Chapter 73: The Eve of the Coup
For Kuma, the influence of Nika ran deep. For a very long time, this had been Kuma's spiritual anchor.
Even when saving others unconditionally, he held thoughts similar to Nika's.
Once, for a certain period, the name Nika resounded across the seas.
However, due to the World Government's efforts, Nika's name had gradually been forgotten, circulating only among a few races.
Nereus himself had no opinion on Nika. If the name could better unite resistance forces worldwide, using it would be advantageous.
But at this stage, the empty name of Nika lacked practical significance. Without power, shouting slogans would only attract unwanted attention from the World Government and nothing else.
Nereus didn't know what Kuma and the others were chatting about in their suite right now. At this moment, he and his officers were gathered in the large conference room provided by the hotel, discussing another topic.
A coup d'état.
Only Fish-men, Merfolk, or hybrids like Sebastian were in the room.
Although Nereus didn't discriminate against other races, the setting mattered. When it came to matters involving the entirety of Fish-man Island, companions of other races were not suitable participants.
If he just wanted to live comfortably, Nereus didn't need to do anything right now. Even if he chose to live in seclusion on the Sabaody Archipelago, the World Government would choose to turn a blind eye.
For such a monster, they would wish for nothing more than for him to ignore worldly affairs.
But to change the situation of Fish-man Island, a legitimate status became indispensable. In a world where the political structure of most islands was a monarchy, that position was the King.
"I never thought seizing the throne would be difficult; the royal family's military power is negligible. But the purpose of doing so is to make Fish-man Island better.
Therefore, in this coup, I don't want too much bloodshed, which is why I've accumulated reputation.
The prelude to the era's rampage has begun. We should act too. Gentlemen, are you ready to open our new era?"
With a plan, naturally, it had to be implemented.
Trivial matters were temporarily handled; the plan naturally had to get on the right track.
"Big Bro, with just one word from you, the residents of the Fish-man District will definitely support you as the new King."
"Militarily, there's also no problem. Even if you don't act, Big Bro, I can punch through Ryugu Palace alone. The Neptune Army or the Royal Family—they really have no combat power to speak of."
Sebastian and Babel voiced their thoughts one after another. Others held basically the same view.
"As for the other residents of Fish-man Island... Big Bro, your reputation here is very high. Babel and I can both feel this."
In the months Sunbell and Babel had been guarding Fish-man Island, they interacted a lot with the residents, and the changes they brought were direct.
Sunbell could guarantee that during this time, no resident had been taken away by slave ships. Anyone with such ideas had been dealt with by them.
The security their military force provided far exceeded that of the original Fish-man Island Royal Family.
Under these circumstances, Nereus's already high reputation had reached a new height. Over a decade of effort hadn't gone unrewarded.
"However, the Royal Family of Fish-man Island has inherited the throne for a long time. Many residents assume by default that their lineage should be kings. Changing this concept might take some time."
Babel brought up another objective fact. Whether ordinary civilians or serving Neptune Army soldiers, there were those who obeyed the current Royal Family.
"That's why Big Bro's plan has always been less bloodshed, not no bloodshed.
How can a man's path forward only have laughter? How can a road determined to be walked have no storms blocking the way?
From the day we set sail, our goal was set. Big Bro, take us forward! We can't be left behind by this era!"
"Let's move. End this before dawn tomorrow. When the sun rises again, Fish-man Island will also welcome a rebirth."
If the entire Fish-man Island didn't support him, Nereus wouldn't act this way. Although his martial power was enough to achieve many goals, a reign of terror wasn't his aim.
However, nowadays, Nereus's approval rating in Fish-man Island was actually very high. If it were an election system, his votes would definitely win the next election.
The Fish-man District supported him unconditionally. Within Fish-man Island, Nereus could travel unimpeded just by showing his face, thanks to his accumulated reputation. The basic conditions were sufficient.
The sun set in the west, and the sunlight conducted by the Sunlight Tree Eve gradually decreased. The sky of Fish-man Island also darkened.
As Fish-man Island entered the night, Nereus walked out of the hotel where he was resting.
"Mr. Nereus, it's so late, where are you going?"
The mermaid at the front desk asked curiously seeing Nereus and the others heading out.
"To do something big. Rest early. When the sky brightens tomorrow, everything will be different."
"Is that so? Then I wish you success."
The receptionist didn't understand the meaning in Nereus's words; she just wished for their smooth proceedings.
The things Nereus and his group did were beneficial to Fish-man Island. Over the years, many residents had accepted this by default.
...
Ryugu Palace, the seat of the Kingdom of Fish-man Island. It wasn't located somewhere on the island but was wrapped in a bubble, suspended above Fish-man Island—an island within an island.
Nereus didn't bring many people on this trip; there was no mobilizing of troops. Only Sebastian, Sunbell, and Babel followed him. He didn't even bring Big Pan.
Rather than a coup, it looked more like visiting a neighbor, but this was enough.
Along the way, residents would greet Nereus from time to time until they approached Ryugu Palace, where such people began to decrease.
"Mr. Nereus? Why are you here? Please wait a moment, I'll go notify His Majesty Pontos."
The guards at the Ryugu Palace gate were curious about Nereus's arrival. After all, Nereus rarely came here. Although a resident, the two sides had almost no intersection.
However, the things Nereus's subordinates did were often things the Royal Family should have done, so these soldiers were quite familiar with Nereus.
Therefore, instead of being on guard, they greeted him enthusiastically.
"No need. I'll go find him myself."
"Go yourself? Wait! Mr. Nereus! What do you intend to do?!"
Until this moment, the guards realized something was wrong. Being guards of Ryugu Palace, they had naturally passed loyalty tests.
The two guards hurriedly raised their weapons, but Nereus made no move at all, simply ignoring them and continuing to walk forward.
When they attempted to make attacking moves, they were easily subdued by Sunbell at the side.
"Gentlemen, Big Bro has things to do. Please wait patiently and don't stop him. Otherwise, it will make things very difficult for me."
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