Vegapunk, a mysterious scientist, has used his numerous technologies far ahead of their time to create many unbelievable things.
Pacifistas, the human giantification experiment, creating the first artificial Devil Fruit, synthetic lifeforms, modified warships, endowing inanimate objects with Devil Fruit powers...
And he once discovered the Blueprint of Life, which led to the World Government discovering him, taking control, and subsequently having him work for them.
The Blueprint of Life includes the application of the most famous Lineage Factor technology.
For instance, the superhumans like Reiju and Yonji of Germa 66 are an application of Lineage Factor technology. In fact, many experiments are related to this Lineage Factor technology. It involves the design and understanding of life, delving deep into the genetic microscopic level to analyze the mysteries of living organisms.
So this genius scientist is at the absolute forefront of the world.
Looking at Germa 66, they aren't ability users themselves, but they possess abilities almost identical to Devil Fruits. Even without their combat suits, their bodies are as hard as steel. In every sense, they are no longer just flesh and blood.
Reiju can even utilize and absorb poisons and gas to a certain extent. If she were stronger, would her abilities be similar to Magellan's?
When Rosen heard this name, he was inwardly shocked. Although this doctor has never officially appeared, the entire world, both black and white, is deeply influenced by his scientific technology.
Rosen had previously considered a more superficial idea: that Lineage Factor technology might be the modification and application of biological genes. For example, the artificial dragons once seen on Punk Hazard were likely products cultivated using gene modifications from various powerful beasts.
However, considering his application of Devil Fruits, Rosen felt it wasn't that simple. The term "Blueprint of Life" suggests a profound understanding of life itself.
In the future, if Vegapunk could bestow various superhuman abilities onto people without them being affected by seawater or Seastone, Rosen wouldn't be surprised either.
Based on what he's revealed so far, such technology might not even be his most advanced. Rosen thought the pinnacle might be cultivating entirely new and extremely powerful lifeforms.
But from snippets of information, it seems Vegapunk isn't a reckless scientist; he still maintains ethical boundaries. So some experiments, while potentially effective, would be abandoned if the cost was too high.
Nevertheless, Rosen believed that no one in the world held more value than this scientist, not even the Emperors.
Because this man might be one of the World Government's key pieces in eradicating the New World in the future. For such crucial talent, no amount of protective force around him would be excessive. Moreover, if all the currently developed technologies were already in the hands of the World Government or Marine Headquarters, they were hiding them very deeply.
"What's wrong?" Hathaway sensed Rosen's serious expression and couldn't help but ask softly.
"We've hit the jackpot, but this island is arguably the world's most technologically advanced. It's no simple place; we can't be careless." Rosen could imagine that if a doctor influencing half the world was truly researching weapons or something here...
They would certainly be no less potent than Pacifistas, perhaps even stronger and more incredible. He wouldn't be surprised if some things here could pose a threat to him.
"Understood." Sensing the seriousness in Rosen's words, Hathaway began to be more alert.
A short while later.
"The food on this island is actually pretty good," Rosen commented, eating. The meal was buffet-style because appetites varied greatly. Some could eat dozens of kilograms in one sitting, while others might only manage two or three.
If portions were fixed, many would likely go hungry. So chefs cooked on the side, and you could take whatever you wanted, as much as you wanted.
That's why Rosen thought the food was good. Fruits, vegetables, and various land meats—things they hadn't had for a while.
Out at sea, there's plenty of fish and sea kings, so food isn't scarce, but eating the same thing constantly gets tiring. Plus, without seasonings, you can eat your fill, but enjoying a good meal is unlikely.
Now was different; he hadn't expected Marine food to be this good.
"Mm."
"Still eating fish? Try this..." Rosen noticed Hathaway had again brought a plate of large fish. Although it was fried and smelled delicious, they'd eaten plenty of fish at sea.
Saying this, Rosen cut half the steak from his own plate and placed it on Hathaway's. Hathaway glanced at it and began eating. Honestly, she wasn't picky about food.
But since he gave it to her, she'd eat it. The feeling was quite nice.
"Sorry to bother you, is this seat taken?" A Marine carrying a tray approached Rosen and the others. The area was relatively empty, mainly because it was a secluded corner, unlikely to attract attention.
Although the spot was inconspicuous, Rosen could still hear everyone's conversations with his Haki.
Listening to the Marines' talk, Rosen had gathered quite a bit of information. But he didn't expect someone to ask to share a table in such an out-of-the-way spot. Were the Marine guards here on such good terms?
Or had they been suspected? Either way, Rosen didn't refuse. He looked up at the newcomer and immediately relaxed. Judging by the rank insignia, he was just an ordinary Marine, and his presence was weak.
"Please, sit."
The Marine sat down as invited, looked at Rosen, and began speaking: "Which branch are you guys from? Are you participating in the Dragon Hunt after the meal? I heard this time, the Dragon Hunt involves fighting Frost Dragons that can breathe ice. The Doctor is truly amazing..."
This Marine was very familiar, and besides, this base, known as Peak Island, had never been discovered by any pirate crew or attacked in all its long history.
Strict security was just for daily routine and appearances. In reality, many were strict on the surface but relaxed underneath. An island never attacked, an island that didn't exist on maps—the chance of infiltration was too small.
Even though the Pacifistas' reveal during the recent war had piqued many factions' interest, leading them to dispatch numerous intelligence agents, finding this place was nearly impossible.
"Actually, we're not from here. We're from a prison ship escort vessel. What's this Dragon Hunt about in your base? I've heard you have many incredible things here." Rosen's reply was calm and complete.
He didn't know the Marine units on this island, nor if this Marine was testing him, so inventing a non-native identity was more appropriate.
"So you're from outside! No wonder you haven't heard of the Dragon Hunt. It's not really a secret though; maybe they'll even invite you to watch tonight. The Dragon Hunt is a training exercise between the Doctor's artificial lifeforms—dragons—and the island's strong warriors. The dragons are powerful assets for the Biological Corps. In the future, when we're cleaning up pirates, these will become our strong combat force, so we need to tame them beforehand..." The young Marine was excited; he also wanted to become a "Dragon Knight."
Just imagining having such a powerful dragon fight alongside him—not only could he protect more people, but he could also quickly gain merit and get promoted fast.
"Has the Doctor created many such creatures?" Rosen asked. Hathaway continued eating quietly.
"Not many dragons. Each one costs a fortune to make, so only a few people will have the chance to become Dragon Knights in the future," the Marine shook his head. Everything has a cost.
The stronger something is, the higher the cost often is. Just like a Pacifista—the price of building one could be used to construct a top-tier warship.
"The Doctor is here..."
"The Doctor actually came to the main cafeteria? That's rare. Who's that with him?"
"You don't recognize him? That's Magellan, the strongest man in Impel Down. Too bad the prison really dropped the ball this time."
"The same Warden who's said to be on par with an Admiral?"
The main cafeteria suddenly became lively. A group of people were walking in through the main entrance. At the forefront was a slightly elderly man in a white coat, followed by Sentomaru (whom Rosen recognized), Magellan, and some accompanying high-ranking officers.
(End of Chapter)