Rocks Band: I have 48 Imperial Arms.

Locke and Moria both fell silent, knowing that the Empress's words were not empty threats. If this attack succeeded, it would be a catastrophe for humanity.

The Empress looked at their expressions and continued, "I need your help to stop this attack. Your mission is to infiltrate this pirate group and thwart their plans."

Locke and Moria's eyes hardened; they decided to take on the mission.

The Empress looked at them and said calmly, "Alright, I will provide you with the necessary intelligence and equipment, but you must complete the mission within a month, or you will bear the consequences."

Locke and Moria both nodded, indicating that they accepted the Empress's mission.

The Empress looked at them and sneered, "Fine, you can leave now."

Locke and Moria turned and left the Empress's room to begin preparing for the mission.

A month later, Locke and Moria, dressed in black, infiltrated the pirate crew's base. They discovered that the pirate crew was extremely powerful and numerous, making their mission very difficult.

Locke and Moria decided to split up; Locke was responsible for destroying the pirate crew's equipment, while Moria was responsible for thwarting their plans.

Locke quietly entered the pirate crew's storage room and found a lot of weapons and equipment, which were the tools the pirate crew used for attacks.

Locke took action, using his abilities to destroy some weapons and equipment, thus preventing the pirate crew from launching an attack.

Moria infiltrated the pirate crew's command center and discovered that the pirate leaders were holding an important meeting, discussing how to carry out the attack.

Moria decided to use his abilities to control the souls of these pirate leaders and force them to abandon the attack.

Locke accomplished his mission, destroying the pirate crew's equipment and preventing them from launching an attack. Moria also successfully used his abilities to control the pirate leader's soul, causing them to abandon the attack.

Chapter 273: Going back on your word? Then let's fight!

Locke and Moria successfully completed their mission and returned to the World Government's base to report back to the Empress.

The Empress nodded in satisfaction upon hearing their report and expressed her gratitude to them.

However, at that moment, the Empress suddenly changed her attitude. She said with a cold smile, "I did not expect you to successfully stop that pirate group's attack."

Locke and Moria stared at the Empress in astonishment, wondering why she had suddenly changed her attitude.

The Empress continued, "In fact, I wanted 397 to use that pirate group's attack to achieve my goal."

Locke and Moria were both stunned; they couldn't believe the Empress's words. The Empress continued, "Your mission is simply to cover for me, allowing that pirate crew to carry out their attack smoothly. This is what I assigned you to achieve my goals."

Locke and Moria's faces turned grim; they felt they had been used. What was the Empress's purpose? They couldn't help but wonder.

The Empress looked at them and sneered, "You don't need to overthink it. My goal is simple: I need that pirate gang's attack to prove my strength and let the whole world know that I am the most powerful person."

Locke and Moria's eyes turned cold; they decided they would no longer be used and would stop the Empress's plot.

"Empress, you are too arrogant. Do you think you can control everything? We will not let you succeed!" Locke straightened his chest and challenged.

The Empress sneered, "You little pirates dare to challenge me? You're too naive."

"We are not insignificant pirates, we are the souls of justice, and we will not be intimidated by your power!" Moria's voice was also full of determination.

The Empress's expression turned very serious; she knew she was facing two extraordinary enemies.

"Fine, since you want to challenge me, then come on! I'll show you my strength!" The Empress's voice turned extremely cold.

Locke and Moria stopped talking and began to fight. Locke used his powers to attack the Empress.

Locke's ability is to control fire, and his attacks are extremely fierce. He unleashed bursts of flames, attacking the Empress.

The Empress was not to be outdone; her ability was to control lightning, and she unleashed bolts of lightning that collided with Locke's flames.

The two powerful forces canceled each other out, creating a fierce battle. Locke's attacks grew increasingly fierce, his flames intensified, and the Empress also continuously strengthened her own attacks.

Moria then used his abilities to control the surrounding shadows, diverting the Empress's attention. He launched an attack on the Empress, who could only devote some of her attention to responding.

Locke and Moria's attacks grew increasingly fierce, and their strength increased accordingly. The Empress felt herself beginning to struggle, and she began to retreat, trying to avoid Locke and Moria's attacks.

However, Locke and Moria did not let up; they continued to pursue the Empress, giving her no chance to catch her breath.

Chapter 274: Dalmesia!

The Empress exuded a powerful aura, and her eyes turned extremely cold, as if she wanted to destroy Locke and Moria together.

"You ignorant fools, how dare you challenge me, the Empress! I will make you pay the price!" The Empress's voice was cold and ruthless as she began to unleash even more powerful attacks.

Locke and Moria felt the pressure; they knew they were facing an extremely powerful enemy. However, they were not afraid; they believed in their own strength and that they could defeat the Empress.

Locke used his powers to control flames and launched an attack on the Empress. Moria, on the other hand, used his powers to control shadows and constantly disrupt the Empress's vision.

