Chapter 692: SFDI - 692
Drake and Left Minister traveled through bubble tunnels in a bubble car pulled by an unknown giant fish.
The coral on Fish-Man Island, like the Mangrove trees on Sabaody Archipelago, had the characteristic of secreting a special substance to form durable bubbles.
Furthermore, Fish-Man Island’s development of bubble technology surpassed that of Sabaody Archipelago; they even had specialized bubble craftsmen.
Consequently, Fish-Man Island utilized various bubble-made facilities, including bubble tunnels for passage between important buildings.
After leaving the Mermaid Cafe, Drake rejoined his companions, and they boarded a "Phoenix Tail Car" pulled by a Regal Oarfish, traveling through bubble tunnels known as the WATER ROAD towards Ryugu Castle, the royal palace of Ryugu Kingdom.
Drake had initially assumed that Madam Shyarly’s prophecy of him burning down Fish-Man District was due to Hody Jones attacking Fairy Tail’s companions during this period.
Unexpectedly, after their excursion, no one encountered any trouble, and they reunited safely.
It’s worth noting that the Phoenix Tail Car is the royal carriage of Ryugu Kingdom, yet it was dispatched to welcome Fairy Tail’s group, indicating the high regard Ryugu Kingdom held for them.
Drake was initially hesitant to ride in the car, but refusing such a grand reception from Ryugu Castle would have been disrespectful.
However, Drake found that once the car started moving, he wasn’t as nauseated as Natsu and the others.
Drake could feel that this change was due to multiple factors. The continuous growth of his magic, the acquisition of various new abilities.
Especially the recent evolution of his magic through Dragon Transformation and consuming the Mother Seed, which had gradually allowed Drake to overcome his weaknesses.
Although his limbs still felt a bit weak, it no longer affected Drake’s ability to think.
Therefore, sitting in the bubble-covered car, Drake could finally contemplate Madam Shyarly’s prophecy.
Five monsters? Fighting him?
Since Madam Shyarly mentioned a fight, at least those five "monsters" in her words possessed the power to contend with him for a short time.
The number five made it hard not to associate it with something. And "monsters" likely referred to their Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit abilities, developed to the point of awakening.
If Drake wasn’t mistaken, it should be a scene of him fighting the Five Elders.
Drake also inquired about the specific conditions of the battlefield in the vision. Madam Shyarly mentioned it was an island with various ruined mechanical structures and buildings.
This suggested that he had indeed found Egghead and clashed with the Five Elders there.
Of course, it was also possible that the Five Elders sought out Drake to settle the score regarding the Mother Seed.
However, regardless, Drake still believed Madam Shyarly’s prophecy. Perhaps he would soon meet the five elders, who, besides Imu, held the most power, and possibly were the strongest beings in this world.
As Drake was contemplating, the Phoenix Tail Car arrived at the grand entrance of Ryugu Castle.
Natsu, who had "come back to life," jumped out immediately, having been greatly discomforted by the long ride.
Drake also alighted from the car, looking up at the uniquely styled Ryugu Castle.
It was a magnificent castle, with an Eastern divine dragon coiling around its spired structures.
It had to be said that among the royal palaces of various kingdoms, Ryugu Castle appeared to be the most opulent.
Led by Left Minister, the group entered the palace and saw a group of people already waiting.
At the forefront was an exceptionally robust male Merfolk wearing a golden crown. He had thick, fluffy orange-red curly hair and a beard, flame-like tattoos on his arms, dense body hair, and metal bracers inlaid with jewels on his wrists.
This was King Neptune of Ryugu Kingdom, the "Knight of the Sea."
Behind him were his three sons: the eldest prince, Fukaboshi; the second prince, Manboshi; and the third prince, Ryuboshi.
And on the other side, the Seahorse Merfolk was Ryugu Kingdom’s Right Minister.
Left Minister introduced them to Drake and his companions, and Drake’s companions couldn’t help but look curious.
Even after Left Minister’s introduction, they couldn’t discern any familial resemblance between Neptune and his three sons.
