Chapter 3: Chapter 3 : “The Chains of Mortality”
Kael's gaze is fixed on the horizon, his purple, dragon-like eyes reflecting the faint glow of the rising sun. His expression is unreadable cold, stoic, and yet beneath the surface, a storm brews.
Kael standing at the edge of the desolate island, the dark sea stretching endlessly before him. Jagged rocks and blackened driftwood litter the shoreline, remnants of storms long past. The air is thick and salty, the distant roar of waves crashing against cliffs filling the silence.
Kael : "This island... it was my grave and my rebirth. But I won't rot here. I didn't come this far to die forgotten."
Kael makes his way down the rocky shore, his footsteps heavy but purposeful. The remnants of a small ship lie stranded on the beach, a vessel broken by the sea's wrath. It's weathered and damaged, but still intact enough to be salvaged.
He inspects the wreck, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. The mast is splintered, the sails tattered, but the hull remains intact. He runs his clawed hand over the wood, the faint purple glow of his newfound power flickering along his fingers.
Kael : "This will do. It's not much, but it's enough to get me out of here."
Using makeshift tools scavenged from the wreck and debris along the shore, Kael begins repairing the ship. His movements are mechanical, efficient, years of practical knowledge from his old life on Earth guiding his hands.
As the hours pass, the sun climbs higher, casting long shadows across the beach. Kael pauses in his work, wiping sweat from his brow as he stares out at the sea.
Kael : "What waits for me out there? A new world. A dangerous one. Full of people who don't know me, who don't fear me. Yet." Thought Kael
Kael : "This world gave me this curse, this power. But power is what I've always wanted, isn't it? A chance to take control. A chance to shape something... even if it's through fire and ash." Thought Kael
By late afternoon, the repairs are complete. The small ship, though battered, is ready to sail. Kael pushes it into the water, the waves lapping at his legs as he climbs aboard.
He hoists the makeshift sail, his eyes narrowing as the wind catches it, and the ship lurches forward. The island grows smaller behind him, its dark silhouette fading into the distance.
Standing at the helm, Kael stares ahead, the open sea calling to him. His expression hardens, determination etched into his features.
Out there is a world that needs to be torn apart. He will find its heart. He will break it. And in the chaos,He will carve his place in this world.
Kael's ship as it cuts through the waves. The storm clouds that seemed to linger over the island dissipate, replaced by a vast, endless sky. The sea stretches out in every direction, a realm of possibilities and destruction.
As the ship sails into the horizon, Kael stands tall, his dark silhouette outlined against the glowing sun.
He sailed for quite some time, not knowing the direction on where to go.
Kael : "Fuck… im stupid. In my moment of realization, I don't think of my location and where do i have to go" Think Kael is feeling stupid.
The sun dips low in the sky, casting shades of orange and crimson across the sea. Kael stands at the bow of his battered ship, his golden eyes scanning the endless ocean. Days have passed since he left the desolate island behind, and the solitude of the open sea has been suffocating.
Kael : " I'm so hungry..and thirsty, i don't remember when was the last time i consumed food and water" Though Kael felt his body weaken.
The wind carries the faint scent of land earthy, warm, alive. Kael's sharp senses pick up the distant sound of gulls, a welcome break in the monotony of the waves.
As the ship crests a wave, an island comes into view. It's a modest settlement nestled between cliffs and dense jungle. The coastline is dotted with wooden docks where fishing boats bob gently in the harbor. Smoke rises from chimneys, and the faint hum of life reaches Kael's ears, laughter, shouting, the sounds of a town bustling with activity.
Kael tightens his grip on the ship's wheel, his expression unreadable.
Kael : "Civilization…. Finally, Let's see what kind of world I've been dragged into."
The small ship glides toward the harbor, its creaking hull drawing the attention of a few dockworkers. They pause, watching the unfamiliar vessel with wary curiosity.
Kael steps onto the deck, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the worn wood. His tattered clothes and intense purple eyes make him look like someone who has walked through hell and emerged stronger for it.
