Thutmose Kingdom.
As mentioned before, it was a desert nation.
But unlike Alabasta,
it lay in the South Blue and experienced normal seasonal changes.
Its most beautiful season was winter.
During winter,
snowflakes blanketed the entire island, covering the golden sea of sand in ice and snow.
The mingling of white and gold created a strikingly beautiful sight.
Though the entire kingdom was a medium-sized island, it had only one city: Sabak, also known as Sand City.
Vast land, sparse population, a desert environment, and a single city.
All of this gave the impression of weakness and poverty.
Even passing pirate ships could not be bothered to land and waste their time.
But what the world did not know was
that beneath Sabak, the capital on the surface, lay an extraordinarily vast underground space.
Layer upon layer of buildings glowed beneath bright yellow lights.
Shouts, screams, wails, and sobbing intertwined amid the crowds.
It seemed that every breath of air here was steeped in despair and suffering.
Soldiers wearing Green Collars, white robes, and carrying whips, battle axes, spears, or muskets patrolled and guarded every corner.
Not a trace of expression showed on any of their faces, making them look utterly terrifying.
Looking farther into the distance, one could see the tallest and most eye-catching Pyramid.
That was the true royal palace of the Thutmose Kingdom.
Just moments ago,
King Taklama, the infamous "Slave King" of the underworld,
had received news that a Marine Headquarters fleet was coming to arrest him.
Yet he showed no reaction as he sat upon the Golden Throne.
The high-ranking subordinates below could not make out their king's expression either.
Because King Taklama wore a Golden Mask over his face.
His attire was also distinctly pharaoh-like.
A long white robe, a broad collar, and a