Because its jaws were suddenly slammed shut by Alex 's kick, the massive lion tragically bit its own tongue and let out a pained howl. The sting only enraged the beast more, intensifying its ferocity.

As Richie swung a huge paw at Alex, he dodged nimbly and rammed his head straight into the lion's skull. The impact left Richie reeling, letting out a disoriented, pained groan.

"Damn it!"

A red bruise bloomed on Alex's forehead from the collision, but he didn't pay it any mind. With his left hand, he gripped the fur on the stunned lion's neck and, with explosive force, performed a powerful over-the-shoulder throw.

Boom!

With just one arm, Alex slammed the enormous lion into the ground, hard enough to shake the earth and send up a cloud of dust. Richie lay sprawled on the ground, twitching slightly, completely incapacitated for the time being.

"Now it's your turn."

Alex shook his left hand, breathing heavily as he stepped toward Mohji, who had just managed to stagger to his feet. Mohji's legs were trembling beneath him.

Alex's steps were slow, yet unshakably steady. Despite his injuries, his will was unwavering. Blood dripped freely from his wounds, each step leaving a stark crimson footprint behind.

Mohji stared in disbelief, feeling a chill crawl down his spine. Terror widened his eyes and seized his body. It was as if some unimaginable force was paralyzing him in place.

What shocked Mohji the most was that earlier, Alex had seemed barely able to stand. But once in battle, he moved like a completely uninjured man—stable, unflinching, like a machine made for war.

His injuries weren't fake—anyone else would have collapsed long ago. But this man not only stayed standing, he defeated Richie like it was nothing. Was he even human?

Mohji opened his mouth, his throat dry. "How are you even still moving… you monster!"

"Sorry to disappoint," Alex said coldly, standing face to face with him now. "But I don't have the habit of collapsing before my enemy does."

His complexion looked paler than ever, but his eyes burned with a sharp clarity. He raised his left hand, ready to finish this.

"You're doing all this… just for a dog? Are you insane? Wait, don't tell me—you're with that straw hat brat?"

Mohji suddenly remembered the young man who had beaten him so badly before. Alex's current glare was eerily similar to that boy's.

Desperate, Mohji made one final plea. "You and that straw hat kid are together, aren't you?"

"Congratulations. You guessed right. We are. And I'll be visiting your captain next—knocking out the first mate seems like a solid warm-up." Alex's voice was cold, unyielding. "And that dog you're talking about… saved my life. So yes, I'm going to repay him. Isn't that the least I can do?"

Before Mohji could respond, Alex's fist crashed into his face.

"You and that stupid lion think it's fun bullying a dog that's braver than either of you?!"

Boom!

Mohji was launched straight into a nearby building, crashing through the wall and disappearing beneath the rubble. He didn't make another sound.

"Huff… huff…"

Alex staggered back a few steps, panting hard. His head spun from exhaustion. Then he turned to Snowy, who had run up to him.

"Let's go. Time to deal with that bastard Buggy."

"Woof! Woof!"

Snowy barked loudly, rubbing against Alex's leg. Its voice rang out, full of strength and resolve.

And so, the bloodied warrior and the faithful dog stepped forward together, one step at a time.

Behind them, Mohji struggled to rise from the debris. His face twisted in hatred—until that too faded, replaced by sheer dread.

He stared at Alex's retreating back. Every step the man took left behind a clean, dark red footprint in perfect rhythm. Yet his back remained perfectly straight, like someone who would never fall.

Captain Buggy… we've really pissed off something terrifying this time...

That was Mohji's final thought before he lost consciousness.

Above, the scorching sun cast long, stretching shadows across the wounded man and the white dog as they marched forward… slowly, purposefully, unyielding.

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