One Piece: Starting in God Valley as a Slave

Under the watchful eyes of the scholars, Carl casually walked to the center of the library, one hand in his pocket. He looked up and scanned the countless books surrounding him, nodding slightly to himself as he murmured:

"Truly spectacular... The curse of knowledge..."

After speaking, Carl fell silent for a moment. With a flick of his wrist, the Dark Bible appeared in his hand. From its pages, endless darkness surged forth, forming a black curtain that engulfed all the books. When the darkness receded, the bookshelves stood empty.

All the books had been absorbed into the Dark Bible in Carl's hand.

The scholars, seeing their cherished books—their faith—vanish, grew frantic. One by one, they lunged at Carl, the professor, Clover, leading the charge. Without even turning his head, Carl lifted a finger.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

A series of explosions rang out. The scholars' bodies burst like balloons, and their blood pooled midair, forming a crimson stream that slowly merged into Carl's body.

After putting away the Dark Bible, Carl disappeared from the spot in a flash, leaving the Tree of Knowledge once again silent.

Outside the tree, Olvia was talking to Robin, recounting the things she had done over the years. The thought of escaping hadn't even crossed her mind. When speaking to Robin, Olvia only mentioned her archaeological endeavors, carefully avoiding any mention of sensitive topics.

As she spoke, Olvia occasionally glanced toward the Tree of Knowledge, her expression tense. Finally, she saw Carl emerge from the tree. Carl approached Olvia and gave Robin a faint smile.

But Robin suddenly asked, "You're the Marine Admiral Black Dragon, aren't you?"

Carl wasn't surprised by Robin's recognition. After all, Robin was a certified genius, and reading newspapers was hardly a challenge for her.

Carl bent down slightly, gently patting Robin on the head as he smiled.

"That's right. Are you afraid?"

Robin didn't answer, but her trembling body spoke volumes about the fear she felt. She already knew her mother was wanted by the World Government, which made Carl the person hunting her down.

Carl didn't press the matter. Seeing her fear, he withdrew his hand. Beside them, Olvia cautiously asked,

"Admiral Black Dragon, the people inside..."

Without looking at Olvia, Carl cast a glance at Robin and replied,

"I've sent them where they belong. What's the matter? Do you want to join them?"

Hearing this, Olvia's face turned deathly pale. She understood what Carl meant: the scholars inside had all been executed.

Though Clover had sent her away, guilt overwhelmed Olvia. The thought of ending her own life briefly crossed her mind. But as she looked at Robin and remembered her struggles over the years, she suppressed those thoughts.

Carl turned to the Tree of Knowledge, a thousand-year-old tree whose canopy covered the entire Ohara Island.

Woosh!

Flames ignited from Carl's back. Startled, Olvia quickly pulled Robin back. The next moment, towering flames erupted from Carl.

Under the intense heat, the Tree of Knowledge cracked and groaned, turning into a massive burning tree. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky.

The fire spread rapidly, consuming everything in its path. Except for Carl's location, the island was soon engulfed in a sea of flames.

Olvia could hear distant screams growing louder, but she didn't dare think about them. She covered Robin's ears, shielding her from the sounds.

Robin, however, stared blankly at the scene, feeling as though she were trapped in a nightmare. The only sanctuary she had ever known was now a blazing inferno.

"Purupuru..."

The sound of a Den Den Mushi rang from Carl's coat. He answered the call.

On the other end, Sakazuki stood at the bow of his ship, gazing at the now-burning Ohara. His voice was low:

"Carl, have you already taken action?"

"That's right."

"Should we turn back then?"

"Hold on. Wait for me to return to the warship."

"Understood."

Carl ended the call and grabbed Olvia with one hand. She held Robin tightly, and in the next instant, Carl spread his wings and soared into the sky.

By now, the warship was close to Ohara. Three minutes after ending the call, Carl landed on the deck where Sakazuki waited.

Borsalino had already left. Sakazuki glanced at Olvia and Robin, immediately recognizing Olvia from her wanted poster. His aura was menacing, causing Olvia to instinctively cling closer to Carl despite her fear of him.

Carl explained, "This woman's knowledge is valuable. I intend to take her to Mary Geoise, where she'll face proper punishment."

Sakazuki gave Carl a long, intense look. "Mary Geoise... So that's where your home is?"

Carl smiled faintly. "Looks like Borsalino has already told you. Yes, that's my home."

Sakazuki lowered his head in thought, then abruptly raised it again.

"Having someone like you in Mary Geoise is a blessing for justice."

Carl was momentarily stunned by Sakazuki's unexpected statement. Smiling, he clapped Sakazuki on the shoulder.

"Sakazuki, I appreciate your understanding. As for Ohara..."

Before Carl could finish, Sakazuki cut him off decisively:

"There's no issue! I would've done the same in your position!"

"Uh, I was going to say, you can open fire now..."

Carl had left Ohara standing so that Sakazuki and his crew could finish the job and claim the credit. After all, nothing screams victory like the roar of cannons.

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+185 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg