Mary Geoise, within the depths of a shadowy palace.
Upon the enormous throne, Imu sat high above, her figure hidden behind a curtain of darkness, revealing only a pair of eyes glowing with an unusual light, like the coldest stars in a deep night sky.
Her fingers lightly tapped against the armrest of the throne, each tap like a silent rhythm echoing through the vast palace.
Before her, a translucent image was projected into the air—the scene of the battlefield—
Elbaf's solid defenses, the Neo Marines standing ready in formation, Whitebeard's mountain-like figure...
And among all those images, the most dazzling one was Jin An.
Clad in a military uniform, he stood straight and tall, his black hair gently stirring in the sea breeze, sharp fighting intent burning in his pitch-black eyes.
He stood there on the battlefield like a drawn blade, its edge fully exposed. Even through the projection, one could feel the suffocating pressure radiating from him.
"You've become stronger again, Jin An."
Imu's voice drifted out, like a whisper, yet also like a murmur of contemplation.
The corners of her lips slowly curved into a smile, and a trace of admiration flashed through her eyes, as though she were gazing upon the most exquisite artwork in the world.
She rose to her feet and calmly descended the steps, the hem of her gown trailing soundlessly across the floor like night gliding over marble.
She extended a slender finger and lightly stirred the projection. Jin An's figure warped slightly at her fingertips before returning to clarity.
Then she lowered her head and gazed at his face, a meaningful hint of regret in her expression.
"But..."
She suddenly let out a soft sigh, her voice gentle yet carrying unquestionable authority.
"If that is all you have, how will you