CHAPTER 21

> [Mission Triggered: Eliminate the plot character Wapol. Upon completion, your level will rise directly to Level 80—entering the peak stage. Breakthrough quest unlocked!]

[Breakthrough Quest: Raise all four-dimensional attributes to their maximum thresholds!]

"So until then, I don't get any new rewards for kills?"

Shen Yuan felt a sting of frustration in his heart—and somewhere else.

Still, he had a few more islands to visit, skills to refine, and his stats weren't maxed yet. It was only a matter of time.

"The future is bright."

With newly gained skill points, Shen Yuan invested all of them into Agility Enhancement, causing his agility bar to push upward once more.

He turned toward Rayleigh and spoke solemnly:

"You stay here. Take this Devil Fruit that restores stamina instantly—it can transfer energy at critical moments. We're falling back first."

Without another word, the crew slipped away, leaving Rayleigh alone amid the ruined palace.

"My King... apologies for the intrusion."

"Dark King Rayleigh, have you also submitted to the World Government?" the old king muttered bitterly.

Rayleigh didn't respond. He sat cross-legged, quietly sipping his drink.

The old king sighed, lifting the crown prince to his feet and retreating silently into the inner court.

---

Meanwhile, Shen Yuan and his group had just exited to the main street.

Shutters slammed, windows shut—villagers made it clear they wanted nothing to do with the outsiders.

"Did… you kill the second prince, Wapol?"

A young boy with black hair, white robes, and a cross-shaped scar between his brows stood at a cracked doorway. His hands trembled on the frame.

Shen Yuan gave a gentle smile, knelt down, and patted the child's head:

"Wapol abused power and oppressed innocents. He deserved it. There's no reason to cry for him."

The boy clenched his fists. His eyes shut tight—two hot streams of tears rolled down his cheeks.

"Cry for that bastard? Cry for that scum!?"

His suppressed anguish finally broke loose as he sobbed uncontrollably.

Shen Yuan glanced awkwardly at Tashigi, unsure how to respond.

"I'll handle this, Master," Tashigi said gently.

She crouched and offered the boy a reassuring fist bump. "Little one, what happened? Want to talk to us?"

The boy hesitated, then slowly nodded.

"Big brother… will you take me with you to sea? You're not World Government dogs. Either pirates… or adventurers, right?"

Shen Yuan's expression darkened. "I'm an adventurer. Not a pirate."

The boy nodded again, more to himself than anyone else.

"Then let me come with you. Please."

Shen Yuan smiled, ruffled his hair, and followed him into the house.

"What's your name, kid?"

"Joan."

"Nice name," Shen Yuan said.

"Where are your parents?" Tashigi asked gently.

Joan's gaze lowered. His voice trembled as he told his story:

"Five years ago, my dad brought me here. He was a doctor, not wealthy, but skilled and kind. We survived, worked hard… it was enough.

One day, we found a dying pirate on the shore. My dad tried to save him. That pirate… left a strange fruit with swirls on it. Said it was a legendary treasure. Then he died."

Shen Yuan chomped on some dry rations while listening.

Joan frowned. He just ate three days' worth of food like nothing!

"Then Wapol found out. He accused my dad of harboring a pirate and sent guards to seize the Devil Fruit.

My dad took the fall. He was executed. I've survived by offering medical help to others in secret."

"Yeah," Shen Yuan nodded. "That's exactly Wapol's style."

"I hated him. I wanted revenge. But I was just… too weak."

Shen Yuan placed a hand on Joan's head. "Your father's wish was for you to live freely. Let me honor that with you."

Joan nodded slowly. The hatred was still there—but now, there was something else.

"Come with me. I'll train you, take you across the Grand Line, and help your name as the 'Miracle Doctor' echo across the seas."

Joan's eyes widened. Without thinking, he jumped into Shen Yuan's arms. For the first time in years, he felt warmth—and safety.

Shen Yuan turned to Owl.

"Once we're at sea, return to Mary Geoise. I'll tell you what to say."

His voice turned cold.

"Tell the truth, and you'll die sooner. I'll make sure of it."

Owl didn't resist. He nodded silently.

Joan watched from behind, stunned. Was it really that easy to threaten a Cipher Pol agent?

"Pack your bags. We're leaving."

Shen Yuan opened the door and stepped into the now-empty street. From time to time, the villagers would peek through curtains. One old bear-like man with a cane stepped forward and saluted.

Shen Yuan saluted in return, respectfully.

"Hey, hey! Young man! Want to try my miracle cure? Heals everything!"

Shen Yuan looked down.

No way—that guy!

"Dr. Hiriluk?"

The eccentric doctor blinked. "Yes?"

"Don't mess around. Here—50,000 Berries. Use it well."

Shen Yuan tossed a bag of cash at him.

"My name's Shen Yuan. If anything happens, just mention me. People will come running—or run away."

Hiriluk froze, speechless. He bowed deeply.

"Thank you. I'll remember this favor."

Shen Yuan just waved it off. With Joan and Tashigi carrying supplies, they left the house behind.

Hiriluk didn't follow. He simply watched the backs of those strange figures disappear into the distance.

And in that moment, he gave up scamming for good—choosing instead to pursue his medical dream seriously.

---

Back on the ship, the blood and signs of earlier torture were gone. Smoker had cleaned everything—efficiently.

Khalifa was still tied up in the corner.

Shen Yuan walked up, grinning.

"Khalifa. Come with me. Let's explore this world. Let's shatter the chains on your soul."

Khalifa kept struggling. The rope hadn't been weakened by seawater—she was still bound tight.

Shen Yuan leaned in.

"Here's the deal. Stay on my ship for one month. After that, the choice is yours."

Khalifa hesitated, then stilled. Shen Yuan untied her and whispered:

"I know you were raised as a tool, a weapon by Cipher Pol.

But to me, you're just a woman. A beautiful, charming, normal woman."

She flushed. "T-That's sexual harassment…"

"Nice to meet you, Kalifa. I'm Shen Yuan. Just call me 'Boss' from now on. You're my new secretary."

Meanwhile, Tashigi was grinding her teeth behind them.

Sparks flew from the friction.