Aftermath of the Battle

The storm gradually receded.

The churning sea of clouds settled once more, and the last echoes of thunder faded high above. Only the sea, battered by the battle, still rose and fell gently.

Waves lapped against the shattered wreckage, as though adding a belated footnote to the brutal battle.

At Rock's command, several small boats were swiftly lowered.

Engines hummed as the Marines spread out to search the water.

Soon, the massive figure that had sunk beneath the waves was hauled to the surface.

The instant World was brought onto the deck, the air seemed to freeze.

Lightning burns covered his body. Great swaths of his skin were blackened and torn, his muscles warped by heat and impact, and blood still seeped slowly from his wounds.

Even so, his body still radiated a faint, unnerving pressure, as though the slightest lapse in vigilance would let this beast open his eyes again.

The surrounding Marines involuntarily sucked in sharp breaths.

"That's World...?"

"He's been beaten this badly... and he's still alive?"

Quiet murmurs of astonishment and disbelief spread across the deck.

Rock stood nearby, his calm gaze sweeping over World's shackled hands.

The heavy Seastone Cuffs gleamed coldly in the sunlight, sealing his powers completely and bringing the battle to a true end.

"Have someone treat him."

Rock's tone was flat, but brooked no argument. "Don't let him die."

"Yes, sir!"

The order was carried out immediately.

Medics hurried forward and carried World into a temporary holding area, where they administered sedatives and connected monitoring equipment under heavy guard.

Only once everything was in place did the tension on deck finally begin to ease.

At last—

The long battle was finally over.

Inside the ship's infirmary.

Soft light illuminated the cramped space, but could do nothing to mask the pungent