Chapter 7. Watching the Broadcast Live
The four of us entered the area Armed Ninja had scouted.
It was a large, open field, and people were already gathering. Many wore disguises, their faces hidden under hooded cloaks.
I was sure there were pirates and other fugitives among the crowd.
Marines were also stationed around the area. They seemed like ordinary soldiers, but I had no doubt that if trouble broke out, every Marine in the vicinity would be mobilized. This was a pivotal moment for the Marines, after all.
A large screen was set up on a raised platform, likely so those standing at the back could still see.
The Marines probably thought broadcasting Roger's execution worldwide would deter people from becoming pirates. But reality is never that simple.
The crowd around me grew denser. People from all walks of life had come here.
I noticed a Marine officer in a different uniform climbing onto the stage. He wore a coat with the word "JUSTICE" emblazoned on the back. He was likely a Rear Admiral or Vice Admiral. Given Sabaody's proximity to Marine headquarters, I leaned toward Vice Admiral.
"You are about to witness the execution of Gold Roger. After Roger, it will be the turn of other pirates. Just wait—those scoundrels will tremble in their ships," he declared with palpable hatred.
CLAP CLAP CLAP
The crowd erupted into applause at the Marine's words.
I guess for ordinary citizens, pirates are a despised group. And rightly so—not all pirates are like Roger's crew.
I saw a Den Den Mushi mounted on a pole facing the screen. Its eyes slowly opened, and an image began to appear on the screen.
I'm still amazed by these snails. They can transmit images and sound in real-time, just like phones in the modern world.
On the screen, a man knelt with his head and hands bound.
Gol D. Roger. The legendary figure, the only man to know the mystery of the One Piece treasure. He sailed the Grand Line to its very end, uncovering the secrets of the world's history. Gol D. Roger. A member of the D. clan.
Two executioners stood on either side, their spears ready to strike at any moment notice.
The crowd fell silent.
"ROGER! Where did you hide your treasure?" The voice from the screen was clear.
The question that would ignite the Great Pirate Era. Unfortunately, the camera didn't show who asked it. I was curious.
I watched the expressions of the people around me—shock, fear, excitement?
The Marines looked stunned.
"Wealth, Fame, Power—I gained everything the world has to offer. I left it all in one place. You'll find it there." Roger's voice rang out, and everyone seemed frozen in disbelief.
"Execute him now!" "Cut the broadcast!" Shouts from the Marines could be heard in the background.
And finally, Roger was executed.
It had happened. The execution of the most legendary figure in history. But unfortunately for the Marines, they'd miscalculated. Roger's final words would undoubtedly spark something far greater. People would now race to find the treasure he'd spoken of.
The ordinary citizens who realized this looked horrified, their anger barely contained. The fugitives, on the other hand, seemed thrilled, their spirits ignited to cause even more chaos.
As for me? I'll keep gathering strength, bit by bit, until I'm ready to leave this island.
"Let's get out of here," I ordered my monsters to head back to our base.
Me, Armed Ninja, Succubus Knight, and M-Warrior #1 began making our way out of the area. Not long after, I heard the sounds of fighting from the direction of the broadcast site.
The chaos had begun.
Mission Complete
Witness the Execution of Pirate King Gol D. Roger.
Rewards:
Daily Pack Token +1
Accept? Y/N
Accept Reward.
As we walked, a system notification appeared before me.
Name: Erik
Level: Civilian
Talent: Pack Opener
Available Packs:
The Legend of Blue Eyes White Dragon
Metal Riders
Magic Ruler
Daily Pack Tokens: 3
Available Pack Tokens: 1
I'd gained another token. Now, I could open one pack from each set every day.
When we returned to our base, I saw some monsters cleaning up while others were out hunting.
"M-Warrior #1, we'll train again in a bit. Please prepare the area," I ordered M-Warrior #1 for today's training session.
But before training...
System, open The Legend of Blue Eyes White Dragon pack.
Opening pack...
Power of Kaishin (Common) x1
Sogen (Common) x1
Trial of Nightmare (Common) x1
Masaki the Legendary Swordsman (Common) x1
Fireyarou (Common) x1
M-Warrior #1 (Common) x1
Darkworld Thorns (Common) x1
Sparks (Common) x1
Dragon Capture Jar (Rare) x1
I got some cards I'd been hoping for.
Trial of Nightmare is a monster shaped like a sword and a coffin.
Sparks is a card I really wanted—it lets me cast a spell that directly damages my enemy.
Masaki the Legendary Swordsman can replace M-Warrior #1 as my combat instructor.
Fireyarou specializes in fire magic. He could be a fighter or a magic instructor.
Power of Kaishin is a weapon I can use.
Darkworld Thorns—I have a few ideas for this one. I hope I can make them work later.
Dragon Capture Jar only works against Dragon-type monsters. Would it work against Kaido? I doubt it. It could also double as a storage container.
"Masaki the Legendary Swordsman, come forth!" I called out while holding the card.
A bright light flashed, and a few seconds later, Masaki appeared.
"Master, thank you for summoning me. What are your orders?" Masaki knelt before me.
"You'll be my combat instructor from now on. M-Warrior #1, you can handle other tasks around here."
"Understood, Master," they both replied in unison.
"Next, Fireyarou, come forth!" I summoned Fireyarou by calling his name.
"Thank you for summoning me, Master. Where are the enemies I need to burn?" Fireyarou appeared, flames already dancing in his hands, ready to incinerate anything I commanded.
"We're not fighting right now. You'll be teaching me magic," I told Fireyarou.
"Understood, Master." The flames in his hands vanished.
"Alright, let's start training."
To be Continued