Outside the Royal City lay a field of ruins and debris, remnants of the years-long battles between the kingdom's army and the rebel forces. Inside, the city had turned into a sea of dust.
Under the annihilation of Judgment, nothing remained here except dust, whose composition was complex, with West Kael V and his Royal City completely merged into one.
As for the so-called Swordsman, facing the final attack, he did not flee and beg for mercy like West Kael V. He attempted to counterattack with his sword, but even having just realized Steel Cutting, he lacked the power to resist this natural disaster, let alone if he were a Great Sword Master.
When faced with the giant's stomp, a nest of ants had no distinction; whether Ant King or worker ant or slightly larger soldier ants, the fate was the same.
Those who escaped slowly were swept to the ground by a gust of wind. When they got back up, the tall Royal City behind them had already vanished, leaving a basin on Kuraigana Island.
Both the kingdom's army who once guarded the place and the rebels attempting to attack it had expressions of utter stupor.
Many who lived in the First Half of the Grand Line had never left Kuraigana Island, and today they witnessed what top-tier force could result in.
Aided by the Royal City's walls, the kingdom's army had long slept peacefully, as the rebel forces struggled greatly during sieges.
Similarly, to breach the walls, the rebel army suffered significant casualties, yet after the prolonged struggle, the Royal City in the enemy's hands seemed like a mere toy.
The evil Dragon spewed Dragon Breath as judgment descended from the sky, turning the majestic stronghold into mere illusion.
Meanwhile, a greater fear arose within them, especially among the more informed members of the kingdom's army.
They knew that after that night's raid, the rebels gained a powerful ally accompanied by fierce artillery support.
The ship's maneuverability surpassed theirs, and the firepower and range of its cannons exceeded the kingdom's weapons. If not for the limited number of shells, they would have stood no chance.
A few months later, this terrifying presence also appeared on Kuraigana Island, clearly angered by that day's actions. If these people were indeed allied with the rebels....
Facing such consequences, many in the kingdom's army retreated, and amid the stupefied crowd staring at the Royal City's imagery, they took advantage of the chaos to shed their armor and flee the kingdom's ranks.
What they didn't know was that the rebels were equally confused. Manfeish had inexplicably joined their ranks, claiming it was due to a grudge against the other side.
Though the battle wasn't going smoothly, Manfeish's people remained calm, waiting confidently each day. Jeff initially thought them to be ordinary reinforcements, but hadn't expected such a terrifying presence.
Regarding the impending state's future, he was utterly unable to envision it. While they could resist West Kael V, against these folks, he had no clue how to counter. It was completely a dimension-reducing strike.
To the stark contrast of these people's stupor or panic, the Hundred Beasts Pirates accompanying the ship roared with excitement. Among them, few elders remained, with many pirates joining in recent expansions.
Despite still being called pirates, under the disciplines set by Arceus and Asie, Hundred Beasts increasingly functioned like local warlords, with almost no opposition to their territorial control.
These newcomers, lured by reputation, were absorbed into the pirates after reviews. In the pirate community, personal reverence wields a potent influence. Though they might dislike certain actions, a command from the Captain can change their habits.
Due to their recent joining, most had never seen Kaidou strike. This time, when cadres stationed on various islands received orders to reorganize personnel, they were specially instructed to bring as many newcomers as possible.
Retrieve the Plate, strike back, establish might, showcase strength to newcomers – Kaidou and Arceus's operation reaped far more than what met the eye.
Though they did nothing, witnessing the devastation caused by Kaidou and Arceus, their exhilaration surpassed even that of those involved.
With Arceus having completed his mission, the stage now belonged to Kaidou. As the Governor of the Hundred Beasts Pirates, he held considerable sway elsewhere.
"Wugororoo, you all witnessed it, didn't you? This is the price for ignoring my flag, harming the cadres I value, and snatching my belongings!
Remember today's events, unless you wish to experience what destruction feels like too!"
Having obliterated the capital of West Kael Kingdom, Hundred Beasts held no interest in the country. Their investigations revealed it was meaningless to occupy here, as it didn't even qualify to join their ranks.
The location was too remote, not on major sea routes, with limited economic potential and unsuitable soil conditions. The foggy climate did not benefit Hundred Beasts' agriculture and animal husbandry.
Moreover, it lay far within the First Half of the Grand Line, lacking Sky Island-like abundant gold and shell resources. It simply wasn't worth occupying for Hundred Beasts.
Given its economic state, it likely couldn't afford the fee to use the Hundred Beasts' flag, considering even the weapons were half-priced gifts from Manfeish.
Many islands in the New World even actively sought Hundred Beasts' protection. Kuraigana Island did not meet these standards.
On the Kuraigana Island coast, the Hundred Beasts Pirates took a temporary rest. For the ordinary pirates, this operation resembled a movie, letting them personally feel their Captain's strength.
The pirates needed no reason for celebration at times. Right now, it was the captain's might they celebrated, while Manfeish received his deserved reward.
"Manfeish, come over."
During the pirates' revelry, Manfeish was called out separately.
"Lord Arceus."
"You performed excellently. Though you didn't directly retrieve the item, you found what I needed, thus earning your due reward."
A pool of power separated from the Splash Plate, resembling the light orb Yamato received years ago, and then slowly merged into Manfeish's body.
"This is the Light of Evolution. Your deeds merit this reward, and your abilities will thus grow stronger and more well-rounded. Keep striving forward."
The Light of Evolution shattered the Magikarp's power limit, giving him the potential to evolve into a Gyarados.
Compared to the Magikarp possessing only Scale Armor, the Gyarados inherited those hard scales while its power became more comprehensive. It was an epic enhancement for Manfeish, though the Light of Evolution merging within had yet to show changes.
"Lord Arceus, this evolution..."
"Use your abilities more during this period; you'll naturally evolve when the time comes."