Eight hundred years ago, twenty kings 'created' the world and established the World Government.
Later, they agreed to collectively move to the Holy Land Mary Geoise and become the most noble Celestial Dragons to rule the world.
Strictly speaking, it wasn't twenty kings, but nineteen, because one family decided to voluntarily withdraw when they were about to move to Mary Geoise, choosing to continue staying in their own country.
That was the Nefertari family from Alabasta. They refused to become Celestial Dragons, stating that they didn't want to create a huge gap with the common people, a decision incomprehensible to other Celestial Dragons.
Especially the current Celestial Dragons, with their arrogant mindset, found it even more incomprehensible why the Nefertari family chose to abandon their Celestial Dragon status and become commoners – a downright shameful betrayal.
So it was at this moment that the Five Elders spoke.
"If there's anything special about Alabasta that made Nefertari feel uneasy and decide to stay, we might understand their decision now."
One of the elder statesmen, older in age, spoke in a deep voice, "Should we send Kapp to investigate?"
"Start by contacting the Black Sect and see if that woman has any clues," another elder said. "Currently, when it comes to matters involving demons and hell, we can only rely on her."
After he finished speaking, the others frowned because what he said was true. They were relying too much on Margaux when it came to matters related to demons, and it wasn't a good situation.
If Margaux were obedient and followed orders, it would be one thing. Still, she was clearly not the type to obediently comply. In fact, she might be more dangerous than any pirate or demon.
Their cooperation with Margaux was temporary, using her power and information. If possible, they would prefer to quickly organize their own demon eradication department within the World Government. However, there were currently no such talented individuals.
Moreover, the most crucial aspect was the intelligence she possessed. For example, they wanted to know if the inverted pyramid was related to hell. This kind of information wasn't known to any archaeologist at the moment, except for Margaux, an ancient relic herself.
"Ask away," someone sighed. "At least for now, we maintain a pleasant cooperative relationship."
So, in the Black Sect's headquarters, Margaux received a call from Mary Geoise. The den-den mushi in front of her turned into an elderly man with a white beard. Margaux smiled and said, "The Five Elders calling directly. What can I do for you?"
"Inverted Pyramid, what is it?"
The question the Five Elders wanted was directly spoken through the den-den mushi. There was no need to elaborate on unnecessary details in their relationship. The situation was urgent, and straightforward questions were in order.
"From a mystical perspective, the inverted pyramid is a structure connecting the human world to the underworld. The inverted pyramid tomb, extending downward into the ground, is a symbol of the Grim Reaper. There were many such structures in my era. What do you mean?" Margaux said.
The Five Elders continued, "A pyramid named 'Inverted Pyramid' has appeared in Yuba Oasis in Alabasta. Outwardly, it doesn't seem different from a normal pyramid, except for its name. If it's related to demons, the Black Sect should act."
"...I see." Margaux fell silent for a moment, seemingly pondering something.
Finally, she slowly said, "It's the 'Gateway to Hell.'"
"Gateway to Hell?!" The surprise from the Five Elders was evident. Margaux continued, "The external pyramid is just its manifestation. In reality, the true inverted pyramid is nestled between the human world and the realms of hell."
A gateway to hell?
Such a thing existed? Does this mean it's possible to explore the depths of hell?
The existence of demons had always been a one-sided statement by Margaux. Although many creatures that could be called demons had appeared, whether it was exactly as Margaux described required more clues for confirmation.
The Five Elders had been wanting to cultivate their own power in this aspect because they didn't completely trust Margaux. Now, if they could enter hell, it would greatly relieve the pressure.
"However, I advise the Five of you not to get too excited."
At this moment, Margaux's voice once again entered the ears of the Five Elders. She calmly said, "Hell has its gatekeeper. The inverted pyramid tomb is a symbol of the Grim Reaper, and it naturally houses the descendants of the Grim Reaper."
"...Descendants of the Grim Reaper?" Another unfamiliar name surfaced, causing the Five Elders to furrow their brows once again.
"That's right. Although I haven't seen that gatekeeper, because there is a gatekeeper, demons in hell cannot leave on a large scale. They can only come to the human world through some form of summoning. His strength may be stronger than anyone else!"
A gatekeeper of hell?!
The Five Elders looked at each other, falling into silence for a while.
If the gatekeeper of hell could indeed prevent demon lords from leaving hell, his strength must be formidable. Even if hell itself had a suppressing effect on demons, it didn't mean there was only one or two demons in hell.
In that case, what should they do?
At this moment, Margaux's voice once again reached the ears of the Five Elders. "But since we're talking about the entrance to hell, I think I have a way to deal with Aatrox."
She repeated what Rayleigh had said to Roger before and added, "I'm not sure about the attitude of the Grim Reaper's descendants towards the current world. Still, if Aatrox falls into his domain, at least for a short time, he won't be allowed to return to the human realm."
After thinking for a moment, she said, "So, if you follow your plan, we'll have the Marines cooperate with you."
The Five Elders nodded at Margaux.