vncnus Chapter 62 Arrives! Two Royal Advisors
Chapter 62 Arrives! Two Royal Advisors
Om-! ! !
Without warning, a dazzling red light burst forth from the back of Shanks' hand. The light was so intense that it instantly attracted the attention of everyone on the ship!
"captain?!"
"Boss!"
"What is that light?!" Exclamations arose from all sides.
Ben Beckman instantly dropped his glass, his hand reaching for the flintlock pistol at his waist, his eyes sharp as an eagle's: "Your Command Seals!"
Shanks himself was stunned. He raised his right hand, looking at the Command Seal's red light that seemed to pulsate with life, and frowned.
"What's going on? I didn't actively summon it... This feeling... It's like something... is forcibly responding?!"
The moment he finished speaking, a magic circle composed of countless runes radiating mysterious light unfolded out of thin air on the deck, centered on him!
The array's light was soft and dreamlike, carrying the scent of forests and stars, and complemented the Command Seals' intense red light.
"A magic circle?! It activated by itself?!" Raki Lu was so shocked that he dropped the meat in his hand.
"Defensive formation!" Yasopp and the other combatants immediately became alert.
However, the expected earth-shattering or terrifying atmosphere did not materialize.
When the light of the magic circle reached its peak, it rippled outwards like water, scattering countless shimmering petals, filled with magical light.
A figure, as if strolling through a sea of fluttering flowers, gracefully stepped out of the magic circle.
He was tall and slender, wearing a white robe adorned with star and moon patterns, and his long, smooth, silvery-white hair almost reached his ankles.
Although he was male, his face was so handsome it was almost otherworldly, and he possessed a composure and wisdom that had transcended the long years.
What is most striking are his pupils, like deep amethyst, flowing with a magical light.
A gentle smile played at the corners of his lips, as if he had seen through everything in the world.
He casually held a staff with an antique design and its top wrapped with colorful silks.
"Oh my~" the newcomer said, his voice as melodious as a harp, carrying a hint of laziness and surprise.
"What a surprise. I thought it would be a boring summoning ritual, but it happened right on such a lively and interesting ship."
He glanced around, his gaze sweeping over the wary crew members before finally settling on Shanks, whose red glow on the back of his hand had not yet completely faded, a keen interest flashing in his eyes.
"Hmm... a witness to a king, a free sea, and... an incredibly exciting story about to unfold! It seems I've come to the right place this time, even though I didn't come uninvited."
He gave a graceful bow: "Nice to meet you, brave seafarers."
"I am Merlin, a flower magician (Caster) who enjoys observing interesting stories."
"I didn't originally intend to come, but for some reasons, I answered the call of the story. Although the way I came was a bit... unusual."
He glanced meaningfully at the Command Seals on the back of Shanks' hand.
Silence fell over the ship. Everyone was bewildered by the uninvited spirit and his words.
Ben Beckman frowned and whispered, "Merlin... the Magician? Shanks, this guy..."
After a brief information overload, Shanks suddenly burst into laughter, his wariness replaced by immense interest.
He stepped forward, looking Merlin up and down without fear: "Merlin, the great magician who assisted King Arthur, interesting!"
"You mean responding to the call of 'stories'? Haha, there are countless stories on this vast sea!" He stretched out his hand.
"I am Shanks, captain of this ship. Welcome to the Red Furies, Caster! It seems our Holy Grail War journey will be more interesting than you imagine!"
Merlin looked at Shanks' outstretched hand, a genuine appreciation flashing in his wise eyes.
He gently grasped Shanks' hand, his smile growing even brighter.
"Red-haired Shanks... just as I 'saw,' he's certainly a protagonist to look forward to. Well then, before the story truly begins, let this magician who loves spoilers temporarily become a guest on your ship."
As he was speaking, his gaze turned toward the first half of the Grand Line.
"It's worth mentioning that I'm really... excited about the story that's about to unfold in Alabasta."
His words seemed to carry a prophetic quality.
The crew members exchanged bewildered glances. Yasopp whistled, "Wow, even though the process was different from others, our boss summoned an incredible heroic spirit!"
The tense atmosphere eased with Shanks' loud laughter and Merlin's 'harmless' smile.
But Ben Beckman remained vigilant; the way the magician arrived and his words were unusual.
Surrounded by the crowd, Merlin glanced discreetly in the direction of Beehive Island, his eyes filled with scrutiny.
Are you the anomaly in the story?
Meanwhile, in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, the Palace of Figarand has been rebuilt.
Shamlock stood in the center of a summoning circle formed from the blood of slaves. Behind him, the Five Elders and Garin Saint stood ready for battle.
"Let's begin." Saturn's voice swept through the hall.
"If we summon the likes of the Hero King again..."
Shamrock stepped forward, his face showing anger at being offended.
Gilgamesh made him feel utterly humiliated, and the declaration of "qualification plunder" made him feel that his noble status was threatened.
Damn you lowly people! How dare you compare me, a saint, to those inferior creatures! More importantly, this shames my father…
Summon! Summon now! Summon the strongest Servant to crush all obstacles among the War Saints!
At the core of the formation was a jade disc exuding an ancient and mysterious aura; it was one of his treasured possessions.
