The Marine patrol ship was massive compared to Silas's small fishing boat. Its white sails, emblazoned with the blue seagull, caught the wind as it closed the distance. On the deck, several soldiers were already aiming their muskets.
"Small boat ahead! Lower your sails and prepare to be boarded!" a voice boomed through a megaphone.
Kai stood at the edge of the deck, his hand resting on the hilt of his dagger. The blue glow of [Soul Blade Projection] flickered slightly, humming with a power that made the air around it vibrate.
"Silas, can we outrun them?" Kai asked, his eyes scanning the Marine ship.
Silas puffed on his pipe, his expression unreadable. "Not in this wind. Besides, a Soul Trader who runs from every fight will never grow. Show me what that Level 3 power can do, kid."
[Ding!]
[New Mission: Marine Confrontation.]
[Objective: Neutralize the boarding party without being captured.]
[Reward: 20 Soul Coins + Unlock 'System Map' Feature.]
A grappling hook slammed into the side of their boat, followed by another. Three Marines, led by a young Ensign with a sharp saber, swung across the gap and landed heavily on the deck.
"By order of the World Government, this vessel is under suspicion of—" The Ensign stopped mid-sentence. He looked at Kai, then at the eerie blue light surrounding Kai's hand. "What kind of Devil Fruit power is this?"
"It's not a fruit," Kai said, his voice cold.
He didn't wait for them to attack. He activated [Shadow Step], vanishing into the shadow of the main mast and reappearing directly behind the two soldiers. Before they could turn, he struck with the hilt of his dagger, infused with soul energy.
[Skill Used: Soul Strike (Stun Effect).]
The two soldiers collapsed instantly. Their souls weren't taken, but the shock to their spiritual essence knocked them unconscious.
The Ensign roared in anger and lunged with his saber. Kai met the blade with his dagger.
CLANG! The blue soul energy bit into the Marine's steel, leaving a glowing crack.