One piece: Without a system, I have to survive!

The massive tidal wave crashed down, swallowing the battlefield in an instant.

Water surged violently, sweeping away debris, unconscious pirates, and anything unlucky enough to be in its path.

I barely had time to react before the current slammed into me, dragging me under.

For a few terrifying moments, all I could hear was the deafening roar of water. My body tumbled uncontrollably, salt stinging my eyes as I struggled to find the surface.

Then—

A hand grabbed my collar.

I was yanked upward with inhuman strength, my body breaking through the surface of the water.

I coughed, gasping for air.

And when I looked up—

I was staring into the cold, piercing eyes of Admiral Zephyr.

⚔🔥🔥🔥

He towered over me, gripping my collar with an iron grip. His expression was unreadable, his presence overwhelming.

Even without moving, his aura alone made it clear—

This was a monster in human form.

"Interesting," Zephyr muttered, his voice deep and calm. "You're the one who took down Bloodfang Krieg?"

I gritted my teeth, trying to break free, but his grip tightened.

I couldn't move.

Damn it.

Even at full strength, this guy would be way beyond my level. And right now, I was barely standing after my fight with Krieg.

This was bad.

Really, really bad.

💀🔥🔥🔥

"Ardan!"

Selene's voice cut through the chaos. She and the others were standing on the flooded docks, weapons drawn.

Shira looked tense, her eyes darting between me and Zephyr. "That's an Admiral…" she muttered, her fingers twitching near her katana.

Smoker was next to her, fists clenched. Even he looked uneasy.

Zephyr turned his gaze toward them. "Smoker. You're still wasting your time with these brats?"

Smoker's jaw tightened. "That's none of your business."

Zephyr let out a low chuckle before shifting his attention back to me.

"You're reckless, but you've got potential," he said. "I don't usually make offers, but… join the Marines. With your strength, you could become something greater."

What?

I blinked, caught off guard.

He wanted me to join the Marines?

⚔🔥🔥🔥

For a moment, the world seemed to slow down.

A choice lay before me.

Surrender and accept the Admiral's offer?Or fight and risk everything?

I already knew my answer.

I smirked. "Sorry, old man. I'm not the type to take orders."

Zephyr sighed. "Shame."

Then—

He swung his mechanical arm.

A split second before impact—

BOOM!

A powerful shockwave erupted as I dodged, flipping backward onto the dock.

The place where I had just been?

Completely obliterated.

Water exploded into the air, the dock shattering like glass.

Zephyr lowered his arm, still calm. "So you've chosen death, then."

I clenched my fists. Flames flickered around my body, my muscles aching from exhaustion.

This fight was impossible.

But if I had to go down—

I'd go down swinging.