The cage containing the little Jap was pushed to the edge of the thick fog.
Then, the monsters quickly ran away—afraid of being too slow and becoming sacrifices themselves.
This showed that the monsters weren't completely mindless; they knew fear.
It also proved that the creatures lurking in the thick fog were different from the ones in the city. Whether in terms of strength or status, they were likely much higher. Otherwise, why would the monsters be so terrified?
Ben speculated that the monsters in the thick fog belonged to the Moon God's family, while the ones in the city were merely the lowest-level believers.
Suddenly, a tentacle as thick as a bucket shot out from the thick fog, wrapped around the iron cage, and quickly dragged it away.
The cage disappeared into the mist, followed by the desperate screams of the little Jap.
The monsters remained indifferent and moved on to the next cage.
This time, the second cage contained Joe Root, Hales, and others.
Ben didn't hesitate any longer. After exchanging a glance with Leo, the two squeezed forward, ready to take action.
Leo's plan was clear: save the people first.
She understood that with the sheer number of monsters, she and Ben alone might not be enough. Saving others would increase their chances of survival.
Although Ben had demonstrated some of his strength in the tavern before, Leo still doubted that he was stronger than her.
So, she formulated a cautious approach.
Ben didn't think this level of precaution was necessary, but he respected her choice and agreed.
"Help! Please, someone save us! I don't want to die here!"
"Mom! Mom! I miss you so much..."
Inside the cage, Joe Root sobbed uncontrollably, begging for help in a panicked frenzy.
Ironically, he was the leader of his squad—yet, in the face of death, he crumbled the hardest.
His teammates were also terrified, but they weren't as embarrassing as him.
The best among them was Hales, who possessed the "Steel Colossus" bloodline.
Although his face was pale with fear, he remained calm, clenching his fists, ready to fight.
No matter what lurked in the thick fog, he refused to sit and wait for death.
Then, Hales' eyes widened as he noticed something.
Joe Root saw it too.
Leo had deliberately looked up, making eye contact with them—a signal for cooperation.
Unexpectedly, Joe Root, in his desperation, grabbed onto this hope like a drowning man reaching for a straw.
He didn't think about anything else.
He just fixated on Leo and screamed, "Leo, save me! Save—"
Before he could finish, Hales reacted quickly, clamping a hand over his mouth.
Instead of looking at Leo, Hales suddenly started singing:
"Don't worry about me..."
"My comrades..."
"It's more dangerous here than you think..."
"You have a more important mission..."
This was originally a battle hymn, sung by a general who died on the battlefield against extraterrestrial creatures.
But the lyrics were different.
Hales had deliberately altered them to send a message.
Leo was sharp—she understood immediately.
"More dangerous than you think?"
What was Hales warning her about?
Ben also caught on and was a little surprised.
"This kid... he's about to die, yet he's still thinking about others?"
"Not bad. That's the kind of character worth saving."
"Alright then, young man. Tonight, your life is mine to protect."
The cage was nearly at the edge of the fog.
Leo made her decision.
She whispered to Ben, "Something's off. Don't move yet—I'll test things out first."
Then, she rushed forward.
As she ran, she raised her hand.
A massive fireball formed in her palm, illuminating the surroundings.
This was her own skill, not just a mere imitation of Ace's "Fire Fist" from the original works.
Leo had eaten the Flare-Flare Fruit, giving her the power to create and control fire. But the way she used it? That was entirely up to her imagination.
"Arghh!!"
Several monsters pushing the cage were instantly set ablaze, their bodies twisting in agony as they let out beastly shrieks.
The sudden attack immediately alarmed all the surrounding creatures.
"Kill her!!"
A terrifying voice roared among the monsters.
Ben turned his head—it was the sheriff.
But he no longer looked human.
His face was now covered in spiderweb-like black markings, his features twisted with savagery, and his scarlet eyes gleamed with bloodlust.
A stark contrast to the kind face he wore during the day.
With his order, countless monsters charged at Leo.
Ben followed.
On purpose.
Leo was right—Hales' warning suggested something even more dangerous was lurking among the monsters.
So, Ben chose to stay hidden a bit longer.
He needed to observe.
And if Leo fell into danger, he'd step in immediately.
As the monsters swarmed toward her, Leo waved her hand.
A wall of fire, more than ten meters wide, erupted in front of her, cutting off their charge.
Logia-type Devil Fruits truly were powerful.
She had eaten the fruit less than a month ago, yet her strength already surpassed many of her peers.
"Leo, save me! Hurry!"
Inside the cage, Joe Root screamed, his voice trembling with excitement.
Hales, however, remained serious.
"Leo, get out of here!" he warned urgently. "If that Earl-class monster arrives, you won't be able to escape!"
Leo hesitated for only a second.
Then, she resumed her rescue efforts.
It wasn't that she was softhearted.
She simply knew that at this point, it was probably too late to flee.
The best option? Free these people so they could help her fight.
"Move aside!"
Leo shouted and grabbed the iron cage's lock.
Yes, the cage was locked.
The monsters had secured it to prevent their captives from escaping.
But Leo was prepared.
Flames erupted in her palm, and soon, the metal glowed red-hot.
As it showed signs of melting, she grabbed it and pulled.
Snap!
The lock broke.
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