Werther flashed in front of Fisher Taylor and removed the slave collar from his neck before Taylor could even see him move. Then he hurled the collar far away.
Boom.
A huge explosion rang out, its flames lighting up the Fish-Man's stunned face.
"Why did you take my collar off? I'm a Fish-Man. Don't you humans all look down on us?"
Werther regarded the Fish-Man with interest.
"Why did I take your collar off?
"Hmm. Maybe because I admire Fisher Tiger, the Fish-Man who climbed the Red Line with his bare hands.
"As for humans looking down on Fish-Men?
"Heh. As far as I'm concerned, any creature with intelligence is equal. If there's a difference, it's between the strong and the weak.
"Fish-Men aren't discriminated against because they're ugly. It's because you're weak. You don't have anyone as strong as Fisher Tiger anymore, so people push you around. It's that simple."
Fisher Taylor stared at Werther. He had heard of Werther's fearsome reputation, but meeting him in person, he found the man nothing like the stories.
"Go on. Head to the east side of the island and find my ship—if you can make it to shore.
"If you do, look for Tuski. Uh, he's a very fat rabbit. He's a doctor, and he can remove the Spores infesting your body."
After hearing Werther's words, Fisher Taylor made no vow to follow him to the death. That was never going to happen. He missed his family too much. All he wanted was to return to Fish-Man Island and see his wife and child.
"Thank you, Lord Werther. I, Fisher Taylor, will never forget what you've done for me today."
He bowed deeply to Werther, then headed in the direction Werther had pointed. Without getting the Spores out of his body, he