บท 42: Chapter 42: The start of the chase
Chapter 42: The start of the chase
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The sun blazed down mercilessly on the desert kingdom of Alabasta, but in the narrow alleys of the capital, its rays were unable to penetrate. Here, in the maze of shadows formed by tightly packed buildings, the air was cooler, though no less tense. The faint hum of bustling markets could be heard in the distance, but this corner of the city was quiet, almost abandoned.
King, perched calmly on his ornate green cushion embroidered with darker green patterns, floated a few inches above the ground. His honey-brown eyes scanned the pair before him with measured curiosity. "So," he said, his voice smooth and detached. "What are you looking for here?"
Standing opposite him, Meliodas adjusted the white, long-sleeved shirt he wore, the fabric loose and unassuming, effectively obscuring his identity. His head was covered with a simple hood, leaving only his sharp green eyes visible beneath the shadow. His voice was calm but firm as he replied, "We're searching for a giantess named Diane. I was told by a somewhat reliable source that her scent lingers here."
Behind him, Elizabeth touched her chin, her delicate features twisted in thought. Her silver hair shimmered faintly in the dim light, cascading down her back, a stark contrast to her soft blue dress. She frowned slightly, remembering the sinister grin and hollow laugh of Marshall D. Teach, the so-called "source" of this information. How could Meliodas trust him of all people? she mused silently, though she kept her thoughts to herself.
King raised an eyebrow, his cushion bobbing slightly up and down as if in thought. "Diane... the Serpent's Sin, correct?"
Meliodas's emerald eyes gleamed, and Elizabeth's blue ones sparkled with sudden hope. Their voices overlapped in unison as they exclaimed, "You know her?"
King rested his cheek against his hand, his elbow propped on his knee. "Not much," he admitted, his tone indifferent. "I've spent over two months in Alabasta searching for my weapon. I was here back when a man named Crocodile ruled this place, though he fell not long ago. The kingdom's been more peaceful since."
Meliodas leaned forward slightly. "Is there any connection between this Crocodile and Diane?"
"Not directly," King replied, shaking his head. "But there's a city in Alabasta that still operates outside the kingdom's control. You know how it is—liberating a country doesn't mean everything falls into order overnight."
Elizabeth's gaze sharpened. "Are you saying remnants of Crocodile's resistance remain?"
King chuckled darkly, his honeyed eyes glinting with faint amusement. "Not quite. Even Crocodile and his lackeys couldn't tame that region. It's a haven for pirates with bounties exceeding 100 million berries. Even if Crocodile launched a full-scale assault on the area, he wouldn't have succeeded. There's one reason for that. Rumor has it... the Serpent's Sin resides there."
Elizabeth's expression softened, her silver hair catching the faint light as memories flooded her mind. Diane—her strength, her courage, and the lengths she went to for her friends. A smile tugged at her lips, and she whispered, "I'll finally see you again."
Meliodas's grin widened with excitement. "Well, this is an unexpected turn of events..."
But before he could finish, the sound of synchronized boots echoed through the alley, sharp and deliberate. All three turned their heads toward the source, where over twenty Alabasta soldiers appeared at the far end of the narrow passageway. Their leader stepped forward, his voice ringing out. "Target confirmed! The Sin of Sloth accompanied by a silver-haired girl and an unidentified male. Capture them all!"
The soldiers raised their rifles in unison, their polished barrels glinting faintly. "Do not move," the commander warned, his voice cold. "If you resist, we will shoot."
King sighed, "What's the plan?" he asked, glancing at his companions.
Elizabeth didn't hesitate. She broke into a sprint, her voice calm but urgent. "This will only get worse if Meliodas's hood comes off!"
Meliodas followed immediately, keeping pace beside her. King, still floating lazily, scratched the back of his head before leaping from his cushion. "Well, this escalated quickly," he muttered, his voice heavy with sarcasm.
The soldiers opened fire. The sharp crack of gunshots echoed through the alley, but King flicked his fingers lazily. His green cushion expanded rapidly, forming an impenetrable barrier that absorbed the bullets effortlessly, like a living wall. The soldiers froze, momentarily stunned by the display.
As they reached the end of the alley, the trio skidded to a halt. Three Marine officers blocked their path, their swords drawn, and behind them loomed a tall figure—a Vice Admiral. His presence radiated authority, and his sharp eyes scanned the group quickly. But when his gaze landed on Elizabeth, something shifted. His composure cracked, and without a word, he turned and bolted, abandoning his men.
Elizabeth blinked in confusion. "What just happened?"
King frowned, his brow furrowed. "Strange..."
But Meliodas's expression darkened, his emerald eyes blazing with anger. "We must not allow him to escape!" His voice was low and dangerous.
The Marine officers hesitated, their grips on their swords faltering. Before they could react, Meliodas launched himself into the air. His movements were a blur as he delivered a spinning kick to the heads of two officers, slamming them into the wall with a sickening crack. The third barely had time to flinch before Meliodas's fist connected with his skull, sending him sprawling to the ground.
The market square erupted into chaos. Merchants and civilians screamed, scattering in every direction as panic took hold. In the midst of the pandemonium, the Vice Admiral pulled a small Den Den Mushi from his pocket, his hands trembling as he dialed. His thoughts raced. There's no point in fighting him. I won't stand a chance. That's exactly why I have to report this.
The snail-like device chirped as it connected. A cool voice answered on the other end. "What is it?"
It was Admiral Aokiji. The Vice Admiral's voice was shaky as he responded. "He's here! Near the main market, just in front of the palace square. The Dragon's Sin is after me!"
On the other side of the line, Aokiji, clad in his signature laid-back demeanor, was walking along the outskirts of the city with Vice Admiral Garp. His black hair swayed lightly in the warm desert breeze, the faint scent of sand and sun filling the air. Hearing the report, he stopped in his tracks, his expression hardening.
Garp, his muscular frame towering beside Aokiji, clenched his fist tightly. "Kuzan..." he began, his voice gruff. "Order the evacuation of the main city. We're not dealing with an ordinary fight here."
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