The Empress was not to be outdone; her power lay in controlling lightning. She unleashed bolts of lightning that clashed with Locke's flames. The two powerful forces canceled each other out, creating a fierce and intense scene.

Locke and Moria's attacks grew increasingly fierce, and their strength increased accordingly. The Empress felt herself beginning to struggle, and she began to retreat, trying to avoid Locke and Moria's attacks.

However, Locke and Moria did not let up; they relentlessly pursued the Empress, giving her no chance to catch her breath. The Empress sensed she was gradually falling behind and began to consider escape.

"Even if you win this time, you can't stop my plan!" the Empress shouted, activating her powers in an attempt to escape.

However, Locke and Moria did not let her go; they relentlessly pursued the Empress. As she fled, the Empress continuously unleashed attacks, attempting to halt Locke and Moria's pursuit.

The scene was incredibly tense. Locke and Moria's attacks grew increasingly fierce, while the Empress's defenses became more and more difficult. She began to feel her body couldn't hold on any longer—and she started thinking about escaping.

Just then, Locke and Moria suddenly encountered a naval vice admiral—Dalmesia.

"You pirates, how dare you rebel on the World Government's base? Are you courting death?" Dalmesia's voice was extremely cold as he launched an attack on Locke and Moria.

Locke and Moria begin to confront Dalmesia, who do not want to clash with the navy, but Dalmesia launches a relentless attack on them.

·· ······Requesting 0 flowers ······

“We’re not here to cause trouble; we’re just on a mission. We must stop the Empress’s plot and protect the world,” Locke explained to Dalmesia.

Locke and Moria were forced to halt their fight in the face of Dalmesia's attack. Locke looked at Dalmesia, trying to explain his actions.

... ......... .......

“Lieutenant General, we are not here to cause trouble. We are simply carrying out a mission to stop the Empress’s evil plans,” Locke said.

"Mission? What right do you pirates have to carry out missions?" Dalmesia's voice was full of disdain.

“We have our reasons. We will not allow the Empress to become a threat to this world,” Locke said.

"Empress? Who are you talking about?" Dalmesia frowned, clearly unfamiliar with the name Empress.

"The Empress of the World Government is plotting a terrible scheme, and we must stop her," Locke explained.

Chapter 275: The Threat of the World Government!

"Empress? Are you referring to Fushimi Masayo?" A hint of surprise flashed in Dalmesia's eyes.

“Yes, she is the one we need to stop,” Locke nodded.

“Fushimi Masayo? This is no easy task.” Dalmesia’s eyes were full of consideration.

“Lieutenant General, as you know, this is an urgent mission, and we must complete it as soon as possible,” Locke said.

“I know, but you must understand that you are on a World Government base, and this is illegal,” Dalmesia warned.

“We understand that, but we must stop the Empress’s plan; it is our responsibility,” Locke said firmly.

“Alright, I’ll think about it, but you must lay down your weapons. I can’t let you cause chaos here,” Dalmesia said.

Locke did not immediately lower his weapon; he stared at Dalmesia, warily awaiting his reaction.

Dalmesia did not adopt an offensive stance; instead, he seemed to be seriously considering Locke's words.

A few seconds later, he sighed and shook his head.

“You pirates always think you’re doing something righteous, but in reality you’re just breaking the law,” Dalmesia said.

"The laws of the World Government? Those laws only exist to protect their power and interests," Locke said coldly.

“You pirates always think you’re serving the people, but in reality you’re just pursuing your own interests,” Dalmesia retorted.

“Our goal is to stop the Empress’s plan and protect the peace of this world. Isn’t that serving the people?” Locke said.

“You think you can stop the Empress’s plans, but in reality you are just courting death,” Dalmesia said.

"We will do everything in our power, even at the risk of our lives, to stop the Empress's plan," Locke said firmly.

“Then you’d better be prepared to face the consequences,” Dalmesia said, and then launched his attack.

Locke did not back down; he brandished his weapon and engaged Dalmesia in fierce combat. Both were highly skilled, each attack brimming with power and speed...

In the fierce battle, Locke gradually found himself at a disadvantage. Dalmesia's strength far exceeded his expectations, and he even began to doubt whether they truly had the ability to stop the Empress's plans.

However, Locke did not give up; he knew he had to persevere.

If they fail, the entire world will face enormous danger.

The battle lasted for several hours, and both Locke and Dalmesia were exhausted.

Both were covered in wounds, but neither side gave up. Locke persevered through sheer willpower, while Dalmesia continued his offensive with sheer strength.

Suddenly, a huge black shadow appeared on the battlefield.

Locke and Dalmesia both stopped what they were doing, stunned by the dark figure.

This dark figure is Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, possessing astonishing strength and power. Kaido bypassed the Navy's blockade and arrived here to help Locke.

"Rock, do you need help?" Kaido asked.