Chapter 123: A Chilling End
Speed: "Lieutenant General Ian, don't be fooled by a pretty face! Give her a fatal blow!"
Monet: "Ugh?!"
Just as Monet thought she had succeeded, an inexplicable, searing heat erupted from where their bodies met.
Hiss…
A burning sensation, like flames, washed over her. The elemental snow composing Monet's body began to melt rapidly under the intense heat. The discomfort was immediate and shocking.
For a brief moment, Monet was utterly confused. Ian's rapidly dropping body temperature should have been accurate information; it couldn't be faked. But how had he managed to concentrate such intense, burning heat to a single point?
"Jock Ian, you...!" she gasped, her face flushing. "You damn bastard, what is that? What's burning?!"
Boom!
Blushing furiously, Monet quickly broke free from her snowy embrace and flew backward. As she retreated, she glanced down and immediately understood the source of Ian's... unconventional counterattack.
Ian immediately turned his head towards the door. "Speed...!" he called out. "Cut that part out! Don't broadcast it!"
Speed stomped a hoof on the ground in exasperation. "This is a live broadcast, Lieutenant General Ian! Could you be a little more serious?!"
Skylark scratched her cheek, looking genuinely puzzled. "We were winning... why did that Snow Woman suddenly let go? Lieutenant General Ian, which part of your body has the ability to spit fire? I didn't see it."
Nami, flustered, quickly covered Skylark's eyes from behind. "Skylark, don't look! Some... some things are better left unknown!"
Ian rubbed his nose, regaining his composure as he watched Monet vanish from sight. Who could blame him? He was just making a mistake any man would be tempted to make. Besides, think about it, was it really his fault? The Snow Woman was the one who had pounced on him!
Rustle…
Rustle…
Feeling spiritually violated, Monet quickly re-condensed her body, this time appearing behind Ian. "You vile man! I'll bite your head off!" she shrieked.
Clang! Clang!
The Snow Woman, Monet, extended a massive head of snow, her icicle-like teeth gleaming with lethal intent. While Ian was distracted with his subordinates, she aimed to sink her fangs into the back of his neck. This move had defeated many powerful enemies.
But this time...
Crack!
Snap!
...
The first thing to break was Monet's teeth.
Ian's skin was harder than steel; the bite didn't even leave a mark.
Armament Haki? No!
Monet could clearly sense that Ian hadn't activated Haki at all. So it was just the natural hardness of his skin? Was this guy even human?
Her miscalculation left Monet in a precarious position. Not only had she failed to harm Ian, but she had also exposed her true form. As she tried to activate her elemental transformation again to blend into the snow, a large hand shot out and clamped tightly around her neck!
"An attack of this level isn't even comparable to a slash from an ordinary swordsman," Ian's voice was low, meant only for her ears. "Snow Woman, you really are a weakling who relies entirely on her Devil Fruit. There's no fun in fighting you at all."
He tightened his grip, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "Being undercover for so many years must have been tormenting. I'm sorry, but I'm not a merciful Marine. In that case... let me help end your suffering. It's over... Monet of the Donquixote Family."
Squeeak…
Ian's grip tightened relentlessly, his face an expressionless mask. Empowered by Armament Haki, his hold gave Monet no chance of escape. The gap in their strength was a chasm. Even with the power of a Logia, Monet was utterly helpless against such overwhelming Haki.
The scene was transmitted in real-time through the live broadcast.
In Dressrosa, Doflamingo watched it all, his back to the window, his shadow stretching long across the floor. His face, hidden in shadow, showed no emotion. In his mind, the memory of his first meeting with Monet surfaced—the little green-haired girl who always called him "Young Master." Over the years, she had never complained, always reporting to him with that sweet smile.
As Monet in the video finally stopped struggling, becoming as still and quiet as a snowflake...
Doflamingo leaned back on his sofa and murmured, almost inaudibly, "Thank you for your hard work, Monet. The mission... is complete."
…
[Ding!]
[Congratulations to the host for successfully defeating Monet, "Donquixote Family Cadre" and "Logia Snow-Snow Fruit User"!]
[Reward Enhancement Points: 700 points!]
[Current Accumulated Points: 1626 points!]
[Friendly Reminder: You can perform one enhancement for every 1000 points...]
After instantly killing Monet, Ian felt no excitement. He simply waved a hand, signaling the three women to follow him. Speed, carrying the Video Den Den Mushi, naturally followed quickly.
Only after Ian and Speed had turned the corner did Skylark hurry over to Monet's body. After observing carefully to ensure there were no surveillance Den Den Mushi or listening devices, she took an apple from her bag. To be safe, she also took out a piece of black cloth large enough to cover Monet's upper body, ensuring her next actions would remain unseen.
Drip...
Buzz...
Balls of energy fluctuated under the black cloth, causing the air to ripple.
Nami approached cautiously. "Skylark, she's... she's dead, right? There's no point in attacking her further. For the dead, I think we shouldn't... eh?" Her words trailed off as she noticed Skylark's intent focus.
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