The enormous Science Unit experimental base had been placed in the wilderness on the outskirts of Mary Geoise.
Within the clouds above, the colossal object had already vanished beyond the horizon.
Inside the nearly half-ruined Pangu City, Lord Im sat upon the lofty Empty Throne.
Below him stood the Five Elders, dressed in black suits and wearing grave expressions.
Further below were the kings of the many government-affiliated nations, their faces filled with panic and unease.
"Now, state your decision."
The long-bearded Five Elder looked down at the kings below. "Will you submit to Lord Im, or choose to perish here?"
"..."
The noble kings looked at one another.
Then—
"I am willing to submit!"
The first king dropped to his knees.
Even Bright and the admirals had been beaten into fleeing in disarray. How could they possibly stand against a monster like that?
If they did not want to die, submission was their only option!
With someone taking the lead, a second and third naturally followed...
One king after another fell to their knees. In the end, they chose to pledge their loyalty to Lord Im.
However, not everyone was willing to submit so easily.
King Cobra of Alabasta clenched his fists tightly. His chest rose and fell violently, and his expression kept changing, as though he were struggling with some difficult decision.
At last, his expression calmed, and his clenched fists loosened. Only his gaze became incomparably firm.
He had made up his mind.
But just as he was about to say something, two hands grabbed his shoulders.
They belonged to King Riku of Dressrosa and Elizabello II of Prodence.
The two burly kings pressed Cobra down, forcing him to kneel alongside them.
"Anything you say now is meaningless."
King Riku lowered his head deeply, his voice heavy.