The sound of dripping footsteps echoed through the vast palace hall.
Milim and her two companions strolled casually through the palace, their attitudes more akin to tourists on a leisurely walk than soldiers on an assassination mission.
"Where do you think those guys are hiding?" Milim hopped playfully at the front of the group, completely unbothered.
"This palace is huge, though," she added, looking up. The ceiling was easily over two hundred meters above them—an architectural feat that must have cost an absurd amount in time, money, and manpower.
"This isn't the time to be sightseeing," Veldora muttered sourly. "I was just at home gaming and got dragged here. I'm definitely gonna lose my rank again."
Veldora looked like his heart had shattered. He had finally clawed his way up to Silver rank in his game, and now it was all about to go down the drain.
Guy gave him a look that was equal parts pity and mockery. "Silver? That's what you're whining about?"
"You have no idea how hard it is to reach Silver! I trained for three months to master my lane mechanics. It was a grueling journey filled with pain and perseverance! What's your rank, huh? Don't say anything too embarrassing—it reflects badly on the title of Demon Lord!"
"Oh, just a humble 999-star King rank," Guy said with a sarcastic smile. "But yeah, I suppose I do bring shame to the title."
Veldora turned to stone on the spot. The sheer humiliation almost made him disintegrate.
While the two bickered (or rather, while Guy enjoyed himself thoroughly), an unfriendly voice interrupted their exchange.
"Ahem. Don't you think you're underestimating us a bit?"
Ahead of them, the Five Elders of the World Government sat in formation, radiating murderous intent so potent it seemed to physically weigh down the air around them.
"Leave these guys to us," Guy said breezily to Milim and Veldora, acting like he didn't even see the Elders.
"No worries!" Milim slapped her chest with confidence. "We won't let them bother you."
"Hmph! Don't underestimate me," grumbled a certain prideful dragon. "They're just a bunch of humans!"
"Honestly, I could just let you deal with them alone. Ants are only annoying in numbers," Guy murmured nonchalantly as he strolled forward, not even glancing at the Elders.
"Stop! This isn't a place someone like you can enter," barked the swordsman among the Elders, stepping forward and drawing his blade. The others all followed suit, ready for battle.
Guy ignored them completely and continued walking.
"Then die where you stand!" roared the swordsman, charging at Guy with blinding speed, leaving afterimages in his wake.
"Hey! Did you forget about me, punk?"
Before the Elder could even react, a fist appeared in front of his face. The next instant, he was launched backwards at even greater speed, crashing into a wall.
"Don't ignore me," Veldora sneered, drawing his fist back. He looked at the remaining Elders with a wicked grin before charging in.
The Elders' faces hardened. This guy was strong.
"Steel Body: MAX," shouted one of them, rushing to meet Veldora. His muscles tensed, and Armament Haki enveloped his entire body, turning him into a demonic juggernaut.
But reality hit hard—literally. The moment they clashed, the so-called Steel Body Elder vomited blood and was hurled dozens of meters back. The others were left speechless.
That man was supposed to be the strongest in body techniques, his Haki nearly unmatched. And yet, just one punch?
"Interesting," Veldora chuckled. "You really thought going head-to-head with me was a good idea? Must've skipped your meds this morning."
The swordsman Elder flew back into the scene using Moonwalk, while the bruised and bloodied "War Star" pulled himself to his feet. But their expressions were grim—they were clearly outmatched.
"Go!" one Elder barked, and they all charged together—but none of them tried to stop Guy anymore. It was obvious they were already struggling with two opponents. Adding a third was suicide.
And so the battle erupted.
But it was completely one-sided.
Milim and Veldora tore through them—one punch per Elder. Again and again, they were sent flying, only to stagger back up and charge again, only to be sent flying once more. Blood stained the floor, but they couldn't land a single meaningful blow.
The only "injury" they managed was a single strand of Milim's hair being sliced off by the swordsman Elder. His reward? A vicious beatdown that left him unconscious in a pool of blood.
Meanwhile, Guy had finally reached the end of the grand hall.
At the top of a raised platform, a lone figure stood, silently watching his approach.