Conqueror’s Desire

MC stood still, feeling the weight of two powerful gazes upon him—Seraphina of the Navy and Ishtar, the mysterious woman who seemed to know secrets about his past.

Behind him, Nami stood slightly back, her eyes filled with worry.

He had to choose.

MC clenched his fists. As tempting as the Navy's offer was, he knew he couldn't trust them so easily.

Taking a deep breath, he looked straight at Seraphina. "I refuse your offer."

Seraphina was silent for a moment before narrowing her eyes. "You're rejecting a chance to become stronger?"

MC nodded. "I'll find my own strength—without submitting to any organization."

Seraphina let out a quiet sigh before smiling faintly. "I expected as much."

Without another word, she leaped back onto the Navy warship. "The choice is yours, but remember this—this world doesn't give out many second chances."

As the warship sailed away, Ishtar watched MC with an expression of curiosity. "You turned her down… so what will you do now?"

MC glanced at Nami, who still looked somewhat shocked.

Then, he smiled. "I'll stay by her side."

Nami's eyes widened. "You… mean that?"

MC nodded. "I don't know much about this world, but I do know that you're the only one who has helped me from the beginning. I won't abandon you just like that."

A slight blush crept onto Nami's face, but she quickly looked away. "Do whatever you want. Just don't make me regret bringing you along."

MC chuckled. "Understood, captain."

However, behind him, Ishtar remained standing, her expression unreadable. "In that case… I will continue watching you."

Without another word, she vanished into the night, leaving MC and Nami alone on the now-peaceful sea.

Nami finally turned to him, letting out a long sigh. "You're really strange… but I won't lie to myself. I'm glad you chose to stay."

MC smiled, and for the first time in a long while, he felt… happy.