章 123: Chapter 123: Tot Musica!
The Emergence of Tot Musica
The air on the desolate island seemed to grow colder as the ancient demon king, Tot Musica, rose from the darkness. Its towering form loomed ominously, cloaked in black with a hat that shadowed its crimson, angular face. Its unnervingly pointed nose gave it a sinister silhouette, while its massive arms, formed from ebony and ivory piano keys, moved with an unnatural grace.
As if celebrating its liberation from a centuries-old seal, Tot Musica stretched its enormous arms skyward. The air itself seemed to tremble at the eerie sight, its fifty-meter-tall form dwarfing the landscape.
Chenlong, standing firm on the rocky shore, shifted into his azure dragon hybrid form. His sharp gaze locked onto the Demon King. "Devil King! You stand before the Heavenly Father. Bow down and show respect!"
Tot Musica turned its crimson gaze toward the three small figures on the shore. Without hesitation, it unleashed a devastating beam of black-red energy from its mouth. The blinding flash erupted with a deafening roar, carving a deep, smoldering scar into the earth.
Chenlong took to the air, narrowly avoiding the blast. His dragon scales gleamed in the faint moonlight as flames swirled in his maw. "Heavenly Father," he began, "its attack feels akin to your Black Flash."
Edie remained composed, his arms crossed as he observed the chaos. "It may look similar, but it lacks the essence of Haki," he replied. "This energy feels tied to something deeper—perhaps the Sea of Souls."
As Tot Musica prepared another attack, the demon's lack of awareness became apparent. Its actions were purely instinctual, void of reason or communication.
Tot Musica's second beam surged toward the shore, an infernal wave of destruction. Edie raised his left hand calmly, unleashing his Overlord Territory. The invisible barrier stopped the attack mere centimeters from his palm. The energy shattered into dazzling fragments, scattering into the sea and creating colossal waves.
Chenlong, impressed, hovered nearby. "This power… truly befitting of the Heavenly Father."
Edie dismissed the compliment with a wave. "Focus on the task. Uta is inside its chest. Prioritize her rescue."
Chenlong nodded and launched himself at the demon with blinding speed. As Tot Musica's massive hands reached for him, Chenlong evaded with precise movements. His claws pierced the demon's chest and emerged from its back, cradling the unconscious Uta in his grasp.
Tot Musica let out a bloodcurdling scream that reverberated across the island. The sheer sound pressure sent gusts of wind tearing through the surroundings, while red lightning streaked through the air, obliterating everything it touched.
Annoyed by the cacophony, Edie stepped forward, his right hand sparking with crimson electricity. "Enough of this racket," he muttered. "Red Flash!"
A thunderous bolt of red lightning shot from his hand, illuminating the night sky. The beam struck Tot Musica's head, the electric charge splitting into smaller tendrils that scorched the ground and sea. The demon froze mid-scream, its immense body twitching violently before a final surge of energy caused it to explode into a cloud of black smoke.
As the smoke dispersed, Chenlong, still hovering in the air, glanced at Edie. "Is it… dead already?"
Edie descended gracefully, shaking his head. "It's a demon, Chenlong. Death isn't a concept for it. It can be summoned again as long as Uta sings the cursed song."
Chenlong's curiosity piqued. "What exactly is that thing, Heavenly Father?"
Edie stared at the lingering smoke, his mind racing with possibilities. "It's unclear. Perhaps it's a creation of the Song-Song Fruit or a manifestation from the Sea of Souls. Maybe, like Devil Fruits, it's born from human imagination. One thing is certain—it bears unsettling similarities to the powers wielded by the Five Elders and even some of my own."
With Uta secure, Edie gestured to Chenlong. "Let's return to Elegia. This disturbance shouldn't disrupt the island's peace any further."
Chenlong carried Uta as they flew back to the main island. The battle had lasted less than ten minutes, yet its intensity was enough to leave a lasting impression.
Back at the hotel, Edie placed Uta gently on her bed, tucking her under the covers. He examined her condition—she was merely unconscious, her body unharmed.
