Neptune's face instantly darkened.
These bastards were going to destroy an island, an Affiliated Nation, over one shameful whim of the Celestial Dragons?!
But the man paused, apparently realizing he had misspoken, and added:
"Of course, mermaids are very valuable as slaves, so I won't kill you.
You'll all have the honor of becoming slaves to the Celestial Dragons."
"You've gone too far... far too far!"
Neptune clenched his teeth, a furious roar tearing from his throat.
Hearing that roar forced out through gritted teeth, the Masked Man nodded.
"It seems you've made your choice."
The moment he finished speaking, he vanished from where he stood.
A chill shot through Neptune's heart.
Before he could move, blood suddenly sprayed from his body.
Blood streamed from several puncture wounds.
"Urgh—"
Neptune coughed up a mouthful of blood, his body sagging.
He had lost. He had been defeated in a single exchange.
And this was only one man.
Just one man was already more than he could handle.
The mermaids who had been watching Neptune with hope were plunged into utter despair.
"Father!"
In the distance, Fukaboshi was working with the guards to hold off the Loyal Hound.
When he noticed what was happening to Neptune, his expression changed drastically.
"No, don't come over!"
Neptune shouted, then spat out another mouthful of blood.
He could only stay upright by leaning on his trident.
Ignoring Neptune's warning, Fukaboshi ran over and supported him.
At the same time, he glared at the Masked Man.
"You lowly fish dare resist?!"
A furious Celestial Dragon suddenly rushed up to Neptune.
Then he drew a golden pistol and fired repeatedly.
Several bursts of blood blossomed across Neptune's body.
Fukaboshi's grip on his weapon tightened again and again.
But in the end, he still could not overcome his