The Conqueror

So that was how it worked. After hearing the ancient Pirate King's explanation, Dunn finally understood. Only professionals specializing in soul abilities would know such things; everyone else would have no opportunity to learn them. That was why the Campbell Family's legacy contained no relevant knowledge.

But never mind that learning this now was a little too late-even if he had known from the beginning, it would not have changed the current situation in the slightest.

Before, Dunn could at least occasionally dodge the ancient Pirate King's attacks. But now, with so many soul fragments beaten out of him, he had clearly weakened. Dunn had become nothing more than meat on a chopping board, at the ancient Pirate King's mercy, without the slightest room to resist.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Seeing that Dunn could no longer resist and success was within reach, the ancient Pirate King swung his arms faster and faster. Dunn was now like a punching bag, battered back and forth as fragments of his soul drifted everywhere.

Every blow from the ancient Pirate King weakened Dunn further.

By now, Dunn had completely lost the ability to resist. He could only slowly approach death under the ancient Pirate King's relentless blows.

Gradually, as he was battered in every direction, memories surfaced in Dunn's mind of his life over the brief month or so since he had crossed over into this world.

So this was the fabled life flashing before your eyes. Dunn's thoughts could not help wandering.

If I hadn't been overconfident and joined this expedition, this wouldn't have happened, would it?

The thought could not help surfacing in Dunn's mind.

If I'd eaten that Flame-Flame Fruit earlier, I wouldn't have been driven into such a desperate position now, would I?

Was this really... the end this time?

Since crossing over, Dunn had not slept once. Although his Sleepless talent played a part, it merely allowed him to remain energetic without sleep, rather than making him unable to sleep.

But because his circumstances had never been particularly promising, Dunn had not dared to fall asleep at all.

Let it end like this. I can finally get a good night's sleep.

Sure enough, trash was still trash. Even after crossing over, I still couldn't accomplish anything or change anything...

It was the same in my previous life...

At the thought of his previous life, Dunn's sinking consciousness abruptly cleared a little.

An inexplicable fury suddenly surged into his mind. Why?! Why had I been as lowly as dust in my previous life, only for things to remain the same even after crossing over?!

What a joke!

I'd already crossed over into another world!

I'd even survived that certain-death situation against Jaeger!

I'd already... grasped the path to the top.

Why should I die in a place like this?!

Defiance, hatred, shame, anger-all these emotions finally turned into endless fury, blazing fiercely in Dunn's chest.

How could I... die in a place like this?!

Dunn opened his bloodshot, crimson eyes and fixed them on the ancient Pirate King, his body struggling with all its strength.

Seeing Dunn's reaction, the ancient Pirate King could not help giving him a sidelong glance. "To think you still have the strength to struggle at this point. What a powerful will to live."

Then he chuckled and shook his head. "Unfortunately, it's nothing but a futile struggle."

The next moment, a savage aura surged out of Dunn's body. An incomparably domineering will, reigning supreme over all, swept forth and engulfed the entire consciousness space in the blink of an eye. For a moment, even the pitch-black consciousness space grew a little brighter.

At this sight, the ancient Pirate King, who had maintained his composure with victory firmly in his grasp, lost it for the first time. "Impossible. This is... Dragon Might?"

"No, that's not right. It's not quite the same as Dragon Might."

Before the ancient Pirate King could think it through, countless bolts of black-and-red lightning followed, filling the entire consciousness space.

Under the ancient Pirate King's utterly horrified gaze, they blasted into his body.

"No!!!"

After a piercing wail, the ancient Pirate King shattered into countless fragments.

"Hey, you two, you'd better step aside."

"There are only two of you, but five of us."

"You may be professionals too, but not all professionals are the same."

"With the fighting strength you two have, any one of us could easily kill you."

"You'd better know what's good for you, submit to us, and get out of the way."

"Hahaha, don't rush. We have the advantage now. Once Feishman and the others take down that Green, they won't have any ability to resist at all."

"Fine. Since you're both professionals, I'll give you a chance. If you're still being stubborn after we kill that Green, don't blame us for showing no mercy."

As Dunn's consciousness gradually returned to his body, he heard this exchange.

He realized that, with the external threat completely eliminated, the other captains were finally going to make their move against him.

He could not help feeling fortunate that he had regained consciousness in time.

But Dunn did not rush to get up. Instead, he first examined his condition. He had not forgotten the injuries that had left him barely able to move before entering the consciousness space.

After all, in his previous life, Dunn had often encountered the notion that a long time in a consciousness space was only an instant outside.

His body had recovered surprisingly well. Although he had not healed completely, his injuries would no longer have much effect on his fighting strength.

It seemed quite some time had passed since he entered the consciousness space.

After confirming that there was nothing seriously wrong with him, Dunn slowly opened his eyes and stood up.

"You scum really are unlucky. I'm in desperate need of an outlet right now!" Since the other side had already dropped all pretense, it saved him the trouble of keeping up appearances with them.

At the sound of Dunn's voice, the pirates' expressions changed drastically.

"Captain!"

"Thank goodness!"

The two pirate underlings who had been blocking the way in front of Dunn immediately grew excited at the sight.

Dunn was somewhat touched by these two pirate underlings, who had remained loyal and protected him even under these circumstances. Such loyalty was exceptionally rare among pirates.

So Dunn nodded to the two of them, expressing his approval.

"Captain! You've recovered! That's wonderful!"

A voice rang out, drawing Dunn's gaze. Engels was running toward him with relief written all over his face, looking as though he was coming in for a hug.

Since he was not very far away, he reached Dunn in an instant.

"Captain! Watch out!"

Engels, now standing in front of Dunn, thrust a dagger concealed in his hand straight at Dunn's waist, its blade gleaming with a cold, dark-green light.