A grizzled fisherman shouts from the dock, his voice rough but not unfriendly.
Fisherman: "Ahoy there! You lost, stranger? Don't see many ships like that around here."
Kael doesn't respond immediately. He ties the ship to the dock with practiced ease, then steps onto the solid ground. The sensation is strange, almost foreign, after days at sea. And he felt very hungry and thirsty.
Kael : "I'm looking for supplies... and answers." Answer Kael
The fisherman eyes him suspiciously, noting the scars on Kael's hands and the aura of quiet danger he exudes.
Fisherman: "You'll find supplies at the market up the hill. Answers... well, that depends on the questions."
Kael nods, his gaze drifting to the town beyond the docks. It's modest but lively, with narrow streets winding between wooden buildings. Vendors shout over each other, selling fresh fish, fruits, and trinkets. Children weave through the crowd, their laughter ringing out like a melody Kael hasn't heard in years.
As Kael walks through the bustling market, his presence draws stares. He towers over the townsfolk, his aura of power and mystery unsettling them. Some move aside instinctively, while others whisper among themselves.
Kael ignores them, his sharp eyes scanning the town. The simplicity of life here contrasts starkly with the chaos he envisions. Yet, a small part of him feels... alien. Out of place.
For a moment, Kael pauses near a fruit vendor. The elderly man behind the stall smiles at him warmly.
Vendor Man : "Care for an apple, stranger? Freshly picked this morning."
Kael stares at the fruit, his expression softening for the briefest of moments before he returns stone cold.
Kael : "I don't have any money in me"
Vendor Man : "Hmm,...i can tell son.. With the way you look.. You are not from around here aren't you? Asked the man.
Kael : "No ... .i was … stranded on an empty island … somewhere" answer Kael making up an excuse.
Vendor Man : " Really ?..... The only island I know that is closer to here is like a couple days away.. How did you get here son ? asked the vendor man surprised
Kael : "I used a repaired boat and sailed from the island… and somehow found this place" answer Kael
Vendor Man : "You are a very lucky son.. You are still alive… well, the business have been going good for the past month so i can give five apple to you for free"
Kael : " Thankyou…"
As Kael continues through the town, he overhears a heated argument between two men in a nearby alley. One of them, a burly man with a sword at his side, is demanding money from the other, a frail shopkeeper clutching a bag of coins.
Burly Man : "Pay up, old man. Protection ain't free."
The shopkeeper pleads, his voice trembling.
Shopkeeper: "Please, I've already given you everything I have this month. I can't…."
The burly man raises his fist, ready to strike, but before the blow lands, Kael steps forward.
Kael : "That's enough." Kael says coldly
The burly man turns, sneering at the newcomer.
Shopkeeper: "And who the hell are you?"
Kael doesn't answer. Instead, he steps closer, his towering figure casting a shadow over the man. The air grows heavy, a faint purple glow flickering in Kael's eyes.
The burly man hesitates, then backs off, muttering curses under his breath as he disappears into the crowd. The shopkeeper looks up at Kael, his eyes wide with gratitude.
Shopkeeper: "Thank you, young man. I don't know what I would've done….."
Kael : "Save your thanks. I didn't do it for you."
As the day fades into evening, Kael stands at the edge of the town, gazing out at the ocean once more. The faint sounds of the settlement behind him feel distant, almost unreal.
Kael : "This is just the beginning. I'll find out what this world has to offer... and I'll take it for myself." Thought Kael in his mind
With that, Kael turns and begins walking toward the town's outskirts, his mind already focused on the path ahead. The world is vast, and his conquest has only just begun.
The night settles over the bustling island town, bringing with it the sounds of revelry from the local tavern, The Salty Fang.
A ramshackle building perched on the edge of the docks, its flickering lanterns cast long shadows across the cobblestone streets. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of ale, tobacco, and sweat. Pirates mingle in noisy clusters, their laughter and arguments blending into a chaotic symphony.
