"Y-You... who are you? Why are you so cruel?"
"Ah!"
Inside the dark, ruined palace.
As the final scream rang out, it was followed by utter silence.
Squelch!
A finger withdrew from a chest.
Drip, drip!
Drops of blood fell from the finger one by one, producing crisp echoes throughout the empty hall.
The once rather luxurious white carpet was now blooming with blood-red roses.
As if nothing had happened, he took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the fingers of his still-bleeding right hand.
"I never expected to encounter such an interesting opponent in such a remote sea as the East Blue.
It seemed Roy was right. This sea truly was not what it appeared to be on the surface."
Expressionlessly, Lucci stepped over the corpse of the relatively powerful king.
Flap, flap!
A red-eyed pigeon flapping its wings rode the wind down onto the shoulder of Lucci's white suit.
The king of this country had been quite strong, bringing Lucci a long-lost sense of enjoyment.
But with the king's death, there was no longer anything in the silent hall worthy of Lucci's attention.
He walked out of the dark hall.
Behind Lucci lay an overwhelming stench of blood.
Everyone in the palace had now been slaughtered by Lucci according to Roy's will.
Though the methods were extremely cruel, wiping out the ruling class of a place was the best and fastest way to take control of a territory.
In this world of Pirate King, where the strong were like superhumans, the goodwill and recognition of ordinary people were worthless.
Because tangible benefits and strength were sometimes more useful than goodwill and recognition.
Fresh air came rushing toward him on the sea breeze.
Walking out of the palace, Lucci gazed toward the sparkling sea in the distance.
When