Thank you, Richy, for becoming a Royal Knight on P@treon! Your support means the world to us. Shoutout to you enjoy all the exclusive perks that come with it!
Drop Some power stones! If you like the chapter! It helps to keep me motivated to upload more!💎💎💎
---
The current Sky Island appeared sparse and modest, lacking the grandeur one might expect.
Even at the gate, no guards were stationed, as if the absence of visitors for a long time had led to a complete lapse in vigilance.
A group of people sauntered in confidently, taking in their surroundings.
However, one notable sight greeted them a colossal lobster stationed nearby.
"Your Majesty, look at the size of that lobster! Can we eat it?" one soldier exclaimed with excitement.
The lobster was indeed massive, towering two or three stories high and spanning hundreds of meters in length.
Its sheer size gave everyone ideas of a feast that could last for days.
However, this "Express Shrimp," as it was known, seemed to understand their intentions.
The moment the soldier spoke, it bolted away, vanishing from sight.
"That thing sure knows how to run!" Daiki remarked, watching the shrimp disappear.
The group couldn't help but share the same regretful thought such a meal would have been legendary.
Even Anos, their king, shared their sentiments.
"That shrimp could've saved us so much time if we'd ridden it," Anos commented, shaking his head in mild exasperation.
"Well, it's a shame it got away," Daiki replied with a chuckle, though his disappointment was more for the missed meal than the lost ride.
As they proceeded, Anos addressed the group with caution. "Everyone, stay alert. The residents of Sky Island are not to be underestimated. They may appear unassuming, but they have their strengths, and carelessness might get someone hurt."
The group nodded solemnly. Although they were confident in their abilities, they understood the wisdom of Anos' words.
Sky Island, being a largely unexplored and mysterious place, could harbour surprises good or bad.
Walking through the gates, they were greeted by a striking sight: a spiralling pathway of solidified white clouds winding upwards.
In the centre flowed a river, connecting the White Sea below to the higher regions above.
Though the sea looked different from the Blue Sea, its properties were the same it could incapacitate Devil Fruit users.
Among the group were several Devil Fruit users, including Anos and Daiki. If anyone fell into the river, the fast current would spell doom.
As they walked along the spiral path, climbing higher into the sky, the group remained cautiously optimistic.
Though the journey had been uneventful so far, their vigilance didn't waver.
"Suzu, keep an eye on the surroundings. Daiki, stay on guard. The rest of you, move quickly," Anos ordered, his voice steady and authoritative.
Suzu and Daiki immediately complied, with Suzu scanning for threats and Daiki ensuring their formation remained intact.
The group advanced steadily, finding their footing on the soft but firm white clouds.
Their peaceful march was soon interrupted when Suzu suddenly raised her fist in a signal to stop.
Daiki didn't wait for further clarification and immediately shouted, "Everyone, stay on alert!"
Moments later, a man appeared, riding a white flying steed and clad in armour.
He held a spear-like weapon, his posture radiating authority. Despite being alone, his presence demanded attention.
"Who are you, and why have you come to my Sky Island?" the man demanded. His voice was firm, carrying the weight of a protector's duty.
Anos quickly recognized the man as Gan Fall, though he appeared younger here, with dark hair and a sharp gaze.
Despite his impressive appearance, Anos could tell that Gan Fall's strength was no match for anyone in his group.
Stepping forward with a disarming smile, Anos responded, "We mean no harm. We are here searching for something and have no intention of causing trouble for Sky Island."
Gan Fall's expression remained cold. "What could people from the Blue Sea possibly want on Sky Island? Are you after treasure?" he asked suspiciously.
Before Anos could answer, Daiki interjected with a stern tone. "We aren't interested in your treasures, but we can ensure your cooperation if necessary. Don't make us resort to force."
"Daiki," Anos called out, his voice firm yet calm, signalling for him to stand down.
Anos then turned back to Gan Fall with an air of diplomacy. "I am Anos, King of the Tru Kingdom in the South Blue. I simply wish to visit Sky Island as a guest. Surely that is not an unreasonable request?"
Gan Fall's eyes narrowed as he processed the statement. "A king, you say?" he muttered, though Daiki's earlier words had already set him on edge. The group's intentions were more complex than they were letting on.
Gan Fall's grip on his weapon tightened as his gaze sharpened, ready for a confrontation if things escalated.
---
For early access to advanced chapters and exclusive illustrations made by me, visit my P@treon:
P@treon/Iamxeno
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!