A guard stepped forward, holding a long spear toward Marco, and demanded sternly, "Phoenix Marco, do you understand what your actions mean? You're attempting to—"
Before he could finish, Marco's figure blurred like lightning. A single, devastating kick crushed the guard's head instantly.
In the next moment, Marco appeared before a Celestial Dragon. His eyes glinted with icy resolve as his attack landed flawlessly. The Dragon's head fell to the ground.
"Killed a Celestial Dragon, reward 500 attribute points," the system announced in his mind.
Marco's heart burned with urgency. There was no time to spare on minor interference; he needed to eliminate more Celestial Dragons to accumulate attribute points.
Soaring above the fleeing crowd, he looked down at the Celestial Dragons scrambling like frightened ants. "Don't even think about escaping!" he roared.
From his very being, Conqueror's Haki erupted like a violent storm. Every Celestial Dragon and guard within several thousand meters collapsed, fainting under the overwhelming pressure, as though a hurricane had swept them off their feet.
Marco surveyed the fallen, then picked up a pistol and fired without hesitation. Bang, bang, bang! Bullets enveloped in Haki, charged like meteor strikes, struck Celestial Dragons' heads and torsos, scattering limbs and sending a storm of attribute points into his tally.
The thrill of gaining points surged through him, but suddenly, a chilling, oppressive aura slammed into Marco.
A figure rushed at him with terrifying speed, radiating Conqueror's Haki that even suppressed Marco's Devil Fruit power.
"This guy…" Marco's eyes narrowed as his body instinctively reverted from his Human-Beast Form. Anger surged through him. He unleashed his own Conqueror's Haki in a fierce clash, neutralizing the opponent's pressure.
Simultaneously, Marco entered his Undying state, engulfed in deep blue flames. His Phoenix Flame erupted wildly, forming a colossal phoenix silhouette in the sky.
The newcomer's lips curled in a cold sneer. "I didn't expect an insect to possess such strength. But it's natural—he stands out from billions of insects."
Regaining his Devil Fruit powers, Marco studied the man before him. He bore a striking resemblance to Red-Haired Shanks: long hair with braids, short stubble, a lavish long-sleeved coat with a cravat, chains connecting buttons, dark gloves, and armored boots. Yet unlike Shanks, he lacked the three scars above his left eye.
Recalling incomplete manga knowledge and forum speculation, Marco used his Level Detection skill:
"Figarland Shamlok, estimated strength: Strong General Emperor Level."
Shamlok's icy gaze met him. "I am the Vice-Captain of the God's Knights. Speak not of my foolish younger brother; he is a disgrace to the Figarland family."
Marco's expression stiffened. "The Figarland family… so he really is Shanks' brother."
Shamlok hovered in the air, voice cold and unyielding. "Though you are but an insignificant insect, as an Emperor-level figure, you do possess strength. Normally, I might favor the humble and offer opportunity. But now! Attacking the Holy Land is unforgivable."
He drew his long sword, which morphed instantly into a massive Three-Headed Dog, lunging with snapping jaws at Marco.
"Devil Fruit?" Marco's eyes widened as he soared upward, evading the creature. The Dog stretched and twisted unnaturally, capable of extending endlessly. Black flame swirled around its body—a clear sign of Devil Fruit Awakening.
He couldn't hide his astonishment. "A sword… ate a Devil Fruit? It can awaken its powers and fight autonomously? Incredible."
Shamlok glared. "Insect, how dare you defy us."
"Endless indeed!" Marco clenched his fists. The blue flames on his body condensed as he roared: "Phoenix Flame: Dog Leash!"
Undying flames erupted, forming ropes that wrapped around the Three-Headed Dog's jaws, locking them shut. The Dog shrank instantly, transforming back into a sharp rapier in Shamlok's hands.
Shamlok launched himself like an arrow, swinging the rapier with thunderous force.
High above, Marco's fist blazed in blue flames, entwined with Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki, descending like a war god from the sky.
"Phoenix Flame: Fire Fist!"
The rapier met the flaming fist, colliding with a thunderous roar. Filamentous lightning danced across the sky, striking buildings and streets below, causing deafening explosions.
"Get down here!" Marco shouted, his Conqueror's Haki surging further. The impact sent Shamlok flying like a meteor, crashing into the streets with a deafening boom. Buildings cracked, stones shattered, and dust billowed everywhere.