Erik's POV
I watched Alfred and the other slaves walk out of the prison, their chains falling away from their wrists and ankles. Relief, joy, and even concern slowly crept onto their faces.
Alfred—the old man I saved on my first day in this world—this was now the second time I had saved him. I knew if I just let them go, they would likely fall victim to another slave-hunting group.
They had been forced into degrading acts, chained like animals. Their only "crime" was being born as a different race, or as simply as being unable to resist.
I remembered the time I had been a "slave" in my previous world—living at the mercy of others, unable to choose my own path. And when I begged for help, people just said, "This is your own fault."
Why?
Didn't I fight too? Haven't Alfred and the others fought to break free from slavery?
Forced to kneel before people who saw themselves as superior—when in truth, we are all made of the same flesh and blood.
"Alfred, what will you do now?"
"I don't know, Erik. If I run without a destination, I'll only fall into the hands of another group of slavers."
I asked the others I had freed. The fish-men and mermaids said they would return to Fish-Man Island. The long-arm tribe would return to their homeland. Some had places to go, others just wanted to escape this island.
The Sabaody Archipelago is like two sides of a coin—one side filled with peace and joy, the other with tragic suffering.
I have to change that.
Erik's POV ends.
Erik paused at the edge of the ruined warehouse, the din of battle now reduced to a haunting echo. Around him, the remnants of the fight lay scattered—charred beams, smoldering debris, and the acrid tang of burnt wood mingled with the coppery scent of blood. For a long, suspended moment, time seemed to slow.
He closed his eyes, letting the cool night air wash over him. In that silence, his mind replayed the brutal clashes of earlier—the flash of swords, the thunderous impact of Garnecia Elefantis's colossal strikes, and the anguished cries of those who had suffered. A heavy guilt settled in his chest. Did I truly have no choice? he wondered. Was this merciless violence the price of freedom? The conflicting emotions of relief and remorse intertwined, leaving him questioning his own methods.
The stillness was profound—a brief respite amid chaos. The soft rustle of leaves and the distant sound of water dripping from broken pipes were the only reminders that life continued despite the carnage. He could almost feel the whispered promises of a better future, yet the memory of every fallen foe and every freed captive tugged at his conscience.
Armed Ninja noticed Erik's expression and walked over, offering silent support.
"Whatever orders you give, Master, we will follow. We exist in this world because of you."
"Thank you, Armed Ninja."
Once they left the ruins and reached safety, a mermaid stepped forward to speak.
"Lord Erik, I thank you. Because of you, I am free to return to Fish-Man Island." She spoke while seated on the ground.
"She's right," a fish-man added. "I, too, thank you, Erik… a human."
"If you ever visit Fish-Man Island, find me—Fisher Tiger, the fish-man."
Erik's eyes widened in shock.
No way… Fisher Tiger? Was he captured by slavers this early?
He knew Fisher Tiger was a key figure in One Piece lore—one who escaped from Mary Geoise and freed countless slaves. Captain of the strongest fish-man pirate, Sun Pirates. That Fisher Tiger?
"Be careful out there, sir," was all Erik could say.
Fisher Tiger looked puzzled but didn't press further. Soon after, the fish-men and mermaids dove back into the sea, heading home.
Erik and his group took a moment to rest and recover from the battle. Once they reached a safe location, the freed slaves could finally relax.
"Lord Erik, are those monster-like beings and soldiers your subordinates?" a blonde-haired woman asked.
"Yes, they're my companions," Erik replied.
"They're so powerful… especially that giant elephant. Is it a Devil Fruit user?"
"Something like that," Erik said with a smile.
He gave them the freedom to go their separate ways, but Erik noticed that Alfred hadn't spoken a word since they left the Hound Pets' base.
"Alfred, what are you thinking?"
"Erik, you've changed. Are you a Devil Fruit user? Are these… your creations?"
"This isn't from a Devil Fruit. I don't know where this power comes from. But you're right—these beings are created from my abilities."
"Just days ago, you had only a few people… now you command dozens, all powerful. Erik, let me come with you. I have no one left. I'll do anything—clean floors, wash clothes, whatever you need."
"Very well, Alfred. You may return with us."
Alfred, now part of Erik's forces, felt a sense of peace. He knew there were risks in joining Erik, but out there… he'd only be captured again.
Erik parted ways with the others he had freed and returned to his hideout with Alfred. Some of the monsters stayed behind to guard Groove 9 and salvage supplies from the ruins of the Hound Pets' base. The rest followed Erik home.
Along the way…
"You can even command that giant elephant?" Alfred asked, astonished by Garnecia Elefantis's imposing form and presences.
"Yes. He'll do whatever I command."
Almost on cue, Garnecia let out a powerful rumble like a true elephant.
"You could create sentient beings… are you a god?" Alfred muttered, still in awe.
"Honestly, I don't know the limits of this power." Erik was unsure—was this a gift from a god? Or something else entirely?
Eventually, they reached the labyrinth's entrance. Thorned vines lined the walls, flowers revealed rows of sharp teeth, and tree trunks bore faces.
"Erik… what is this place? That flower… it's drooling! That tree just opened its eyes!" Alfred panicked.
Silver Fang the wolf chuckled at Alfred's fear.
"Hey! You're laughing at me, aren't you? Stop it!"
"Quiet, Alfred. Let's head in," Erik said calmly.
The thorny vines parted, revealing the path forward.
As they walked deeper into the labyrinth, walls shifted to form a path for Erik.
"This power… you created all of this?"
HISSS!
"GYAAAH! M-M-MONSTERS!!"
Two green creatures with massive claws appeared behind Alfred.
"Wall Shadow, guide us home," Erik said, unfazed.
"Erik… that thing…"
"Yes, another one of my creations."
They continued through the maze until an exit appeared. As they neared their destination, a black aura thickened, and the air turned cold.
"Erik… you live here?"
"It keeps us safe."
And then Alfred saw it: a massive floating castle hovering in the air, supported by forces beyond understanding.
"Erik… are you sure you're not a god?"