《One Piece: Magma of Absolute》Chapter 47: The Search for Maxim

Island of God, Angel Island.

On the docks, soldiers bustled about, loading supplies onto the warship. The past two days had been peaceful, filled with laughter and trade between the crew and the residents of Angel Island. Exotic Sky Island delicacies and shells changed hands, each exchange a small bridge between worlds.

Early that morning, Cricket stood at the bow, gazing off toward the distant Shandian stronghold, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, on the deck, Sakazuki spoke quietly with Gan Fall, who had come to see them off.

"I've passed your message to the Shandians," Sakazuki said.

"And their answer...?" Gan Fall asked, his voice tinged with hope and worry.

"Four centuries of hatred can't be wiped away so easily."

"I understand..." Gan Fall fell silent, his gaze drifting toward the direction of Upper Yard. After a moment, he offered a soft apology, then turned and walked away. His back seemed even more stooped than before.

Shandian Stronghold, Hidden Cloud Village.

Today, for the first time in ages, there was no training. The entire tribe sat in the square, silent and heavy-hearted. Since Sakazuki and Cricket had left that morning, not a word had been spoken.

From a distance, the chieftain watched his people, his eyes lingering especially on the children. He sighed, the weight of centuries pressing on his shoulders.

Beside him, Great Warrior Clen sat slouched, his face twisted with frustration. But as he looked out over his tribe, a gentler emotion flickered in his eyes. He closed them, and memories flooded his mind—childhood moments, the chieftain's teachings, the laughter of brothers, the innocent faces of the young.

"Clen, let me tell you the story of Great Warrior Kalgara tonight…"

"Four hundred years of humiliation—how can a single word of 'reconciliation' erase it?!"

"Cough… Clen, you must… must reclaim Vass…"

"You must… relight… Shandora…"

"Sid!!!"

"Lord Clen, can you tell us the story of Great Warrior Kalgara?"

Time passed in silence.

When Clen opened his eyes again, they burned with determination. He rose, slung his burning bazooka over his shoulder, and strode toward the square.

The chieftain watched him, surprise flickering across his face.

"Warriors, take up your weapons and follow me," Clen commanded.

The others stared in confusion, but obeyed, grabbing their arms and falling in behind him.

"Clen!" the chieftain called.

Clen paused for a heartbeat, then pressed on, resolute.

Island of God, Upper Yard.

Gan Fall had just returned to the palace when a guard burst in, panic written across his face.

"My lord, the Shandians are marching on the Holy Land!"

"What?!"

Gan Fall hurriedly donned his armor, seized his spear, and mounted a strange, winged horse. He soared into the sky, racing toward the battlefield.

But when he arrived, he found the Shandians weren't fighting—they were charging straight for the colossal vine at the island's center, heedless of everything else.

He didn't know what they were after, but he gave the order anyway.

"Everyone, stand down!"

At the sound of the God's voice, the Divine Squad hesitated, lowering their weapons.

"Let them pass," Gan Fall commanded.

"But—"

The soldiers exchanged uncertain glances. How could they simply let the Shandians set foot on this sacred ground?

"I said, stand aside!" Gan Fall's shout brooked no argument. Reluctantly, the Divine Squad parted, clearing a path.

The Shandians shot a quick glance at Gan Fall, then surged after Great Warrior Clen, who was already racing ahead.

Gan Fall watched them vanish into the heart of the island, saying nothing.

Clen sprinted toward the massive vine, his mind a storm.

Four hundred years… Kalgara's dying wish… the Lamp of Shandora…

"Wait for me, Cricket…"

Angel Island, Harbor.

With the last of the supplies stowed and a detailed map of the White Sea in hand, the crew was ready to set sail. Soldiers waved fond farewells to the angels they'd come to know.

Then—

Dong—! Dong—! Dong—!

A chorus of bell chimes, pure and resonant as a hymn, swept across the Island of God. The sound seemed to wash through every soul, filling the air with a sense of hope and renewal.

"What's that?!"

"It's the island's song!"

"It's beautiful…"

"Do you remember the legend?!"

"Could it be—?!"

Tears welled up in many eyes.

"It's true! It's really happening!"

On the deck, everyone listened in awe to the ethereal bell. Sakazuki gazed toward Upper Yard, his expression unreadable.

"The Lamp of Shandora," he murmured.

Atop the giant vine, Clen knelt before the legendary bell, tears streaming down his face. Four hundred years of longing and sorrow poured out in sobs as he rang the Lamp of Shandora for all to hear.

He rose and looked toward the Gate of Heaven.

"Come again! Come again!" he cried, his voice echoing across time.

For a moment, it was as if four centuries melted away, and his figure overlapped with that of Kalgara himself.

~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~

Explore More Amazing Fanfiction on My Patreon!

Unlock 30+ Advance Chapters and Enjoy Exclusive Stories Early!

👉 patreon.com/GoldenLong