The sky had completely darkened, and the Celestial Dragons outside had returned to the palace to rest. If they hunted slaves now, it would count as a foul, and their so-called points would be revoked.
After several days of relentless hunting, most of the 100,000 slaves who had entered the Valley of the Gods were dead turned into points to reward the Celestial Dragons.
Kael and Berro lay on the ground, their heads tilted upward, gazing at the bright moon above. Kael couldn't help but think if he hadn't met Berro and the others, he would've died at the hands of the Celestial Dragons by now.
Even though, for some unknown reason, there were no target markings on his clothes, he wasn't naïve enough to believe that would keep him safe from being hunted.
Those bastards wouldn't care in the slightest. Even if they couldn't earn points by killing Kael, they'd still do it just for sport.
In this rare moment of peace, Ivan and the other three chatted quietly. Ginny turned to the bear-like boy and asked:
"Hey, Bear Boy. If we manage to escape, what would you like to do?"
Without hesitation, the Bear replied:
"Of course, I want to live happily together with everyone!"
"Haha, of course! But that's not what I meant. I'm asking... what's your dream?"
"My dream... I want to be someone like Nika! I want to bring freedom to everyone!"
As he spoke of Nika, Berro's eyes lit up, his face filled with longing.
Suddenly, Ivan sprang to his feet, gave a big thumbs-up, and praised him:
"What a wonderful dream! Bear, I believe you can make it happen!"
Berro scratched his head in embarrassment, then glanced over at Kael, who had remained silent the entire time.
Though Berro might seem a bit naive, he was in fact very sensitive and perceptive. He could feel that Kael was different from the rest of them.
All three of them had gone through immense hardships and possessed wisdom far beyond their years. Yet despite everything, there was still a trace of childlike innocence in their hearts.
But Kael who was actually younger than them often acted more mature than any of them. In many situations, he behaved not like a boy, but like a full-grown adult.
The reason was actually quite simple. Having lived as an orphan for over twenty years, Kael had grown up alone and experienced the warmth and turmoil of human relationships.
If he hadn't matured early, surviving would have been nearly impossible.
Fortunately, in his former life, with the help of the orphanage director and a few kind-hearted people, he was able to get into university.
But the path wasn't easy he faced many hardships along the way.
That so-called maturity of his had proven useful during their escape, and it made him stand out among the group. In fact, Berro had quietly come to see Kael as their leader.
So, when it came to dreams, what Berro wanted most was Kael's approval.
Noticing Berro's gaze, a rare smile appeared on Kael's face. He nodded lightly and said:
"Come on, Berro. Your dream will definitely come true. In fact, I believe you'll do even better. You're better than him."
Berro hadn't expected such praise from Kael. For a moment, he was both proud and a little flustered.
Ivan and Ginny were just as surprised. They stared at Kael, unblinking. Ivan suddenly asked:
"What about you, Kael? What's your dream?"
Kael replied calmly:
"I don't really have one. If I had to say something... I just want to become stronger. Strength is everything."
Ivan wasn't satisfied with that answer and pressed further:
"Okay, but once you become strong... what then?"
"There are plenty of things I want to do. For example, helping Bear achieve his dream, helping you and Ginny reach yours. But if your dream is to make the whole world become like you... then forget it."
"Hey... Kael, that's heartless! I'm hurt!"
Even so, Ivan and especially Berro and Ginny felt a lingering sadness. The two of them looked at Kael with teary eyes and even changed the way they addressed him:
"Brother Kael!"
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Kael's lips, and that alone earned him even more affection. Of course, he meant every word he said.
A man who had been alone all his life would naturally treasure this bond with the three of them. He had no desire to involve them in anything dark.
After that conversation, the bond between the four deepened even further. They were just a step away from forming an oath of sworn brotherhood.
Eventually, Kael, Ivan, and Ginny, exhausted, leaned against Bear's stomach and began drifting into sleep. Just before falling asleep, Kael suddenly spoke:
"Remember whoever finds the Devil Fruit, don't hesitate to eat it! Even a small bite is enough. Don't forget."
The three nodded seriously and responded:
"Got it, Brother Kael (chan)!"
"Now go to sleep. Make sure you get plenty of rest. Tomorrow, we keep running."
"…"
…
While the four of them slipped into slumber, far off on the sea not too distant from the Valley of the Gods several massive ships were approaching like a fleet of black storm clouds.
Each ship flew a flag emblazoned with a skull on a black background. It was clear this was no ordinary fleet it was a massive pirate crew.
In today's pirate world, their name was infamous: the Rocks Pirates!
Inside the captain's quarters of the largest ship at the center, the core members of the Rocks Pirates were gathered. Alongside Golden Lion Shiki and others sat the future Three Emperors: Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido of the Beasts.
Although today's Kaido didn't yet hold the same rank as Whitebeard or Big Mom, his talent was undeniable and his mysterious connection to Big Mom made his presence significant.
Each of these individuals had the power to dominate a sea on their own. But in this room, they weren't the stars. The true figure of awe was the man seated on the throne at the front.
He had a stern face, long black hair that hung loosely over his shoulders, a tall figure draped in a black cloak. Just sitting there radiated an overwhelming pressure he was the embodiment of the word "Haki."
He was the captain of Whitebeard and the rest. He was… Rocks.
At that moment, Rocks held a barrel of wine in one hand and was drinking with immense satisfaction. He downed it in one go. Then, slamming the empty barrel on the floor, he roared:
"Down with the World Government! This time I will solve our old and new problems at the same time!"
BZZT!
The moment he finished speaking, a fierce and terrifying aura burst out from Rocks, filling the cabin with crackling violet-black lightning.
Not long ago, agents planted by the World Government had taken advantage of the crew's absence to sneak into Rocks' hideout and steal a treasure he had hidden there.
The news had driven him into a fury one that now surged like a storm.