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Chapter 13
Victor fully supported Crocus' desire to see the City of Gold and the Golden Bell.
"Sure thing. Once you're all done, I'll take everyone to see it."
He added with a smile: "Best if the whole crew goes—otherwise you might never get another chance."
Crocus looked puzzled. "Why? Are we not coming back?"
Victor shook his head. "No—it's because I'm taking the whole thing with me. I'll also make rubbings of the historical texts. Might come in handy later."
Crocus nodded in understanding. "Ah… got it. Then I'll finish up here first."
Heracles and the others continued their plant research without interruption.
Victor didn't disturb them. With nothing urgent, he wandered off to explore more.
Over the next few days, he gathered massive amounts of food, dials (including impact dials, flash dials, etc.), and local specialties like Vearth fruits.
And of course—he kept training. Victor never slacked on cultivation. All the energy from constant eating had to be converted into combat power through training.
He quietly estimated: his physique was probably approaching Admiral-candidate level by now.
On the final day, Heracles and Crocus finished their work.
Victor knew it was time to leave.
He gathered the entire crew and led them to the location of the ancient City of Gold—Shandora.
"Wow… this is the City of Gold?"
"It's really made of gold? How did they even build something like this?"
"Too bad the vines and greenery cover most of the shine. In its prime, it must have been blindingly beautiful."
The crew stared in awe at the massive golden structures—some completely overwhelmed.
Heracles suddenly asked: "Victor… how exactly are you planning to take an entire city of gold with you?"
The rest of the crew turned curious eyes toward him.
Victor grinned. "Simple. Watch."
He spread his Observation Haki across the entire city.
In the next instant—under the stunned gaze of every crew member—the City of Gold vanished completely.
Mouths hung open. Eyes widened in disbelief.
Victor turned back with a casual smile. "There. Stored it away. Pretty useful ability, right?"
Heracles recovered first. "Holy… that's not just useful—that's insane."
Crocus stared in shock. "I never imagined the captain's ability could cover something that massive…"
They all assumed it was a Devil Fruit power—probably space-related. But since Victor didn't explain, no one pressed.
Victor continued collecting scattered golden artifacts. "The Golden Bell stays here, though. Let it remain as a monument for the people of Skypiea."
Heracles suddenly pointed. "Hey—there's a giant snake over there."
The crew turned and gaped at the enormous serpent.
Crocus whistled. "That thing is huge."
Victor explained calmly: "It's a species from the Roland era. I herded it here so it wouldn't disturb your research. It's actually pretty docile—as long as you don't provoke it. If your strength isn't enough… well, don't."
The crew nodded in realization.
Heracles glanced around. "Golden City secured. Looks like we're ready to leave."
Victor agreed. "Yeah. Back to the ship—let's prepare for departure."
Before leaving, Victor sought out the leaders of both the Skypieans and Shandians.
"You two tribes—share management of the island from now on. If you want to keep fighting, divide the land equally."
Under Victor's piercing gaze, both chiefs reluctantly shook hands and agreed to peace.
Victor added coldly: "If I come back and find you at war again… don't blame me for what happens next."
It was mostly a bluff—he might never return. But the threat worked. Both leaders broke into cold sweat and nodded furiously.
With that settled, Victor leaped back to the ship.
The people of Skypiea—finally hearing of lasting peace—burst into celebration that lasted for days.
The crew finished preparations.
Victor stood at the bow. "Raise sails! Set course for departure!"
"ROAR!"
With a unified shout, the ship slowly pulled away from the White Sea.
Crocus suddenly realized something. "Wait—Captain… how exactly are we getting back down?"
Heracles looked at Victor's calm face and smirked. "You've got a plan, right?"
Victor grinned mischievously. "Guess."
Heracles' face darkened. "We're not guessing. Figure it out—now!"
Victor laughed. "Relax. Here we go."
High above the ship, a gigantic octopus appeared.
Its massive tentacles wrapped around the vessel—holding it like a hot-air balloon—and began a slow, controlled descent.
The crew—previously on the edge of panic—finally exhaled in relief as they descended safely.
Heracles clutched his chest dramatically. "Phew… that was terrifying. Almost gave me a heart attack."
Crocus still looked shaken. "Falling from the sky isn't a joke…"
As they neared sea level, the octopus gradually shrank back to normal size.
In the crew's horrified shouts, the ship slammed into the ocean surface with a massive splash.
Thankfully, the hull held together. Otherwise they'd have been clinging to driftwood.
Victor laughed. "Haha! Exciting, right? Thrilling?"
Heracles glared. "Thrilling? I felt my soul leave my body. Anyone with a weak heart would've died back there."
Crocus, catching his breath, actually looked a little exhilarated. "It was… pretty thrilling, honestly."