Chapter 119

### **Chapter 119**

An Admiral with a youthful face—Olivia immediately recognized the man standing before her.

She looked solemn and spoke in a deep voice, **"You are the Admiral of the Navy… Black Dragon."**

As soon as the words left her mouth, **everyone** on the ship froze, as if petrified.

Carl, hands casually in his pockets, smiled. **"Seems like I'm quite famous."**

Hearing the confirmation, Olivia's hand trembled, and the gun she had been holding slipped from her grasp, clattering onto the deck.

As a scholar with vast knowledge, she understood the weight of the title **Admiral of the Navy.**

Before them stood one of the highest combat forces of the Marines—one of the **strongest men in the world.**

It was said that an Admiral could **single-handedly** wipe an entire country off the map. Even if every scholar on board opened fire, their bullets wouldn't even **scratch** Carl.

Swallowing her fear, Olivia forced a smile. **"The stories of Admiral Black Dragon have spread far and wide. Your photo has appeared in newspapers many times, so naturally, we recognize you."**

**"Oh? Is that so…"** Carl tilted his head, amused. He took a slow step forward.

Instinctively, Olivia and the scholars **stepped back.**

Then, in the blink of an eye, Carl **disappeared.**

Before Olivia could react, he was **right in front of her.**

Her breath hitched. She stumbled backward, fear tightening around her chest.

**Buzz!**

A wave of invisible force—**gravity**—emanated from Carl, pulling Olivia forward. Her body **lurched** against her will, slamming into his chest.

The urn she had been holding **slipped from her hands.**

It hit the deck with a dull sound, its fragile lid breaking off. The ashes inside scattered into the air, carried away by the sea breeze.

For a moment, the entire ship fell **silent.**

Then, Olivia let out a **heart-wrenching scream.**

**"No!!!"**

She **lunged** toward the edge of the ship, as if trying to chase after what was already lost.

Her body trembled violently, ready to **throw herself overboard.**

Carl, frowning, **lifted his hand.**

**Gravity pulled her back.**

Her back pressed against his palm as she struggled, her cries desperate. **"Let me go! I need to bring him back!"**

Carl turned her around effortlessly, forcing her to **face him.**

His dark, piercing eyes locked onto hers. Though her body continued trembling, his **gaze** alone seemed to quiet her hysteria.

**"The dead are gone,"** Carl said coldly. **"It's the living you should cherish."**

He pushed her back slightly. She nearly fell but caught herself.

His gaze swept across the ship. The crew members, feeling the **crushing** weight of his presence, lowered their heads in fear. Even without trying, Carl's aura overwhelmed them.

He began counting aloud. **"Thirty-three in total, including Olivia. Yes, that's all."**

The scholars **shivered.**

His voice sounded **calm.**

But to them, it felt like he was reading out their **death sentences.**

Still wiping her tears, Olivia spoke carefully, her voice unsteady. **"Admiral Black Dragon… I lost my composure earlier. I didn't get a chance to ask—did you come here specifically for us?"**

Carl nodded slightly.

Her heart **sank.**

But she held onto one final hope.

**"Admiral Black Dragon, we're only here to conduct research. As for the historical texts you overheard… I think maybe you—"**

**"Are you saying I heard wrong?"** Carl interrupted, his tone mocking.

He leaned closer, his lips near her ear. **"Olivia, tell me… what do you think could make a Navy Admiral come here personally?"**

His voice was like a **devil's whisper.**

Olivia's body trembled **uncontrollably.**

Her fists clenched as she suddenly **shouted,**

**"It was all my idea! It has nothing to do with them or Ohara! Arrest me!"**

She knew what the World Government thought of their work.

If the government deemed them criminals, **Ohara would be erased.**

She couldn't let that happen.

The other scholars exchanged **worried glances.** Some stepped forward, ready to take responsibility alongside her.

But Carl's expression suddenly turned **puzzled.**

**"Your idea?"** he repeated. **"Did you do something so extraordinary that a Navy Admiral needs to catch you?"**

Olivia **froze.**

**"But… the history—"**

Realization **dawned** on her.

She quickly fell **silent.**

Carl smirked. **"Aren't scholars like you supposed to study history? That's normal, isn't it? I'm not interested in your work."**

He stretched lazily. **"I just overheard something and got curious. But you all seem so… nervous."**

**"Did you do something wrong?"**

One of the scholars **immediately** shouted, **"No! No! We were just nervous meeting an Admiral for the first time! Please don't misunderstand, Admiral Black Dragon!"**

Olivia quickly echoed, **"Yes! We were too nervous!"**

Carl **nodded,** as if considering their words. **"I see… perhaps I overthought it."**

The scholars **exhaled in relief.**

But before they could fully relax, Carl's **smile** widened.

**"Just remember…"**

His voice was gentle, almost **friendly.**

**"Don't do anything bad."**

He **grinned.**

**"Or I'll be very, very angry."**

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