Chapter 390. Upheaval
The docks of Fun Streak Island buzzed with restless energy as rows of slaves quietly marched toward a large ship anchored by the bay.
Their steps were heavy, burdened not only by their chains but also by uncertainty. Heads bowed, eyes flickering with nervous anticipation, each of them carried the scars of a cruel past and the hesitant hope of an unknown future. Some whispered prayers under their breath, grateful to leave the hellish arena behind. Others looked over their shoulders with haunted expressions, unsure if what awaited them would be any better.
The ship before them—The White Pearl—gleamed like a silver beacon in the morning light, its arrays humming softly beneath its reinforced hull. A month ago, Tyler White had claimed ownership of a Level 3 Fishery which was almost destroyed after attacking a Dragon Boat. That zone now needed workers—managers, guards, builders, and laborers—and Tyler had decided to fill that gap using talent from the most unlikely source: the very arena where countless had fought for survival.
These slaves weren’t ordinary. Most were Master-level cultivators, and a select few had even reached Grandmaster level. Powerful individuals reduced to pawns—but not for long. Tyler had paid a hefty price to secure them, especially since he planned to start small businesses and outposts across various northern islands in the near future.
As the last of the slaves filed onto The White Pearl, Tyler stood at the end of the dock, overseeing the operation. He double-checked the manifests with Darla, who was coordinating from the deck, her clipboard held tight as she gave rapid orders to the crew.
Then, as if from nowhere, a squeaky, rhythmic sound echoed through the bustle.
Creek...squeak...creek...squeak...
A clown—decked in his usual outrageous attire, complete with checkered pants and a crooked smile painted too wide—rode toward the ship on a unicycle. His hat had bells that jingled with every spin. In one fluid motion, he tossed something through the air toward Tyler.
Tyler caught it instinctively.
It was a playing card—an Ace of Spades.
Immediately, a mental voice echoed in Tyler’s mind through a telepathic link. The tone was low, clear, and—unusually—devoid of humor.