Chapter 514: Tarot Totem Factions, Buggy's Abilities
Although members of the Tarot Totem could rapidly enhance their spiritual power after obtaining a substitute orb, the process was far from simple. The first challenge was finding individuals compatible with the substitute orbs. The Dark Curtain organization had invested significant effort in this search.
Zalik, for instance, had been an ordinary young man living on a small island in the sea. Under normal circumstances, he would never have been considered for such a role. However, the organization had used the prophecy of their female priest to pinpoint a specific region, which led them to discover him.
"Is that so? It seems this man doesn't fully understand his own Stand." the Hermit said, not doubting Zalik's perceptive abilities.
Given Zalik's assessment, it appeared Buggy was merely a fortunate individual who had stumbled into his role.
"What's the deal with this guy?" Zalik asked, his curiosity piqued by the Hermit's thoughtful expression.
"You joined relatively late, so I haven't mentioned this to you yet," the Hermit explained. "Buggy belongs to the King of Time faction within our organization. That was the information provided at the time. But it seems they haven't invested much effort in him."
Zalik murmured, repeating the phrase, "The King of Time faction."
The Tarot Totem was the most powerful violent organization within the Dark Curtain, with each member wielding the authority to command an army of blood.
The 237th Blood Army Regiment alone consisted of thousands, with even the lowest-ranking members being C-level Demon Pattern users.
In comparison, Eve, the official organization of the Demon Pattern Association, had only a few hundred Demon Pattern users. Thus, a single Blood Army was equivalent to a large Demon Pattern guild, underscoring the immense power each Tarot Totem member held.
The organization was vast, comprising nineteen members divided among various factions. The most dominant was the faction led by Joe Tlin, known externally as the King of Time.
He was one of only two Tarot Totem members with demigod-level combat power and the blessing of a demigod's identity. As a result, many members rallied behind him, including those codenamed Magician, Power, Pope, Hanged Man, Temperance, and Demon—a total of six.
The Hermit and Shinigami, however, belonged to their own neutral faction. The Hermit preferred to avoid trouble, and since he had taken Zalik under his wing, Zalik followed his lead for now.
The future was uncertain, but the Hermit wasn't concerned. Zalik was preoccupied with studying the path to the underworld and had little interest in factional politics.
"What's the Fool's ability? It must be significant to warrant your attention." Zalik said, noticing the Hermit's solemn expression despite Buggy's apparent weakness.
Zalik's interest grew, considering Buggy's reputation. For someone so seemingly weak to have defeated Bombick, codenamed Power, his abilities had to be extraordinary.
"Bombick, known as the King of Power, has a possession-type Stand." the Hermit began, his face hidden beneath his black hood showing a trace of nostalgia.
"He used to be much thinner, with poor physical fitness. But his Stand grants him a terrifying strength domain, capable of shattering mountains and splitting the earth."
The Hermit continued, "Bombick was obsessed with that power but neglected his own physical condition. He focused solely on enhancing his mental strength to unlock greater potential in his Stand's domain. It's an understandable choice, but then he encountered Buggy."
Zalik's curiosity deepened, and the Hermit didn't keep him waiting. "According to the Magician's intelligence, Buggy's ability is nullification. He can neutralize the power of a Stand."
"What?!" Zalik exclaimed, stunned. Such an ability seemed unimaginable.
For Stand users, nearly all their combat strength relied on their Stands. If Buggy could nullify a Stand's power, it would reduce an opponent's strength to nothing. No wonder he had defeated the King of Power.
"But it's unclear if this ability can affect someone like the King of Time or other high-ranking members," the Hermit added, sensing Zalik's thoughts. "At the very least, it could likely counter us."
"So, are we just leaving?" Zalik asked.
The Hermit nodded. "If it were just the Fool, we could confront him. But there are too many people now. That seahorse on his head doesn't seem ordinary—it's likely a Mythical Beast. Besides, I've heard the King of Power is planning to target Buggy."
While the Hermit and Zalik conversed, Buggy finished greeting Shanks on the other side of the forest. Roux, ever the flatterer, showered Buggy with compliments. With Shanks nearby, Buggy seized the chance to put on a show.
"You're a member of the Tarot Totem, right? Give me some face!" Buggy shouted, his voice echoing through the forest. "Let's end this conflict with the Red Hair Pirates here!"
Silence followed for a few seconds, and Buggy shifted awkwardly, feeling a bit embarrassed. Then the Hermit's voice rang out.
"Very well, Buggy, I'll give you that courtesy," the Hermit said.
Buggy's lips curled into a triumphant grin, but the Hermit's next words doused his enthusiasm like cold water. "The King of Power misses you greatly. If you cross paths at this Mythical Beast Conference, I'm sure he'll be delighted."
Buggy's expression soured. The King of Power? That lunatic? He vividly recalled the man's crazed, disbelieving eyes from their last encounter—a look that sent a chill down his spine. Though fear stirred in his heart, Buggy's words betrayed none of it.
"Hahahaha! That defeated general?" Buggy boasted, one hand on his hip, the other gesturing toward the pink seahorse atop his hat. "Let him come! If he wants to challenge me, he'll have to get past my pet first!"
His display of bravado sent the Buggy Pirates into cheers, rallying behind their captain's apparent confidence.
"Hey, do you want to die?" a cold voice suddenly spoke in Buggy's mind through telepathy.
"Master Kaiba, please, I'm outside right now. Give me some face," Buggy pleaded inwardly, his outward bravado masking his inner humility. "From now on, you can eat whatever you want. I'll climb mountains or cross seas to serve you!"
Despite his grandiose appearance, Buggy felt like he was splitting in two. The pink seahorse, unimpressed, remained lazily perched on his hat, ignoring his promises.
(End of this chapter)