Not far from the bustling Seven Rivers City, the towering Judiciary Island stood solemnly amid the vast sea. Inside a spacious, brightly lit office on the island, Spandine sat on a plush sofa with a dark, oppressive expression, like a volcano on the verge of eruption.
He had been stationed here for four full months.
During this time, he had waited like a man trapped on hot coals, anxiously counting the days for Eli Winters and his companions to finally leave Seven Rivers City. Day after day, he listened for news of their departure, only to be disappointed again and again. The prolonged waiting gnawed at his already volatile temper, stoking the fire of rage in his chest until it threatened to burst forth at any moment.
His bloodshot eyes were fixed on the view outside the window as he ground his teeth and muttered, "Why are you still there? Why won't you leave? I've had enough of this."
His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles cracked. For a fleeting moment, he even felt the urge to give the order to erase Seven Rivers City entirely.
Yet despite the fury burning inside him, Spandine did not dare to act recklessly.
That day, he had taken out a treasured possession he had kept for many years and gone to meet the head of the CP organization, Saint Skardell. Relying on his past service under him and the weight of that offering, he had been granted an audience.
The moment they met, Spandine did not even bother with pleasantries. He dropped heavily to his knees. Tears poured from his eyes, streaking down his twisted, grief-stricken face as he cried out hoarsely, recounting how his son had been killed and begging for help to avenge him.
When Saint Skardell heard that the matter involved Eli Winters, instinctive resistance welled up in his heart. He had already suffered several humiliating defeats at Eli's hands, drawing severe dissatisfaction from those above him. Moreover, he had received explicit instructions not to provoke Eli for the time being. Eli's displayed strength was enough to make even the Five Elders wary.
As Skardell's former subordinate, Spandine understood his superior well. Seeing the hesitation, he hurriedly spoke up.
"My lord, according to the intelligence I have gathered, that old shipwright Tom possesses the blueprints of Pluton. My son was killed precisely because he went to investigate this matter. Please, you must help me avenge him."
At those words, Saint Skardell sprang to his feet. His eyes widened, locking onto Spandine with piercing intensity.
"What did you say? Is this true? The Pluton blueprints are really in that man's hands? You know the consequences if you dare deceive me."
"I swear it is true, my lord. I would never dare lie to you," Spandine said firmly, pounding his chest.
Seeing his unwavering confidence, Saint Skardell's heart stirred. Excitement flickered across his face as he paced back and forth across the office, wrestling with his thoughts.
Pluton, one of the legendary Ancient Weapons, was said to possess unparalleled destructive power. Its existence had long faded into myth. And yet now, news of its blueprints had surfaced once more. If he could obtain them, his position within the organization would become unshakable.
After a moment, Saint Skardell took a deep breath and spoke with finality.
"Very well, Spandine. I will assign you an elite CP0 squad and grant you authority to mobilize the forces of Judiciary Island. No matter what, you must bring the Pluton blueprints back to me."
Spandine's face lit up with undisguised delight. CP0 alone might not be enough to defeat Eli Winters, but with command over Judiciary Island's military, brute force was no longer necessary. Saturation bombardment had always been his specialty.
"I will not fail you, my lord," Spandine said respectfully.
After a brief pause, Saint Skardell added, "Focus on the blueprints. Do not provoke Eli Winters or his people for now, and do not destroy Seven Rivers City. Is that clear?"
Spandine's heart burned with resentment, but he did not dare disobey. He lowered his head and agreed.
Once alone, his restraint shattered.
"I've given everything for them, and when my son is killed, they won't even grant me justice," he roared, slamming both fists onto the desk. His face twisted into something feral, eyes bloodshot with fury.
A knock sounded at the door.
Spandine forced himself to breathe, suppressing the rage, and growled, "Come in."
A young officer in uniform entered cautiously. One glance at the chaotic desk made his heart sink. Since this superior had arrived, no day had been peaceful. His forehead broke out in sweat.
"What is it?" Spandine demanded, his gaze sharp and oppressive.
The officer shuddered under the pressure. "Sir, we have news. The man named Eli Winters and his companions have left Seven Rivers City."
Spandine shot up from his seat, eyes gleaming with cold light. "Assemble the troops. Execute immediately."
The officer stiffened, saluted, and fled the room.
Left alone, Spandine's expression turned vicious. "None of you will escape. You will all pay."
The forces of Judiciary Island moved with terrifying efficiency. In less than twenty minutes, soldiers were fully assembled and ready. A massive battleship and two medium warships departed the harbor, heading straight for Seven Rivers City.
Meanwhile, back in Seven Rivers City, unease gnawed at Iceberg ever since Eli's departure. The feeling tightened around his heart like an invisible hand, refusing to let go.
Unable to ignore it any longer, Iceberg went to see his junior, Franky. He handed over a set of blueprints and said gravely, "Franky, something feels wrong. Keep these. If anything happens, leave the city immediately."
Franky stared at him, confused.
Iceberg did not elaborate. "No matter what, do not let these fall into the hands of the World Government." With that, he turned and left.
Returning to City Hall, Iceberg ordered an immediate evacuation. Staff obeyed without question.
Not long after, two thunderous explosions tore through the air.
Iceberg's face darkened. He had not expected such ruthless action. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward the source of the blasts, praying the damage was not already catastrophic.
Out at sea, three warships lined up in formation, their cannons trained on the city.
At the bow of the lead ship stood Spandine, unmoving in the wind. An aide approached and reported, "Sir, all preparations are complete. We are ready to commence bombardment."
Spandine nodded and raised his hand, about to give the order.
A voice interrupted him.
"Spandine, did you forget Saint Skardell's command not to destroy Seven Rivers City?"
A thin, middle-aged man stepped forward, eyes filled with doubt.
Spandine turned coldly. "Rulthius, this is not your concern. I have full authority here. Follow my orders."
Rulthius snorted. "Very well. But if you ruin the mission, the consequences will be yours alone."
Spandine ignored him. His gaze fixed on the outer city walls.
"All units, fire on the outer walls."
Cannons roared. Shells streaked through the sky like falling stars, slamming into the walls with devastating force.