Settsetse! The Pirate Nemesis

Other places aren't impassable, but one side is the calm zone of the Grand Line, and the other side is a completely opposite ocean current. It's possible to go, but the time and effort required are disproportionate, and the area is riddled with reefs; a slight misstep could result in shipwreck and loss of life.

In this situation, Sett's City effectively controls the flow of people throughout the West Sea from the very beginning. For Sett, Sett's City no longer needs quiet development, nor does it need to build high walls, stockpile resources, or delay its rise to power. It's simply a matter of one thing: winner takes all.

What's the point of making deals with the World Government? Since they possess the power, resources, and technology, they should convert them into tangible wealth to continuously solidify their foundation. In this situation, Sett doesn't care about the conflict between the World Government and the Revolutionary Army—they're all clients, as long as it doesn't affect his independent status, that's all that matters.

Even so, at this point in time, the Revolutionary Army is ultimately a clandestine underground organization—and there are many such organizations on the seas. Various arms dealings, mercenaries, and other shady businesses all operate through the dark world. Sett doesn't intend to completely eradicate the dark world on his territory. Not because it's impossible, but because it's not worth it.

Rather than a futile and wasteful slashing, Sett became the one to set rules for the underworld... just like now, at least in Sett City, things like human trafficking are absolutely impossible.

They did not enter any port. When they were still some distance from Armor City, Dragon commanded the sailors around him to remove the buoyancy bags located at the bottom of the ship. Relying on the pressure-controlling ability of the coated warship itself, the Revolutionary Army fleet quickly sank to the bottom of the sea without the buoyancy bags. After adjusting various parameters, they rode the underwater currents and sped towards Antuo Island.

At the bottom of Skull Castle lies an underwater canyon, its center connecting to the Uncharted Mountains behind the castle. For those unfamiliar with the area, navigating this route is fraught with danger, but for sailors traversing the Grand Line and the New World, this level of voyage is merely basic skill. After about ten minutes of travel, the Revolutionary Army's warship finally emerged from the water. The vast ocean that had initially opened to them was now a completely different sight.

We've arrived at Grimy Hands Harbor!

The voice of the Ivankov came from the side, to which Dragon nodded silently. Covered in a black robe, he looked out—the area was called Dirty Hands Harbor because of the abundant seabed silt; after each voyage, the sailors would be covered in filth and reek of foul odors when they lowered anchor. Over time, it became known as Dirty Hands Harbor. As a gathering place for all sorts of people in Armor City, the name Dirty Hands Harbor certainly lived up to its nickname.

Dirty Hands Harbor is only a small part of Zaun. But even in this small part, the harbor is filled with all sorts of ships. Not just the Revolutionary Army, but even quite a few pirate ships are there. Among them, Dragon even saw warships bearing the names of the Pirate Emperors of the New World—Sett always keeps his doors open for business as long as they don't do anything illegal or disorderly.

Zaun is essentially a city built within a massive canyon. The central canyon is filled with deep seawater, and above it, lush, verdant trees allow only a few rays of sunlight to penetrate. On the canyon walls, Zaun's workers have completed their fortifications. Layer upon layer, various shops are situated within, their colorful neon lights stimulating the senses. If the commercial district of City of the Arms is incredibly prosperous, then this place is permeated with an atmosphere of decadence. The faint stench of deep seawater mixed with seabed silt wafts from warships leaping out of the water. Arms dealers, intelligence brokers, mafia members, pirates, independent governments, and rebels mingle shoulder to shoulder, countless in number, all entrenched in the underworld.

"Sett has really built up Sett's city." Seeing this, Dragon remarked with some emotion. When they first met in the East Blue, he had initially thought Sett was just a powerful lone bounty hunter. But after some time, Sett had become the world's largest black market boss outside the Grand Line.

"Ah."

Upon hearing the dragon's words, Bartholomew Bear, who was holding a book nearby, nodded sullenly.

Because of the abolition of the Seven Warlords system, Bartholomew Kuma in this world did not choose to become an undercover agent and join the Navy as a Warlord. Instead, he continues to travel the world with Dragon, constantly seeking new opportunities to strengthen the Revolutionary Army.

"Very sensitive to data," said Big Bear, standing nearby. "Ignoring the industrial and commercial districts of Zaun, and only considering the underground city, Zaun's revenue from brokerage alone guarantees over 20 billion every month. And this revenue is constantly increasing. Intelligence indicates that whenever an armed conflict or war breaks out in another city, one or more batches of weapons pass through Zaun..."

"Sounds like a warmonger..." Upon hearing Kuma's intelligence, Ivankov frowned uneasyly. As a member of the Revolutionary Army, Ivankov knew very well what Sett's power represented in this world. For the Revolutionary Army, the primary enemy was the World Government, and secondary enemies were warmongers and powerful pirates. If Sett was also a warmonger, it was definitely not good news for the Revolutionary Army. After all, Sett's terrifying power was undeniable.

"No, that's not it." Guessing what the Ivankov was thinking, Kuma said, "According to my investigation, Armstrong City did not participate in the initiation of the war. Most of the time, it just provided a venue for transactions... Although the venue fee and entrance fee in Zaun are not cheap, because Sett is in charge, the trading partners, whether it is the World Government or those great pirates, will not have any follow-up troubles. The only problem is that the fee is relatively expensive, reaching an astonishing 20% ​​of the price."

"Ten percent?!" Even Long exclaimed in surprise, his eyes widening. "Doesn't that mean we have to pay an extra fifth of the money to Wanhao City? Other places only charge one-twentieth!"

"That's the confidence of Arm City." Big Bear, standing to the side, wasn't surprised at all by Dragon's words—other black markets at most offered a 1/30 commission for brokerage and venue fees. Under such circumstances, Arm City's 2/10 commission was practically unique in the world.

"The other districts of Sett are managed by people like Fujitora and Judge, who are either powerful or capable. But Zaun is different. It's managed by an old man from Sett named 'Pad.' Pad is said to have been with Sett since he first formed the Skullcrushers. Although his strength is average, he is very familiar with the rules of the underworld. However, based on my guess, Pad might just be a facade, and the real control over Zaun is probably held by a woman named 'Robin.'"

"Robin... that survivor of Ohara?"

“Yes.” In response to the dragon’s question, Big Bear nodded and said, “Based on my observation, Robin is very perceptive when it comes to intelligence. Zaun City now monitors more than 70% of the movements in the underworld, and the proportion is constantly increasing. Compared to cash income, intelligence may be the foundation for the establishment of Zaun City.”

"Then why would they pay this money?" Dragon still couldn't understand why those who controlled the resources would choose Armstrong City—because it was tantamount to giving Sett a large amount of money for nothing.

“Because Wanhao City can provide the best trading environment.” Big Bear repeated from the side: “Wanhao City can ensure the release of information, the transfer of goods, the transaction of money, and the safety of the client. Even the final step of money laundering and identity issues can be completed through the casino.”

As he spoke, Big Bear pointed to a small room in a corner of the third level of the Zaun cliff and said, "That's the World Government's shop, but most people don't know that... The World Government has a lot of stockpiled old equipment that they have nowhere to sell. Even the officials are afraid of being held accountable afterward, so they don't dare to act rashly. But after Zaun appeared, their sales channels opened up all at once... Even our soldiers, many of them use their weapons."

Hearing the bear's words, the dragon once again turned his gaze to Zaun before him, his eyes filled with shock—this was no ordinary city, but a colossal war machine. Through Zaun, the City of the Wrist could gain insight into the wars in every region of the world, and the causes of those wars.

"And Arms City won't participate, nor will it instigate..." Kuma sighed and said, "He's just providing a venue... including the World Government, they also need such a venue to wipe the World Government's fingerprints off weapons. — Grimy Hands Port is not just a simple black market entrance now, it's not an exaggeration to call it a war port."

Who can guarantee that those officials who secretly dump weapons did not have the approval of their superiors?

Hearing Kuma's words, Dragon shook his head speechlessly. He didn't say much more, but simply addressed the Revolutionary Army cadres beside him: "Let's go see Sett first... I never imagined that the bounty hunter I met by chance would now become the sole ruler of the underworld. But no matter what, we need to have a good talk... for a better tomorrow!"

269·Transaction

"Haha~ We meet again, Dragon!"

Sett waved to the arriving dragon with a cheerful smile, completely lacking the pomp and circumstance befitting a leader of the underworld.

Seeing this, the dragon beside him also smiled—he might not be sure about the others, but from the very first moment of contact, the dragon could clearly sense that Sett hadn't fallen into the same slumber as the Celestial Dragons because of the Dark World's machinations. Or perhaps, Sett was simply like that; if he respected someone, he respected them, and if he looked down on someone, no matter how much he gave, he would still look down on them.

"Long time no see. It's been more than three years since we parted ways at Frostmoon Dojo." The dragon's voice was filled with emotion as he said, "Back then, I thought you were just a powerful bounty hunter!"

"Haha, you haven't changed at all." Sett punched the dragon's chest and said, "I promised your old man I'd give you a shoe in the face next time I see you. But for the sake of our friendship, I'll save it for you this time!"

Upon hearing Sett mention his father, a look of mixed emotions and helplessness appeared on Dragon's face—in a sense, Dragon's decision to leave the Navy was inextricably linked to Garp. However, no matter how inextricably linked he was to Garp, it was undeniable that he had no way back now—or perhaps, when he embarked on this path, Dragon never considered turning back.

Thinking of this, Dragon's previously indifferent mood turned heavy. He followed Sett to the reception room, then asked with a serious expression, "Sett... what exactly is your view of our Revolutionary Army?"

"How should we look at it? Just look at it like this."

Hearing the dragon's words, Sett could more or less guess that the dragon's intentions weren't as simple as they seemed. But for Sett, it didn't matter—he was merely providing a platform in Zaun; even if Sett didn't earn this money, someone else would. Throwing the baby out with the bathwater wouldn't be wise; Sett still had a bunch of people to support.

Dragon was clearly dissatisfied with Sett's answer. Looking at Sett, his gaze was serious as he said, "I'm not joking... I want to know your true thoughts. We, the Revolutionary Army, are absolutely not like those independent governments or resistance forces. What we want is the truth about this world, and the truth about the people of this world..."

"The truth is meaningless." Sett interrupted the dragon with an indifferent expression, then covered the dragon's face and said, "You give me the feeling of a future guardian."

"Guardians of the Future?"

“That’s right,” Sett said casually. “We can’t protect the past, we can’t protect the present, so we can only protect the future.”

"No, Sett, the meaning of the Revolutionary Army is definitely not..."

"I have no interest in lecturing you with grand principles." Sett remained unmoved by the dragon's lofty ideals and grand pronouncements. He simply said casually, "In my opinion, you're no different from other independent governments. Your only advantage is that you help the weak resist. But have you considered this: this world is like this—individual strength can transcend the heavens. For ordinary people, the mere presence of giants, some over twenty meters tall, evokes fear and repulsion. Add to that the uncontrollable nature of Devil Fruits… you don't even have a proper barbell; you're just riding the coattails of the World Government's atrocities."

Sett wasn't a good politician, nor did he have the inclination to study politics. Although his formal education in his previous life wasn't particularly high, thanks to his literacy, Sett still understood some fundamental principles clearly:

"It's only because of the World Government's exorbitant taxes and the Celestial Dragons' atrocities that your so-called Revolutionary Army has some room to maneuver. Find the truth of history? Uncover the true face of the World Government? Don't be ridiculous, what ordinary person cares about these things?"

Sett's face was full of casualness: "What is your platform? What is your core ideology? Hmm? Can you tell me? Or is it just about finding the mistakes of the World Government and overthrowing it? And after that, what will you do? In my opinion, you are nothing more than another cycle of history. You haven't even found the basic social contradictions. Even if you succeed, you won't solve any problems."

While Sett wasn't certain about the others, one thing was certain—an army lacking even a basic program, discipline, and ideology, relying solely on passion and ideals, had absolutely no future. It's estimated that the World Government wouldn't even need to intervene; once the Revolutionary Army's power and territory expanded further, it would begin to decay due to internal problems.

Of course, these aren't entirely certain things... After all, this world is one where individual strength transcends the heavens. If we're really talking about it, a few superhuman heroes might actually be able to withstand the pressure and overturn the World Government... But even so, Sett still doesn't have high hopes. Some things are never just a matter for one person.

Upon hearing Sett's words, Dragon opened his mouth, but ultimately frowned and fell silent—indeed. Before arriving at Sett's Castle to meet him, Revolutionary Army spies had infiltrated the castle. According to their reports, the residents of Sett's Castle viewed the Revolutionary Army and the World Government with little difference—it was simply a dog-eat-dog situation. Whatever happened outside was irrelevant to them; none of them were as powerful as Sett.

Before this, Dragon believed that Sett's power gave them a sense of security. However, upon closer reflection, the most important reason they were indifferent to the Revolutionary Army was clearly their way of life—in Sett City, as long as one was willing to work, everyone could live comfortably in any job within Sett City. In this context, for the people of Sett City, both the World Government and the Revolutionary Army were, in essence, organizations without a program, discipline, or ideology—a complete lack of purpose.

Under these circumstances, joining the revolutionary army? Spreading their ideology? Are you out of your mind?

"I have no interest in getting involved in your struggle with the World Government," Sett said, shrugging. "I dislike the World Government, and your words have no principles or ideas that can sway me."

Seeing this, Dragon seemed to want to say something more, but the words caught in his throat. Looking at the group before him, he didn't frown, but resolved to understand the Revolutionary Army's true purpose after leaving… Before, Dragon had only chosen to establish the Revolutionary Army out of dissatisfaction with the World Government's complacency. But now, even after a brief discussion, Dragon had somewhat grasped the hidden meaning in Sett's words… The meaning of revolution wasn't simply about overthrowing the World Government.

Or perhaps, overthrowing the World Government was merely a stage in this process… Understanding this, Dragon also realized the root of his problem. At least, he wouldn't try to gain Sett's support again until he was fully prepared.

"In that case...a normal transaction should be fine, right?"

"No problem~" Sett nodded in satisfaction upon hearing that the dragon wasn't dwelling on the matter—it seemed he hadn't misjudged the dragon after all. If the dragon had continued to insist on the issue and tried to convince him, Sett would have had to re-evaluate his relationship with the dragon.

"Whether you're from the Revolutionary Army, the World Government, or pirates, I'm just providing a platform. Food, weapons, medicine... have your money ready, and you can make your requests. Who knows, maybe the World Government will even do business with you then!"

Hearing this, and recalling what Xiong had just said about the terrifying influence of Zaun City in the underworld, Long was still filled with a deep sense of awe...

"Speaking of which, I can recommend something good to you."

As he said this, Sett seemed to remember something and took out a Hextech crystal shard: "The key to the future world."

It wasn't Sett showing off, but simply that Hextech research required a massive, massive, and extremely massive amount of money. Previously, relying solely on scholars for research wasn't a major problem, but with the reverse engineering of the Azure Wolf Mech, the results were increasing. Similarly, the number of research papers proposing to translate these results into practical benefits was also increasing. It could be said that this was a technological explosion unique to Sett's City.

It would be undesirable to let a technological explosion be delayed due to funding issues—in addition, having the sole source of Hextech crystal production, it would be too short-sighted to merely monopolize one city.

Gazing at the shimmering crystal radiating arcane energy, the dragon's eyes were deeply moved—before this, the dragon had already heard about Hextech crystals and various urban legends surrounding Piltover.

It's worth mentioning that the existence of Zaun is also an urban legend in the City of the Wrist. There are stories about it being built in the deep sea, deep in the mountains, underground, and so on. Because there are so many different kinds of legends, most people just listen to them as legends…

"Want to use it? Sure. But there's one condition: a specialist from the City of Arms must be present when using Hextech Crystals, and all results must be shared unilaterally with the scholars of Piltover."

Sett said casually, "Of course, based on the confidentiality agreement, I will not reveal a single word to other forces, and I will absolutely not deduct a single penny of the patent fees!"

Upon hearing this, Long, who was standing to the side, gave a helpless wry smile: "You mean, you want all the scholars in the world to work for you?"

"There's nothing we can do about it; that's how monopolies are."

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The plot of this book has already reached its later stages. After all, it's a single-world fanfiction, and once the word count exceeds one million, it tends to become quite drawn out...

270·Brutal Suppression

It's not just organizations like the World Government that need Zaun to erase their fingerprints. Sett also needs Zaun to deliver Hextech Crystals to every ambitious individual... even though everyone knows these crystals originated from Sett. But with Zaun's cover, at least they avoid the hassle of public accusations. Whatever problems arise, they can simply dump them at Grimy Hand Harbor and be done with it.

Haiyuan Calendar, 1514.

After four years of meticulous reverse engineering, Judge's team of scholars successfully developed the Hextech Gate by reverse engineering the Inspiration Rune Forge, one of the core components of the Azure Wolf Mech. With this, Sett City truly became a world port. And with the Coordinate Tower, the time required for round-the-world travel was reduced to less than a day.

The following year, having tasted the benefits of Hextech Gates, the Grand Line Paradise, through the Kingdom of Baro, occupied by the great pirate Jackal Abel who came from the New World to the first half of the Grand Line after the Mary Geoise massacre, declared actual ownership of the Hextech Gate coordinate tower in their country, illegally imprisoned all the staff inside the coordinate tower, and sealed and confiscated the Hextech crystals inside for national ownership.

Since Sett ended his journey and returned to Armor City from the Grand Line, this was the first time anyone had attempted to challenge Armor City's authority. Immediately, tensions rose on the high seas, and all factions tacitly fell silent, observing Armor City's stance in quiet anticipation.

On that day, Armor City issued a declaration of annihilation against the Kingdom of Barrow. The following day, accompanied by reporters from the World Economic News Agency, the official press agency of Armor City, the Armor City Proverb Fleet set sail.

"Don't be afraid! It's just a few airships!!"

Looking at the news, Abel said with disdain, "If that damn Sett himself had come out, I would have gone back to the New World without a second thought. A few airships? So what if they dropped a few shells? They'd just kill a few civilians. By the time they got in, I'd already be out there with all these crystals!"

Upon hearing their leader's words, the other ministers and pirate officers in the palace burst into laughter—Sett's name still carried considerable weight on the high seas. However, pirates were a lawless bunch. Seeing that Armstrong Castle held the largest share of the underworld, it was impossible for no one to be tempted.

Pirates know nothing about governing a country. After occupying the Kingdom of Baro, in just two years, the once prosperous and wealthy kingdom was plunged into a state of widespread poverty and starvation. Initially, the engineers at Armor City didn't even consider building the Coordinate Tower there. It was only because of its excellent location that the site was chosen. The appearance of the Flying Gate did bring some relief to the impoverished Kingdom of Baro, but unfortunately, during this process, the pirates' wicked nature rekindled, and they decided to pull off one last big heist before leaving—stealing the Hextech Crystal, the core of the Coordinate Tower.

Sett was indeed not involved in the expedition this time, and in fact, none of his officers were present. Fujitora, the Twin Demons, Zeff, and even Enel... at least, the news reports only mentioned sending a ten-man Demacian Annihilation Squad, a two-hundred-man Demacian Escort Squad, and a Hextech Prophet warship.

There were rumors about Demacian soldiers on the high seas. However, their training had been clandestine until now, so people didn't have a precise idea of ​​their strength. The two hundred Demacian squires were sparring partners and reserves for the Demacian extermination squads. Twenty Demacian squires were assigned to assist one full-fledged Demacian warrior. To outsiders, they were just menial laborers helping to put on armor… well, to outsiders.

Flying at an altitude of 6,000 meters, the Proverb warship directly crossed the Red Line and the Calm Belt, heading straight towards the Kingdom of Baro. What would normally take half a year by sea, even with favorable currents, was reduced to a mere two days thanks to the Hextech Crystal Engine. It wasn't until the warship was directly overhead that the pirates realized—this was a misjudgment based on their limited understanding. In their minds, even with Hextech technology, it would take at least a month to reach the Kingdom of Baro. And now, before they even had a chance to loot the country's assets, the Armored City warship was already above them.

Following this were three consecutive war proclamations, generally advising civilians to stay at home and not to venture out, and to lie prostrate on the spot if they encountered soldiers. Soldiers of the kingdom who surrendered before battle would have their punishment reduced; those who surrendered during battle would be treated leniently; and those who surrendered at the end of the battle would be executed without exception.

However, the soldiers of the Kingdom of Baro didn't take these declarations of war seriously. Even the civilians were somewhat skeptical—firstly, because Abel's years of tyranny in the Kingdom of Baro still shone brightly; secondly, because Armstrong Castle had no officers accompanying them, only 210 soldiers… while the Kingdom of Baro's pirates numbered nearly 40,000… yes, 40,000. Besides Abel's original 3,000-strong pirate fleet, many young men had joined the army or pirate groups after occupying the country. In terms of numbers alone, Armstrong Castle was at a significant disadvantage.

"Everyone, check your equipment."

On the warship, three-meter-tall squad leader Urken coldly stared at the nine Demacian soldiers before him. As he spoke, Urken revealed teeth as sharp as daggers—to ensure he remained a sufficient threat even unarmed, Duncan had ground his teeth into sharp, shark-like shapes without affecting the enamel.

After completing the equipment check, Erken coldly said, "This is Demacia's first battle against the outside world, and also Demacia's first appearance before the world. If anyone causes any problems, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"Yes!"

Upon hearing their squad leader's words, the other nine soldiers didn't hesitate at all; even their voices were perfectly synchronized. As Demacia's first battle displayed to the world, the Annihilation Squad was arguably the strongest squad in the entire Demacian army. The order given to the Annihilation Squad was also very clear: no mercy, no forgiveness.

With a chorus of agreement, everyone donned their helmets at the squad leader's command. A sharp "click" rang out, and the iron curtain of armor fell away. All faces were concealed by masks, and the last vestiges of flesh were covered in steel. Fully equipped, the layers of half-ton armor made them appear nearly four meters tall.

Then, they entered the adjacent cabin one by one. At the commander's order, two hundred legendary plate-armored escort soldiers followed. Then, with a series of thuds, the hatches opened and closed, and the armored vehicles rapidly descended towards the ground.

"What is that?!"

The pirate soldiers who had been monitoring the Proverb warship in the sky were puzzled when they saw the small black dots rapidly descending from the ship. They initially thought they were bombs scattering and fleeing. However, as these black dots approached the ground, they suddenly emitted three jets of blazing flames to cushion the impact. Then, with a muffled sound, one after another, huge airdrop pods embedded themselves into the ground and buildings.