One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 177: Ian Vs. The Spriggan 12

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The Alvarez Empire.

Within the Empire's council chamber, Ajeel Raml, the Desert King, spoke with a hint of excitement. "But he's just a mage from Ishgar. Is it really necessary to mobilize the entire Spriggan 12? I can handle this alone."

Invel shook his head, his expression grave. "Don't underestimate him. Serena is dead, and Dimaria is missing. To be honest, even with all the Spriggan 12 present, and the full might of the Alvarez Empire, I don't have absolute confidence in our victory. He's too dangerous."

The other members of the Spriggan 12 were taken aback by Invel's words. They knew he wasn't one to exaggerate.

Ajeel, slightly embarrassed, spread his hands. "Are you serious? What's so great about Ishgar? It only produced one God Serena."

Invel shrugged. "Unfortunately, it's not a joke. It's the truth."

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Then, with a determined air, the Spriggan 12 and a vast Imperial army marched towards the western coast.

Invel, his voice cold, addressed Ian. "Young man, state your purpose for coming to Alvarez! Otherwise, I doubt anyone here will let you leave alive."

Ian shrugged. "My purpose? I've already told you. I'm looking for Acnologia, and I'm curious about the Alvarez Empire that Zeref created. I thought I'd do a little sightseeing."

Zeref?

The Spriggan 12 were confused. Was he referring to their Emperor, Spriggan, as Zeref? Invel continued, "If you want to join the Spriggan 12, the Empire will welcome you. Our goal is also to deal with Acnologia." Some present thought Invel was insane, inviting their enemy to join them was practically letting a wolf into the fold.

But perhaps it was their only option. They could stall until His Majesty returned.

Then, neither this demon nor Acnologia would stand a chance. However, looking at the expectant faces around him, Ian simply uttered two words.

"I Refuse."

Such a blatant rejection made it clear that he intended to oppose the Empire. How could the Spriggan 12 let him go?

The palace was heavily guarded. Breaking through would be nearly impossible, especially with eight of the Spriggan 12 present.

He would likely be defeated before he even took a step out of the palace. Ian, however, remained unfazed. "I'm looking for Acnologia because I want to kill him. But it's not because I fear him, or because I want to join you. Your Emperor is also trying to avoid him. Finding your Emperor will likely lead me to the dragon. But I also sensed that Zeref has already left, hasn't he?"

The Spriggan 12 were stunned. This man was full of himself. Invel's voice turned icy. "Since that's the case, Prepare to die."

Ian scoffed. "You want to kill me?"

Invel stated, "Since you've refused our offer, the Empire cannot allow such a dangerous enemy to live. It's best to eliminate you now, before you can cause any harm to the Empire."

Ian burst into laughter, his voice filled with scorn. "Just you lot? What is your Emperor, Spriggan, anyway? I could crush him with you!"

"Don't think that defeating Serena makes you invincible. There are nine others here of the same caliber as Serena. You can't escape the Empire's grasp. Let me see what you're made of. If you're not up to par, then you die here."