Volcanic Hot Spring Island was named for the active volcano at its center and the natural hot springs scattered across the island.
At the same time, it was one of the three End Points, a dangerous place capable of triggering geological catastrophes.
But unlike the other two End Point islands Zephyr had already destroyed, Volcanic Hot Spring Island was a prosperous, densely populated, wealthy place.
The tourism industry built around its natural scenery and hot springs had drawn countless visitors from surrounding seas, keeping the island steeped in a peaceful, flourishing atmosphere.
At last, that tranquility was shattered.
Dozens of warships flying black NEO Marines flags swept across the sea. Their sails filled the horizon and their cannon muzzles stood like a forest, as though a black cloud had pressed down from a clear sky.
"This is the last End Point."
Zephyr gazed at the towering active volcano in the distance. Behind his sunglasses, his eyes gradually turned cold, repressed, and crazed.
"As long as I destroy it, as long as I destroy it..."
"The world will finally know peace!"
At Zephyr's words, Ain, Binz, Shuzo, and the other NEO Marines officers at his side looked at him with fervent, trusting eyes.
They were all Zephyr's most loyal followers. They wanted only to fulfill his ideals, no matter how mad those ideals might be.
Only Smoker scoffed.
As one of Zephyr's former prized students, Smoker had not been thrown into a prison cell like the others.
Though shackles restricted his movements, he had been granted the special treatment of remaining at Zephyr's side.
Zephyr had even intended to persuade Smoker to switch sides.
"Smoker."
"Do you still believe the lies of those useless Marines?"
Pointing at the volcanic crater soaring into the clouds, Zephyr spoke excitedly to the grim-faced Smoker.