"War" Begins

One of the main topics on this vast sea is dreams.

Due to the limitations of island environments, many people never see anything beyond their islands in their entire lives. Even before the Great Pirate Era began, many set sail each year with hopes for the future.

Not all of these people were pirates, but the World Government could classify any privately sailing ship as pirate.

Wealth, fame, and glory—besides ordinary desires, some rather unconventional ideas would also emerge in the eyes of ordinary people.

For example, Kate's desire to become the most evil, along with her peculiar logic.

This was also the first time Kate had voiced her thoughts.

Among the slaves, she had no friends due to her race, and the doctor on Zou had already given her a death sentence.

In the isolated environment of Zou, the few doctors held significant authority.

It was roughly equivalent to someone in a Mayan tribe being declared beyond saving by a priest; the environment made patients believe the priest's verdict was absolute fact.

She was captured by slave traders not long after leaving Zou, and lacking sufficient knowledge of the outside world, she never believed anyone could change her fate.

Now, speaking these words was simply because she didn't want them to disappear with her, unheard. At least in her eyes, Oran still carried the label of a good person.

"First, fill your stomach. Those who starve can't achieve any dreams. Besides, your goal is far from easy."

The definition of good and bad is based on socially accepted moral order and individual perception. Kate's idea, put another way, was to eliminate all evil for absolute justice, both falling into the category of difficult-to-achieve goals.

Not to mention how exaggerated individual combat power is on this sea.

After a brief heart-to-heart to confirm Kate's current psychological state, the group split up again. The strong laborers carried supplies, a small portion of people handled earthwork, while Oran took Shak, Bear, and Kate to his ship.

The sci-fi-style ship shocked the three. However, Oran didn't pay much attention. To be precise, his mood wasn't good when he returned here.

"Oran, is this your ship? It's amazing! I've never seen a ship like this on Fish-Man Island. Is it made of iron?"

"Partly. It's no big deal. When we get to Fish-Man Island later, I'll show you even stronger ships. It's just a shame about my old friend here."

Touching the railing along the ship's side, Oran felt a pang of reluctance but quickly let it go.

Oran was a sentimental person; he wouldn't discard things he was used to, even if they were damaged. This ship was the first one he funded and built in Piltover, and it had accompanied him on many voyages.

"Can't you transport it along with you?"

They had all witnessed the escape method Oran described. According to his explanation, transferring the ship should have been easy.

"I can, but it would take too much time. The commotion when the teleportation starts is huge. If I teleport it, it will delay the transfer of some people. Compared to human lives, it's not that important.

Let my old friend send a big gift to those Celestial Dragons. I'll settle this score with them.

Bear, Shak, help me pack the things inside and move them out first. Kate, come with me over here."

Oran had already decided to abandon the ship, as he had the ability to build another. Only some precious materials that were difficult to replicate needed to be taken out.

Before long, Oran brought Kate to the engine room, the ship's core. The holographic projection equipment that had previously concealed the ship was also operating here.

"Kate, if I remember correctly, don't the Minks have the talent for generating electricity?"

"Yes, the friction of a Mink's fur can generate special static electricity. All Minks can do it."

"Excellent. Try to grab it and discharge, keeping this arrow here."

According to Oran's plan, he was about to modify the core of the Hex Gate, which required a special electric field environment to stabilize the Hex Core's entry.

However, some of the ship's equipment was damaged during the traversal. The backup power system was maintaining the holographic display, so only manual power generation could be used for the electric field.

But Kate's racial talent could serve as a more stable source.

"Like this?"

Kate's fur began to generate static electricity through friction, and she channeled the current as Oran instructed. With the equipment's conversion, a slight electric barrier gradually appeared around them, and the equipment indicated normal operation.

"Yes, this is the state. How long can you maintain it?"

"This level... If I have enough strength, I can keep it up indefinitely."

"Don't push yourself. Leave enough safety margin. This electric field must remain stable..."

BOOM!

An explosion echoed from afar. In the central area of God Valley, a plume of black smoke also rose. The Celestial Dragons' slaughter had officially begun.

Even from a distance, Oran understood the meaning of the cannon fire.

"Time is really tight. Let's do a test first. Tell me if you feel tired."

