Support me on P @t r e o n it helps alot.
P @t r e o n.com/Darking099
For 30+ Advance Chapters
---
[40ps]
The rebel camp buzzed with tension and anticipation. Training drills echoed across the sand, the sharp clash of weapons striking steel and sweat glistening on determined faces. Fires flickered in the desert winds as commanders issued orders and messengers moved swiftly between tents. Alabasta's people were preparing for war.
Rael stood apart from it all, his tall figure silhouetted atop a dune overlooking the camp. The wind pulled at his black cloak, revealing the finely toned physique beneath, arms crossed and golden eyes staring skyward. His expression was unreadable, his mind elsewhere.
He could end this war himself—crush Crocodile, tear down Rainbase, and rip the corrupted root from the kingdom with ease. But he hadn't. And deep down, he knew why.
He wasn't a hero. Not truly.
And yet… his actions told a different story. Saving Kaya. Protecting innocents. Standing against corruption. It wasn't supposed to be this way. He was meant to walk alone. But old habits die hard.
As the wind howled and the stars twinkled above, a strange pressure settled on his shoulders. Subtle. Cold. Watching.
Rael's eyes narrowed. He'd felt it before—like a twisted breath against the edge of his soul. Not from the gods who had betrayed him. No. This was different. Distorted. Alien. As if something beyond this world was observing him.
"System," he called aloud, his voice a low growl carried by the breeze.
[. Online. .]
It had been days since he last spoke to the system.
"Can you sense it?" he asked, scanning the night sky. "Something is watching me. It's not from here."
[. Presence detected. Unknown origin. .]
"What is it?"
[. Entity does not align with any recorded beings. Not celestial. Not divine. Classification: Beyond-System. Detection obstructed. Tracking unavailable. .]
Rael's jaw tensed. The system was always precise. But this hesitation… this vagueness? It wasn't like her.
"Are you lying to me?"
[. Negative. .]
But he felt it. A subtle delay. An artificial calmness. He wasn't sure why, but he could tell—it was holding something back.
Still, he said nothing. If this presence wanted to make a move, he'd be ready. Until then, there were more pressing matters.
A voice called from below.
"Rael!"
He turned. Vivi was climbing the dune, Kaya just behind her. Both were out of breath, concern on their faces.
"You've been standing here forever," Vivi said. "What are you doing?"
Rael looked back up to the stars. "Thinking."
"About Crocodile?" Kaya asked, brushing her hair back.
"Among other things."
Vivi stepped closer. "We were about to start planning the final assault. You're the key to this, you know."
Rael gave a faint smirk. "I'm not a key. I'm the blade that cuts the lock."
Kaya chuckled softly. Vivi tried to smile, but she could see it—Rael wasn't just thinking about the war. Something else troubled him. Something beyond this world.
Still, she nodded. "Come with us. Koza and the others are waiting."
Rael took one last look at the sky, then followed.
Inside the main strategy tent, tension hung in the air like smoke.
Koza leaned over the central table, flanked by several rebel officers. Maps of Alabasta stretched across the surface, marked with red and black ink to indicate enemy movement.
Vivi entered first, followed by Kaya and Rael.
"We have less than a week," Koza said without preamble. "The people are angry, but they need a symbol. Vivi's return gave them hope—but hope alone won't bring victory."
"We give them more than hope," Rael replied. "We give them a spectacle."
Koza raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
Rael stepped forward and pointed at the supply routes feeding Rainbase. "Crocodile has been too comfortable. His agents control trade. They choke villages for taxes. We hit those routes. Burn his supplies. Free the towns."
"That'll spread him thin," Vivi added. "Force him to choose between holding his ground or protecting his influence."
Koza nodded slowly. "And if we do that?"
Rael's voice dropped an octave. "Then we tear open Rainbase."
A murmur spread among the captains. The idea was bold—reckless, even—but none could deny it had weight.
Kaya spoke next. "And we have more than tactics. We know about Pluton. He's searching for it under Rainbase. That ruins everything if he finds it."
The mention of the ancient weapon darkened the room.
Koza slammed a fist on the table. "Then we strike in three days. A multi-front diversion. And then—Rainbase."
"Agreed," Rael said, already turning to leave.
Outside, the moon hung low. Rael stepped out into the cool desert air, inhaling deeply. He sensed Vivi following him.
"You could finish this yourself, couldn't you?" she asked.
Rael turned slightly. "Probably."
"Then why don't you?"
"Because it's not about me," he said. "This isn't my kingdom. It's yours. Your people need to see it through."
Vivi stared at him. "You're not what I expected."
Rael raised an eyebrow. "Disappointed?"
"No," she said, her voice soft. "Just surprised… that someone like you still bothers to care."
Rael didn't respond. He looked skyward again.
Whatever was watching him… it hadn't left.
He would find it. In time.
But first, Crocodile had a kingdom to answer for.
---
Support me on P @t r e o n
join my patreon for more frequent upload.
P @t r e o n.com/Darking099
For 30+ Advance Chapters
---
GIVE ME 40 powerstones for extra chapter
And Support my Other Stories