Angel Island Outer Ring Airspace
Rumble——
The clouds in the white sea shook, and a huge golden [Flying Conch Bird] flapped its wings and flew over. The air currents between its wings stirred up endless white waves.
On the back of the flying conch bird.
An old man in silver armor and cloak, holding a spear, sat solemnly, his white hair flying, his face resolute and weathered, exuding a calm and majestic air as if he had experienced many changes in the world.
It is none other than the current "God" of Sky Island - Gan Fowl.
He landed steadily in front of the warship deck, paused his spear, and the sound of his landing was crisp and powerful.
Gan Forge knelt on one knee, pounded his chest with his right fist, and performed a solemn salute to Rogge and his party with a gesture that was almost like a knight's oath.
The voice was loud and clear, piercing through the drifting clouds:
"Warriors of the Sea—"
"I am the guardian of Angel Island and the current god of Sky Island—Gan Fowl."
"Your arrival has shaken the entire White Sea world."
"Please allow me, on behalf of Angel Island, to invite you all to land on 'God's Island' to discuss business together!"
For a while.
All the veterans on the deck stood in awe, even Rhett raised his eyebrows slightly, sighing that although the old man was old, he was full of backbone.
Rogge stood with his hands behind his back, his expression cold and indifferent.
His eyes turned slightly and he nodded lightly:
"lead the way."
Angel Island Temple Hall
The high dome was bathed in golden light.
The floating [Wind Shell] sprayed out soft mist, illuminating the entire temple like a sanctuary.
Rogge, Rhett and several elite soldiers were arranged to sit on the main seat, accompanied by Gan Forge himself.
The white-robed attendant served the light tea prepared by Bei Nengyuan, nodded slightly, and stepped back.
Gan Fowle spoke with a heavy face, describing the current situation on Angel Island:
——The White Sea world relies on various [shell energy] to maintain life.
——Every year, a very high amount of [Bath Tax] (i.e. survival tax) must be paid to the "Kingdom of God".
——People who are unable to pay taxes will be deprived of their land, property and housing rights and become poor wandering in the White Sea basin.
——The collapse of Gaya Island caused the "survivors of Shandora" - the Shandia people - to be exiled to Sky Island, sparking a long-term battle with the indigenous people of Angel Island.
Gan Forle sighed, his face filled with exhaustion and helplessness that he couldn't conceal.
"Today's Sky Island is no longer the pure land it once was."
"Class exploitation, corruption of power, civil war and strife..."
"On the White Sea, blood has already flowed like a river."
Rhett slammed his fist down on the stone table, causing the tea to splash.
He lowered his voice and growled:
"Tsk, is the sky so bad too?"
"I thought I'd see a true holy kingdom when I flew up, but it turns out it's even worse than those crappy countries on Earth!"
"These so-called 'gods' are even more filthy than those lowly princes and nobles!"
Rogge lowered his eyes and tapped the armrest lightly with his fingertips, making a steady and rhythmic tapping sound.
After a while, he slowly uttered a word.
The voice was not loud, but it was like a knife cutting through the golden tranquility of the temple:
"rot--"
"The essence will not change because of the difference in height."
The cold voice was like an icy sea breeze that penetrated the bones of everyone present.
Gan Forle's face changed slightly, he lowered his head and remained silent.
He clenched his fists tightly, but then couldn't help but let go.
Because, every word Rogge said—
They are all bloody realities that pierce through disguises.
Right now.
Standing in this once glorious temple, Rogge had already made up his mind.
This Sky Island, corrupted to its very foundation by hypocrisy and lust for power—
He wants to use [absolute justice] to cleanse everything again!
[Arpaiado Ruins, Outskirts]
Two days later.
Amidst the clouds and mist, the broken remains of the ancient bell tower stood on the top of the floating island, with golden light flashing, as if silently telling the elegy of past glory and destruction.
Rogge and Rhett walked slowly among the broken walls with light steps.
