The armored figure stood tall in the doorway, his presence like a heavy weight pressing down on the crew. His black armor was adorned with strange runes that glowed faintly in the dim light of the chamber, and his crimson eyes glimmered with a malice that sent a chill through the crew. The air around him crackled with an unsettling energy, almost as if the very atmosphere was bending to his will.
Franco, still holding the artifact, took a cautious step forward, his hand tightening around the hilt of his hammer. The rest of the crew gathered behind him, their weapons at the ready. Taro, Kael, and Lynara all exchanged wary glances, each one trying to gauge the strength of this new opponent. The figure was powerful, that much was clear, but just how powerful?
"You say you're the one who guards the relics," Franco began, his voice steady, though there was an edge to it. "Then why haven't you been able to stop me before now?"
The figure's red eyes flickered with amusement, and he stepped further into the room, his massive sword dragging along the stone floor with a deafening scrape. "I've been watching you," the figure said, his voice low and ominous. "I've seen the havoc you've wreaked across the seas. You and your crew. But you've stepped into a realm far beyond your understanding. You've claimed what was never meant to be touched."
Franco's grip on the artifact tightened, feeling its power hum against his skin. The figure's words only confirmed what he had suspected—the artifact was more than just a relic; it was a catalyst, and now they had drawn the attention of its true guardian.
"Then it seems we'll have to settle this," Franco replied, raising his hammer in preparation. "I didn't come here to leave empty-handed."
---
The First Strike
Without another word, the armored figure lunged forward, his massive sword swinging down with terrifying force. The sheer speed of the attack took the crew by surprise. Franco barely had time to react, leaping back to avoid the strike. The sword sliced through the air, missing him by mere inches, but the force of it sent a shockwave through the chamber. The ground beneath their feet trembled, and pieces of the ceiling cracked and fell.
The figure's eyes glowed brighter as he adjusted his stance, clearly eager for battle. "You're quick," he mused, his voice almost casual despite the deathly seriousness of his actions. "But speed alone won't save you."
Franco gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing. He could feel the dark energy radiating from the figure. This wasn't just any ordinary foe—this was someone who had mastered the powers of the relics. The figure's speed and strength were beyond anything they had faced before, but Franco wasn't about to let that deter him. He wasn't just fighting for survival; he was fighting for the future of his crew, and for the legacy he intended to carve into the world.
"Everyone, stay sharp!" Franco shouted, his voice carrying authority. "We fight together!"
---
Teamwork and Strategy
Kael was the first to move, his agility unmatched as he dashed to the figure's side, aiming a swift slash at his exposed flank. The armored guardian barely flinched, raising his sword with impossible speed to deflect the strike. Kael, undeterred, rolled away, narrowly avoiding a counterattack.
Lynara darted in from behind, her dagger gleaming in the dim light as she attempted to strike at the guardian's exposed back. However, the figure spun with a terrifying fluidity, his sword sweeping in a wide arc, forcing Lynara to leap back to avoid being cleaved in two.
Taro, with his immense strength, rushed in from the front, his trident thrusting toward the guardian's chest. The figure parried the blow effortlessly, his sword clashing against Taro's weapon with an ear-splitting noise. Taro grunted, his feet sliding across the ground as the impact sent a shockwave through his body.
"We need to find an opening!" Kael shouted, as he dodged another of the guardian's crushing blows.
Franco knew Kael was right. The guardian's skill was extraordinary, and his armor was nearly impenetrable. But Franco could sense something—a slight delay in the guardian's movements after each attack. It wasn't much, but it was enough.
"Lynara, Kael, distract him!" Franco ordered. "Taro, get ready to hold him down!"
The crew split up once more. Kael and Lynara worked in tandem, distracting the figure with quick strikes and feints, while Taro prepared for the next phase of their plan.
Franco, using the speed of the Thunder-Thunder Fruit, moved to the guardian's other side, his hammer crackling with raw electrical energy. He swung with all his might, aiming directly at the guardian's helmet. The energy from the hammer surged forward, electricity arcing from its head to the guardian's armor, lighting up the room in a brilliant flash.
For the first time, the figure staggered, his movements slightly slower as the electricity coursed through him. The figure grunted in frustration, but Franco didn't let up. He swung his hammer again, this time aiming for the guardian's sword arm.
The strike landed, sending a shockwave of energy through the figure's body. The sword slipped from his grasp, clattering to the floor as he faltered.
---
The Turning Point
With the guardian momentarily disarmed, the crew moved in. Taro charged forward, his trident aimed for the weak spot at the guardian's chest. Lynara was right behind him, her daggers flashing as she slashed at the joints in his armor. Kael danced around the figure, his speed making him nearly impossible to track. The guardian's movements were sluggish now, and the combined pressure from the crew was beginning to take its toll.
Franco stepped forward, eyes locked on the vulnerable guardian. "Now, we finish this."
With a mighty roar, Franco swung his hammer one final time, aiming straight for the chest. The blow landed with bone-crushing force. Lightning surged through the figure's body, and for a moment, time seemed to slow as the guardian's form began to crumble.
The armored figure let out one final scream, his body collapsing under the power of Franco's strike. His armor shattered, and the once-imposing figure of the guardian was reduced to a heap of broken metal and dust.
Franco stood over the fallen enemy, his chest heaving with exertion. The power of the artifact still pulsed within him, but now, it was quieter—more controlled. He turned to his crew, who were catching their breath after the battle.
"We did it," Franco said, his voice steady but tinged with exhaustion. "But we're not done yet. This was only one obstacle. There will be more."
---
Bounty Update:
As news of Franco's victory began to spread across the world, it wasn't long before the World Government took notice. The crew's rising fame and dangerous exploits had started attracting the attention of bounty hunters and pirates alike. Franco, along with his crew, would soon become targets of a new kind of fame—a fame that carried a price tag.
Franco's Bounty: 350,000,000 Berries
The sheer power Franco exhibited in this battle alone was enough to propel him to a new height in the pirate world. His hammer and lightning abilities, combined with his strategic mind, made him a force to be reckoned with.
Kael's Bounty: 250,000,000 Berries
Kael's speed and precision in battle, especially his ability to outmaneuver and strike with deadly efficiency, earned him a significant bounty. His swordsmanship was becoming legendary, and his reputation as a top-tier swordsman spread like wildfire.
Lynara's Bounty: 200,000,000 Berries
Lynara's stealth and deadly dagger strikes were becoming a trademark of her fighting style. Her ability to weave in and out of combat with agility and finesse earned her a substantial bounty. Her reputation as a master of assassination tactics was quickly growing.
Taro's Bounty: 150,000,000 Berries
Taro's strength and tenacity in battle had not gone unnoticed. Though his bounty was slightly lower than the others, his raw power and ability to hold off powerful enemies made him a feared fighter. His trident had become a symbol of his unyielding nature.
The crew had now firmly established themselves as one of the most formidable pirate crews in the world. But with this newfound infamy came new challenges. Bounty hunters would be on their heels, and the World Government would not ignore their growing threat.
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End of Chapter 34
In this chapter, Franco and his crew face a powerful new enemy—an ancient guardian protecting the relic they sought. The battle is intense, but their teamwork and strategy allow them to defeat the guardian. Meanwhile, the crew's growing infamy catches the attention of the World Government, leading to an update on their bounties.
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