The Most Talented Pirate Hunter - Chapter 37

*Whoosh!*

An invisible force shot out, striking a weathered wall and leaving a small indentation. If it had hit a person, it would have caused significant harm.

“I didn’t expect my Finger Pistol to advance during this battle.”

Standing before the wall, Hermes examined the hole with a satisfied expression.

It had been half a month since he defeated the Scythe Killer, Most. During this time, he had hidden in the slums instead of immediately seeking out Elisabello II.

He was cautious, not trusting anyone easily, especially while recovering from severe injuries.

This battle had significantly improved various skills, with the Finger Pistol seeing the most progress.

Now, he could perform a Flying Finger Pistol, shooting the attack like a bullet for long-range impact. His Finger Pistol had matured from a novice level, bringing him closer to mastery.

In the world of the Six Powers, mastering any one of them could lead to unparalleled strength.

Iron Body: If strong enough, it provides an indestructible defense.
Finger Pistol: If sharp enough, it offers powerful offensive capabilities.
Paper Art: If agile enough, it grants effortless evasion.
Moonwalk: If stable enough, it allows continuous aerial movement.
Tempest Kick: If powerful enough, it becomes a lethal slashing attack.
Shave: If fast enough, it enables instantaneous movement.
Life Return: If perfected, it combines offense and defense, granting near immortality.

The more daring the imagination, the more potential it holds.

And Hermes was very daring.

“It’s time to use Elisabello II to gather the rest of the Six Powers.”

His body had nearly healed, and it was time to make his move.

Elisabello II had acted swiftly, ascending to the throne of the Prodence Kingdom within a mere half month. Hermes had slightly underestimated him.

Hermes didn’t head to the palace immediately but first indulged himself with a hearty meal. Habitually, he grabbed a large drumstick and chewed on it as he made his way to the palace.

—

In the palace’s council hall, Elisabello II sat on the throne, dressed in royal attire and wearing a crown, listening to his ministers.

“Your Majesty, the rebels and traitors have been imprisoned,” reported a stern general in armor.

“These traitors deserve death,” another minister said. “Given the kingdom’s turmoil, I suggest executing them all as a warning to other potential troublemakers.”

Various ministers chimed in, discussing the kingdom’s state and upcoming matters.

“Your Majesty, in ten days, representatives from the World Government will visit,” announced the foreign minister.

As a member of the World Government, the Prodence Kingdom expected a visit to negotiate new policies or taxes following Elisabello II’s ascension. This was a critical and routine matter for the World Government, ensuring stability and control.

—

Unnoticed by many, Hermes leaned against a pillar, arms crossed, listening with interest to the discussions and disputes. Watching Elisabello II on the throne, he thought there was a hint of kingly authority, but it was likely more due to the position than the person.

In this world of power, strength was the ultimate authority. With Hermes’ current power, taking Elisabello II’s head would be no problem, though it would bring complications.

After about half an hour, the meeting ended. Elisabello II, followed by several guards, headed to his quarters to change and handle some documents. Since his ascension, he had been as busy as a dog.

“Who’s there?” The group halted, all eyes on Hermes leaning against the pillar. He seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.

Elisabello II was initially surprised but quickly recovered. He had thought Hermes might be dead.

“No need to worry, he’s an ally,” Elisabello II reassured his guards, knowing he couldn’t afford to offend Hermes. If Hermes could infiltrate the palace and kill both his brother and the Scythe Killer, he could easily kill Elisabello II, guards or not.

“Let’s talk alone.”

Hermes turned and walked away, not giving Elisabello II much face, treating him more like a subordinate. This attitude angered many guards.

“You stay here,” Elisabello II instructed his guards and quickly followed.

“Who is that, daring to show such disrespect to the king?” a guard fumed, his curiosity piqued.

“Find out,” the lead guard ordered, pondering the situation. Though Elisabello II was king, his hold on power was still tenuous, and not all guards were loyal.

—

Inside a small room, clearly not a bedroom, Hermes and Elisabello II faced each other.

“You’re alive. That’s wonderful,” Elisabello II exclaimed, trying to hide his nervousness.

Hermes didn’t care for formalities, scanning the room before getting straight to the point.

“In ten days, the World Government will send representatives, right?”

“Yes, they usually negotiate new terms or policies when a new king ascends,” Elisabello II confirmed.

“Good. You can negotiate with them. I need the Six Powers, except for Finger Pistol and Iron Body.”

“Is that the deal?” Elisabello II frowned slightly.

“It’s just a deal to save your life. Killing the Scythe Killer and helping you ascend doesn’t count,” Hermes said coldly, showing no interest in personal feelings.

“The Six Powers are secret techniques of the navy. They won’t be easy to obtain.”

Elisabello II wanted to argue but realized his life was at stake. The Six Powers were worth it for his survival.

“Others can’t, but you can. Compared to the stability of a member nation and the tribute paid each year, the Six Powers aren’t as valuable to the World Government. Not everyone can master them,” Hermes reasoned.

“I’ll try,” Elisabello II agreed after some hesitation. He wasn’t foolish. The World Government valued stability and loyalty more than techniques.

“If you need someone killed, you can find me,” Hermes offered, adding an incentive.

“Deal.”

Elisabello II smiled, realizing he needed Hermes’ strength to stabilize his rule. The kingdom was still chaotic, and strong support was essential.

“Mr. Jormungandr, if you don’t mind, I need you to eliminate the leader of the Explosive Wolf family. I need this act to solidify my rule and show my power,” Elisabello II requested, seizing the opportunity.

“Don’t disappoint me.”

Hermes agreed, leaving with a final remark. He had his own scores to settle with the Explosive Wolf family, and it would be a chance for more combat training.

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