A spatial vortex appeared above the royal palace hall of Drum Kingdom. Carlos emerged from it and landed on the hall's roof.
This time, Carlos had come alone. The other crewmates all had injuries of varying severity and needed Sholmer's treatment as soon as possible.
There was no need to bring too many people. Drum Kingdom had no powerful fighters worth Carlos's attention. Though it was a medical powerhouse with formidable life-preserving abilities, its combat strength was far from outstanding.
Carlos took a few steps, leaped down from above the hall, and landed on the ground before heading straight inside. His Observation Haki had already detected Drum Kingdom's King—Wapol's father—anxiously pacing within the hall, seemingly worried about the battle's outcome.
Carlos made no attempt to hide himself. The moment he appeared, the guards stationed at the royal palace hall spotted him.
"Who goes there? How dare you trespass into the royal palace hall! Stop!"
"Stop now, or don't blame us for getting rough!"
A faint smile rested on Carlos's face as he turned a deaf ear to their warnings.
"Attack!" The captain in charge of guarding the royal palace hall immediately gave the order. More than twenty men raised their guns, spears, and swords, ready to strike.
Buzz!
Suddenly, a wave of Conqueror's Haki swept across the area. Everyone froze, their eyes rolling white. Thud, thud... one after another, they collapsed to the ground. The captain of the palace guards was no exception, struck down by the overwhelming force as well.
The commotion outside startled the King of Drum Kingdom, who hurried out to look. Carlos entered the hall just then. Truthfully, Drum Kingdom's hall had been built quite well—simple and unassuming, yet imbued with luxury and majesty.
"You..." The King of Drum Kingdom pointed at Carlos, unable to speak.