Chapter 57: Massacre in the Palace & Aftermath
"Damn, that was quite the dramatic exit." I stared at Crocodile's retreating back and couldn't help shaking my head with a laugh. He clearly surrendered, yet still had to leave some parting words for face.
"What? You lot still want to arrest me?" Ignoring Crocodile, I turned to face the remaining tense crowd—my tone laced with mockery. A few ordinary soldiers—I truly didn't take them seriously.
"Hmph! Lin Xiu—don't get cocky! Your companions are already in our hands. If you don't want anything to happen to them—hand over your own heart obediently!" The bird-man's arrogant words instantly made my heart tighten. I had no patience left for his nonsense. My mental energy had already spread out—locking onto last night's bedroom. I clearly saw a group of fully armed soldiers bursting in—seizing the three sleeping, naked women. Because last night's unrestricted session had gone on until nearly dawn—the three were still deeply asleep, now being carried away by the soldiers.
"Fuck your mother!"
Seeing this scene—rage exploded within me. In the next instant—I vanished from the spot—transforming into lightning—reaching the room at near-teleport speed.
No time for words. Mental energy swept up the dozen soldiers—gently placing the three women back on the bed—then I slammed the door shut.
Carrying the soldiers—I returned to the grand hall. But this time—I hovered in midair—looking down on the high platform. The roles of high-and-mighty had completely reversed.
The dozen soldiers who infiltrated the room now floated chaotically behind me.
"Do you know what happens when you provoke me?" Now truly furious—I waved my hand. A dozen invisible mental blades precisely sliced through the necks of the floating soldiers.
This time—I didn't use the Op-Op Fruit. Heads rolled—hot blood sprayed—raining down across the hall. Then the headless corpses crashed onto the people below.
"How dare you touch my women—prepare to be exterminated!" The blood stimulated my nerves—amid the rage came a feeling called excitement.
With a flip of my hand—the over-two-meter Seastone katana appeared. Drawing the pitch-black blade—I charged into the crowd—slashing wildly with no technique.
Though I knew nothing of swordsmanship—it didn't hinder the slaughter. Lightning paralyzed some—mental force pinned others—then one slash per life.
In moments—more than a dozen corpses littered the ground. The more I killed—the more exhilarated I became.
"Insolent! How dare you! Stop at once!" Cobra on the high platform roared in fury.
I ignored him—continuing to swing the merciless blade. Each heavy, sharp strike cleaved men in two—turning the grand hall into a slaughterhouse.
Soon I carved a bloody path—reaching the steps of the platform. Every soldier in my way became another warm corpse.
Drenched in hot blood—I glared at Cobra with scarlet eyes.
Perhaps realizing his elite soldiers were helpless before me—Cobra and the bird-man finally showed terror.
I stepped forward—slowly ascending the stairs. In my eyes—these two were already dead men.
"Stop! Lin Xiu—stop!" Princess Vivi's trembling voice rang from the entrance—making me pause.
Snapping back to myself—what was I doing? I stared blankly at my blood-soaked hands. How had I suddenly immersed myself in slaughter?
My short shirt had long been destroyed in battle. Looking down—I saw the six-pointed star on my chest glowing brilliantly red—emitting a hot, throbbing pulse. That was the source of my killing urge.
The red light gradually dimmed—the throbbing faded.
A chill ran through me. This damned Desire System had definitely done something to me! A person from civilized society—I could never be a bloodthirsty butcher. Yet moments ago—I had personally taken dozens of lives—and felt excitement and pleasure from it.
Now—with the system's influence gone—only nausea and horror remained.
I stood frozen. Vivi—however—didn't stop. She rushed through the sea of blood—kneeling before me.
"Please—Mr. Lin Xiu! No more killing… I—I'm willing to offer myself to you!"
Vivi's voice cracked with sobs—her whole body trembling.
"Vivi! What are you doing! Come back!" Cobra shouted anxiously.
"Princess Vivi—absolutely not! How can a princess kneel to a pirate!" The bird-man also shouted nervously—eyes fixed on me—ready to act.
Now regaining clarity—I pushed the Desire System's influence aside. Right now—I was filled with questions.
"Bell—shut up! This whole mess is because of your stupid idea!" Vivi ignored them—still kneeling. "Father—please don't stop me. If it calms Mr. Lin Xiu's anger—I'm willing to sacrifice myself."
"That… can I ask what the hell is going on here…?" This sudden melodrama left me even more confused. Once rage subsided—only a head full of questions remained—yet I didn't know where to start.