"Rest well, little songbird," Edie murmured. "Your voice may wield great power, but it's also a burden you'll need to understand."
He turned away, his thoughts lingering on the nature of Tot Musica and its connection to the enigmatic forces shaping their world.
The Morning After: A New Day in Elegia
The golden rays of early morning filtered through the hotel room's curtains as Uta stirred awake. Blinking groggily, her eyes scanned the unfamiliar surroundings. She lay in a soft, plush bed, a stark contrast to the chaotic memories of the previous night. Confusion flitted across her face as she sat up.
"If I remember correctly, I was singing on the beach... Oh no, the sheet music!"
Her heart skipped a beat as the memory of performing Tot Musica resurfaced. Swinging her legs off the bed, Uta hurriedly brushed her teeth and washed her face. Without wasting a moment, she rushed downstairs, her anticipation mounting.
The hotel restaurant bustled with the morning crowd, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of warm pastries. Uta spotted Edie and Robin seated at a corner table. She dashed over, her voice brimming with urgency.
"Mr Edie, about last night..."
Before she could finish, Edie produced the Tot Musica sheet music from inside his coat and placed it on the table. "This is what you're looking for, Uta. After you transcribe it, make sure to return it to King Gordon."
Uta's eyes widened as she reached for the sheet, the vivid memories of summoning the Demon King flooding back. Her fingers instinctively traced the notes, and a melody began to form in her mind. She opened her mouth to hum the tune, but Robin gently tugged her arm, guiding her to sit beside her.
"Not now, Uta," Robin said softly, her tone soothing yet firm. "Finish your breakfast first. Singing that song summons the Demon King. You fainted last night because of it."
Robin's gentle reminder grounded Uta, and she nodded obediently. "I understand, Sister Robin."
Her gaze shifted back to Edie. "Sir Edie, will you be dealing with the demon again tonight?"
Edie leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. "That demon holds immense research potential, Uta. I might need your help again in the future." He reached out to ruffle her hair. "But for now, eat your breakfast. Afterward, we'll find you a music teacher. Did any of the performers from last night's concert catch your attention?"
Uta's face lit up. "Do I have to choose just one?"
Edie chuckled. "As long as they're willing to teach you, you can choose as many as you like."
Their lighthearted banter brought warmth to the table, and as they chatted, nearby diners couldn't help but glance their way. To the onlookers, the trio appeared as close-knit as a small family, their bond evident in their easy camaraderie.
A Musical Journey Begins
After breakfast, Edie entrusted Robin with the task of escorting Uta to the Elegia Conservatory of Music. "Chenlong, make sure to protect them," Edie commanded, his gaze sharp as he addressed the air.
From the shadows, Chenlong stepped into the light. "Yes, Lord Heavenly Father," he replied, his tone reverent. Without hesitation, he fell into step behind Robin and Uta as they departed.
By the time they arrived at the conservatory, the sun had climbed higher, casting a warm glow over the grand institution. Toki was already there with her daughter, Kozuki Hiyori, waiting in the principal's office.
King Gordon, the Conservatory's principal and Elegia's benevolent ruler, greeted them warmly. "Welcome," he said, his voice carrying the gentle authority of a musician and monarch. "To ensure both Uta and Hiyori find the best possible mentors, we'll hold a public audition. Let the island's finest come forward to share their craft."
As preparations began, Uta's excitement bubbled over. For her, the conservatory was more than just a school—it was a gateway to mastering her voice, her gift, and perhaps even understanding the dangerous power her songs could wield.
Beehive Island floated high above Elegia, concealed within a thick sea of clouds, invisible to the naked eye. Inside the research institute, Ginny entered Edie's lab with an urgent report.
"Doctor, there's critical news," Ginny began, her tone grave.
Edie, engrossed in his work, turned to face her as she continued, "Golden Lion Shiki has been sent to Impel Down's deepest level—the Eternal Hell!"
The mention of Shiki caught Edie off guard. Due to the destruction of [White] and the loss of his Bee Scouts in Mariejois, Edie had assumed Shiki had met a grim fate. However, with the Queen Bee Monitoring System regaining its function, Shiki's status had come to light.
