The rising flames painted the evening sky red.
The Red Force slowly sailed away into the distance. The Red-Haired Pirates laughed and cried as they raised their cups together, offering Uta their blessings and bidding her farewell in this way.
Austin was not someone who cried easily. He merely sat atop the mast, gazing from afar at the burning Elegia.
Little Uta had already woken up and was crying out as she tried to return to the ship, but there was nothing she could do.
"Parting for the sake of dreams, huh? That's freedom on the seas too~"
Austin smiled, leaning his back against the nearby pillar. With a casual wave, the valiant Seagull King spread his wings and soared into the sky, carrying a camera Den Den Mushi in his hand.
Within the lens,
the scene froze:
Austin sat atop the highest mast of the Red Force. Below him, the Red-Haired Pirates raised their cups high, while in the distance, the Kingdom of Elegia had been completely destroyed, scarlet flames blazing everywhere.
"Reporting, sir! Only two survivors have been found in the Kingdom of Elegia. The nation has been destroyed. A Red-Haired Pirates ship was also found at the scene. Shall we attack?"
The scouts hurried across the deck. From the moment they received the call until now, they had rushed here at full speed.
Yet in the end, they had still arrived one step too late. The Music Kingdom Elegia...
—had been destroyed!!!
"..."
Faced with the soldiers' question, the Marine officer glanced at the Red Force. After a moment of silence,
"All personnel, do not make any moves!!!"
"What?!!"
Hearing their commander's words, the soldiers were utterly confused, yet they had no choice but to obey as they watched that pirate ship slowly leave.
How could the