Then Vivi explained.
After I was taken to rest last night—Vivi informed Cobra of the situation. Then she directed still-conscious soldiers to awaken the kingdom army throughout the city. My mini Ten Thousand Thunders had only temporarily knocked everyone unconscious—they were easily revived.
As more kingdom soldiers woke—they rounded up all the rebel forces.
Then—using the heart as leverage—she contacted Crocodile overnight—forced him to come to the capital—and made him publicly admit—before all the rebels—that he was the mastermind behind the rebellion—secretly using Dance Powder to incite it.
With his heart in Vivi's hands—Crocodile had no choice but to comply. The rebellion ended just like that—rebel troops disbanded on the spot and went home—Crocodile became a prisoner.
Then Cobra learned from Igaram that my condition for helping was to claim Vivi. So the man who should have been a benefactor—became—in their eyes—a greedy opportunist using leverage. Thus—bird-man Bell devised a plan: use Crocodile to deal with me while capturing my companions as hostages.
But Crocodile got sent away directly—the hostage plan failed. Things completely spiraled out of control.
Now my confusion was cleared—and I was left speechless. A half-joking remark at Rain Dinners' entrance—taken seriously—leading to such extreme reaction. Though I did have improper thoughts toward Vivi—I never intended to obtain her this way.
"You just want me, right? I accept—are you satisfied? So please—no more killing."
Vivi wore a look of resignation—tears streaming—showing her inner unwillingness. Cobra and Bell glared at me like an enemy.
Seeing this scene—I suddenly lost all interest. No mood left to explain anything.
"Where's Robin?" Ignoring Vivi's question—I asked instead.
"You mean Miss All Sunday? She knocked out a bunch of soldiers and escaped earlier."
"That's because you tried to capture her." I coldly tossed the words—then left the blood-soaked hall under everyone's terrified gazes.
Back in the room—I woke the three women—had them dress—then scanned with mental energy—quickly locating Robin hiding in a storage room corner.
Seeing Robin's tense, wary expression—I felt another surge of irritation. This Alabasta royal family truly disappointed me to the core.
"Robin—it's fine now. Let's go." Bringing the three women to Robin's hiding spot—I spoke with slight apology.
Seeing me—Robin visibly relaxed. Having betrayed Crocodile—if I fell too—she'd have no choice but escape.
We walked boldly out of the palace. Along the way—we met many soldiers—though they glared with hostility—no one dared block us. Orders must have been given.
Leaving the palace—I took everyone on a full tour of the capital streets. My spatial ring still held piles of gold and treasure looted from pirate ships in Loguetown. I exchanged them for nearly five million Berries—no worries about expenses for now.
Women's shopping instincts fully emerged. To let the three enjoy shopping freely—I turned off all their small devices. After long confinement on the ship—they finally found joy—tirelessly visiting store after store. Even Robin couldn't resist the temptation—quickly bonding with the three.
I followed behind—acting as shopping cart and ATM—repeating the motions of paying and storing items in my spatial ring.
I had to admit—it felt quite satisfying. Walking the streets with several dazzling beauties—feeling envious gazes from passersby—eating, drinking, playing—truly carefree like an immortal.
Since the Log Pose needed five days to record—we weren't in a hurry to leave. Days spent shopping—nights in a hotel with the three women for unrestricted sessions. Perhaps to repay my daytime patience—the three were extremely enthusiastic and proactive at night—not driven by desire—but prioritizing my pleasure—making me moan in happiness.
Two days passed unknowingly like this.
This afternoon—the four young ladies went shopping again. I entered a tavern—planning to have a beer and rest.
The tavern was lively—talking, shouting, clinking glasses everywhere.
I sat at the bar—ordered a beer—when I overheard intense discussion nearby.
"Hey—have you heard? Yesterday King Cobra sent troops to hunt down remnants of the rebel army everywhere."
"Real or fake? Wasn't the rebellion already over? Didn't Crocodile admit his crimes?"
"That's why you don't understand. They fought all the way to the capital—the royal family won't just let it go so easily to preserve dignity."
"Ah… isn't the king afraid of sparking another rebellion?"
"Who knows—but I feel Crocodile admitting his crimes isn't that simple. There must be something more."
Hearing this—I couldn't help sighing. Looked like Cobra wasn't the benevolent ruler the original story portrayed.
Full story (up to Chapter 65 right now) is already complete and available on Patreon: https://patreon.com/arthursink