Several new islands had emerged in the Calm Belt near Hoenn Fortress—New Amazon Lily, the Hoenn Research Institute, the Weather Development Bureau, and others.
The fortress construction had just been completed. Under the spirited leadership of forewoman Yamato, the laborers swiftly moved to their next battlefield.
It was a perfect demonstration of how there was always more work to be done as long as one was willing.
The existence of the Golden Route provided Groudon Company with ample funds and supplies for its construction projects, gradually elevating the company into a super empire.
At the port, the Groudon Ship raised its sails.
Hancock boarded the vessel, her body wrapped in bandages in multiple places. Even the bridge of her tall, elegant nose bore a Supreme Band-Aid, yet none of it could diminish her breathtaking beauty.
If anything, the scars added a unique allure.
"I wish to accompany you!"
"Very well."
Gurd agreed without hesitation.
She was simply too pleasing to the eyes—how could he possibly refuse?
"Safe travels, Snake Princess!"
The Kuja warriors wept openly, waving farewell from the shore as their beloved Snake Princess was thoroughly whisked away by a man.
"Set sail!"
North Blue, Revolutionary Army's Northern Army Headquarters.
The Kingdom of Lune.
Also known as the "Land of Knights."
Once a member of the World Government, its king, like most royalty, had been cruel and tyrannical. Eventually, the monarchy's violent rule was overthrown by the Revolutionary Army, and the leader of the revolution—a great knight—ascended as the new king.
In gratitude to the Revolutionary Army, and to protect the nation, the new king requested that the Army relocate its headquarters to the Kingdom of Lune.
Though called a headquarters, it was little more than a small outpost outside the capital. After all, the Revolutionary Army had few members—the more concealed, the better.
Sabo returned to the outpost alone, his forehead wrapped in bandages.
Koala, seeing him like this, couldn't help but flare up.
"Sabo, did you go fight that Dinosaur Woman again?"
"..."
Sabo clutched his head.
Ever since the situation in North Blue deteriorated, the Northern Army's revolutionary efforts had suffered severe setbacks. He had led a small group of officers here to reinforce them.
Just as they had barely stabilized the situation, the Beasts suddenly launched attacks on non-affiliated nations—with the Kingdom of Lune as their primary target.
Faced with the Beasts' overwhelming assault, Sabo's strategy had been to defeat their Admiral. But that Dinosaur Woman proved to be a formidable opponent.
After several clashes, neither had emerged victorious.
Koala, seeing Sabo's silence, grew even more frustrated. "How many times must I tell you? Stop acting recklessly on your own! Do you even realize who we're up against this time?"
"Of course I do!"
Sabo's eyes darkened.
Precisely because he knew how strong the enemy was, he felt the urgency. There were many more fighters like the Dinosaur Woman among their ranks!
"We don't have the numbers to spare!"
"..."
Koala had no rebuttal.
The reinforcements they had brought numbered only a few dozen—utterly insignificant in the face of a kingdom-scale war.
Victory could only be achieved by defeating the enemy's officers.
But that was easier said than done.
"Sabo... the port has fallen."
"..."
Sabo stiffened at the news before slamming his fist into the wall.
"Damn it!"
Port, Mushroom Town.
At the town's entrance, the flags of the Beasts and Hoenn now flew. A temporary Beasts encampment had also been erected on the outskirts.
Ulti seethed with rage.
"That damn Revolutionary—I'll kill him for sure, grrr!"
"Elder sister, he's the Revolutionary Army's second-in-command. He won't be an easy opponent. But if it were me, it'd be no problem."
Page One crossed his arms arrogantly.
Useless older sister!
"Ah?!"
Ulti's brows shot up, instantly transforming into a furious tigress as she grabbed Page One's head and slammed it hard into the ground!
"Boom!"
The floor tiles shattered under the impact.
"You bastard, how dare you look down on your big sister!"
"Stop it!"
Page One was left dazed from the impact.
"I came here to support you, you know!"
"I don't need it, wah!"
After a noisy back-and-forth, the siblings finally settled down.
Page One, his face covered in scrapes, asked gloomily,
"Big sis, how's the battle situation here?"
"Terrible, wah!"
Ulti gnashed her teeth in frustration.
The Kingdom of Lune had a permanent population of over two million, making it a major nation by any standard, with a total military force nearing a hundred thousand.
Yet, she had fewer than two thousand troops.
In a direct clash, she would undoubtedly be at a disadvantage.
Her plan had been to use a decapitation strike—quickly capturing the royal palace. Initially, it had gone smoothly, but in the end, she was thwarted by the Revolutionary Army.
As she spoke, a sly grin spread across Ulti's face.
"But, wah, this great lady has already called Gu Jiang to help me!"
"..."
Page One was speechless.
What was there to brag about?!
The non-affiliated country he was responsible for had already raised the Beasts' flag over its royal palace—he hadn't needed any reinforcements at all.
"Lady Ulti!"
While the two were discussing the battle situation, a subordinate rushed over in a panic.
"Lord Gurd has arrived!"
"Gu Jiang!"
At the shore, the Groudon Ship docked.
"This island isn't small!"
Gurd stepped onto the land, his perception spreading across the entire island.
It was several times larger than an ordinary island.
For a nation to prosper, vast territory was an essential condition—only then could it sustain a larger population.
This island before him was the Nation of Labor in the North Sea that he had his eye on. Centrally located with a favorable living environment, it was among the top-tier non-affiliated nations in the North Sea.
It had immense development potential!
"Gu Jiang!"
A girl came flying at him like a missile.
Gurd's eyes sharpened as he raised a hand to block her head. The sheer force of the impact drove his feet deep into the ground.
"Little Run, stop crashing into me every time!"
"Gu Jiang, I missed you, wah!"
Ulti clung to Gurd like a koala, refusing to let go no matter what.
Gurd sighed, deciding not to scold her further.
This blatant favoritism made a certain empress behind him burn with envy, her eyes glowing red with jealousy.
"Let's go."
Gurd headed toward Mushroom Town.
True to its name, the town was abundant with mushrooms—various edible varieties could be seen growing even on the surfaces of the houses.
Ulti perched on Gurd's shoulder, cheerfully explaining,
"Gu Jiang, the mushrooms here are super delicious—you have to try them, wah!"
"Is that so? I'm looking forward to it."
Gurd nodded with a smile, observing the townspeople.
For this campaign, he hadn't deployed the Beasts' forces. Instead, he relied on the troops assembled within Hoenn Fortress.
Giants, the Mink Tribe, Kuja, labor battalions—his forces were beginning to take shape and were steadily becoming more organized.
One could even call it the Hoenn government now!
As a result, the damage his army inflicted on the locals had lessened considerably. Judging by the townspeople's reactions, resistance wasn't particularly strong.
Of course, fear wouldn't just disappear.
His army had established many rules, but all were aimed at improving cohesion and combat effectiveness. If the people didn't resist, they would be left in peace—but any rebellion would be met with brutal suppression.
He had no desire to be as idealistic as the Revolutionary Army, stirring up revolution among the lower classes. Even if the Hoenn government needed a facade of "justice" to reassure the people.
That was still a "justice" stained with blood!
In chaotic times, harsh measures were necessary—efficiency came first!
Mercy could wait for another day.
Being a tyrant suited his path far better!