Staring at Henry's lifeless body, Lister let out a long breath.
He kicked the corpse off the chair, swept his gaze around the captain's cabin, then walked to the washbasin. He used a towel to wipe the blood from his body, opened Bloodhammer Henry's wardrobe, and looked for something that fit.
The wardrobe was crammed with brand-new clothes. He was spoiled for choice. They were all spoils from the merchant ship three days ago. Henry hadn't even worn them yet.
Lister picked something suitable and put it on. Then he searched the cabin for Henry's hidden stash.
He quickly found chests stuffed with Beli and gold.
He didn't hesitate.
"Goldfinger, cash in."
[Host: Lister]
[Physique: 1.1]
[Spirit: 1.2]
[Midas Index: 1.2]
"Twelve million?" He was surprised, then thought it made sense. They had just looted a wealthy merchantman three days ago.
"Perfect for me."
"Goldfinger, allocate all Midas Index to Physique."
[Allocation complete]
[Host: Lister]
[Physique: 2.3]
[Spirit: 1.2]
[Midas Index: 0]
His physique surged. It felt great.
After a while he opened his eyes and glanced at the gold in the chests, a hint of regret in his eyes.
"Shame my Goldfinger only devours Beli and not gold. Otherwise my physique would probably double again."
"Forget it. No need to force it. With a body twice an ordinary man's and the Quick-Quick Fruit, I should be able to cut down everyone on this ship."
The fruit had given him terrifying speed. He could now break a hundred meters per second with ease. Before, his stamina couldn't sustain it for long and he'd be down after about ten seconds. Now that his physique had multiplied, his endurance had multiplied with it, and he could maintain his power far longer.
There were roughly forty men in the Iron Hammer Pirates. In a straight fight, he might really be able to cut them all down.
A knock sounded at the door.
Lister cocked a brow, lowered his voice to a rasp, and asked, "Who is it?"
"Boss, it's me, Andre." The voice outside was a little drunk and didn't notice anything amiss.
"Enter."
Andre opened the door and stepped in.
A blood-wet dagger greeted him.
The blade punched through Madman Andre's chest and heart.
"A… slave?" Andre gasped. He didn't die instantly. By reflex he swung a heavy fist at Lister.
Lister didn't meet it. He flashed back a few steps, opening distance.
Andre's punch hit air. He didn't chase. He turned and ran, shouting, "Everyone, the slave Lister is rebelling!"
On a ship there isn't much space. His shout reached every ear. Footsteps thundered from all directions.
Lister didn't panic. The only real threat, Madman Andre, was mortally wounded. Even if he wasn't dead on the spot, he wouldn't live long.
Lister stepped out of the captain's cabin, grabbed a nearby katana, and followed the trail of dripping blood.
Two pirates rushed him.
"Damn slave, you dare betray the Iron Hammer Pirates and wound Vice-Captain Andre! Die!"
They raised their blades, but Lister was faster. As their swords lifted, his katana drew a cold arc across their necks.
Blood sprayed. The two men toppled, baffled to the end.
Lister stepped over the bodies and moved on.
More than a dozen pirates flooded the corridor ahead, blocking it wall to wall.
"A lowly slave dares kill our men?"
"Brothers, kill him!"
"Kill!"
They surged forward, but Lister moved first.
The corridor filled with wet, staccato sounds.
The Quick-Quick Fruit didn't just make him move faster. His nerves were lightning. He struck every time before the enemy's blade could fall, cutting them down one after another.
Hand rose, blade fell. In under ten seconds he carved his way through the corridor.
The men behind finally understood how terrifying he was, and that in a cramped passage their numbers meant nothing. They pulled back toward the deck. That suited Lister fine. He didn't chase hard; he strode after them.
When he stepped out onto the deck, pirates closed in from all sides. Yet after what they had just seen, none dared strike first.
Lister swept his gaze over the ring of faces and smiled. "Henry's dead by my hand. Andre's heart is pierced and he's on death's door. Are you sure you want to throw your lives away for them?"
They traded looks.
"What do you want, Lister?" a bolder pirate asked.
"Simple. Submit to me," Lister said.
Many wavered. In their line of work, it didn't matter whose flag you flew as long as you ate and drank well.
But there were doubts.
"Lister, you used to be a slave. We all pushed you around. If we submit, what if you settle scores later?"
"I'm not that petty," Lister said with a smile. "I won't hunt down every slight. Aside from a few who must die, I can forgive the rest."
"A few? Which ones?"
"Bamboo Pole, Skinny Dog, Fat Dog, Big Bear. Those four."