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OPI Chapter 249: The Icy Aftermath
🕑 Added 2024-10-19 00:28:58 +0000 UTCTeigu World.
South of the Marg Plateau, the region had completely turned into a glacial hell.
Except for those inside the cities, most of the people outside, along with the livestock and even the dangerous beasts unable to withstand the cold, had already frozen to death amidst the snowstorm.
"How could this happen?"
The emperor looked extremely distressed when he saw the information presented by Najenda. His expression reflected true dismay, pain and sadness.
Although the emperor still puts the interests of the royal family and the empire first, he actually cares about and sympathizes with the people and deserves the title of wise ruler from the people.
"Your Majesty, this happened shortly after General Esdeath left for the marine base to the east. Could it be the work of her Teigu?"
Najenda speculated hesitantly.
“That’s impossible!” Budo firmly interjected, interrupting her assumption. “Your Majesty, although General Esdeath is extremely powerful, she does not have the ability to cause something of this magnitude. Her Teigu cannot possibly have such immense power.”
Budo didn't believe that Esdeath could unleash a snowstorm that spanned half the continent.
His words were backed up by several imperial officials present, who nodded in approval.
Everyone has always believed that the three generals of the empire's army, navy and air force are of similar strength and belong to the highest combat power in this world. It is impossible for there to be a higher level than them.
What no one noticed was the complex expression on the emperor's face after hearing Budo's words. He knew that the true power of the Teigu surpassed what most could imagine.
The Emperor pondered for a moment and admitted that, other than the Ultimate Teigu, he didn't know of any other Teigu with such overwhelming power. So, in a way, Budo was right in assuming that Esdeath couldn't have caused something so devastating.
Besides, even if it was Esdeath's work, they couldn't say it openly.
"So, General Budo, what do you suggest?" The Emperor asked, his tone careful.
"Your Majesty, I believe this was the work of Admiral Kuzan of the World Government. According to reports, he possesses the ability of the Ice-Ice Fruit, a supernatural freezing power."
"Two days ago, he attacked our naval base and completely covered it in ice. General Esdeath immediately headed there to confront him, and it's likely that they're engaged in combat now." Budo explained, with a serious face and backing up his words with clear and convincing reasons.
He then briefly described the abilities of the Devil Fruits, which left the Imperial officers in the room speechless.
Within minutes, everyone in the room had accepted the theory that Kuzan was to blame for the catastrophe that had devastated half the empire. This unleashed a wave of insults and curses against him, calling him a demon and claiming that he deserved to die.
“Silence!” The attendant standing beside the emperor shouted, ordering the crowd to keep quiet. The atmosphere in the hall immediately calmed down when everyone noticed the stern expression on the emperor’s face.
"My dear ministers, I think the top priority now is to help the people in the south and to determine the situation of General Esdeath as soon as possible."
These words left many imperial officers exchanging awkward glances.
"Your Majesty, two hours ago, the leader of the Path of Peace submitted a request to offer assistance to the affected people in the south."
At this time, Najenda took out a document and handed it to the emperor.
"Excellent! The Path of Peace has always been a loyal ally of the Empire. I approve their request." The emperor said with satisfaction.
At that moment, Minister Shaur stepped forward, with a worried expression.
"Your Majesty, the Kingdom of the Gods Islands has agreed to a truce and has agreed to an alliance with the empire. The plan was for their naval fleet to join our forces to attack the enemy base in the snowy mountain range, but now..."
“Well, this is indeed a problem.”
The emperor was stunned.
"Your Majesty, we have no choice but to inform the Kingdom of the Gods Islands of the situation. They can proceed alone from the sea, as our goals are the same." Najenda suggested.
"It seems that this is the only way..." The emperor sighed, feeling the pressure of the situation.
The Empire then began to spread news of Kuzan's actions, fueling the population's anger and fear towards the world government.
...
World of the Titans, separate space, Noah's Ark.
Imu, taking advantage of a moment of rest, put his arm around Historia's waist, while they both watched the new movie created by Tesoro.
"Lord Imu, the Five Elders have sent a message. Admiral Kuzan has destroyed the Imperial Navy's main base. He has also captured Admiral Esdeath, and a Vice Admiral named Liver alive, and confiscated two Teigu." Stussy reported, respectfully approaching behind the two.
Imu, without turning his head, but with his eyes shining with emotion, ordered: "Give the order, I want you to bring her here."
"Yes." Stussy replied, surprised for a moment, but quickly accepted the order and hurriedly turned to leave. However, she couldn't help but feel a deep sadness inside her. Would her only purpose be to be a simple secretary?
