The Navy fortress was tense—silent yet shaking under the weight of what was coming. Soldiers stood in formation, blades rattling against their armor as they tried to hide their fear.
A lookout shouted from the watchtower.
Lookout: Ships approaching! The Dawn Breakers… The Tremor Pirates!
At the highest tower, seven figures stood—The Seraph Admirals.
White masks with no eyeholes.
White cloaks fluttering with no wind.
Their presence alone made the air feel heavier, as if the island itself was holding its breath.
The Supreme Admiral stepped forward, jaw tight.
Supreme Admiral: So… he came. Prepare yourselves.
The ocean roared as the Dawn Breaker, the flagship of the Tremor Pirates, cut through the waves and finally slid into the harbor. The ship's hull was scarred from countless wars, but the tremor insignia on its sail was untouched—almost proud.
Arata Kuro stood at the bow, grinning like a demon returning to old hunting grounds.
Arata (shouting across the island): It's been a long time, isn't it? You navy rats!
His voice hit the island like a quake—men flinched just from hearing him.
One by one, the pirates disembarked.
First was Kyra Veilhaunt, "The Iron Widow."
Black armor wrapped around her like a second skin, metal chains clinking softly.
Her eyes glowed with killing intent.
Kyra: If we wanted, we could sink this island whole.
A hand gently rested on her shoulder, calming her like a storm being leashed.
Ravhira Mistral, navigator of the Tremor Pirates—wind softly spiraling around her feet.
Ravhira (smirking): Don't scare them so soon. They're just kids trying to look brave.
The navy swallowed hard. Some stepped back without meaning to.
Arata looked up at the tower where the Seraph Admirals watched like statues of judgment.
His grin widened—feral, amused, hungry.
Arata: You all better be worth the trouble.
The Supreme Admiral clenched his fist.
Supreme Admiral (low voice): Be careful.
This man wasn't just a pirate.
He was the only rival the Devil King ever acknowledged.
The wind stopped.
The island froze.
The war began with just a stare.