Marco felt like cursing.
Originally, the Gorosei consisted of four individuals with strength at the level of top emperors of the sea and one slightly weaker member. Even then, they were terrifying opponents. But now, after taking the mysterious drugs, all five of them had stepped into an even higher realm of power.
Marco had planned to take advantage of the situation and eliminate a few of them while he had the chance.
Instead, the opposite had happened. Their strength had surged dramatically.
Just as Marco was assessing the situation, a voice that had been silent for a long time suddenly sounded in his mind.
System notification: Mission issued.
Protect the world's greatest scientist, Vegapunk. Repel the invading enemies.
Reward: 10,000 attribute points.
Bounty Mission: Repel the enemies attempting to kill Vegapunk.
• Defeat a member of the Gorosei: reward 10,000 attribute points each.
• Defeat a Marine Admiral: reward 8,000 attribute points each.
• Defeat a Marine Vice Admiral: reward 500 attribute points each.
Marco's eyes lit up slightly.
The system had been quiet for a long time, so seeing new missions appear again made him unexpectedly pleased. What interested him most was the bounty mission.
Defeating one of the Gorosei would grant him 10,000 attribute points.
And if he defeated them completely, he would also be able to complete another long standing mission, the one that required him to kill Imu, the ruler of the world, and overthrow the World Government. That mission also rewarded him with 10,000 attribute points for each Gorosei he eliminated.
In other words, each Gorosei was essentially worth 20,000 attribute points.
Unfortunately, the situation in front of him was not as simple as before.
The five figures before him had taken drugs that elevated their strength to an entirely new level. Marco's brows slowly knitted together.
Even though their power was clearly enhanced by external means, the aura they were releasing was undeniably terrifying.
Originally, when the Gorosei had not taken the drug, their strength relied heavily on their abnormal regenerative abilities. Their pure combat ability was strong, but not overwhelmingly so.
Now things were different.
After taking the drug, the aura surrounding them had changed drastically. Their physical attributes had clearly been strengthened as well. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for them to rise so dramatically in power.
At that moment, three of the Gorosei stepped forward.
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro had transformed into his human beast form, his body towering and monstrous.
Saint Topman Warcury revealed a terrifying hybrid form with the head of a boar and the body of a giant warrior.
Saint Marcus Mars appeared even stranger, possessing a bird like head, massive wings, sharp claws, a human torso, and a long serpent tail.
All three had entered their strongest human beast forms and stood directly in front of Marco, blocking his path.
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro spoke first, his voice calm yet cold.
"Phoenix Marco will be handled by us."
He turned his head slightly.
"Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, you two go deal with Vegapunk."
Saturn nodded.
"Understood."
Without wasting another second, Saturn and Ju Peter immediately headed toward the laboratory.
Their objective was simple.
Kill Vegapunk.
At the same time, ensure the safety of Punk Records, protect the energy furnace used to produce the Mother Flame, and secure the materials required to maintain it. If possible, they were also ordered to preserve the laboratory itself.
Watching them leave, Marco did not move.
Right now, three Gorosei stood in front of him, all of them radiating immense pressure.
Facing three enemies whose power had reached such a terrifying level, Marco did not dare underestimate them. The oppressive aura alone was enough to make even seasoned fighters feel suffocated.
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro stared at Marco with icy eyes.
"Phoenix Marco."
"I will give you one final chance."
His voice carried the weight of absolute authority.
"Surrender to us. If you do, you will be granted the status of a World Noble. All of your past crimes will be erased. From that moment forward, you will stand above the world."
Marco could not help but laugh softly.
"Oh, really?" he said mockingly. "The mighty Gorosei are actually offering to turn an ant like me into a god?"
Saint Marcus Mars let out a cold snort.
"Ordinary ants would never have that qualification."
His sharp eyes locked onto Marco.
"But you are different."
"Your strength has already reached a level close to that of a god. In the past eight hundred years, there have been very few individuals capable of standing on equal footing with you."
"That is why we are willing to give you this opportunity."
"An opportunity to ascend."
His words were not entirely false.
Looking back through eight hundred years of history, the number of people who could defeat a Marine Admiral in single combat was extremely small.
The last man widely recognized for doing so was Rocks D. Xebec, a legendary pirate considered by the World Government to be one of the most dangerous figures in the past eight centuries.
Now, Marco had entered that same realm.
The person he defeated was not just any Marine officer either. It was the Fleet Admiral, the highest military authority of the Marines, a warrior who had already proven his strength by defeating other Admirals in brutal competition.
That kind of figure was a top tier powerhouse acknowledged across the entire sea.
Yet even such a monster had ultimately fallen to Marco.
In terms of pure achievement, that feat was even more shocking than Rocks defeating an ordinary Admiral.
After all, the Marine Admirals were the most elite warriors selected by the World Government.
For centuries, there had always been only three Admirals.
In comparison, there were hundreds, even thousands, of Vice Admirals.
The system represented the principle of quality over quantity. Admirals were chosen from countless elite Marines, after layer upon layer of ruthless selection. Those who finally reached that position were the strongest fighters of their generation.
For hundreds of years, battles between Admirals had been used as a benchmark for measuring the strength of the world's greatest fighters.
Normally, the only people capable of defeating an Admiral were other Admirals.
Pirates who could do so were incredibly rare.
And pirates who could actually kill an Admiral?
Across eight hundred years of history, there had only been two.
Rocks.
And now, Marco.
Saint Marcus Mars spoke again, his tone completely devoid of emotion.
"Enough."
"Give us your answer, Phoenix Marco."
Marco's lips curled into a faint, mocking smile.
"I refuse."
He lifted his head and looked straight at them.
"I have absolutely no interest in becoming a Celestial Dragon."
^_________^
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