Kael steps through the doorway, his presence immediately commanding attention. The chatter quiets briefly as curious and wary eyes fall upon the imposing stranger. Dressed in tattered clothing and exuding an aura of restrained menace, Kael surveys the room with a cold, calculating gaze.
He walks to the bar, ignoring the murmurs and stares. The bartender, a grizzled man with a scar across his cheek, raises an eyebrow but says nothing as Kael places a few coins on the counter.
He got this coin from a local bandit who is harassing an elderly that he found this late afternoon. He follows the bandit and knocks him out in an alley before robbing him.. Realizing that he needs money.
Kael : "Water."
The bartender smirks but obliges, sliding a glass of water toward him.
As Kael takes a sip, the tavern door swings open with a loud creak, and the atmosphere shifts. A group of pirates saunters in, their leader, Captain Lyska, at the forefront. She's a tall, striking woman with fiery red hair and a cutlass hanging at her hip. Her presence is electric, the kind that demands attention.
The room erupts in cheers and greetings as Lyska strides toward the bar, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. When they land on Kael, her curiosity is piqued.
Lyska : "Well, well. What do we have here? A stranger who doesn't look like he belongs. Lost, are we?"
Kael doesn't respond immediately. He finishes his drink, sets the glass down, and turns to face her.
Kael : "Not lost. Just passing through."
Lyska chuckles, leaning against the bar.
Lyska : "Passing through, huh? Not many 'pass through' the Grand Line without a purpose. You got one?"
Kael's purple eyes meet hers, unblinking.
Kael : "That's none of your concern."
Lyska's crew bristles at the perceived slight, their hands drifting toward their weapons. She, however, raises a hand to stop them, a sly grin spreading across her face.
Lyska : "Bold. I like that. But you see, stranger, this is my island. And everyone on my island pays respect... or a price."
Kael's expression remains stoic, but there's a flicker of something dangerous in his eyes.
Kael : "I don't bow to anyone."
The tavern grows tense, the air heavy with the anticipation of violence. Lyska's grin fades, replaced by a cold, calculating stare.
Lyska : "Is that so? Then maybe you need a lesson in manners."
Without warning, one of Lyska's men lunges at Kael, a dagger flashing in the dim light. Kael moves like a predator, swift and precise. He sidesteps the attack, grabs the man's wrist, and slams him into the bar with enough force to crack the wood.
The room erupts into chaos as the rest of the crew draws their weapons. Kael stands his ground, his purple eyes glowing faintly with a dangerous light.
Kael : "You don't want this fight."
Lyska draws her cutlass, her grin returning.
Lyska : "Maybe I do."
She charges at him, her blade cutting through the air with deadly precision. Kael deflects her strikes with his movements fluid and almost effortless. The crowd watches in awe and fear as the two clash, their fight a blur of steel and power.
As the fight escalates, Kael's power begins to manifest. The faint purple glow of his dragon abilities flickers along his arms, and the air grows heavy with an unnatural energy.
Lyska pauses, her eyes narrowing.
Lyska : "You're not normal... are you?"
Kael smirks, his voice cold.
Kael : "Far from it."
The fight ends abruptly as Kael unleashes a small burst of energy, enough to send Lyska and her crew sprawling to the floor. The tavern falls silent, the patrons staring at Kael with a mix of awe and terror.
Kael doesn't need to draw attention to himself yet by killing a pirate. In fact, he needs people to spread his name.
Lyska pulls herself to her feet, bleeding from her mouth and breathing heavily but grinning nonetheless.
Lyska :" A Devil Fruit user huh" thought Lyska.
Lyska : "Alright, stranger. You've made your point. I like you. What's your name?"
Kael doesn't answer immediately. He turns toward the door, his back to the room.
Kael : "Kael Draymour." answer Kael
As he steps outside into the cool night air, the murmurs in the tavern grow louder. The name Kael Draymour begins to spread, whispered in awe and fear.
Lyska watches him go, a curious glint in her eye.
Lyska : "This world just got a lot more interesting."
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