Chapter 59: The Sword of the King

Lucia lay in Carl's arms and quickly fell asleep, while Carl, for some reason, couldn't sleep at all.

However, his body was already beyond ordinary. Even after a sleepless night, he woke up feeling just as energetic as ever, with not a trace of fatigue.

After changing clothes and having breakfast—Lucia dutifully assisting him—Carl noticed that Garling did not show up. He figured that last night's conversation had deeply affected him and that he might still be processing it.

But just as he finished his meal, Carlos arrived with a message.

"Lord Carl, the head of the family wants you to go to the practice room immediately."

"I see."

Carl left without bringing Lucia along and made his way to the practice room.

Inside, Garling stood with his back facing the door, dressed in a black uniform, holding a wooden sword in one hand.

The moment Carl stepped in, he felt a sharp, invisible force surge toward him. The **Demon Sword Muramasa** reacted instantly, appearing in his grasp.

Before Carl could greet him, Garling turned and unleashed a sword energy slash in his direction.

Carl's pupils shrank as he instinctively raised his blade to block.

Even though Garling hadn't used a real sword—just a wooden one—his attack packed an overwhelming force. Carl was sent skidding several meters back, despite **Muramasa** absorbing most of the impact.

His right hand trembled slightly from the clash, and his expression turned solemn.

For the first time, he truly **felt** Garling's terrifying strength.

The title of "King" was no exaggeration.

Compared to Garling's attack, Gion's swordsmanship was nothing more than a playful breeze.

Garling's face remained impassive. He exuded the same presence he had during the **Valley of the Gods** battle—the aura of an absolute ruler.

Slowly, the wooden sword in his hand became wrapped in a red aura.

Carl's brows furrowed.

**Isn't that… Conqueror's Haki?**

Before he could think further, Garling suddenly **vanished.**

Carl barely caught the movement before Garling reappeared in front of him, swinging the wooden sword toward his shoulder.

Carl reacted instantly.

At the very last moment, he activated **Kamui**, causing his body to shift into an intangible state, allowing Garling's attack to pass through harmlessly.

Garling's eyes flickered with surprise.

Carl seized the opening.

Gripping **Muramasa** tightly, he swung the blade upward with both hands.

However, Garling was not Kizaru.

Even though he was caught off guard, his **Observation Haki** was at its peak.

In a split second, he twisted his wrist, angling his wooden sword just enough to **deflect** Muramasa's strike.

But Carl wasn't finished.

Releasing his grip, **Muramasa** dissolved into darkness and split into **seven black swords** that hovered in the air, their tips aimed directly at Garling.

A new technique, one Carl had only just realized in battle.

He murmured its name under his breath.

**"Seven Killing Swords."**

The swords spun into formation and lunged at Garling.

Garling tapped the ground with his foot, retreating swiftly. But no matter where he moved, the black swords **chased him relentlessly.**

Seeing that he couldn't shake them off, he **stopped running.**

With a flick of his hand, he knocked one of the swords away.

Yet, it immediately rejoined the formation, the attack undeterred.

Instead of frustration, **admiration** flickered in Garling's eyes.

He finally spoke.

"So, Muramasa can manifest darkness into a tangible form… Not bad. **But it still lacks power!**"

The moment he finished speaking, a **terrifying aura erupted** from him.

The red energy around his wooden sword spread up his arm, engulfing his entire body.

Then, he raised his sword and **stabbed the air.**

A low voice rumbled from his lips.

**"King's Sword."**

**BOOM!**

A **transparent sword-shaped shockwave** shot from the tip of his blade, slicing through the seven black swords like they were made of paper.

Carl barely had time to react before the shockwave **pierced straight through him.**

His **mind reeled.**

A paralyzing sensation spread through his body. His knees buckled, and he collapsed onto one knee, using **Muramasa** to keep himself upright.

Garling calmly sheathed his wooden sword and approached.

"This is the swordsmanship of the Figarland family," he said, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of lineage. "It's called **King's Sword.** What do you think of its power?"

Carl took a deep breath before responding.

"It's… incredibly strong. What was that invisible sword energy?"

Garling reached out, pulling Carl to his feet.

"It's another application of **Conqueror's Haki.** The **King's Sword** is a technique that integrates Conqueror's Haki into swordsmanship. The strike I used just now—it focuses **all** of the Conqueror's will into a blade. Even Logia users can't avoid it through **elementalization.**"

Carl's mind raced.

He had heard legends of Conqueror's Haki being infused into attacks, but to witness it firsthand…

Garling continued, "Of course, this was only the **first form** of the King's Sword. It attacks the mind directly, overwhelming the opponent with the sheer weight of a king's will."

Carl frowned.

"But my Conqueror's Haki has only just awakened. I can release it, but controlling it at your level is another matter entirely."

Garling chuckled.

"Impatient, are we?" He crossed his arms. "Don't worry. **Practicing this swordsmanship will refine your Conqueror's Haki naturally.** As I said, the two complement each other."

Carl finally relaxed.

Even though Garling was by his side, **Darian**'s presence in the shadows still made him uneasy. He didn't want to linger here longer than necessary.

He looked up.

"Uncle Garling, you mentioned that was only the **first** form. What are the other ones?"

Garling smirked.

"The **King's Sword** has three forms in total. The second is called **Sovereign Authority.** The last… is called **God-Killing.** It was with that technique that our ancestor slew **Joy Boy** centuries ago."

Carl's breath hitched.

"Uncle… You must have mastered the final form, right?"

Garling nodded.

"Yes. But to unleash its **true** power, one requires the **Dark-Dark Fruit.**"

For the first time, Garling's expression showed a hint of **regret.**

Patting Carl's shoulder, he said solemnly,

"In the end, the **Dark-Dark Fruit** chose you. One day, I hope you will **show me the true might** of the **God-Killing Sword.** The future of our family depends on it."

Carl clenched his fists.

"I won't let you down."

Garling laughed.

"Good. I'll show you the next two moves. After that… you're on your own."