The air trembled slightly, and the pale sea of clouds was filled with subtle murderous intent.
The moment the two stepped into the outer perimeter of the clock tower—
Whoosh whoosh whoosh!!
Sharp sounds of breaking through the air suddenly came from all directions!
Lei Te's nerves tensed up and he said in a low voice:
"ambush!!"
boom!
The next second, more than ten Shandia warriors wearing crude armor and fluttering feathers, carrying cold spears and axes, burst out from the thick fog around them!
The roar was as deafening as a war song:
"Stranger—get out of Shandora!"
"To protect our homeland, we will fight to the death!!"
Rhett took a wrong step, his body lowered like a bow, and a bloodthirsty smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
[Armament Haki·Hardening·Heavy Punch]!
Bang!!!
He punched the two Shandia warriors who were charging towards him!
The iron bones broke and blood splattered!
The two men were blown away dozens of meters like rags, and fell heavily on the rubble of the ruins in the distance, losing their combat effectiveness!
But more Shandia warriors swarmed in like a tide, full of murderous intent!
And Rogge just raised his eyes slightly.
Step lightly.
[Air Control·Capture]!
Buzz buzz buzz——!
The air around it contracted wildly, forming a circle of transparent ripples visible to the naked eye!
The expressions of several Shandia warriors who had just jumped into the air to attack suddenly changed drastically!
——They felt that their movements became extremely slow!
The limbs seemed to be stuck in a swamp, and every inch of muscle seemed to be entangled by invisible chains, unable to move!
"What…what's going on?!"
They struggled like crazy!
However, Rogge simply raised his right hand, put his five fingers together, and clasped his palms together.
[Air wave collapse]!
boom!!!
The air collapsed violently!
Those Shandia warriors who were trapped in the air fell down from the sky like kites with broken strings!
The ground shook, dust flew, and the stone pillars of the ruins shattered into countless pieces!
The entire battlefield was completely crushed by Rogge and Rhett in just ten seconds!
Lei Te flicked his wrist lightly and said with a click of his tongue:
"Tsk... these Shandia warriors have some courage, but their strength is far from enough."
He glanced at Rogge beside him with a playful look and grumbled in a low voice:
"Boss, your fruit ability...isn't it really a cheat?"
Rogge calmly withdrew his right hand, his black hair flying in the wind, his eyes as cold as a knife across the sky.
He did not respond, but glanced indifferently at the remaining Shandia soldiers groaning on the ground.
And at this moment.
[The Other Side of the Ruins: Shadows of the Ruins]
A tall, blond figure quietly hid behind the shadows of the collapsed temple.
His blue eyes were cold, and a faint sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth.
It was none other than [Enel].
The ambitious person from Sky Island Birka has already devoured the [Thunder Fruit]. The electrical energy in his body is still in the initial rampage and development stage, and has not yet truly awakened to its full strength.
Originally, he wanted to take advantage of the fight between Angel Island and Sandia to secretly accumulate strength and gradually rise.
but--
The move of the black-haired officer in front of him.
That heart-pounding [absolute control of the air] and the impeccable [suppression]!
It made Enel feel a chill in his heart!
"No...something's wrong."
"This person...his power is too terrifying."
Even though he possessed the Thunder Fruit, he still felt a deep sense of oppression!
Shock and horror!
But it also ignited an even more intense desire and obsession in the deepest part of my heart:
"I want to become stronger."
"I want to surpass him!"
"I want to dominate this sky!!"
Enel gritted his teeth, his eyes flashing with fanatical ambition like lightning.
Quietly disappearing into the wind, without a trace.
And above the ruins of Xiangdora.
White clouds rolled in.
Rogge stood on the high platform and the broken cliffs, his military uniform fluttering in the wind.
He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing calmly at the distant white sea horizon.
His perception had already captured the faint breath of lightning that was hidden in the darkness.
But he didn't move.
Because he knew—
Sooner or later, the prey will come to you.