The World Government is a massive organization formed by over 170 nations from across the world's seas. Among these 170-plus countries, 50 of the strongest are selected every four years to participate in the Reverie. The Kingdom of Ilusia is one such powerful nation from the West Blue eligible to attend the Reverie, and its king, Shuenda Lucas, is a rather capable man.
After some time at sea, Badak and his three companions finally arrived at the port of the Kingdom of Ilusia.
"Captain, is your home in this country?"
"Yes, right here—in this very port city. Follow me.""Wait a moment, Badak, let me disguise myself."
Robin called out to Badak and hurried back into the cabin.
"Uh, alright. Leo, Mansherry, come on up."
Badak patted his shoulders, signaling for his two little companions to climb up.
"Captain, is it really okay? Our appearance might attract a lot of trouble."
"No problem. In the West Blue, there aren't many people who can make me think twice. Besides, you'll have to show yourselves sooner or later. Now is the perfect time."
Strike first to avoid a hundred blows—that was exactly Badak's intention. He didn't want to make a name for himself just yet, but he also didn't want to be constantly provoked. If someone came looking for trouble because of Leo and Mansherry, they'd serve as the perfect example to warn others.
Robin soon emerged. From Badak's perspective, the changes were minimal, but most people in the pirate world were face-blind. Leo, for instance, was utterly shocked by Robin's disguise.
"Robin, I'll get stronger as fast as I can. Then you won't have to hide anymore—you can appear openly in front of everyone."
"Mhm, I understand, Badak."
Robin felt deeply moved. It was nice to have someone to rely on.
"Let's go. Home."
Badak led the group toward his original body's home.
"Are those the Tontatta? Do they really exist?"
"Look, they're looking over here! They're not dolls—they're real Tontatta!"
"Quick, look! He made a face at me! So cute!"
"That little girl Tontatta is even cuter, so quiet and graceful, like a princess."
"Princess? Have you ever even seen a princess?"
"Who says I haven't? Last time the princess went on a parade, the wind blew open the carriage curtain, and I caught a glimpse from far away."
"Pfft!"
"..."
"That young man looks just like Badak. Didn't his family perish in a shipwreck?"
"It's definitely him. What luck—he actually survived."
"This is going to be interesting."
The onlookers dispersed after getting their fill of the spectacle, though a few exchanged glances. Two of them continued to follow Badak, while the others quickly left.
In this city, there was one house that stood out—grand, luxurious, and among the finest even in the wealthy district, yet it stood in the middle of the slums, amidst filth and decay.
One would expect the local poor and vagrants to disturb its residents, but that wasn't the case. Not only were they undisturbed, the slum dwellers even kept the area around the house clean and tidy. The reason? The city's underground king, the ruthless Oliver, lived there.
Oliver had once been a slum dweller himself, but he was bold, cunning, and a formidable fighter. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a leader in the local gang, Night Wolf.
Later, when the rival gang, Fang, invaded, the two sides clashed in a brutal war. Oliver distinguished himself repeatedly in battle, climbing the ranks until he reached the upper echelons. But the upper ranks were his limit—the seats above him were already filled.Once, the Fang Gang somehow discovered the secret meeting place of the Night Wolf Gang's top brass and nearly wiped them out in one fell swoop. Only Oliver, who was leading operations outside, managed to escape. He swiftly rose to power, leading from the front to repel the Fang Gang and even killing their leader. After that, the Fang Gang didn't invade again for many years. Oliver began to recuperate, eliminate dissidents, and promote his own people, soon gaining complete control over the Night Wolf Gang.
His house was built in the slums, and the Night Wolf Gang headquarters was also located there. On one hand, it served as a reminder of his humble origins, a symbolic return in glory; on the other, it was to prevent sneak attacks.
By occasionally giving the surrounding slum dwellers minor benefits, they became Oliver's eyes and ears. No one could sneak in unnoticed, let alone surround the place. Moreover, he had planted his own people among the poor.
At the moment, Oliver was smoking a cigar in his lavish study. He wasn't a man who indulged in comfort, but when alone, he enjoyed cigars—they helped him think.
Knock, knock, knock.
The sound of knocking pulled Oliver out of his thoughts. "Come in."
"Boss, the men below report that the son of that merchant who set sail over half a year ago has returned. The one who mortgaged his company to borrow a large sum. Word is they were shipwrecked."
"Then send someone to collect the debt. Repaying what you owe is only right."
Oliver had already forgotten about this matter. Such things happened every few days, most ending in tragedy.
"Boss, the boy also brought back two little people. The Viscount sent word for us to deliver them to him."
"Little people? Now that's a rarity. Fine, forget it—the mortgaged company is profitable enough anyway. Make sure it's done cleanly!"
Oliver waved his hand dismissively.
"Yes, boss."
The subordinate bowed and retreated, not daring to disturb Oliver further.
In front of a villa in the wealthy district, Badak came to a stop. This was his original body's home. The house was still the same, but the people were no longer there. He retrieved the key from its hiding place and opened the door. Everything was just as he remembered, though after more than half a year of neglect, dust coated the furniture, and the house reeked of mildew.
"Badak, let's tidy up a bit."
Robin's words snapped Badak out of his thoughts. Right—his original body had only survived because of his transmigration. Others wouldn't be so lucky. Besides, it would've been far more unsettling if he'd opened the door to find his original body's parents still there. To this day, Badak wasn't entirely sure whether he had possessed the body or simply reincarnated into it.
"Yeah, alright. I'll go buy some essentials. Feel free to look around."
With everyone pitching in—especially with Robin's help—the house was soon cleaned up. The furniture was dusted, the floors scrubbed, the quilts aired out, and the bedsheets replaced with fresh ones.
"Tonight, to thank you all for your help, I'll show off my skills and prepare a grand feast."
"Oh, a feast! A feast! I want seafood, Captain!"
"A feast! A feast! I want dessert, Captain!"
"I'll settle for salad and grilled meat."
"No problem, leave it all to me. Right this way, honored guests."
Just as Badak and the others were enjoying their meal, the Night Wolf Gang's operation began.
"See this photo? He's our target."
The subordinate who had cautiously reported to Oliver earlier now wore an air of superiority. "Deal with the boy cleanly. The two little people must be brought back alive. As for the remaining girl—bring her if possible, otherwise dispose of her. They live in the wealthy district, so make sure it's done swiftly and neatly. Understood?"
"Understood!""Action begins at midnight. Until then, eat if you're hungry, rest if you're tired—but no alcohol, and nobody leaves this place. Dismissed!"
"Yes!"