Warlord adjusted his glasses and nodded.
"That's right, Fleet Admiral Ezra. There's nothing left on the main island not a single human, not a single living creature."
Ezra tilted his head slightly. "Then that settles it. Mechanism Island it is."
He turned to Tina. "Tina, set the finals on Mechanism Island. I'll have Sentomaru send people later to clear the venue."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral. Make sure to rest as well; Tina will worry if you don't," she said, blushing slightly before leaving the office.
Warlord, watching Ezra with a teasing look, commented, "Heh heh, your expression… Are you thinking about how many women chase after you, Ezra?"
Ezra ignored him, returning his attention to the fleet deployment.
Ten days passed in a blur, and finally, the last day of the World Recruitment arrived. The final ten challengers would face their decisive battle today.
Ezra arrived at the office early as usual.
"Warlord, aren't you coming to watch today?"
Warlord shook his head. "No, Fleet Admiral. G-1 still needs personnel on guard."
"Alright, thank you for handling things."
After going over some miscellaneous files with Warlord, Ezra made his way to his ship.
This time, he was accompanied by Kuzan.
"Fleet Admiral Ezra, long time no see," Kuzan greeted.
"Have you finished your mission?" Ezra asked.
Kuzan nodded. "Yes. It wasn't anything too difficult anyway."
Ezra smiled. "I guess you just wanted to see the challengers for yourself, huh?"
Kuzan scratched the back of his head, offering no denial.
"Let's go. Destination: Mechanism Island."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral."
With Ezra's command, the massive ship Hades departed the port and headed toward Mechanism Island.
Meanwhile, at the island's shore, Tina's ship was anchored and ready.
Tina stood proudly on the deck, ten challengers lined up before her including Isao and Kaito.
She scanned them carefully. "Do you know why we are here today? I won't need to explain further, I'm sure."
The World Recruitment had spanned half a year, and only ten had made it to this final stage. Today, their destinies would be decided once and for all.
The challengers stiffened at her words.
Tina nodded, continuing. "And today, Fleet Admiral Ezra himself will be present to oversee the battles. I think each of you understands what that means."
Whispers spread among the challengers.
"Wha… Fleet Admiral Ezra is coming?"
"The Ezra I'm thinking of?"
"Of course! Who else could it be?"
"Yes, Ezra D. Ezra himself!"
Among the ten, two stood slightly apart from the whispering group.
Isao twirled his staff, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Ah, Ezra himself… It's been a while. What a reunion."
Beside him, Kaito stretched lazily, green curls tumbling over his shoulders. "Ezra D. Ezra, huh… I wonder if he's easy to get along with."
Tina interjected. "You may have free time now. When Fleet Admiral Ezra arrives, I will announce the rules."
"Yes, Vice Admiral Tina!"
The challengers dispersed to explore the island and familiarize themselves with the terrain.
Time passed slowly, approaching noon. A massive ship appeared on the horizon.
"That must be Fleet Admiral Ezra's personal ship!"
"Yes, that's Bruton! So cool!"
"I'm joining him as his subordinate, no doubt!"
"Me too, me too!"
The Hades quickly docked, and Ezra and Kuzan disembarked.
"Form a line! Prepare to welcome Fleet Admiral Ezra!"
"Yes, Vice Admiral Tina!"
The ten challengers lined up and approached Ezra, faces filled with excitement.
"All ten challengers accounted for, Fleet Admiral," Tina reported.
Ezra nodded slightly. "Good. You may begin explaining the rules."
Tina turned to the challengers. "First, congratulations on making it to the final stage! I will now explain the rules."
Her gaze swept over the ten, noting no signs of fear. Satisfied, she continued.
"The rules are simple. The island itself is your battlefield. You must collect 100 points scattered throughout the island. Points are hidden in ruined buildings or in more concealed spots."
A sly smile tugged at her lips. "Of course, there's another way to earn points. Each of you starts with ten points. If you defeat another challenger, you take all their points. You may choose to explore for points or eliminate the others whichever strategy you prefer."
With a wave of her hand, Tina's soldiers handed each challenger a button.
"This button is your last resort. If you are certain you cannot defeat an opponent and wish to forfeit, press it. Attacks from others must cease immediately. Understood?"
"Yes, Vice Admiral Tina!"
Tina checked her watch. "It's 11:10 now. At 12:00, the World Recruitment Finals will officially begin. Use this time to plan your strategy. Only the strongest will survive. You are dismissed!"
"Yes, Vice Admiral Tina!"
The challengers dispersed, studying the buildings and layout of the island.
Tina stepped beside Ezra.
"Thank you for your hard work, Tina," he said, gently ruffling her hair.
"No hard work at all, Ezra. I'm just happy you came," she replied, cheeks tinged with pink.
Ezra smiled faintly.
At that moment, Isao approached, leaning on his staff. "Fleet Admiral Ezra, long time no see."
"Isao, sorry. I've been busy these past six months and missed your earlier matches," Ezra said.
Isao waved him off. "You've been busy overseeing the seas. How could I begrudge that? It would be unworthy for me to waste your time with my matches."
Ezra shook his head, smiling. "It's always easy talking with you, Isao."
Isao laughed. "Hahaha, no rush, Ezra. We'll have plenty of time together. But are you confident you'll win?"
Isao hesitated, then shook his head. "I don't underestimate anyone, but I will never allow myself to fail."
Ezra's lips curved. "Well said, Isao. Good luck in this competition."
Soon, Tina checked her watch and called the challengers together.
"The time has come! The World Recruitment Finals officially begin!"