Chapter 54: Marvel 54
As the Spidey Pirates sailed off, their flag—a spider with a skull-shaped abdomen and eight legs, each representing a unique power of their crew—fluttered in the wind, marking their departure toward new adventures. Max watched them disappear over the horizon, feeling a mix of pride and anticipation.
With a slight smirk, Max turned to his own crew, now down to four members. "So," he said, glancing at each of them, "we've got our path cut out for us too."
Gwen, standing beside him, nodded confidently, her eyes flicking toward Shiki and Enel. Shiki, freshly reborn and looking sharper than ever, gave a determined grin. Enel, arms crossed and as aloof as always, let out a quiet hum, acknowledging the challenge ahead.
"Where to next, Captain?" Gwen asked, her eyes sparking with excitement.
Max looked out over the ocean, "We will get put boat build here and then we set sail"
Gwen nodded in agreement, and the crew made their way to the same shipbuilding company in Water 7 that had famously crafted ships for the Rogers and the Straw Hat Pirates. With a reputation for creating vessels that were both powerful and unique, the shipwrights took on Max's commission with enthusiasm. After a week of intense work, the result was a sleek, formidable ship, designed to mirror the ominous aura of its crew and captain.
Their new vessel featured a deep black hull, with crimson accents adding a dangerous flair. The mast proudly flew their new pirate flag—a dragon-shaped skull with a crossed sword and staff behind it, a symbol marking Max as the Night Monarch and his crew as warriors bound to a darker allegiance. The design emanated a silent warning to any who dared challenge them.
As they set sail, the water seemed to part before their ship, almost sensing the danger that came with it. Gwen, Shiki, and Enel stood ready, each eager to test the strength of their new vessel and the might of their combined power on the seas.
As Max snapped his fingers, the CP9 agents—who could have potentially risen to the ranks of CP0—collapsed in an instant, their lives extinguished without a chance to resist. Gwen watched, both intrigued and slightly unsettled by his decisive ruthlessness.
"They were more trouble than they were worth, honestly," Max remarked, his tone calm as he retrieved a Rune Stone from his pocket. "And this way, we get something far more useful out of them."
With the stone in hand, Max channeled Lumia's Guardian Creation skill that had been stored within it. Dark energy enveloped Kalifa's lifeless form, reshaping it as the Death Guardian began to emerge. Her body transformed, taking on a haunting yet elegant appearance, with shadowy armor and a spectral aura, bound to Lumia's will.
When the process completed, Max studied the new Death Guardian. "There. Lumia will have a fitting guardian, one crafted from someone skilled in stealth and combat." He pocketed the Rune Stone, looking satisfied. "Now, they can serve in a way that finally benefits someone other than themselves."
[Death Guardian Status Screen]
Name: Kalifa (Death Guardian of Stealth)
Title: Queen of Shadows
Role: Assassin | Infiltrator | Intel Gatherer
Master: Lumia
Attributes:
Type: Undead Shadow Assassin
Class: Death Guardian (Stealth Variant)
Rank: Shadow Queen ]
"Now, go and serve your master from the shadows," Max commanded, and Kalifa bowed before disappearing.
"What was that?" Enel asked, staring at the spot where Kalifa had just vanished.
"My sister's Devil Fruit ability," Max replied, and Enel nodded in understanding.
"Where are we headed now?" Shiki asked, as he took control of the ship.
"To Enies Lobby," Max said with a smirk.
Shiki nodded and began to use his Devil Fruit powers, lifting the ship high into the air as they moved swiftly toward Enies Lobby.
With a grin, Shiki's hands moved smoothly as he manipulated his devil fruit powers, levitating their ship high above the sea. The grand sight of Enies Lobby grew larger as they approached, its sprawling courthouse and ever-burning "Daylight Gate" looming in the distance.
"Enies Lobby, huh?" Enel muttered, his eyes glinting with excitement. "So we're going straight into the heart of the World Government's stronghold?"
Max gave a calm nod. "Exactly. I have some business there. And besides," he added with a smirk, "it's time to make a real impression. Let's show them the reach of the Night Monarch."
Gwen leaned over the side, watching the fortress approach , wondering what max is upto " What are we doing here?"
"Destroy it," Max replied, his voice unwavering. "This place is run by a corrupt guy anyway. We'll kill him, create a distraction, and then infiltrate Impel Down."
"Why are we raiding a prison?" Gwen asked, giving him a curious look.
Max smirked as he looked back at her. "Not we, just me. I'm going in to do a little 'shopping' there."
"You're planning to take the Devil Fruits from the prisoners?" she gasped, catching on quickly.
"Exactly," Max nodded. "In fact, I've got a good Devil Fruit picked out for you too."
Gwen blushed at the look in his eyes. "Why do your eyes look so… mischievous and dangerous?" she asked, flustered.
Max wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close, which made her yelp in surprise. "Because I'm going to eat you up tonight," he whispered with a grin.
Max's smirk deepened as he pulled Gwen closer, his eyes flashing with mischief. Gwen's face flushed, but she held his gaze, a spark of daring curiosity in her expression.
"Alright," she replied, trying to mask her blush with a grin. "But you better follow through on that devil fruit promise before anything else."
"Wouldn't dream of disappointing," Max replied, giving her a wink.
From the helm, Shiki called over, his voice filled with amusement. "You two done with your flirting? We're getting close to Enies Lobby."
Max nodded, releasing Gwen with a final smirk before turning his attention back to the mission at hand. "Alright, time to make an impact. Shiki, drop me right at the gate. Enel, let's give them a show of power they'll never forget."
The crew readied themselves as the ship descended, and Max's grin turned deadly. "Tonight, the world will know the Night Monarch Pirates is here."
***
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