...
North of the Imperial Capital.
At the south gate of the military camp, Leone, Poney and Seryu were waiting for the arrival of someone important.
They stood in front of the door and waited in silence.
Until Poney suddenly broke the silence.
"They're coming."
"Look at the sky!"
Leone, deep in thought, quickly raised her head. In the southern sky, small black dots began to appear and were approaching. A smile of relief appeared on her face.
"Has General Bulat brought the air force with him?"
"It seems so. After all, our enemies are not easy to deal with." Seryu replied, petting her little white dog.
It wasn't long before a hundred red dragons descended from the sky.
On their backs rode elite knights dressed in red armor, wielding black swords at their waists. The most striking thing was the large weapon they carried on their backs, of enormous caliber, resembling a fire cannon.
That weapon was the Dragonfire Lance, a weapon created six centuries ago by the Saint Emperor, inspired by the Teigu - Purgatory's Invitation: Rubicante.
"General Bulat!" Leone, Poney, and Seryu stepped forward as they saw the general descend from the dragon at the front of the squad.
"Hmm, I flew over the defensive line, and everything is in order. Good job." Bulat said with a wide smile and a thumbs up. Then he introduced the man who was coming down from the dragon behind him, a knight in white armor.
"This is Run, Lieutenant General of the Air Force. From now on, he will be under my command. I want you to get to know each other."
"Hey, he's pretty handsome!" Poney joked as she looked him up and down.
"Poney, take Run and the others to find a camp to settle down. Leone and Seryu, tell me about the recent situation." Bulat said as he entered the military camp.
"Yes!" They all answered in unison.
"General, according to the intelligence sent back by the scouts, the enemy troops are still stationed in the Moore Fortress, and a large number of troops arrive every day."
"Perhaps because the fortress cannot accommodate them, they have built camps and tents that stretch for several kilometers outside the walls."
"In addition, the scouts said they saw some strange figures."
While walking behind Bulat, Leone told him the latest news she had.
"Strange figures? And our explorers managed to get close enough to obtain this information?" Bulat asked without stopping as he entered the command tent.
"Yes, they mentioned seeing giants of enormous size, creatures with the appearance of humanoid animals, and people with abnormally long limbs or necks." Leone continued, sitting down on a chair next to Bulat.
"That sounds like creatures from myths and legends. But if our enemies have conquered several worlds, it is not surprising that they have such strange races under their command." Bulat mused, stroking his chin.
"But it doesn't matter, they have giants over there, and we have fire dragons here~~"
Bulat looked optimistic and unconcerned.
"Yes." Leone replied with a nod, before continuing: "The enemy seems not to care about our scouts. They have done nothing to stop them."
“Ha! It seems like they are underestimating us. Is that the confidence they have after conquering three worlds?” Bulat laughed loudly. “Good for us! Arrogance always leads to defeat.”
Then he put his eyes on Seryu.
"Commander Seryu, I heard that the Emperor has granted you a Ballistic Missile and that you are authorized to use it at any time. Have you been informed yet?"
"Yes, I received the notification from Dr. Stylish last night." Seryu confirmed seriously, petting her little white dog.
"Excellent!" Bulat exclaimed, pleased. But Leone, in an expectant tone, immediately asked: "General, does that mean we can attack Moore Fortress?"
"Well..." Bulat paused and looked at Leone. "You know that according to reports, the one who defeated Najasho was not the enemy who controls eight swords with his hair, but another one who shoots energy beams from his mouth and hands."
"Moreover, among their ranks is a swordsman capable of defeating a lieutenant general like Izou with a single blow..."
When Leone tried to argue, he raised his hand to calm her down.
"But we have an absolute advantage in military strength. Only when we launch a wave-like offensive, hundreds of thousands of troops will exert all their strength to the extreme. Just defending blindly is just waiting to die!"
Leone stood up, excited. "Then let me do it..."
"No!" Bulat interrupted sharply. "Teigu users like you must stay in the rear. I don't want anyone to engage in combat without my orders. I've already said it, we must take advantage of our numerical superiority."
Bulat, who had already mastered Haki, knew that the top commanders of the World Government were also most likely experts in Busoshoku Haki and Kenbunshoku Haki. Sending his officers out without a clear strategy would only result in their deaths, which could cause the army's morale to collapse.
In the meantime, he would also try to get them to learn to master Haki. Only then would they have a real chance against the enemy's powerful warriors.
