"King Klei, this way, please."

"It's been an age, King Myoko."

"Hahahaha, the Kingdom of Sphic hasn't been exactly peaceful lately. I've lost all desire to set sail on my travels."

"So we shall continue our previous cooperation agreement this year, correct?"

"Speaking of which, the government really pulled out all the stops this time..."

"Certainly. After all, Saint Figarland Garling holds an exceptionally high standing among the world's Nobles."

"I wonder which fortunate soul will succeed Saint Garling as Vice Commander of the God's Knights... Hmm..."

...

The sun shone bright and brilliant. Though it was high noon, the plaza beneath the Celestial Stairway felt not the slightest bit hot.

Due to its elevation, Mary Geoise atop the Red Line enjoyed a perpetual spring climate. Today's sky was an especially clear, cloudless azure.

Representatives from Member Nations worldwide, heads of merchant guilds, high-ranking politicians, financial titans, renowned journalists... Clad in the most exquisite Noble attire, they accepted fine wines presented by attendants. Gathering in small clusters, they chatted animatedly, glasses clinking and laughter filling the air.

Confidential intelligence and news were shared as if they were mere gossip over tea. A single handshake could seal business deals worth billions, and each clink of glasses determined the fate of thousands. In this modestly sized plaza, these mere dozens of individuals held the political, economic, and military lifelines of the entire world in their hands.

...

"King Cobra, how have you been lately?"

A rich, resonant laugh echoed from behind, snapping the distracted Cobra back to reality.

He turned to face the ruggedly styled, athletic man before him, a smile spreading across his own face as he replied:

"Thank you for your concern, King Riku. All is well."

Unlike the other elaborately dressed representatives of Member Nations, King Riku Doldo III of Dressrosa wore casual attire—a simple blue cloak draped over his shoulders, a rough greatsword slung at his waist—exuding an air of refreshing warmth and enthusiasm.

Rather than appearing as the king of Dressrosa, a renowned economic powerhouse in the New World, his image more closely resembled that of a seasoned adventurer who had weathered countless storms.

It was precisely this aura, so distinct from other Nobles, coupled with his genuine concern for his people, that earned him Cobra's respect and fostered a close personal bond.

"Is that so?"

King Riku glanced at Cobra with curiosity, shook his head, and smiled.

"Yet you appear troubled and restless, King Cobra."

If you knew that mad bastard Darren had infiltrated the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, and had no clue what he planned to do, you'd probably want to leave this place immediately... Cobra couldn't help but mutter to himself.

"...I have this feeling something major is going to happen today."

Considering their years of friendship, Cobra hesitated, but couldn't resist lowering his voice to offer a veiled warning.

"Oh?"

King Riku froze at the words, then scoffed dismissively, scratching his head.

"This is Mary Geoise... the safest place on the planet!"

"What major event could possibly happen here? If anything big were to occur, it'd likely involve the World Government or the God's Knights..."

He blinked, poked Cobra's shoulder with his finger, leaned closer, and after a furtive glance around, lowered his voice with a sly chuckle:

"Did you hear some news or rumors? Spill it already..."

"The government's pulling out all the stops this time. It's not even the quadrennial Reverie yet, but they're forcing this into a Reverie-level event... There's definitely some important matter or announcement coming!"

This idiot brute!

Watching King Riku's naive, straightforward expression, Cobra rolled his eyes so hard they nearly popped out, his mouth twitching uncontrollably.

Did he really think the five old men of the World Government summoning representatives from member nations meant something good?

Past world conferences almost invariably revolved around one inescapable topic: raising the Heavenly Tribute rate!

But recalling that this bloke was a brute who disguised himself to fight as a gladiator in the arena, Cobra quickly let it go.

"… Of course it is. If it were merely an inauguration ceremony for the commander of the God's Knights, why would they go to such great lengths?"

Cobra shook his head, glancing at the murmuring representatives of the Member Nations, their eyes darting about with varied expressions. He believed these individuals present had likely also guessed that the World Government would make a move. After all, in recent times, the government had suffered far too many setbacks at the hands of Daren and the North Blue Fleet.

The inauguration ceremony for the leader of the God's Knights was most likely just a diversion. Yet even these seasoned political foxes, steeped in the games of power and prestige for years, probably couldn't have guessed that Daren, that madman, had already infiltrated the Holy Land of Mary Geoise. If he didn't cause trouble, that would be fine... but was that even possible!?

Just as Cobra hesitated, searching for words, a solemn, stirring bugle call gradually echoed from the distance. The moment the sound reached the square, every person present stiffened. Whispering ceased, expressions smoothed, and faces swiftly turned grave.

With a sharp rustle, the World Government's Holy Land Guardians stationed around the plaza stepped forward in unison, forming an imposing square formation. Their silver pikes were raised high. The forest of spear tips glinted dazzlingly in the sunlight.

"The inauguration ceremony for the Commander and Vice Commander of the God's Knights... now officially begins!"

Accompanied by the deep voice of a World Government official, the "cross" flags symbolizing authority, which had been gathered around the square, suddenly unfurled high in the sky. They fluttered wildly in the wind, crackling sharply.

"The ceremony shall be conducted personally by the Five Elders, the supreme authority of the World Government. Before the esteemed representatives of our Member Nations and the eyes of the entire world, we shall bestow authority upon the newly appointed Commander and Vice Commander of the God's Knights!"

Standing atop a raised platform, the World Government official made a solemn gesture with his hand before bowing deeply toward the Celestial Stairway. His voice rang out:

"We pay our respects to the Five Elders!"

As the words fell, CP0 agents materialized like Ghost Shadows on either side of the staircase. Chilling voices echoed from beneath their unsettling masks:

"The Five Elders have arrived. All non-delegates, except for representatives of Member Nations, are forbidden from beholding the Five Elders' true forms. Otherwise…"

A palpable aura of murderous intent suddenly filled the square, causing the entourages of the Member Nations representatives and other onlookers present to flinch. Instinctively, they bowed their heads in fear.

"...will be executed without mercy!"

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