Although his overall combat power hadn't shown obvious deterioration due to his growing proficiency with the three Haki types, if he encountered powerful enemies of the same level—especially those in their prime years—the decline in his physical capabilities would become unmistakably apparent.
If he unfortunately faced even stronger opponents, the situation would become like the present one.
Rapidly falling into a disadvantage was almost inevitable, and the possibility of a comeback victory would be slim.
Precisely because of this, Rayleigh now harbored thoughts of retreat.
He had originally intended to confront Lancelot, partly to seek justice for Ace, and partly to give an account to his captain... However, all these actions were predicated on one prerequisite—that they remained within his capabilities.
But the current situation had clearly exceeded his capacity.
If he stubbornly persisted, he might truly lose his life here.
This wasn't the outcome he wished to see; after all, he still longed to enjoy several more years of pleasure brought by fine wine!
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but turn his gaze toward the distant Basil Hawkins, having to admit that this young man possessed extraordinary talent in the field of divination.
The prediction was remarkably accurate.
Suddenly, Rayleigh's legs exerted tremendous force, propelling his entire body backward like an arrow leaving a bow.
His speed was as fast as lightning, covering dozens of meters in the blink of an eye.
With several agile movements resembling a swift leopard, he disappeared from Lancelot's view within a few breaths.
Lancelot watched Rayleigh's retreating figure, the corners of his mouth curling upward into a barely noticeable smile.
As it turned out, Rayleigh's action perfectly suited his intentions.
If Rayleigh had insisted on fighting him to the death, the final outcome would inevitably be Rayleigh's defeat.
In that case, Lancelot would have found it quite troublesome, as it'd be difficult to discreetly let Rayleigh escape under everyone's watchful eyes after defeating him.
After all, numerous eyes were watching this place at this moment.
As a Marine officer, even if he wanted to go easy, he had to be careful not to make it too obvious.
Although sometimes one could slack off a bit like Kizaru, blatantly allowing an opponent to escape would be an unforgivable dereliction of duty whether to Marine Headquarters or the World Government.
"Soru..."
Just then, Lancelot uttered a soft command.
Immediately, Lancelot's figure vanished from his original position like a ghost.
The next moment, when he reappeared, he had silently materialized right behind Basil Hawkins.
At this moment, Basil Hawkins clearly hadn't detected anyone approaching from behind.
He was still immersed in his own thoughts, unaware that danger had already descended upon him.
It wasn't until that figure quietly appeared, like a dark cloud blocking the scorching sunlight, that he snapped out of his daze and instinctively turned his head.
In that instant, where their gazes met, he saw Lancelot standing behind him like a towering mountain.
With his absolute height advantage, Lancelot looked down upon him as if holding the entire world in the palm of his hand.
From his perspective, the sun happened to be positioned right behind Lancelot's head, its brilliant rays draping over him like a golden veil.
This radiance not only illuminated Lancelot's tall figure but also made him emanate an undeniable sacred aura.
At this moment, Lancelot appeared like a deity descending from the heavens, carrying boundless dignity and solemnity.
The invisible pressure surged toward him like relentless waves, making it almost difficult for him to breathe.
Yet, despite this pressure, he found himself drawn to the divine presence Lancelot exuded.
The Lancelot before him seemed to have transcended the realm of mortals, becoming an exalted existence beyond reach and defilement.
This sense of divine presence filled his heart with both reverence and an indescribable longing.
Suddenly, a peculiar feeling welled up within him.
Gazing at this person before him, he thought to himself: Perhaps following this man forward would be a rather wise choice.
It was foreseeable that the journey ahead would be filled with endless surprises and excitement, likely far more thrilling than anything he had experienced during his time as a pirate.
Just then, Lancelot broke the silence and spoke slowly.
"I plan to propose to the higher-ups that you become one of the Warlords of the Sea. But before that, you must work twice as hard to improve your strength! You should know, if you become a Warlord but can't even suppress the endless stream of rookie pirates emerging every year, that'd truly be a disgrace."
Upon hearing the word "Warlord," Basil Hawkins instantly widened his eyes, standing frozen in place as if struck by lightning, unable to believe his ears.
He never expected that Lancelot would make such arrangements for him.
Lancelot stepped forward, gently patted Basil Hawkins on the shoulder, and said meaningfully.
"As long as you dedicate yourself to your duties, I won't treat you unfairly. But you must understand one thing clearly—betrayal and going back on your word are what I despise most."
Upon hearing this, Basil Hawkins' body trembled.
He knew well that Lancelot's final words were directed specifically at him, serving as an unmistakable warning.
He quickly straightened up and declared with utmost seriousness: "Please rest assured, my lord. Now that I've pledged my service under your command, I'd rather die than ever entertain thoughts of betrayal."
Lancelot's deep, abyss-like eyes fixed intently on him, as if seeing right through his very being.
After a moment, Lancelot spoke slowly, his words carrying an indescribable depth.
"Remember every word you said today. Don't forget it."
After saying this, Lancelot's demeanor shifted, becoming casual, as if he hadn't just issued a stern warning.
Then, he said nonchalantly, "The task those five old men gave me is to eradicate you so-called 'Worst Generation.' But now, with Apoo, Killer, and you added together, it's still less than a third of the total. Sigh... looks like I'll have to put in more effort from here on out!"
As his words faded, the corners of Lancelot's mouth unconsciously lifted, and a faint smile gradually appeared.
However, this smile couldn't conceal the excitement and anticipation in his heart.