On the west side of God Valley, Gern prepared to retreat towards the Marine warship.
The Black Blade in his hand felt cold to the touch, its blade as dark as ink, faintly shimmering with a chilling gleam.
He lightly ran his fingertips over the edge, and with a thought, vibration particles covered it like flowing water; the blade perfectly absorbed them without any repulsion.
“As expected of one of the Supreme Grade Swords - Twelve Supreme Blades…” Gern muttered to himself, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.
He suddenly flicked his wrist.
“Swish!” A pure white vibration wave shot through the air, sweeping like a silver moon, precisely cutting through a distant boulder.
The rock silently split into two halves, and then, the residual vibrations permeated it, causing the entire giant rock to crumble with a boom, turning into countless tiny fragments scattered across the ground.
This was not a sword strike!
Gern knew very well that he had no talent for swordsmanship; this was merely another application of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit.
But even so, this blade could perfectly bear the power of the vibration, even making its power more concentrated.
Over the next period, Gern tried several more times; each swing was as natural as an extension of his arm, as if this blade was meant to belong to him.
However, looking at the exposed blade, Gern’s thoughts paused slightly.
This was Rocks’s relic.
If it were recognized, it might cause unnecessary trouble.
After a moment of silence, Gern took out the standard Marine medical kit from his waist and retrieved a roll of clean white bandage.
His fingers deftly moved, wrapping the bandage layer by layer until the blade was completely covered, with no sharp edge exposed.
“From now on, you shall be called ‘Eight Desolations’.”
Gern gently caressed the hilt, a slight smile playing on his lips.
“My exclusive blade… black blade eight desolations.”
As his words fell, Gern dropped the Marine rifle, looped the rifle strap onto the hilt, and with a flick of his wrist, the Black Blade rested steadily on his back.
…
On the outskirts of God Valley’s coast, the distant warships on the sea blared their horns loudly.
The battle was completely over; the World Government could not leave this island, so after handling everything, the Marine began an emergency evacuation…
Gern stumbled along the beach, like most people, his Marine uniform already tattered and covered in dust.
Only the long blade wrapped in white gauze on his back made him different from others.
“Hey! Someone over there!” A familiar voice came, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps.
Gern looked up and saw Chief Petty Officer Derrick approaching him with several Marine soldiers.
“You’re still alive…” Derrick was first stunned, then an exaggerated “ecstasy” appeared on his face; he rushed forward in a few strides and hugged Gern.
“Gern! You’re still alive! That’s great!” His voice was filled with “excitement,” even with a hint of a choke.
Gern was caught off guard by this sudden enthusiasm.
Because this Derrick was the “connection” he had used all his savings to exchange for support in the God Valley battle.
Although he didn't know why Derrick was so enthusiastic, Gern soon didn't think much of it, and a relieved smile appeared on his tired face.
“Warrant Officer, I made it… I survived.”
“It’s good that you’re alright. But, how can you truly be alright?” Derrick released him, gripping Gern’s shoulders tightly.
He looked him up and down, as if confirming whether he was completely unharmed.
He then ordered the other Marines to continue searching for others, while he himself would take care of Gern.
However, just as the other Marines left, Gern keenly noticed Derrick’s right hand, upon releasing him, subconsciously moved to the flintlock pistol at his waist.
“Was it a delusion?” For this Warrant Officer Derrick, Gern had no other emotions, but rather a hint of gratitude.
Although this guy was a bit greedy for money, at least after being paid, he genuinely did his job and sent him to God Island.
On the other side, Derrick’s gaze quickly shifted from Gern’s face and landed on the Black Blade on his back.
Although it was wrapped in white cloth and couldn't be fully seen, the exquisite hilt alone indicated that it was definitely a good item.
“This guy got a treasure.” Derrick’s pupils slightly constricted, and his heart rate quickened.
This blade must be a Celestial Dragons’ treasure, after all, the Celestial Dragons threw away many things when they retreated.
These things were enough to drive any Marine officer insane.
“This kid… not only didn’t die, but also got this level of spoils.” Derrick’s heart was churning with jealousy and greed.
“If he returns alive to West Blue, with his Merit from supporting God Island and the wealth obtained from this blade,
Although he would at most be promoted to a non-commissioned officer, he would eventually climb above me…”
Thinking of this, Derrick’s smile remained bright, but his eyes had already turned cold.
Gern, however, didn’t think so much. He absolutely could not reveal his abilities in front of others now.
After all, this was the Celestial Dragons’ hunting ground. If he, an ordinary Marine, suddenly gained Devil Fruit abilities after God Island,
What would the World Government think?!
It should be known that all six Devil Fruits given as rewards on God Island were snatched.
Although his own one should have formed naturally on God Island, but…
It’s best to return to West Blue first, then make up an excuse.
“Gern, are you injured? Come, I’ll help you back to the ship.” At this moment, seeing Gern not moving for a long time, Derrick feigned concern and reached out to help Gern.
Gern, who had reacted, shook his head, “No need, Warrant Officer, I can walk.”
“Is that so…” Derrick’s gaze fell on the Black Blade again, and he suddenly reached out to grab the hilt.
“Then… then this heavy blade, let me carry it for you.”
Gern instinctively dodged, and the Black Blade subtly vibrated on his back.
“No, really, Warrant Officer.” Gern’s voice was calm, but his eyes had become wary.
“There are other Marines who need help; let’s hurry back to the warship first.”
Derrick’s smile froze on his face, and the atmosphere instantly solidified.
“You’re right.” Derrick slowly withdrew his hand, the smile reappeared on his face, but his eyes were completely cold.
“Alright, since you’re fine, then let’s go back to the ship.”
Seeing Derrick respond, Gern didn’t bother to waste time and turned to leave directly.
Behind him, Derrick watched Gern’s retreating back, his smile instantly vanishing, replaced by a sinister expression.
Gern Reginald Sigma.
He had already investigated him—no father, no mother, no background, a Private Second Class in a regular West Blue branch, and the most ordinary kind.
He joined the Marine at ten as a grunt, and it took him four years in the corrupt West Blue to become a Private Second Class.
Furthermore, he never participated in any pirate suppression missions, even paying money to become logistics personnel.
Such a guy, even if he died on the battlefield, his survivor’s benefits would go to the unit.
And as the recommender, he could take all that money.
This was why he allowed Gern to come to God Island, but he didn’t expect this guy to survive and even get something good…