Chapter 10: Hunter and prey
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Now that the energy core had been successfully transformed, the device would be able to operate stably as soon as the construction of the outer frame was completed. All that was required now was a little patience.
Hearing this news, the people in the canyon quickened their already frantic pace. With the finish line in sight, they began a final, determined sprint.
Ivankov and Ginny did not abandon their original plan. To guard against any last-minute disasters, they intended to use the chaos created when the pirates arrived to attempt stealing the Devil Fruit that was being offered as a prize.
Before that, however, they had to engage in a new hunt—but this time, the roles of hunter and prey were reversed.
"Oran, why don't you take a break? We can handle the rest," Kuma suggested.
The transformation of the energy core wasn't physically strenuous, but it was mentally exhausting. Kate had already fallen into a deep sleep, having reached her limit after maintaining the stability of the electric field.
Although Oran appeared unaffected, Kuma and the others were still concerned about his well-being.
"My physical condition is special," Oran said. "Going a few days without sleep doesn't affect me. Besides, if I fall asleep now, I can't guarantee when I'll wake up. Have you finished arranging everything I asked for earlier?"
"Yes, everything has been arranged," Kuma replied.
Seeing Oran's resolve, Kuma and the others didn't press the matter further. In the short time they had spent with him, they had come to understand his personality. If Oran couldn't be persuaded the first time, there was no point in trying again.
"Good. Let's proceed as planned. But before that, I need to say something to everyone."
Oran stepped onto a platform jutting from the rock wall, looking down at the people who were still working tirelessly. He picked up a simple loudspeaker and began to speak:
"I'm sure you all know by now that a Celestial Dragon has entered this area.
You've been fortunate that this place hasn't been discovered over the past few days. But during this time, the Celestial Dragons have destroyed your homes, killed your loved ones, and desecrated your land—for no reason other than their own amusement!
Your good fortune today doesn't mean you'll be lucky tomorrow. I have a way to get you out of here, but who's to say you won't face the same nightmare again somewhere else?
Is it so hard to resist?
You've already lost everything. These people are coming to take the only thing you have left—your life. Are you really going to stand here and let that happen?
The knife is already at your throat—are you still trying to reason with them?"
The people below paused their work, listening intently, but no one responded. Oran wasn't surprised.
If a few rousing words were enough to spark rebellion, the Celestial Dragons' rule wouldn't have lasted for so long.
Even someone as legendary as Oden, with all his charisma and determination, couldn't fully overcome the oppressive influence of the Celestial Dragons. Their status and aura made them seem untouchable, even in the most desperate circumstances.
"Of course, I'm not asking you to storm the Red Line—that would be suicide.
But if you can't act when the opportunity is staring you in the face, then you've already surrendered.
The murderers are out there, just beyond this canyon!
Is there anyone here willing to take revenge?"
Silence still prevailed among the crowd, but this time, a few individuals stood up. Most of them were born into slavery, while a few were locals who had lost relatives to the Celestial Dragons. Their numbers were small compared to the entire group, but it was a start.
If the myth of the Celestial Dragons could be shattered and their blood spilled as a symbol of defiance, the seeds of rebellion would take root. Sooner or later, those seeds would grow and sprout into something unstoppable.
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"Report to Saint! Saint has ordered everyone to return to base immediately. This game is temporarily suspended."
"That guy ... does he really think he's in charge? Does the Figarland family think they can order me around? If I enter the next election, his position will be mine," muttered a masked man holding a jewel-encrusted Den Den Mushi, his tone dripping with disdain.
A man in a black suit, dressed as a secret agent, knelt before him, speaking with deference.
Around them stood a few similarly dressed individuals, but there were no navy personnel present. This was a hunt for the Celestial Dragons; they relied only on scorers and obedient "hounds" to track their prey.
Even if the navy wished to serve as their dogs, they wouldn't necessarily be deemed fit for the role.
"Saint Eladin, the call also mentioned that pirates are approaching this area, so—"
The agent refrained from responding to Eladin's grumblings. Among the Celestial Dragons, such matters were trivial to them, and interrupting could lead to immediate execution.
"A bunch of useless fools! Are those navy officers just here to eat and drink? If they can't handle something this minor, what's the point of keeping them around?"
"You're absolutely right. I'll take care of it immediately."
"I'll return after searching this area. I still need a few more points. Could Gringu be trying to stop me from surpassing him by pulling this stunt?
You worthless lot, stop standing around and find my prey! And remember—don't you dare touch it! If you do, I'll execute every single one of you!"
"Yes, sir!"
Though Eladin bristled with annoyance, he still followed Gringu's orders. Among the Celestial Dragons, hierarchy was rigid, and Gringu currently held a leadership role.
Complaining behind his back was one thing, but outright defiance would result in punishment—even for Eladin.
Eladin's frustration stemmed from the fact that he hadn't encountered any high-scoring prey in recent days. A low score upon his return would make him a laughingstock among his family.
Just as his irritation peaked, it seemed fortune decided to smile upon him.
"Saint Eladin! We've made a significant discovery—it's an SR-level slave from the Buccaneers Tribe!"
Kuma had deliberately acted as bait, knowing that his classification as an SR-level slave made him highly valuable and likely to attract the attention of the Celestial Dragons.
"Chase him! If you let him escape, you'll pay with your lives!"
Ordinary people believed the Celestial Dragons were untouchable. Similarly, the Celestial Dragons themselves were confident that no one would dare resist them. Eladin never considered the possibility that someone might set a trap for him on this island.
To him, Kuma was merely high-value prey worth 10,000 points—a prize he couldn't afford to lose.
Using his knowledge of the terrain, Kuma quickly led Eladin and his followers into a nearby canyon. Arrogantly confident, Eladin followed close behind, guided by his loyal subordinates.
At the end of the canyon, Kuma stood perfectly still, seemingly cornered.
To Eladin, it appeared the rabbit had finally run out of places to hide. He believed the chase was over and that Kuma had no chance of escape.
"Little devil, stop running. Let me kill you quickly—it'll be less painful that way," Eladin sneered.
Since delivering a fatal blow would earn him extra points, Eladin had no intention of torturing the bear. However, the bear ignored his words and vanished again after turning a corner.
This time, Eladin didn't need to give any orders. The agents beside him immediately surged forward in pursuit. None of them noticed the mechanical lotuses that had quietly bloomed among the fallen leaves beneath their feet.
Crack!
One of the agents stepped on a lotus. As the trigger mechanism activated, the lotus snapped shut like a trap, capturing him tightly. Purple energy began to gather at the base of the mechanical lotus, pulsing ominously.