Absalom's Twisted Mindset

Three days later, Ilusia Kingdom, royal capital.

Inside a tavern in the northern part of the commercial district, one secretly controlled by Dawn's forces.

The languid afternoon sunlight filtered through stained-glass windows, casting mottled patterns across the wooden floor. Dawn sat alone behind the bar in a secluded corner. Even seated, his towering frame radiated an oppressive presence.

The girls sat around a round table draped in velvet not far away, chatting quietly;

while the male members occupied another, larger round table.

Dawn swept his gaze over his crew before finally settling it on Lafitte, whose injuries had mostly healed.

"You've served as a sheriff in this country for quite some time. You should know the waters of West Blue far better than we do. Do you know of any noteworthy ability users active in the nearby seas?"

Hearing this, Lafitte set down his wineglass and pondered for a moment. Having now fully settled into his role, he carefully recalled the intelligence he possessed before bowing and answering,

"Captain, as far as I know, there are two rumors that may fit your requirements.

"On an island to the north called Parenta, rumors of an invisible man have circulated for years. Supposedly, someone acquired an ability that can make people invisible,

"but his character is utterly vile. He often uses his ability to assault and spy on women, leaving every female resident on that island in constant fear."

He paused, picked up a detailed sea chart spread across the bar, and tapped a northern island with his finger, marking its location. Then he slid his finger toward another island in the south.

"To the south, on this Fantom Island, rumors have persisted in recent years that people have seen drifting ghosts there. I believe the strange phenomena in both rumors are