After devouring Munro, Dæmon’s physical abilities improved in every aspect—strength, endurance, speed, and explosive power.
He felt as though he could defeat a hundred versions of his former self.
More importantly, Munro’s Observation Haki had also become Dæmon’s.
Unfortunately, the pirate had never learned Armament Haki.
Then again, he had been nothing more than a small fry with a bounty of fifty-five million Berries, so Dæmon was not particularly disappointed.
If one target did not possess what he needed, he would simply devour another.
“It’s time to deliver the wine.” After Dæmon left the basement, Cocke entered to clean up whatever remained.
However, when he found no trace of Munro, he froze in surprise.
He’s gone?
Cocke frowned deeply.
He had been standing guard outside the entire time, and the basement had no other exit.
There could be only one explanation.
“Was he eaten by Lord Dæmon?” Rather than feeling afraid, Cocke became excited.
A demon who devoured humans was exactly what a demon should be!
As long as Lord Dæmon remained with them, the survivors of the Kingdom of Tidal Echoes would eventually have their revenge against the Celestial Dragons.
…
On the top floor of the Skull Hotel was an enormous banquet hall.
By the time Dæmon arrived carrying two bottles of the Elixir of Immortality, the core members of the Rocks Pirates were already waiting.
“You’ve finally arrived, Dæmon.
We’ve been waiting for you!” Rocks laughed and rose to introduce him.
“Everyone, this is the newest member of our crew—Dæmon the Brewer!” Numerous scrutinizing gazes immediately settled on Dæmon.
Dæmon studied them in return.
Aside from Captain Rocks, fourteen core members were present.
Dæmon had already met half of them, but the remaining pirates were unfamiliar.
“So you’re the rumored newcomer?
I’m John.” A man with long, light-purple hair lounged on a sofa and greeted Dæmon while drinking from a large bottle.
He was clearly someone who loved alcohol.
Dæmon nodded before looking toward the others.
“My name is Ochoku.” “Ganzui.” “Don Marlon.” “I’m Kyo.
Most people call me Silver Axe.” “Just call me Barbel.
I’m fairly new here too.” “Gill Bastar,” the last man introduced himself.
“Rocks said you possessed some kind of miraculous wine.
Is that what you’re carrying?” Every person in the room was a notorious pirate whose face Dæmon had seen on a wanted poster.
The member with the lowest bounty was Kaido, who was still considered an apprentice.
Even his bounty had already reached five hundred million Berries—the same as Dæmon’s.
“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you.” Dæmon smiled politely before carrying the bottles to the long banquet table.
He selected seven glasses and filled them with the crimson Elixir of Immortality.
As the rich fragrance spread through the hall, everyone crowded around the table.
Rocks stared intently at the blood-red wine.
“So this is the Elixir of Immortality?” “This one is mine!” Linlin did not bother with courtesy.
She snatched up a glass and emptied it in one gulp.
Shiki was just as quick, grabbing another and immediately drinking it.
Whitebeard, Gloriosa, Stussy, and Streusen each took a glass as well.
“This flavor…
What incredible wine!” Streusen, the Gourmet Knight, had taken only a small sip when his eyes widened.
“Every cell in my body is leaping with joy!
This is a million times better than the wine at Shakky’s tavern!” Is it really that exaggerated?
Dæmon was somewhat curious.
Although he had created the wine, he had never tasted it himself.
Suddenly— Puchi!
A sharp blade pierced Streusen’s chest from behind.
Blood poured from the wound and stained his clothes.
“That hurts, you bastard!” Streusen spun around and glared furiously at his attacker.
Shiki pulled his sword free and watched as the spilled blood flowed backward.
The wound in Streusen’s chest rapidly closed until it disappeared completely.
“Jihahaha!
I was only testing the effect.” “If you wanted to test it, you should have stabbed yourself!” Streusen immediately drew his own blade.
“Enough, you two idiots,” Rocks snapped.
He was already accustomed to his crew fighting over the slightest disagreement.
They were a group of unruly and rebellious pirates.
Only while Rocks were present could they be kept under control.
Stussy and Gloriosa ignored the commotion and admired their eternally youthful reflections in their mirrors.
Whitebeard simply lowered his gaze toward his hands and slowly clenched his fists, quietly sensing the changes within his body.
The pirates who had not received any wine stared in astonishment.
Immortality!
Even a wound that pierced straight through the body could heal within seconds.
Their gazes soon focused on the final glass resting on the table.
However, none of them dared take it.
Rocks reached for the glass and drank the entire serving in one gulp.
“How does it feel?” Dæmon asked with a smile.
Seven powerful immortals had now been born.
To Dæmon, they were all valuable prey waiting to be harvested someday.
“Exactly as Streusen described it.
Every cell in my body is celebrating.” Rocks grinned as he sensed the changes within himself.
“Incredible, Dæmon!
You must be a genius to brew such wine from Devil Fruits!” Once the final glass was gone, the remaining pirates could no longer remain calm.
John sniffed the lingering aroma, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed.
He glanced at the ordinary liquor in his hand and suddenly found it tasteless.
“Dæmon, don’t you have any more?
We’re crewmates.
It isn’t fair to leave the rest of us out.” Ochoku’s eyes burned with equal desire.
“That’s right.
You should still have some left, shouldn’t you?” Dæmon chuckled.
“One glass costs one Devil Fruit.
As long as you bring me a fruit, you may drink as much as you can afford.” “A Devil Fruit?” Understanding flashed through Ganzui’s eyes.
“I see.
So that’s why you kidnapped the Celestial Dragons.” Rocks swept a cold gaze across the room.
“Anyone who wants the wine must prepare a Devil Fruit.
No one is permitted to harm Dæmon or force him to brew it.” His voice turned murderous.
“Anyone who disobeys will answer to me.” The captain’s order—or rather, his threat—was clearly effective.
Don Marlon lit a cigar and chuckled.
“No one here would be foolish enough to harm our brewer.
We may be pirates, but even pirates know how to treat someone who provides the alcohol.” He exhaled a cloud of smoke.
“It’s only a Devil Fruit.
We can always steal one.” “Then I wish all of you good luck,” Dæmon replied.
He was quite pleased with the result.
With this group collecting ingredients for him, acquiring Devil Fruits would be much faster than searching for them alone.
As if suddenly remembering something, Rocks turned toward Dæmon.
“Is the Elixir of Immortality effective on giants?” “It works on all living beings,” Dæmon answered with a nod.
“Giants are no exception.” “Really?
Excellent!” Rocks narrowed his eyes and rose from his seat.
“Come with me, Dæmon.
We’re going to Elbaf, the Kingdom of Giants!” Before Dæmon could ask why, Whitebeard explained.
“Rocks has wanted to recruit the Giant King for some time.
He probably plans to use the Elixir of Immortality to tempt Harald into joining.” Kaido scoffed.
“Why bother tempting him?
Just beat him until he submits.” Rocks immediately kicked him.
“Harald is my friend!
How many times do I have to warn you, Kaido?” Kaido glared back at him, clearly unconvinced and ready to fight at the slightest provocation.
Now that they were both immortal, what did he have to fear?
Linlin hurriedly stepped between them.
“Calm down, you two idiots!” …
At the same time that Rocks and the others obtained immortality, something was happening in Elbaf—the proud Kingdom of Warriors.
Inside the royal palace, Giant King Harald sat with a grim expression.
Even among giants, Harald’s size was extraordinary.
A Den Den Mushi rested before him, carrying the cold voices of the Five Elders.
“If you want Elbaf to become a member of the World Government…” “Then prove your loyalty, Harald.” “Kill Rocks!”