Inside the ship's cabin, Oran began his attempt. Outside, Ivankov and Ginny also heard the cannon fire from the center.

"Hurry up! The Celestial Dragons' massacre will begin in an hour. This is the last safe period!"

Ivankov, with a cloth wrapped around his face and brandishing a firearm, directed the artisans like a bandit. However, these people had families, and their speed was slow.

But this place was already somewhat orderly. The moment the Celestial Dragons announced the start of the event, the island had turned into a lawless zone.

The king, who was killed first, only fueled the people's fear. God Valley, which was once a unified whole, disintegrated almost instantly, leaving people like scattered parts with nowhere to go.

However, a small portion of them were being connected around Oran. Though not precise, it was running roughly.

The holographic device moved, creating a screen at the ends and above the canyon, temporarily shielding them from distant eyes.

Observation posts were set up on nearby mountains to monitor the surroundings, with the aim of issuing warnings if anyone approached.

Oran took the time to explain the blueprints to the craftsmen, and a large-scale assembly project kicked off in the canyon. Oran himself, with Kate's assistance, was modifying the Hex Core.

Silent, oppressive, facing the threat of death, they desperately tried to grasp this last straw.

Sun rose and set, and the giant machinery gradually took shape, but the atmosphere in the canyon grew increasingly oppressive. This oppression reached its peak especially when blood flowed from the water source in the cave.

"I say, can that guy really get us out of here? It's been days since he explained the blueprint details, and I haven't seen hide nor hair of him."

Two people carried a massive beam towards the already partially constructed Gate frame.

The physique of people on this sea is generally much stronger than normal humans. Workers who often do heavy labor can move heavy objects with their bare hands even without lifting equipment, which also sped up the construction progress.

However, their hearts were still filled with anxiety about the future.

"Do you think he... ran off by himself..."

"Shut up! You guys are working in shifts. Mr. Oran hasn't slept for days. If he wanted to escape by himself, he wouldn't need to bother with you lot! He even gave up his ship for you strangers!"

The person from the same group didn't answer, but a furious scolding came from the side.

The people here were gathered temporarily. Although they shared a common goal, there wasn't much trust between them.

These newly gathered people hadn't seen Oran for days, so it was inevitable they would become suspicious.

But those who had been personally rescued by Oran before trusted him even more. They had been maintaining order here these past few days, keeping things relatively stable, and Shak was an example.

He couldn't forget the human who was the first to praise him, and he was consciously defending Oran.

"Alright, stop talking and hurry up and deliver the materials. The work over there is almost finished."

The person from the same group nudged him, stopping his argument with Shak. However, Shak could clearly feel that this person was somewhat unconvinced. Just as he was about to argue, Bear, who had been drawn over by the commotion, stopped him.

"Shak, now is not the time for arguing. Oran said we can't fight amongst ourselves at a time like this."

Whoosh.

Before Shak could say anything, a tree on the mountaintop suddenly fell. This made Bear and Shak freeze. This was a warning set up by Oran; its collapse meant that Celestial Dragons had intruded nearby and were even approaching their gathering place.

"I'll go lure them away. I have the highest points, so I should be able to attract their attention."

"Bear, you..."

"I don't want to see anyone else die in front of me again. Tell Oran and Ivankov for me."

Bear put down what he was carrying and voluntarily offered to be bait, but he encountered Ginny on his way.

"Bear! Good news, those pirates have finally arrived! Once those guys start causing chaos, we can take the opportunity to execute Plan Two and snatch those prizes!

Have you seen Brother Ivan? Oran has been busy for so long, it's time for us to act too!"

Ginny, who was responsible for monitoring the Den Den Mushi messages, rushed over as soon as she received the news. However, she didn't see Ivankov. Just then, Ivankov appeared here with Oran.

"Hee-haw! I'm here! Let me announce some good news: Oran has completed the core conversion. As soon as the framework construction is finished, we can leave this godforsaken place!"

Celestial Dragons approaching the canyon, pirates about to land, and the Hex Gate core modification completed – three events happening in succession. Facing the impending chaos, Oran did not choose to wait in place.

"It just so happens I haven't decided where to capture a Celestial Dragon yet. Now one is coming to me, isn't that perfect?

Let's go, everyone. It's time for our stage to open.

If you have the courage."