Drake could sense their thoughts and said, "The genetics of Fish-Men and Merfolk are different from humans. Their bloodlines contain the genes of all marine life. The child conceived will randomly express one of them and may not necessarily resemble their parents."
This was also what made the Fish-Man and Merfolk races so wondrous, sparking great curiosity about their genetic structure.
Neptune’s family was the most obvious example: Neptune himself was a Coelacanth Fish-Man, and Queen Otohime was a Goldfish Merfolk.
And their four children: the eldest son, Fukaboshi, was a Shark Fish-Man; the second son, Manboshi, was a Regal Oarfish Fish-Man; the third prince, Ryuboshi, was a Mola Mola Fish-Man; and the Mermaid Princess, Shirahoshi, was a Giant Grouper Merfolk.
This family, no matter how you looked at it, had no similarities, yet they were undeniably blood relatives.
As they were talking, Drake’s group had already arrived before Neptune.
Neptune laughed heartily: "I’ve heard about you from Newgate long ago. Since you’re here on Fish-Man Island, consider it home. Don’t be strangers!"
Drake quickly replied, "You are too kind. We are here simply for sightseeing; such a grand reception was unnecessary."
Neptune could sense that Drake was not an ambitious schemer like some on the sea, nor was he difficult to interact with. Thus, his smile became more genuine, and he pulled Drake to a seat.
The banquet soon began, with food and drinks quickly filling the tables before everyone.
Drake scooped a piece of cake onto Stella’s plate, introducing his girlfriend to the excellence of Fish-Man Island’s desserts.
Praise for their local specialties brought even more smiles to Neptune and his entourage. They frequently raised their cups to toast Drake and his companions, creating a joyous atmosphere of mutual hospitality.
Seeing Natsu and Gray about to fight over a piece of cake, which would inevitably escalate into a full-blown Fairy Tail brawl, Erza decisively raised her hand and knocked both their heads onto the table.
"You two fools, this is a banquet hosted by others. Behave yourselves!"
Facing Erza’s reprimand, the two rowdy individuals had no choice but to obediently stand facing the wall.
The people of Ryugu Kingdom stared with wide eyes, while Drake covered his face, not wanting to say anything.
Just then, Drake suddenly looked up and pointed towards the entrance, saying, "Something’s flying this way from outside. Shall we go take a look?"
Upon hearing Drake’s words, Neptune was first stunned, then his expression immediately turned grim.
Drake had indeed sensed something approaching Ryugu Castle, but it wasn’t heading towards the banquet hall but another building.
Combined with Neptune’s change in expression, Drake could easily guess who was causing trouble.
In the pirate world, there was a rather famous pirate: Vander Decken IX, captain of the Flying Pirates.
Legend had it that he was cursed by a devil, leaving behind many tales.
That great pirate eventually came to Fish-Man Island, and his descendants have lived there for generations. It is now Vander Decken IX.
Ten years ago, Vander Decken IX accidentally summoned a Sea King while his mother was being assassinated, and he saw Shirahoshi.
He immediately recognized it as the power of Poseidon, one of the three Ancient Weapons mentioned by his ancestor. Thus, coveting the power of the Ancient Weapon, Vander Decken IX began to pursue Shirahoshi.
He was a Paramecia-type Op-Op Fruit user, capable of throwing objects to any place he had previously touched.
So, at first, he sent love letters to Shirahoshi, then packages.
When Neptune learned of this, he dispatched his three sons to pursue Vander Decken IX, who then began throwing weapons as a threat.
Helpless, Neptune could only build a Hard-Shell Tower for Shirahoshi to hide in.
What Drake had sensed earlier was Vander Decken IX throwing another weapon.
Neptune said, "Apologies, I have matters to attend to, so I must take my leave!"
Drake said, "If you need any help, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our job is to accept commissions!"
Neptune nodded but said nothing more and walked out.
Drake did not follow. Until Neptune spoke, he had no standing to offer assistance. Whether he would be trusted depended entirely on Neptune’s choice.
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