"They didn't execute him after all?" Edie muttered, perplexed.
Ginny nodded solemnly. "It's surprising. According to the reports, Shiki and his beasts slaughtered hundreds of Celestial Dragons in a single night. Yet, instead of executing him, the Five Elders have locked him away."
"This doesn't add up," Edie mused. "After such devastation, sparing him seems… calculated. It could be a trap."
Ginny voiced her agreement, her brow furrowed in concern. "Impel Down could be swarming with powerful forces, waiting to ambush you should you attempt a rescue."
Edie's lips curled into a smirk. "That's a reasonable assumption, but the Five Elders are not bound by normal logic. They may have their own twisted reasons for sparing him."
After a moment of reflection, he added, "Regardless, Shiki is an ally. I made him a promise during the raid on Mariejois—to have his back. I won't abandon him now."
Ginny's concern deepened. "Doctor, if you're going, take reinforcements. This isn't something to face alone."
Acknowledging her advice with a nod, Edie immediately summoned the Twelve Earthly Branches. Given the likelihood of a trap, he selected several of his strongest creations to accompany him. Yet, before setting course for Impel Down, Edie planned a detour—one that led to the Florian Triangle and a peculiar island-ship: Thriller Bark.
Thriller Bark
In the eerie mists of the Florian Triangle, Thriller Bark loomed like a haunted behemoth. Its colossal, ship-like form seemed alive, creaking with every wave. At its heart stood a shadowy castle, shrouded in darkness.
Inside, Princess Mononoke Perona walked the corridors with a stuffed bear in one hand and a newspaper in the other. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she read the headline: "Gekko Moria Defeats a Shichibukai—Earns the Title Himself!"
"So, Moria-sama is a Shichibukai now? This means I don't have to worry about the Marines chasing us!" she chirped, twirling happily. "They must be too busy searching for that scientist's lair to notice us."
Her musings were cut short when she entered her room and froze. A man in white sat casually on her chair, legs crossed, reading a book titled Princess' Revenge.
Perona blinked. Then, she rubbed her eyes furiously. But the figure remained. Finally, she screamed, her voice echoing through the castle.
"It's very noisy, little girl," Edie remarked, setting the book down. His expression was one of mild amusement as he glanced at the Gothic-styled girl. "Do you always read such melodramatic books?"
Perona's face paled. "Y-you… You're the evil scientist, Edie!" she stammered, collapsing onto the floor in a duck-like position. "Why are you here?!"
"I'm looking for someone," Edie replied, unbothered by her panic. His eyes scanned her small figure, noting her elaborate outfit—pink pigtails, a tiny crown, and pale makeup. "Are you one of Moria's people?"
Perona hesitated but nodded cautiously. "If you're looking for Moria-sama, he's not here! He left a month ago!"
Edie smirked knowingly. "I'm not here for him. I'm looking for someone named Absalom. Is he still around?"
The mention of Absalom made Perona pause. "He… he left with Moria-sama. They went to solidify his claim as a Shichibukai."
"Hmm. That explains why I couldn't sense him on the island." Edie stood, pocketing a syringe as he stepped closer to Perona. His looming figure exuded a chilling menace.
"W-what are you doing?!" Perona stammered, backing away.
Edie simply chuckled, the syringe glinting ominously in his hand.
"No! Don't come near me!" Perona screamed, tears welling in her eyes. She unleashed a barrage of negative ghosts, her Paramecia: Ghost-Ghost Fruit ability activating.
The spectral apparitions darted toward Edie but froze mid-air, ensnared by an invisible force. Perona's jaw dropped in disbelief.
"Why… why isn't it working?" she whispered.
Edie crouched before her, his expression darkly playful. "Afraid of needles, are we?"
Unable to withstand the pressure of his presence, Perona's eyes rolled back, and she fainted, collapsing into a heap on the floor.
Edie straightened, sighing. "Such drama. Now, where should I look next?" He pocketed the syringe and glanced around the room, contemplating his next move.
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット