The Abyss Rift harbors many powerful monsters, not just Charles, but also peculiar undead creatures that prefer to hunt at night. Of course, within this realm, Charles reigns supreme. Thus, no matter how chaotic the surface world becomes during the day, these creatures rarely emerge—it's their nature.

On both sides of the rift, numerous cave passages can be seen, with hordes of zombies crawling out, scaling the cliffs, and joining the fray. While most are obliterated in the chaos of war, a few manage to feast.

Suddenly, a shockwave descends, annihilating the nearby monsters. After the explosion, as Hesper rises from the ground, she is immediately assaulted by Eric and Bear.

Hesper is injured, not critically but significantly. Her burst phase is still active, so she must end the fight quickly. Crimson mist swirls around her as she unleashes a series of slashes.

The scarlet sword energy fills the narrow rift, forcing Eric and Bear to endure the onslaught. However, they soon realize Hesper's attacks have grown even fiercer. Bear, caught off guard, suffers a deep gash across his chest, revealing mechanical components beneath. The battle intensifies...

The three combatants clash with such force that the ground cracks and the rift widens. Completely engrossed in the fight, the outcome remains uncertain.

Unbeknownst to them, the true master of the Abyss has been lurking in one of the cave passages. Behind it, a horde of powerful monsters—horned demons, sirens, and bat-like undead creatures—crowd the tunnel, their wings flapping as they prepare to take flight. If the people of Randis or the Marines knew of this, they would be horrified.

"Retreat~" Charles, with its night vision, observes the battle outside the cave. Though not highly intelligent, it possesses enough cunning to understand the situation. Once terrified of seawater—a reaction ingrained by its Devil Fruit abilities—it has now bred a hybrid species that avoids water. These creatures, created from mutated zombies and humans infused with demon blood, are not exceptionally strong but can fly for a limited time upon command.

The reason the Abyss has not yet joined the war is Charles' foresight. It recognized the humans' ploy as a "fishing" tactic—trapping prey in a cage with a clear agenda. Unlike the mindless horned demons and common undead, Charles refuses to fall for such tricks.

Yet, it still craves the feast above. The surface is teeming with delicacies, a bounty it hasn't enjoyed in a long time. Humans have grown cunning, making them harder to hunt. But now, with so many gathered, including that detestable sword-wielding human, Charles sees an opportunity.

It creeps cautiously through the cave, careful not to alert its prey. Though the targets outside are formidable, Charles only needs to eliminate the one it despises most—the one whose aura resembles its own. Consuming her would make it even stronger.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!" Eric's finger gun pierces Hathaway's shoulder, leaving a bloody hole. In return, Hathaway's broken blade slashes across Eric's chest, cutting through flesh and breaking ribs. Kuma's laser misses, but his pressure cannon strikes Hathaway, though he too is sent flying by her Haki-infused crimson kick.

The brief exchange is fraught with peril. A single misstep could spell death for any of them.

After the clash, the three separate. Hathaway, facing the cave, focuses entirely on Eric and Kuma, her back exposed to the earthen wall. Unseen, a shadowy figure approaches.

"Die!" Eric and Kuma charge at Hathaway once more, but a sudden twist occurs.

"Splat!" Crimson blood spurts from Hathaway's abdomen as a demonic hand pierces through her. The sharp claws emerge from both sides of her body, attempting to slice her in half.

Hathaway, momentarily stunned, reacts with ferocity. She steps forward, freeing herself from the claws. Though her spine remains intact, the attack could have been fatal.

Turning swiftly, she slashes at the cave with her broken blade, unleashing a massive wave of sword energy that tears open the ground, revealing the horde of monsters hidden within.

"Now's our chance!" Eric sees Hathaway's exposed back and seizes the moment. Whatever caused the sudden attack has left her gravely injured. Her instinctive counter leaves her vulnerable, even if only for a second.

The outcome is decided! Eric will win this war!

"Rokushiki: Cannon King!" Eric channels all his power, using Soru to appear behind Hathaway. Though she senses him, she cannot react in time.

Is this the end?

Eric's face lights up with triumph, while Hathaway remains calm. Charles rises in the cave, its eyes gleaming with greed, savoring the impending spectacle.

Unnoticed, a patch of sand in the wall behind Kuma shifts, forming a human face. As it spots Eric's exposed back, it smiles and whispers, "Law."

"Buzz!" In an instant, a circular domain envelops the area, catching everyone off guard. Kuma pauses mid-attack.

"ROOM: Slaughterhouse." Law's fingers flick, and a rock behind Eric vanishes. In its place, a figure materializes.

Eric is stunned. As he focuses on attacking Hathaway, his own back is left wide open. Half-turning, he glimpses a figure he never expected to see—Shichibukai Crocodile!

"Time to go," Rosen says calmly.

(End of Chapter)

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