted onto the arena wall, then propelled himself up onto the ten-meter-high stands.
"Oh!"
Roya admired the skill. "Not bad!"
"Go to hell, little devil!"
The captain swung down, aiming to cleave Roya's head.
Roya's follower Dylan barely blinked, ignoring the attack.
Bang!
The heavy blade struck Roya's forehead with a loud clang.
The captain's hands shook violently; his expression twisted in shock.
The blade shattered into pieces, knuckles bruised by the violent recoil.
"How is this possible?!"
He couldn't believe it.
Domineering power?
From such a young kid?!
Roya smiled knowingly. According to his past life's myth, Qiongqi's body was covered with spiky, hedgehog-like hair—hard as steel. No wonder his fur was incredibly tough.
"Now do you understand why you failed the trial? You need to look at your own flaws."
Roya opened his massive jaws, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth.
"Roar!!"
His terrifying tiger roar sent powerful sonic waves rippling through the air, kicking up a thick cloud of dust over the arena.
Pirates clutched their ears, some bleeding as the sound assaulted their eardrums.
The charging captain was blasted backward, crashing hard onto the ground.
"Ughhh!"
He writhed in agony, blood gushing from every orifice, staining his body's surface.
There's an old saying—"tiger's roar, dragon's breath." Roya's roar was a weapon, a concentrated sonic assault.
Superb defense, thunderous roar, plus his control over natural and man-made disasters—this was the full might of Roya's power.
"Everyone," Roya stood tall and commanded, "Now, fear me."
Bronze veins pulsed along his massive horns as the sky above the arena darkened.
Black storm clouds swirled, crackling with lightning.
Pirates stared in despair.
Lightning struck.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
Thunder shook the arena violently.
Roya inhaled deeply, savoring the thick black mist filling the air.
"Hmm, this will be delicious."
Humans produce the richest black mist—the essence of broken hope and crushing despair.
Today, Roya's feast was especially bountiful.
Both pirate captains had bounties exceeding 50 million.
Not only had they cleared two gangs of vile pirates, but they'd also gained a sumptuous meal.
"Dylan, clean this up."
Roya lounged back on his throne, satisfied and ready for a nap.
"Yes, Lord Roya."
Dylan nodded and prepared to tidy the battlefield.
But Roya's rest was interrupted.
"Roya! You're back! Come out and play!"
The voice roused him.
Yawning, Roya stood as Dylan approached, leading someone.
"Ugh, Katakuri," Roya grumbled. "Disturbing someone's nap is a death sentence here."
The visitor was nearly twice Roya's height in human form, teeth sharp and jagged, scars stitched along his cheeks, and wielding a trident.
This was Charlotte Katakuri, three years older than Roya and considered his childhood friend.
Ugly to most, Roya was one of the few who accepted him.
Katakuri grinned brightly. "There's no law against that on Beehive Island! Quit whining and come play!"
"I can't help you sometimes."
Roya sighed. "You're my good friend, so listen carefully—if I ever call on you, you don't refuse. Even if it costs your life."
"Sacrifice my life just for fun? You don't like losing at all, huh."
Katakuri scratched his head. "Whatever. Let's go!"
An afternoon tea with friends sounded just right.