Marvel 72

Max looked at the guards and waved his hand casually. "Don't worry, I'm just here to talk with your king."

The guards exchanged wary glances, clearly uneasy but aware of Max's reputation. Finally, their leader stepped back with a calm demeanor. "I will inform the king."

A gasp rippled through the gathered crowd as the palace doors suddenly opened. Emerging from within was King Neptune, flanked by his children—Fukaboshi, Ryuboshi, and Manboshi. Their presence commanded respect, yet their expressions held a mix of caution and curiosity as they approached the infamous Night Monarch.

Max's blue serene eyes locked onto the towering figure of King Neptune as the massive doors of Ryugu Palace swung open. The King of Fish-Man Island stepped forward, his regal demeanor commanding respect. Beside him were his children: the fiery Prince Fukaboshi, the thoughtful Ryuboshi, and the cheerful Manboshi.

"There's no need for my guards to summon me," King Neptune said, his deep voice resonating throughout the palace entrance. "I am here. And from all of Fish-Man Island, I thank you, Max—the Lord of Night—for what you've done."

Max offered a slight bow, his expression neutral but respectful. "Your Majesty," he replied, his tone steady. "I didn't come here seeking gratitude, but it's always good to see a ruler who values his people."

Neptune studied Max carefully, his wise eyes narrowing slightly. "I've heard much about you, Max. Your actions have shaken the surface world—and now you bring their so-called gods to my island, stripped of their arrogance." His gaze briefly flicked to the Celestial Dragons in chains, still being guarded by Patrick at the dock. "I cannot say I agree with everything you've done, but I know tyranny when I see it."

Max allowed a faint smile to touch his lips. "Tyranny only thrives when left unchecked, Your Majesty. I'm here to ensure that changes—starting with those parasites." He gestured vaguely in the direction of the captured Celestial Dragons.

Fukaboshi stepped forward, his brow furrowed with concern. "Lord Max, your presence here puts Fish-Man Island in a precarious position. The World Government will not ignore this—especially with the Celestial Dragons in your custody."

Max turned his piercing gaze to the prince. "Fish-Man Island has been in a precarious position for decades, Prince Fukaboshi. Caught between the surface world's greed and its fear. I'm not here to make things worse—I'm here to make them better."

Ryuboshi's tone was cautious but curious. "And how do you intend to do that? By dragging us into your war?"

"No," Max said firmly. "By showing the world that even the most oppressed can rise. By proving that no one—not even the so-called gods—are untouchable. Fish-Man Island stands at the crossroads of this change, whether it likes it or not."

"you are not like other humans" 

Max's expression softened as he looked at them. "No, Princes. I see strength in your people, not weakness. And I believe it's time the world saw it too."

Neptune placed a protective hand on his son shoulder, his expression thoughtful. "You speak boldly, Max. But bold words are often followed by bold actions. What is it you truly seek here?"

Max straightened, his commanding presence filling the room. "I seek nothing, just want to help you all, Your Majesty. Fish-Man Island has long suffered under the World Government's neglect and abuse. It's time for that to end. Join me, and I'll ensure your people are no longer treated as second-class citizens of this world."

The room fell into a tense silence as Neptune considered Max's words. His sons exchanged uncertain glances, while ministers gaze lingered on the enigmatic pirate lord. The weight of the decision hung heavy in the air, the future of Fish-Man Island teetering on the edge of change.

Finally, Neptune spoke. "You make a compelling argument, Max. But aligning with you would bring risks my people might not be ready to face. I cannot decide this alone."

"Then speak with your people," Max said, his voice calm but firm. "Let them see the truth for themselves. And when the time comes, I hope they choose freedom over fear."

With that, Max turned to leave, his cape sweeping behind him as he made his way toward the palace gates. "I'll be at the docks," he called over his shoulder. "When you're ready to decide, you know where to find me."

As he disappeared into the coral-lit streets, Neptune looked to his children, his expression grave. "This man is dangerous," he said quietly. "But he may be exactly what Fish-Man Island needs."

"But why would he even need us?" one of the guards questioned.

"Only he can answer that," King Neptune replied, his tone measured. "For now, let us return to the palace and discuss whether we should accept his offer or not." With that, Neptune turned, and his children followed him back to Ryugu Palace.

Meanwhile, Max walked back to his ship, lost in thought. If I can secure Fish-Man Island, I can control access to the New World. This would let me stop malicious pirates from coming and going—and eliminate them if necessary, he mused.

"But for that, I'll need to make this island stronger," he muttered to himself, his mind racing with possibilities. He opened his inventory, scanning its vast contents to see if he had anything that could help.

"Nothing… not this time, either," Max sighed, continuing to sift through the nearly endless list of items. Years of completing quests had turned his inventory into something akin to Doraemon's pocket—filled with strange and powerful tools but requiring just the right moment to be useful.

"yes this will do" Max nodded seeing this item as he looked at it's description.

[ Atlantean Evolutionary Potion ]

[ After a long war against the invaders when the Atlantean population was at it's lowest the Atlantean King made this potion which can help other fisman race evolve into an Atlantean ]

[ Effect : Instant 10 times increase in over all strength ]

[ Potential Expansion ]

[ Golden Sea Body : The body that can bear the pressure of 10 tons, have super recovery ability and endurance too ]

[ The strength can be gained further as one trains ]

***

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