Shamlock slashed his palm. The moment the blood dripped into the jade wall at the center of the formation, the entire hall suddenly tilted.
Venus suddenly pressed down on her sword, but Mercury stopped her: "Look... this phenomenon is completely different from Gilgamesh's!"
Shamlock chanted the incantation with burning eyes.
"In the noble name of Figarand, I proclaim the one who will assist the King of the World! Break through the Wheel of Restraint, appear!...Guardian of the Scales!"
After the incantation was finished, the summoning circle lit up with a soft, clear light, carrying a mysterious and natural aura that was completely out of place with Shamlock's volatile emotions.
However, a sudden change occurred!
The light from the summoning circle suddenly became extremely dazzling, a light as clear as water, yet containing all-encompassing meaning.
The space above the formation rippled violently like a water curtain, with cranes flying and black tortoises humming faintly in the distance.
"W-what's going on?!" Shamlock was so startled by the strange phenomenon that he took a step back.
The light faded, and a figure stepped out leisurely.
The newcomer was a young man with an air of otherworldly wisdom and extraordinary bearing.
His eyes were slightly narrowed, making it impossible for anyone to discern the newcomer's true nature. He wore a strange Taoist robe, exuding a mysterious aura and carrying an air of Eastern mystique.
Holding a jet-black God-Slaying Whip, he stood there, his demeanor incongruous with the luxurious surroundings, yet his aura was unique, exuding an air of transcendence.
Rider——Tai Gongwang is coming!
His gaze swept over the astonished Shamrock and his Celestial Dragon attire, a barely perceptible hint of disdain flashing in his narrowed eyes.
"It seems that what I've caught with this fishing rod this time isn't a fish, but... a 'noble person'?" His voice was calm and clear, with a peculiar rhythm.
"Who...who are you?!" Shamlock asked sharply, trying to remain calm.
The Five Elders were already terrified of Gilgamesh from last time, so they launched a joint attack immediately!
"As a Servant, why don't you kneel before your summoner!"
Five powerful auras instantly swept through the palace, like a whirlwind blowing across one's face, and an endless chill surged into one's heart.
Taigong Wang remained as steady as Mount Tai, not only not annoyed, but also chuckled, his laughter carrying a magnanimous understanding of the ways of the world.
"Rider, Taigong Wang, you can also call me Jiang Shang, Jiang Ziya, Lü Wang, or whatever you like. I am honored by your kindness and have come as summoned. As for kneeling?"
He shook the straight fishing rod in his hand, drawing an elusive trajectory in the air.
"To follow the will of Heaven and assist a wise ruler is the true path. I observe that you gentlemen... well, your destinies are incomparably noble, but the place to which this 'will of Heaven' is placed... is somewhat similar to that of the ruler of the Shang Dynasty, therefore it is not worthy of my kneeling."
He paused meaningfully, then didn't continue.
As soon as he finished speaking, the Five Elders felt a chill run down their spines from Taigong Wang's mysterious words and unfathomable aura.
Garin suppressed his unease and arrogantly raised his chin: "Hmph! We are descendants of the Creator, the world's nobles! We are naturally ordained by Heaven! Since you have answered the call, then obediently obey our orders! This Saint wants you..."
"Don't rush, don't rush." Taigong Wang interrupted him with a smile, gently flicking the God-Slaying Whip, as if a hookless silk line was fishing for something in the air.
"The cycle of destiny has its own logic. Now that I'm here, I will naturally do the right thing at the right time. As for orders..."
He looked at Shamrock, his eyes snapping open with an undeniable force.
"I am assisting Heaven's mandate, not any one person. If you wish to gain my assistance, perhaps... you should first examine your own conscience?"
He pointed to the fishing rod in his hand. "Those who are willing will take the bait."
Hearing these words, Shamrock felt his resentment lessen somewhat. He suddenly realized that the heroic spirit before him was completely different from the King of Heroes.
The Five Elders and Garin Sei were both so angry that their faces turned ashen. This guy's words were cryptic and seemed to be out of control.
But sensing the unfathomable aura emanating from Taigong Wang, which seemed to connect him to the heavens and earth, they ultimately swallowed their angry curses.
A strange thought occurred to me: This seemingly unreliable heroic spirit is probably... really very strong!
He's even stronger than that Hero King!
But that's alright. Although this guy says some things that are hard to understand, he's still friendly so far, which means he can be taken advantage of!
Taigong Wang looked at the uncertain expressions on everyone's faces, smiled slightly, and walked to the window to gaze at the vast sea beyond the holy land.
His eyes gleamed with an all-knowing light as he muttered to himself, "The others have come too... It seems there really are some big fish in this pond worth our personal attention."
New World, Red Furs.
Merlin seemed to sense something; his far-seeing eyes flickered slightly, and a smile appeared on his lips, as if he knew some great secret.
He whispered to Shanks beside him, "Captain, the fisherman from the East has also placed his bet."
Shanks followed Merlin's gaze into the distance, his hearty smile filled with anticipation for the unknown challenges, though he didn't understand why.
"Although I don't know what you mean, I have to reiterate that we can't go to Alabasta right now, so I need to ask you for a favor."
Merlin smiled slightly: "Don't worry, don't worry, I'm very good at things related to nightmares."