God Valley Incident · Six

Harald slowly leaned forward, his shadow stretching long across the deck and completely engulfing Rocks, like a mountain closing in.

"Could it be—"

His voice was deep and grave, carrying barely suppressed wariness.

"Is this a trap set by the World Government to lure you there?!"

Rocks did not answer immediately.

He merely watched the churning sea in the distance, his tone calm. "No."

"That is where a large number of Celestial Dragons have gathered. They would never want us to appear there."

Rocks withdrew his gaze, his eyes sharp as blades as they fell directly upon Harald.

"Quite the opposite."

"This may be a colossal miscalculation on their part."

Harald's brow furrowed tighter and tighter, and a nearly inaudible rumble rose from his throat.

Rocks slowly raised a hand, as if touching some invisible thread in the air.

"I can clearly feel it—"

"That I am being drawn by some force akin to 'fate.'"

His voice lowered, yet became even more resolute. "It is inevitable."

The sea wind suddenly howled past, whipping the flags into a shrill snap.

"By taking Shakuyaku, they made the same mistake others have made."

"I don't care about the World Government."

"Nor do I care what becomes of this world."

He looked at Harald, his gaze frank. "I only want to protect my wife and child."

"As long as they are safe, that is enough."

A brief silence fell over the entire deck.

Waves struck the hull, once, then again, as though counting down for the world.

Rocks straightened, and for the first time, his voice carried an undisguised plea. "So, my friend."

"Please—"

"Lend me your strength!!!"

Those words landed like a sledgehammer smashing into the deck.

For the first time, genuine struggle appeared on Harald's face.

He was silent for a long