Chapter 75: The Blood of Every King Must End by the Sword
Pontos didn't fly into a rage, nor did he curse. He simply spoke in a serious tone about an inherited secret that he believed only the royal family knew.
There were indeed some details that Nereus wasn't aware of.
"I haven't seen you fight in person, only heard of your strength. I assume even super-giant Sea Kings are no match for you. And there are quite a few powerhouses like you in the world.
But Sea Kings will submit unconditionally to Poseidon and execute any of her orders.
In this world dominated by the sea, Sea Kings have the ability to ensure only a few strong individuals survive. Therefore, saying Poseidon can destroy the world is no exaggeration."
As he spoke, Pontos had already arrived in front of Nereus.
Due to habit, many male Merfolk didn't wear shirts; Pontos was merely draped in a cape.
Although he wasn't young, his body could still be considered lean and muscular.
At this moment, no fear could be seen in him. He continued calmly:
"The situation on Fish-man Island is indeed as you said. But the World Government's attitude towards this place is more of ignoring it rather than using some means to destroy it.
This is the best environment in the deep sea, but even without Fish-man Island, we can still survive in the vast ocean.
I think the World Government hasn't done so because they also fear Poseidon. Even if the population decreases, Poseidon will still be born among the Merfolk.
If upon awakening, she is a Poseidon filled with hatred from the near-extinction of her nation and race, the World Government wouldn't be willing to bear that cost either."
Pluton was just a battleship; it needed people to operate it. Poseidon, however, had self-awareness.
If an awakened Poseidon truly found herself in such a situation, the consequences would be terrifying.
The Buccaneer Tribe, Lunarian Tribe, and even the Davy clan hadn't gone completely extinct. Even if Merfolk and Fish-men were hunted down, survivors would still exist on the sea.
Pontos felt the World Government knew this, so they left some leeway for Fish-man Island, preventing a situation where the fish dies and the net breaks (mutually assured destruction).
"I actually feel that your actions were simply too harmless, to the point that they, like senile old men, didn't think that much at all.
Are you trying to say from this perspective that your actions were correct?"
Not taking overly extreme actions, maintaining things within a range—although some clansmen would be lost, the race could continue. From the perspective of a ruler, this wasn't entirely unacceptable.
"No, I'm just explaining my viewpoint to you and stating the importance of Poseidon. You don't have to agree with these words.
Someone on Fish-man Island must know about Poseidon and pass it down.
And the reason I'm telling you this is simply because after tonight, one of us will definitely die here."
The trident in Pontos's hand pointed at Nereus, his tone carrying determination.
"Have you decided? Since you know my strength, you should be clear that you are definitely not my match. Your probability of survival is zero."
Actually, Nereus himself didn't care much about how to handle the old royal family.
This wasn't an ordinary historical dynasty where one must weed out the roots to prevent accidents.
This was a world with supernatural powers. The power of one person was enough to change the situation of an entire battlefield.
And Nereus happened to have this power. Apart from that "mechanism monster" (Imu) in Mary Geoise, practically no one could cause Nereus too much trouble.
The power of the royal family was not worth mentioning in front of Nereus. If not considering subsequent various issues, sending any executive, or even Nanamo the child, would have been enough to handle the entire palace alone.
Killing, imprisoning, exiling—these only affected outside perception but wouldn't change the outcome.
Because of Pontos's attitude, Nereus had originally intended to choose a milder method.
"Hmph, Nereus, don't be so naive. I am the King of Fish-man Island! For hundreds of years, the King of Fish-man Island has always been from my lineage. How could I hand it over just like that!
If you want this throne, come take it with your own hands! I also want to experience what the so-called 'strongest' is really like!
This is a duel between the two of us, and the stake of the duel is the throne of Fish-man Island!"
"Wait!!"
Just as Pontos finished speaking, he was suddenly interrupted. A male merman several times taller than Nereus, with long orange hair and a red bulbous nose, suddenly burst out from the room behind.
"Neptune? Did you stay in the palace today? I thought you were patrolling outside."
The newcomer was Pontos's son and the current Knight of the Sea, Neptune.
Although he also lacked ability, he did contribute to Fish-man Island, leading teams to patrol the deep sea and dealing with some invading pirates.
It was just that the effect was very average.
"Father, there's no need for this. Why must you fight a losing duel? We can leave Fish-man Island..."
"Silence! This matter has nothing to do with you. At a time like this, one cannot blindly run away. However... Nereus, I have a request. If you win, please spare my son.
This is a father's wish."
"I can promise you. As long as he doesn't become my enemy, I won't hurt him."
"Many thanks."
There was a feeling in Pontos's tone that he knew his defeat was certain, but he didn't back down. Thus, Nereus didn't try to persuade him further.
"Neptune, remember my words. If I die here, you absolutely must not have any thoughts of revenge. Leave Fish-man Island and find a remote sea area to continue living."
Pontos threw off his cape and assumed a combat stance. Seeing Nereus had no intention of striking first, he understood Nereus's meaning.
"Merfolk Jujutsu: Kairyu Uzu!" (Seawater Vortex)
Ryugu Palace was also filled with seawater. Pontos gripped the trident in his hands, stirring the current in front of him.
The rotating current gradually gathered at the tip of the trident. With Pontos's thrust, it attacked Nereus in front of him.
The spearhead formed by the water current seemed to have considerable momentum, but Nereus acted as if he didn't see it, letting the opponent's attack hit.
When it was still four or five meters away from his body, the spearhead quietly shattered. For an attack of this level to even touch Nereus's defensive Haki... that was already the result of Nereus going easy on him.
In the next moment, Nereus had arrived in front of Pontos with a movement Pontos's naked eyes couldn't catch, and placed a seemingly ordinary punch on his chest.
There was no exaggerated commotion, nor massive destructive power. But at the moment of contact, the Armament Haki compressed to the extreme destroyed Pontos's heart.
Without intentionally toying with or humiliating the opponent, Nereus would display different fighting styles when facing different enemies.
And Pontos, whose life force was rapidly draining, also heard the final voice...
"Fish-man Island will enter a new era, an era glorious enough."
☆☆☆
-> 30 Advanced chapters Now Available on Patreon!!
-> https://www.pat-reon.co-m/c/Inkshaper
(Just remove the hyphen (-) to access patreon normally)
If you like this novel please consider leaving a review that's help the story a lot Thank you