Chapter 21: The Depth of Ambition We Failed to Fathom （Second Version）

The room thickened with the [Emperor Engine]'s ominous thrum. [Dragon]'s composed facade cracked as tension coiled between them like live wire.

『Revolutionaries don't beg for alliances,』 [Dragon] thought, fingers tightening around his cloak's edge. 『Yet this man treats us like pawns.』

Sige's palms grew slick. The cursed heartbeat amplifier betrayed him again - its rhythmic pounding mirroring his rising panic. He remembered [KING]'s struggles in [One Punch Man], that perpetual impostor syndrome. But here, the stakes felt dangerously real.

『My ambitions?』 Sige forced his voice into [KING]'s trademark gravel. 『You mistake survival for ambition.』

[Dragon] noted the careful wording. 『Survival? From what?』

The bandit lord's scarred hands spread in mock innocence. 『The [Mountain Bandit King] title? Child's gossip.』 His lie flowed smoother than expected. 『[Great Mountain Bandit Era]? Meaningless drivel.』

A dangerous pause lingered. [Dragon]'s mind raced through possibilities - was this denial strategic? The Revolutionary leader had seen tyrants cloak conquests as "peacekeeping," but Sige's act felt...different.

This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

『Consider this,』 [Dragon] countered, leaning forward. 『If mountains replaced oceans as power's theater...』 His gloved finger traced the table's grain. 『If the [Red Line] became humanity's spine...』

Sige's teacup clattered. 『You think I plan to reshape continents?』

『Don't you?』

The [Emperor Engine] roared. Dust motes danced in sudden silence as both men measured the unspoken truth between them.

『Here.』 [Dragon] slid a pearlescent [Den Den Mushi] across the wood. 『When reality outpaces denials - call.』

Sige stared at the transmitter, recognizing his shrinking escape routes. 『Wait. The [Gray Terminal] burns tonight. Your people could—』

『We'll save civilians.』 [Dragon] stood, cloak swirling. 『But your war with destiny? Fight it alone.』

——

Mountain winds carried their heated debate downhill.

『The man's a coiled spring!』 [Emporio Ivankov] hissed, mascara bleeding from nervous sweat. 『First [Garp], now tectonic ambitions?』

[Bartholomew Kuma]'s Bible snapped shut. 『There's darker calculus.』 The former king's modulated voice dropped. 『Assassinate a [Celestial Dragon]. Force [Garp]'s hand.』

[Dragon] froze. Father's laughing face flashed behind his eyelids - that infuriating grin that survived marine battles and family betrayals.

『We don't dance to his tune.』 The Revolutionary leader turned toward the coast where [Garp]'s ship patrolled. 『Let the "Bandit King" learn what happens when legends collide.』