Chapter 176: I See She Has the Demeanor of Poseidon
Nereus's mastery over his Conqueror's Haki was flawless. For someone who could wield Advanced Conqueror's Haki as easily as moving his own limbs, controlling its area of effect was essentially second nature.
Even with just a door separating them, an ordinary person would only sense a peculiar fluctuation from inside. If Nereus didn't actively target them, the most they would feel was a gust of wind blowing against their face.
However, because Vander Decken VIII had experienced this aura before, he had firmly etched the fluctuation of Nereus's Haki into his mind, to the point where it had become a physical instinct.
In the outside world, Vander Decken VIII had fabricated numerous versions of how he came to join Nereus's forces. Generally speaking, they were all meant to elevate his own status, boasting about how they fought an epic battle for three hundred rounds before he submitted.
But Vander Decken VIII knew full well that the reason he was able to formally join Nereus's ranks was purely because he dropped to his knees and bowed his head fast enough.
[Damn it, this cursed instinct...]
"T-This... this is to show respect to the King! Who do you think you rely on to live safely on Fish-man Island?! It's all because of His Majesty Nereus's achievements!
"Why are you still standing there?! What did I teach you on the way here?! Get on your knees right now! You have absolutely no manners!"
Vander Decken VIII couldn't immediately think of a good excuse to explain why he dropped to his knees. Since that was the case, he simply chose not to explain it. By scolding his son and making him the one at fault, the boy naturally wouldn't question the situation further.
And so, under Vander Decken VIII's pulling and scolding, a completely bewildered Vander Decken IX knelt outside the door.
At that exact moment, the door opened. Nereus stood there, holding a bizarre-looking weapon.
The originally unified tortoise and snake had successfully separated in the Zoan's hybrid form—or rather, the weapon hybrid form. They had become two distinct entities connected by a special chain. In terms of size, it was also significantly smaller than its pure beast form.
However, Nereus didn't much care about the weapon's appearance. As long as he could throw it and have it fight on its own, that was enough.
"Vander Decken? What brings you here looking for me so late?"
"Ahem. Well, I was out on a field mission the past few days, and when I returned, I heard that you recently had a daughter. So, I came to offer my congratulations.
"This is my son, Vander Decken IX. You haven't really met him before, so I brought him along for you to see.
"He admires you very much; he was always clamoring to come here while at home."
Vander Decken VIII still hadn't gotten up, even pressing Vander Decken IX down to bow several times in front of Nereus.
"Alright, now you've met His Majesty Nereus. Stay out here and wait obediently; I have matters to discuss with His Majesty."
Vander Decken IX was just about to ask his father when he had ever said he admired Nereus, but Vander Decken VIII shoved him aside.
Then, Vander Decken VIII walked inside with Nereus and deliberately closed the door.
Originally, Vander Decken VIII wanted his son to make his face known to Nereus. But after seeing Nereus, he realized his physical instincts were a bit hard to control.
To preserve his glorious image in front of his son, he had quickly changed the plan.
"Your Majesty, this might be a bit presumptuous, but I still want to ask... Does the little princess show any signs of... Awakening?"
The "Awakening" Vander Decken VIII referred to naturally meant the awakening of Poseidon. As one of the few people in the deep sea who truly understood the legend of Poseidon, he felt that if Poseidon was due to be born soon, it might very well be Nereus's daughter.
Although she wasn't a pureblood, she still possessed the bloodline of the deep sea. Hundreds of years had passed; who knew what changes might occur? And who could guarantee that Poseidon couldn't be born to a hybrid?
The appearance of Poseidon was random to begin with. It was just that among pureblood individuals, the Fish-man and Merfolk genes were more concentrated, so the probability of Awakening was higher.
"I wouldn't know about that. At the very least, those massive creatures in the deep sea haven't shown up. But Vander Decken, this is not something you should be concerned about."
The Sea Kings rarely communicated with humans. Occasionally, Nereus would hear some of the Sea Kings muttering to themselves, but at most, it was just them rambling about "variables" and "the King will return soon."
Relying on those words alone, there was no way to confirm anything.
"Yes, yes, of course. I was being presumptuous... But if the little princess truly is Poseidon, then our Fish-man Island would have gained another ultimate weapon, right?"
"When it's time for you to know, you will naturally know. But you arrived at just the right time. Come and test exactly what abilities this little guy has.
"The Devil Fruit Encyclopedia Wobigong found back then only recorded the type of fruit; the records regarding its actual abilities weren't comprehensive enough."
The Devil Fruit Encyclopedia was never updated in real time. It was compiled over long periods based on the oral accounts of ability users, and the copies many people possessed were incomplete.
Moreover, as time passed, it was even possible for new Devil Fruits to be born. Even the World Government wouldn't dare claim to possess an absolutely complete Devil Fruit Encyclopedia.
"Uh... Your Majesty, wouldn't it be better if you tested it yourself...?"
Nereus's tone revealed neither joy nor anger. Vander Decken VIII didn't know if Nereus was just temporarily drafting him as a test subject, or if his questions about Poseidon had displeased the King, resulting in this "lesson."
But regarding his own strength, Vander Decken VIII knew his limits.
Relying on the racial advantages of the deep sea, bullying some humans diving in coated ships was one thing. But if he actually had to fight head-on, he would be turned into a punching bag within three minutes.
"If I do it, it won't dare fight back. Perhaps I was a bit too forceful with it earlier. Anyway, I'm leaving it to you."
Nereus didn't give Vander Decken VIII a chance to argue, shoving him toward the empty space ahead. He tossed out the Poneglyph weapon in his hands, which instantly transformed back into the red-and-gray Genbu.
"Don't worry, go all out. With me here, you definitely won't die."
With Nereus's guarantee, Vander Decken VIII found some confidence. Besides, in his eyes, it was just a big tortoise.
The "first-encounter kill" potential of Devil Fruit users was incredibly strong. Without understanding an opponent's abilities, even powerhouses could easily fall into a trap, and a weapon that had eaten a Devil Fruit was no exception.
This was especially true for Mythical Zoan abilities. If one didn't understand the relevant myths and legends, they would have absolutely no idea what kind of powers the opponent possessed.
Seeing that the Genbu had no intention of attacking first, Vander Decken VIII prepared himself slightly and threw a probing punch.
But the Genbu remained firmly rooted in place, entirely motionless, while Vander Decken VIII himself was blasted backward.
It didn't look like he had simply punched a solid rock; rather, it looked like...
"Damage reflection?"
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