Jack of the Beasts and Moonfang Hunter Catarina Devon's corpses lay to one side.
With these examples before them, Maud's impulsive words amounted to giving Shiryu and Ulti a sliver of hope.
Face death fearlessly, or cling to life?
The choice between life and death had been placed before Shiryu and Ulti just like that.
Still, it was possible that Maud was merely toying with them.
Their instincts made Shiryu and Ulti hesitate for a moment.
Maud noticed it, and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
Hesitation meant they were considering it.
Compared to outright refusal, this reaction left a sliver of possibility.
However, when Maud had offered them this choice, it had mostly been a whim. He could change his mind at any time and simply take Shiryu and Ulti's experience points.
"I heard..."
Maud suddenly looked toward Ulti.
"Beasts Kaido's favorite thing to do is use force to make the captains of pirate crews that aren't weak and already have a reputation submit to him. If a captain refuses to submit no matter what, he simply kills them, then takes their companions and treasure."
At this point, a glint passed through Maud's eyes. "That isn't just a rumor, is it, Ulti?"
"What exactly are you trying to say...?"
Even though pain had tortured her half to death, Ulti's gaze at Maud remained fierce enough to hammer his head into paste.
Maud smiled and said seriously, "Nothing much. I just suddenly feel that Kaido's methods aren't without reason."
"You want to imitate Lord Kaido!?"
Realizing that Maud intended to force her submission, mockery immediately filled Ulti's bright, rounded eyes.
"Who do you think you are, comparing yourself to Lord Kaido? Keep dreaming!!! If Lord Kaido were here, one Thunder Bagua would leave you helpless and obediently lying on