https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1117-Sacred-and-Luminous-Great-Mission-/13541384/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1119-They-Are-the-Bottomless-Abyss/13541386/
Chapter 1118: Radiant Splendor
Chapter 1118: Radiant Splendor
After entering the main entrance, Kuro saw a wide hall. Within the hall, several cylindrical archways were separated by towering pillars, each archway bearing a plaque that seemed to display names of places.
York explained, "This is the passage leading to the underground train system. Each archway connects to a dedicated train route spreading across Dominica. Our destination is the royal capital—Doveridge Royal City. Please proceed this way."
York led the group into the archway marked "Doveridge Royal City", with others following closely behind. However, whether intentionally or not, everyone maintained a distance of about one meter from him, with Kuro at the front keeping the same gap.
Kuro couldn't quite explain it, but his instincts warned him to avoid getting too close to this fat man.
Inside the cylindrical archway twisted a transparent tube filled with stairs. The scenery outside was mesmerizing—the jet-black surroundings dotted with unknown sources of shimmering light, flashing like stars scattered across the night sky.
Descending the stairs revealed a straight cylindrical tunnel plunging into darkness, with a long, shuttle-shaped train positioned at the center.
York and Harvey stood at the rear entrance of the train. With a grin, York declared, "This is my grand recommendation—the masterpiece of Dominica, a must-see for countless travelers. Welcome to Dominica's underground train, or as you might prefer to call it… the Starlight Express!"
Klah adjusted his glasses. "Starlight Express... So this is the Starlight Express."
While researching Dominica's records, he had skipped over this detail as unimportant. Back then, he only saw it referred to as the "underground train."
The Starlight Express, however, was something Klah had heard of—a unique scenic marvel in the Grand Line's first half. He never imagined the two would be the same.
York spun his hand in midair and performed a flashy bow. "Please, board the train and experience the complete Starlight journey. I guarantee it will leave you thoroughly impressed!"
The group boarded the train, still maintaining their one-meter distance from York. The train slowly started moving, heading toward its destination.
This shuttle-shaped train was remarkably fast within the translucent tube, its speed surpassing even the average Marine trains. Outside, the dark surroundings sparkled with countless glimmers of light. At this high velocity, the lights appeared as trailing beams—flashing, vanishing, and reappearing in a dazzling rhythm that captivated the eyes of the watching Navy officers.
However, the senior Navy officers at the front wore grave expressions.
Borsalino bit his cigar, his face serious. "Is this really—"
"Hmph!" Doflamingo scoffed coldly, his scarred face looking even more sinister under the dim lighting.
Kas and Wilbur’s faces flushed with anger, their fists clenched as they remained silent.
Klah adjusted his glasses, the lenses reflecting an unknown cold light.
Lida silently took a bite of a donut from her shoulder bag, chewing with a lack of expression.
"Incredible..."
Kuro exhaled a puff of smoke, his eyes fixed on the flickering starlight outside. Gritting his teeth, he muttered, "Truly a grand spectacle."
"Oh? Why do you say that, Golden Lion Admiral?"
York chuckled and began stepping forward to listen more closely.
"Stay where you are!"
Klah interrupted sharply, "Who gave you permission to approach?!"
"Alright, alright", York raised his hands and shrugged. "I simply wanted to draw closer to clarify the Golden Lion Admiral's confusion."
"No need. I have no confusion. I merely think you've done an excellent job. You've mastered the game with people so thoroughly—how could you possibly fail to grow rich?" Kuro said slowly.
But his tone was unmistakably bitter.
Outside, the starlight spectacle initially went unnoticed by Kuro and his group. However, once aboard the train, the high-speed movement forced them to focus harder to observe the scene clearly. At their power level, such dynamic vision at high speeds was natural.
Yet, when they truly paid attention, they discovered something shocking.
The starlight was not starlight at all.
It came from countless individuals in black clothing and masks, swinging jet-black pickaxes against mineral deposits. Each strike of pickaxe against stone emitted dazzling glimmers of light.
Surrounding them were thousands of workers hammering away in unison, erupting in radiant brilliance.
This was Dominica's "Starlight Express." Beneath its dazzling splendor lay a system eerily similar to the world nobles' "automatic walkway."
Truly...
"Unbelievable. What a masterpiece!" Kuro clenched his teeth, each word sharp with sarcasm.
He hadn't expected anyone else to dare pull off such a scheme besides the world nobles.
Now he understood why Dominica's King would rather give his money to him than use it to rescue the people of Kemorike—who had been bound and trapped by the King himself. The root of this injustice lay here.
"Yes indeed. The Starlight Express truly is incredible." York smiled brightly.
Harvey, standing nearby, opened his mouth but said nothing. He lowered his head, his expression tinged with quiet guilt.
After all, he was merely an administrative officer. His soul had long been sold to their King.
...
Inside the Palace of Doveridge Royal City.
"Have they departed already?"
From the throne deep within the grand hall, a figure opened his golden eyes. Under their glow, one could clearly see a newspaper clutched in his hand—
A newspaper announcing Kuro's appointment as Admiral.
"Actually, this body isn't bad either. If he ultimately refuses, perhaps I should keep it as a backup. To be honest, I've grown weary of living like this. Changing my way of life might not be so bad. What do you think?"
He murmured, whether to himself or to the shadows around him, it was unclear.
As his words faded, faint sounds stirred from the darkness.
From the shadows emerged pairs of glowing eyes.
"Your Majesty, rest assured."
A figure stepped forward from the darkness, kneeling before the throne with a piercing voice. "With the ability you've granted me, there is nothing beyond your reach. Anything you desire will certainly be yours!"
"Hahaha, I appreciate your loyalty. The personnel are already assembled. I only need one more—the strongest combat power."
Before the words from the throne finished, several discontented scoffs echoed from the shadows.
"Don't be unconvinced."
The figure on the throne chuckled lightly. "His combat record proves he is among the strongest in this world. Either his soul or his physical body must serve me. With him, I will finally see what the world's greatest throne truly looks like."
(End of Chapter)
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