Chapter 99: Trap
Rhodes's situation wasn't particularly favorable.
The black dragon's final desperate act was essentially a mutual destruction gambit, forcing Rhodes into a life-or-death struggle.
At that breakneck speed, man and dragon became entangled in an instant, unable to separate. While Rhodes's blade pierced the black dragon's heart and killed it, the dragon's indestructible claws also tore through Rhodes's chest, scraping away a large chunk of flesh.
If Rhodes hadn't activated his lightning reflexes to gain some distance at the last moment, those claws would have shattered his heart as well.
"What an incredibly resolute and proud creature!"
Rhodes sighed softly, glancing down at the claw marks across his chest.
This was arguably the most severe injury and the closest he had ever come to death in all his battles.
However, as long as the damage hadn't struck vital organs like his heart, a simple injury like this wouldn't trouble Rhodes at his current level—he could recover within half a day.
The incredible vitality gained from his internal body strengthening was truly formidable.
A monster like Kaido of the Beasts would have healed from this injury in a single breath.
But the rewards were equally immense.
Setting aside the potential fame, this black dragon itself was a treasure trove.
Its hide and scales could be crafted into supremely durable, impenetrable armor.
Its claws and fangs were premium forging materials. Combined with other rare components and the skill of a master swordsmith, it would be possible to forge a Supreme Grade blade.
As for dragon meat and blood, while they didn't possess the mythical transformative effects of legend, they still contained unique properties. Consuming them would undoubtedly grant ordinary people a significant boost in strength. Of course, for Rhodes, it was simply a rare and exquisite ingredient—like dragon liver and phoenix marrow.
Yukiko would be absolutely thrilled.
Under everyone's gazes of awe, longing, and admiration, Rhodes leaped down from the dragon's corpse and slowly walked forward.
The port officials and several pirate captains were about to approach with reverent expressions when something suddenly happened!
Buzz!
As Rhodes reached an open area, something seemed to trigger, and a strange light suddenly flashed through the surrounding space.
Immediately after, a pale purple mist surged from the void like a tide, enveloping the area from all directions.
Wherever the mist touched, the ground was instantly corroded away with a sizzling sound—a terrifying sight to behold.
"Hmm?"
Rhodes's expression shifted slightly, but he quickly regained his composure, recognizing who had arrived.
"Assassin Nightwind?"
He muttered the name softly. This man's ruthless and precise attacks, his perfect timing—they were unmatched.
Everyone would assume that Rhodes, having successfully slain the dragon, must be severely injured. At the peak of such a triumph, a young warrior's mentality was bound to be inflated, inevitably causing him to let his guard down slightly—making this the perfect opportunity for a surprise attack.
Unfortunately, Rhodes could never afford such arrogance, not in this lifetime.
Unless, of course, the dragon he had slain today was Kaido himself.
"Some kind of Devil Fruit ability?"
"It involves spatial manipulation. Looks somewhat like the Paramecia Trap-Trap Fruit from the reference guide."
"A conceptual ability—really troublesome."
Rhodes's mind raced as the poisonous fog spread like a plague, completely sealing off all escape routes. The air itself seemed to reek of decay.
"What's happening?!"
Outside the mist, everyone cried out in alarm.
One swordsman, overly excited from witnessing the birth of a Dragon Slayer, had gotten too close and accidentally inhaled a trace of the poisonous fog. Almost instantly, his face turned purple and he collapsed to the ground, convulsing and foaming at the mouth. He then rapidly dissolved into a pool of pus and blood.
And that was just from the residual effects!
Everyone gasped, covered their mouths and noses, and quickly retreated further back.
"Dragon Slayer, eh? So you actually succeeded in slaying a dragon."
"But this specially formulated SX-type poison mist is incredibly toxic—even Sea Kings can't resist it. Rest in peace, and I'll claim all your spoils."
Hidden in the shadows, the black-clad figure Nightwind sneered coldly, his eyes flickering with morbid excitement and fanaticism.
Nightwind was different from other elite assassins.
He never accepted bounty missions for the money, but rather based on the target's reputation.
He had no interest in established masters; he only sought to kill young, rising warriors like Rhodes to satisfy his twisted desires.
If Fire Fist Ace weren't a Logia-type Flame-Flame Fruit user, naturally immune to all toxins, Nightwind would have gone after him long ago.
It all seemed to take forever, but in reality, only a few moments had passed.
Under everyone's watchful gaze, a dark figure suddenly burst out of the purple poisonous mist, stumbling forward in apparent distress, with a faint blue glow emanating from his body.
"Hmph, you're tougher than expected."
Nightwind snorted coldly, drew out a blue poison-tipped dagger, and rushed forward without hesitation, ready to finish the job.
Rhodes appeared to be in extreme distress, charging straight ahead as if he hadn't noticed Nightwind's approach.
Whoosh!
The dagger sliced through the air, aimed at Rhodes's heart like a venomous serpent striking from its den.
Nightwind was confident this blade would send the world-renowned young swordsman—no, the Dragon Slaying swordsman—to his grave.
But in the very next instant, his expression froze.
At the moment of collision, Rhodes's body miraculously shifted to the side, then crashed directly into Nightwind's chest.
"You're not injured!"
Nightwind exclaimed in shock. Rhodes looked up slightly, grinning and revealing his white teeth.
At the same time, he pressed both hands against Nightwind's chest.
"Raijin!"
BOOM!
Thunder compressed to its absolute limit erupted like a volcanic explosion, like a miniature sun detonating in the sky.
Nightwind had no time to react before the attack struck him head-on.
He flew backward like a broken doll, spurting mouthfuls of blood. A deep, gaping hole the size of an adult's fist appeared in his chest, exposing bone beneath. The surrounding flesh was charred and necrotic. He finally crashed heavily to the ground far away.
Rhodes slowly stood up straight. Though his complexion was somewhat pale, it was clear he wasn't as seriously injured as everyone had imagined.
The poisonous fog had limited effect on Rhodes.
Especially after perfecting his lightning mastery, Rhodes could form an extremely fine layer of electrical armor around his body, making it difficult for the poison mist to penetrate. Even if some got through, he could use electrical currents to purify his body and neutralize the toxins.
Cough cough.
Nightwind proved worthy of being a renowned elite assassin in the underworld. Even after such a devastating blow, he didn't die.
He coughed up blood, pressed one hand over the hideous wound in his chest, and shakily stood up. He quickly produced a vial of green potion and poured it over his wound.
Rich vitality burst forth, and the wound quickly stopped bleeding and slowly began to close.
Nightwind grimaced in pain—it was obvious this potion was extremely precious to him.
"I was careless."
He muttered under his breath, glaring at Rhodes with a cold expression.
As an elite killer famous throughout the underworld, even without considering assassination or sneak attacks, his own strength was equivalent to that of a standard Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral. It should have been impossible for him to be so severely injured by a single blow from Rhodes.
On one hand, Rhodes's deception had been masterful.
On the other hand, Rhodes's reputation as a swordsman was so deeply ingrained that seeing him without a sword in hand had caused Nightwind's vigilance to drop to its lowest point.
(End of Chapter)
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