22 Chapter 21 (1/2)

While moving towards the Royal Palace, we encountered a couple of problems on the way. One of them being the civilians that were still in the capital, while the other being Ahmya. The closer we got to the palace, the harder it got for her to keep herself sane. Halfway there, Ahmya fell on her knees, while clutching her head and screaming. Sanji being the gentleman he is, offered to take her out of the capital and keep her save, while we deal with whoever is causing this.

Just in case, I had asked everyone from my crew, if they are feeling the same thing like Ahmya, but they all stated they have no problem whatsoever, and that they feel nothing.

When we reached the palace, we found a man standing right in front of the palace gates. He was taller than me, probably around two meters and twenty centimeters tall, and was wearing a golden crown. The man had a very sharp looking face and looked middle-aged, but his hair was already halfway grey. Looking at his expression, he is the only one who didn't have a mad look but looked extremely scared on the other hand.

”We don't know why you've come here or why you are causing us so much trouble, but We beg you, please hand us the Jolderik lady. We desperately need to sacrifice her to the Sacred Beast. Otherwise, the whole kingdom will be in danger. Please, We beg of you to hand her over.” The king was fidgeting while talking and was looking back towards the Royal Palace.

”I have done nothing wrong, so why?” Aisha was barely able to hold her tears, while she asked.

”You have done nothing wrong, but We need you to be sacrificed, to protect the kingdom and the citizens. We don't have a choice on this matter.” Initially, I believed the King is the one responsible for this, but it seems there is something more to it.

”Where is this Sacred Beast you are speaking off, and why is it so important to offer a sacrifice to him. If I don't like your answer, I promise you there will be no Sacred Beast after today.” The King started sweating at my response.

”Please, We..” He wasn't able to continue, as a giant wolf dropped right next to him. The is around eight meters tall and eighteen meters long, with giant claws. He had pure black fur with red stripes, and his mouth was drooling while he was staring at Aisha.

”Dolphus, I see you have brought my offering. I need her prepared for tomorrow as my sacrifice.”The wolf spoke in an ominous voice, and he didn't stop looking at Aisha while talking.

”Wufwufwuf, I get so excited by just looking at her, but why are those fools not on their knees in my presence. Do they not know who I am?” The giant wolf finally turned his attention to us.

”You fucking fleabag can bark all you want, but you will not touch a hair on her body.” I couldn't sit still anymore, so I immediately went on the attack. I hit him with a Gomu-Gomu no Pistol, but that did absolutely nothing, the wolf didn't even flinch from my punch.

”A feisty one aren't you? No one has dared to attack me in the past fifty years. Nonetheless, you are suitable for my next sacrifices you smell so-so delicious, and I can already feel how much stronger I will become after eating you.” Seeing how my punch didn't do anything, everyone got into position and prepared to face him.

”You have no idea how long I have desired for another human with a Devil Fruit, and now two more have presented themselves to me. It has been forty years, since the last time. I'm getting so excited just by imagining how much stronger I will become, wufwufwuf.” He didn't take us seriously at all, judging by his posture and monologs.