One Piece; Full Counter!

Chapter 20: The Underground Village

The forest resonated with the synchronized steps of the shackled villagers. Chains clinked rhythmically as they moved in unison, their breaths heavy and labored. Above them, the deafening screeches of the Matarona Birds pierced the air. These colossal beasts, adorned with pink-and-black fur, swooped through the sky, their massive wings casting shadows over the desperate group below.

At the forefront of the chaos, Meliodas and his five clones stood as an unyielding barrier between the villagers and the predatory birds. His golden hair shimmered in the fading light, whipping wildly in the wind as he moved with impossible speed and precision. His green eyes glowed with a focused intensity as he wielded Lostvayne, his signature blade, delivering calculated strikes that felled one Matarona after another. Each bird's fall shook the earth, uprooting trees and scattering debris like a tempest. Yet, Meliodas showed no signs of fatigue.

Elizabeth, her white-greenish hair matted with mud, stood amidst the chaos in her tattered white dress, her wrists bound by iron chains. She suddenly stopped and called out to the villagers, her voice steady despite the storm of danger around her.

"Everyone, into the village—quickly!"

Meliodas furrowed his brow in confusion as he parried a bird's attack, sending it crashing through a cluster of trees. "Your village? It's above ground—I can see it."

Elizabeth shook her head, a faint smile gracing her lips despite the peril. "No, our village is underground. It's the only way people like us—weak and vulnerable—can survive on this island. The birds cannot reach us there."

As she spoke, the villagers began descending into a wide, gaping hole in the earth. They moved like ants, one after the other, their chains rattling as they disappeared into the depths below.

Before Meliodas could respond, another wave of Matarona Birds attacked. He leaped into action, his clones following suit, clashing with the monstrous creatures mid-air. The battle was fierce, and though the birds were repelled, Meliodas's clones dissipated one by one, leaving him alone.

Landing lightly on his feet, he muttered, "Half an hour… seems that's my limit. Not bad."

Now, only Elizabeth and Meliodas remained above ground. Elizabeth turned to him, her expression urgent.

"You can go in now. There's no need to keep fighting."

Before she could say another word, Meliodas dashed toward her, scooping her up effortlessly and hoisting her over his left shoulder.

"H-Hey! What are you—?!" she stammered, her cheeks flushing in a mix of shock and indignation.

Without responding, Meliodas jumped into the massive hole. A Matarona Bird, hot on their heels, dove after them but collided violently with the rim of the opening. The impact sent a gust of wind rushing into the hole, propelling Meliodas and Elizabeth down the spiraling stone staircase.

The two tumbled down in a chaotic fall, landing in a heap at the bottom.

"Ow…" Meliodas groaned, sitting up and rubbing his head. His golden hair was now slightly tousled, but his green eyes sparkled with awe as he took in the sight before him.

An enormous underground city stretched out in all directions, illuminated by countless fire-lit torches. The flickering light reflected in his eyes as he marveled at the intricate stone architecture. Every building was carved with care, adorned with ornate designs, and radiated a sense of warmth and resilience.

Elizabeth stood beside him, her face lighting up with joy. Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes as she whispered, "I thought… I thought I'd never see this place again."

The villagers, their chains now removed, gathered in the city's wide central plaza. Laughter and relieved cries echoed as they embraced one another, their smiles wide with gratitude. One by one, they turned to Meliodas, their faces filled with admiration and thanks.

"You saved us!"

"We thought we'd be slaves forever!"

"Thank you, Meliodas! Thank you for everything!"

A man stepped forward and declared, "We'll prepare the grandest feast for you! It's the least we can do!"

Elizabeth crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "A feast? You're awfully calm for people living on an island about to be attacked by the World Government."

The villagers laughed, one of them replying, "Elizabeth, don't you see? We have Meliodas! Surely he came here on a massive ship. He'll take us to safety across the vast ocean!"

Meliodas tilted his head slightly and, in a calm tone, said, "Actually… I came here on a small boat."

A heavy silence fell over the plaza. The villagers stared at him, their expressions frozen in shock. Panic erupted almost immediately.

"What?!"

"A boat?!"

"We're doomed!"

Elizabeth raised her hands, trying to calm the chaos. "Wait! Don't forget about the World Government ship the Celestial Dragon arrived on. We can use it to escape!"

"But that means going back up there!" one villager cried, trembling. "The birds will kill us!"

Elizabeth replied, "The birds are less active at night. But there's a chance someone from Cipher Pol 6 survived and is trying to escape with the ship."

Meliodas, his expression unreadable, interjected, "There's a third option."

All eyes turned to him.

"We dig our way to the ship… underground," he said, gripping Lostvayne tightly.

The villagers exchanged uncertain glances. One of them hesitated before saying, "The village's boundaries are limited. The tunnels were built long ago by a giantess with incredible strength. None of us could replicate her work."

Curiosity flickered in Meliodas's eyes. "A giantess? Who?"

Elizabeth answered, "She was one of the Deadly Sins—Diane, the Serpent's Sin."

Meliodas smiled faintly, his grip on Lostvayne tightening. "Diane… that's a name I haven't heard in a while."

Without another word, he raised his blade and swung it toward the staircase. A cutting wave of energy burst forth, carving through the rock. The ground trembled, and dust rained from the ceiling, but when it settled, a new tunnel had begun to form.

"This way," Meliodas said, his voice steady. "We'll carve our path to the ship."

The villagers stared in awe as he swung Lostvayne again and again, each strike expanding the tunnel. Slowly, their fear gave way to hope as they followed him, their savior leading the way to freedom.

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