Shirahoshi, having successfully entered the palace, was filled with curiosity. She excitedly phased back and forth through the space, testing it multiple times until Carl finally spoke helplessly.
"Have you played enough?"
Only then did Shirahoshi stop her movements and cheerfully exclaim,
"This is amazing! As expected of Lord Carl!"
Carl chuckled.
"It's just a small trick. Come in, it's time to eat."
Following Carl, Shirahoshi entered the grand hall. A massive dining table had been specially arranged today, with several large plates clearly prepared for her.
Monet and the others stepped forward to guide Carl to the main seat, while Sugar pulled Shirahoshi to sit beside her.
After the meal, Carl had someone escort Shirahoshi back.
Carl and Lucia stood at the entrance of the palace, watching Shirahoshi's figure gradually disappear into the distance. Lucia softly spoke.
"Young Master, the giant Sea Kings lingering near the Red Line lately..."
Carl smiled slightly and replied,
"They are patrolling on Shirahoshi's command. Isn't Joy Boy fond of underwater ambushes these days?"
Lucia nodded in understanding.
"I see. It's truly unbelievable that one of the three Ancient Weapons, Poseidon, turned out to be the Mermaid Princess."
"That's why we need to take good care of Shirahoshi. Not only do we have Poseidon, but we now also have Pluton under our control. I must say, I'm quite looking forward to Joy Boy's arrival."
As he spoke, wisps of black energy seeped from the corners of Carl's eyes. He raised his head, gazing at the moon, which was gradually approaching its full form, and continued,
"I wonder how many more full moons he intends to wait through."
...
Three days later, a massive, pitch-black battleship docked at the edge of the Red Line. Standing at the ship's bow was Vegapunk along with his six clones.
York gazed up at the Red Line and couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
"No matter how many times I come here, this place is always so awe-inspiring!"
Hearing this, Lilith immediately sneered,
"And yet, you will never be able to stay here. You'd best behave yourself in the lab!"
York shot a sidelong glance at Lilith and snorted coldly.
"Like you have any right to talk. If I can't stay, do you think you can? Have you even spoken to Saint Carl?"
"I have no intention of staying here at all. And does it really matter whether or not I've spoken to him? Do you think just exchanging a few words or greeting him will make him see you differently? If you really believe that, then I suggest you self-destruct immediately—your presence is dragging down our collective intelligence."
Lilith's sharp retort left York momentarily speechless. In frustration, she pulled out an oversized flintlock pistol, its dark barrel nearly matching Lilith's own size.
"I've had enough of you! If you want to die, I'll gladly oblige!"
Lilith, representing evil, was completely unfazed by York's threat. She subtly glanced at the space above York's back before stepping forward, bringing herself even closer to the gun's muzzle. With a taunting smirk, she goaded,
"Go ahead, fire! Let's see if you dare pull the trigger beneath the Red Line."
York's eyes widened in fury.
"You think I won't?!"
A crisp click echoed as York pulled the trigger.
Given the size of the bullet, if it struck, Lilith would undoubtedly be reduced to nothing but scraps.
Even Vegapunk and the other clones were momentarily stunned. They hadn't expected York to actually fire.
However, the expected scene of Lilith being blasted into pieces never came to pass. Instead, a loud impact sounded from the ship's railing behind her.
Everyone turned their eyes toward the source of the noise. A massive bullet was seen rapidly spinning against the ship's sleek black railing. As it lost momentum and fell onto the deck, the railing remained smooth and unscathed, without a single dent.
Vegapunk and his clones were utterly dumbfounded.
They weren't surprised by the ship's durability—after all, it was one of the Ancient Weapons. If it lacked this level of defense, it would be a joke.
What truly shocked them was that Lilith, despite being at point-blank range, was completely unharmed. Even if York were half-blind, there was no way she could have missed at that distance.
Yet Lilith stood there, untouched, while the bullet had somehow phased past her. This defied all logic!
Among them, Lilith was the only one who remained calm. Smiling, she tilted her head up slightly and respectfully bowed.
"Thank you for the save, Saint Carl."
Her words sent another wave of shock through Vegapunk and the clones. They quickly followed her gaze, looking toward the sky, while York whipped around in panic.
Hovering above them, arms crossed, was Carl, gazing silently down at the deck.
It was, of course, his handiwork that had redirected the bullet. With his mastery over the Dark-Dark Fruit, rendering a bullet momentarily intangible was an effortless feat.
As everyone looked up at him, Carl slowly descended onto the deck. His eyes flickered toward York, still holding the gun with a dumbfounded expression, and he remarked,
"Trying to commit murder here? You're quite bold."
At his words, York's face drained of color. With a thud, she dropped to her knees and burst into tears.
"I'm sorry! It was just a moment of recklessness! Please, spare me!"
Carl had no intention of killing York, but some discipline was necessary. If Vegapunk's clones were constantly at odds, it could hinder the scientist's research—something Carl would not tolerate.
After all, most of Vegapunk's findings were of great use to him.
Glancing at the trembling York, Carl's eyes gleamed with a faint purple light. The next moment, York suddenly felt weightless as her body lifted uncontrollably into the air.
The clone responsible for Vegapunk's basic needs nearly wet herself in terror but, upon seeing Carl below, instinctively clenched her muscles, holding it in. This reaction caused the other clones—Vegapunk included—to subconsciously press their hands over their bladders. Even Pythagoras, who didn't have one, mimicked the action.
Once York was suspended at a sufficient height, Carl snapped his fingers. With a sharp scream, York plummeted straight down, crashing heavily onto the deck with a dull thud.
Unconscious, she lay there motionless.
-----------
+160 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg