NOVEL NEXT Chapter 585: Arrival!
"Oh? You couldn't wait any longer?"
Nicholas glanced at the Five Elders emerging from the Chamber of Authority. Even without using observation haki, the sheer force they exuded made their presence impossible to ignore.
As the five elders released their unrestrained aura, Nicholas could clearly sense their strength. These old men were truly at the pinnacle of this world's power, even stronger than the Yonko or Admirals. The bald elder with the sword radiated an aura of sheer brutality, like an Asura.
With the opening of the gates of Pangaea Castle, the figures of the Five Elders appeared in the plaza.
As Nicholas observed them, they were also assessing him. They regarded him as the greatest threat to the rule of the World Government, second only to Joy Boy.
"It seems that indulging in power all these years hasn't made you weak," Nicholas said with a mocking tone as he gazed at the Five Elders.
The Five Elders remained unmoved. For them, the long years had left their hearts as calm as still water.
"You could have been one of us," said the tall, slender elder, standing upright with his hands behind his back, his voice filled with regret. "Power, wealth, women—all would have been yours. But sadly, you chose to forsake it all."
Nicholas responded with a tone that carried a hint of regret. "I admit I was tempted when you offered, but the reputation of the World Government is just too bad. If you tampered with the Immortality Operation, I'd be the fool."
"Then you'll regret it," one of the elders wearing a round hat and holding a cane said coldly.
As soon as his words fell, powerful figures from all directions swiftly assembled behind the Five Elders. A torrent of overwhelming aura and killing intent surged towards Nicholas.
Despite the pressure, Nicholas remained completely unfazed. He glanced ahead, and with that look, time itself seemed to freeze. The incoming attacks hung suspended in midair. Then, brilliant lights flared as the energies within the attacks erupted, causing a series of explosions in the sky.
In an instant, all the attacks were effortlessly neutralized by Nicholas.
"Hmm?"
Everyone present felt a chill run down their spine as they looked towards the lone figure ahead. Even the Five Elders narrowed their eyes, their expressions growing serious. They had only ever sensed this kind of presence from one other person.
"You've truly reached that level," said the bald elder with the sword, his voice sharp. The other elders, feeling both shock and deep concern, couldn't help but question if that figure they relied on could truly deal with Nicholas.
However, they quickly pushed these thoughts aside. The power of that person could not be compared to Nicholas.
Nicholas stared at the Five Elders and the World Government elites surrounding him, speaking slowly. "The World Government could have done so much good, but instead, it's become infamous just to protect those worthless beings. What's the point?"
His voice echoed across the plaza, emotionless. From Nicholas' perspective, the World Government had its flaws, but it also had potential. Without the Celestial Dragons, the government might have actually achieved something.
Though he didn't explicitly mention the Celestial Dragons, Nicholas' words about "those worthless beings" left everyone with the same conclusion.
The Five Elders exchanged a long look with Nicholas before falling silent. Finally, the elder with the golden hair and beard was the first to speak.
"Those worthless beings, as you call them, may be despicable, but their ancestors played an irreplaceable role in the founding of the World Government. So, even though they are trash, we are duty-bound to ensure they retain their rights and status."
"Oh, so they're living off their ancestors' glory? Does that mean the descendants of the common soldiers who fought with the twenty kings deserve to be oppressed by these Celestial Dragons?"
Nicholas turned to face them, a mocking smile spreading across his face.
Unperturbed by his mocking, the elders remained composed.
"There's no such thing as absolute fairness in this world," the bald elder replied coldly. "Blame those people for not being born into the right family."
Before his words even finished, the bald elder's figure had vanished, leaving only a sword sheath falling to the ground where he once stood. The cursed blade he wielded emitted a malevolent aura, and blood-red arcs of electricity crackled along its edge.
But even as the bald elder lunged at Nicholas, the latter appeared utterly unconcerned.
Just as the cursed blade was mere meters from Nicholas, a massive gate suddenly materialized out of thin air behind him. From the gate, a jet-black blade with a distinct ripple pattern appeared, crackling with red and black lightning. The blade intercepted the bald elder's sword with precision.
Clang!
The deafening clash rang out, sparks flying as the opposing auras collided, sending a violent gust of wind across the plaza.
The sudden turn of events left everyone stunned.
At the same time, several incredibly powerful auras descended upon the Holy Land.
"My sword is already excited," said the owner of the black blade, gazing at the bald elder he had just blocked. His hawk-like eyes gleamed with sharp intent. "I hope you show me the prowess of a sword saint. Don't disappoint me."
[AN - My glorious king Mihawk 🗣️🗣️🔥🔥🙇🏻♀️🙇🏻♀️]