Alvis Island – Underground Research Base!
In the wake of the battle at Dressrosa, Aeridar had personally captured several powerhouses, hauling them all to Alvis Island to serve as his most precious experimental subjects.
Naturally, the World Government had made multiple requests for their custody, particularly for the Revolutionary Sabo. However, Aeridar didn't care for their demands. To him, uncovering the secret to eternal life through human evolution was his ultimate ambition.
He had reached a plateau in his research: the bodies of ordinary humans simply could not withstand the final stages of his experiments. Their genetic structures would invariably collapse, reducing them to heaps of putrid flesh. Only the formidable constitutions of the world's renowned experts could sustain the next phase of human trials.
Opportunities to capture so many high-level subjects at once were rare.
Rows of cages forged from a new experimental alloy, reinforced with Seastone chains, held the likes of Sabo, Nekomamushi, Kyros, Elizabello II, and Eden in tight captivity.
Dalt's professional curiosity was piqued most by Nekomamushi and Elizabello II. The Minks, a race possessing human intellect paired with beastial physical prowess, fascinated him, especially one who was a Ruler among their kind. As for Elizabello II, Dalt found his naturally robust physique and the mechanics behind the "King Punch" to be incredibly intriguing.
Aeridar and Dalt walked side-by-side through the metallic corridor. A scorching fireball floated above them, occasionally passing groups of researchers hurrying back and forth.
"Captain, this is a rare Logia fruit we're talking about. Aside from Oliver, look at Gorbo, Zephyr, Shuzo, Sriya, or Gin, none of them are ability users. Giving it to any of them would drastically boost our combat power," Dalt asked, frowning as he looked at the floating fireball. "Don't you think feeding the Flame-Flame Fruit to Zhurong is a bit of a waste?"
"No."
Aeridar shook his head with a grin, looking up at Zhurong with satisfaction. "Giving it to Zhurong is the best choice. It is a unique, essentially independent lifeform. It is fire. By eating the Flame-Flame Fruit, it becomes the incarnation of flame itself. Aside from water, not even high-level Haki users or Seastone will be able to leave a scratch on it!"
"Seastone won't work either?" Dalt looked surprised, eyeing Zhurong up and down before pondering. "I suppose that makes sense. While Seastone weakens ability users, Zhurong has no physical body to begin with. How can you 'hurt' fire? At most, it would probably just slightly suppress its pyrokinetic output."
"Exactly. It's like a Fish-Man who eats a Devil Fruit. Sea water might make them weak, but it can't drown them the way it drowns a human," Aeridar nodded, chuckling contentedly. "During our joint raid on Baltigo with the Marines and the World Government, nothing could touch Zhurong. A single charge from it shattered the Revolutionaries' defensive line. Nearly half of them were incinerated by it. Our offensive couldn't have gone smoother!"
"As long as it isn't a waste," Dalt nodded, then added with a touch of professional regret, "I still would have liked to study a Logia fruit in the lab..."
"Er..." Aeridar's lip twitched, and he rolled his eyes.
Using such a priceless Devil Fruit just for experiments? If Dalt accidentally "broke" it during a test, the loss would be astronomical!
As they spoke, they cleared the corridor and entered a laboratory spanning several hundred square meters. In the center of the room, Elizabello II lay naked on a metal slab, unconscious under the effects of a heavy sedative.
"I've spent the last few days studying Elizabello II's body. With Pudding-san's assistance, I've extracted the training method for the 'King Punch' from his memories," Dalt said as he donned a clean white lab coat.
"Bring it to me later. Maybe I can turn it into a new technique of my own," Aeridar said, his interest piqued.
"The training method for the 'King Punch' will be simple for you, Captain. However, his naturally powerful physique is what's truly interesting. His potential is immense!"
Dalt walked to the bedside, pressing a hand against Elizabello II's chest. "By my estimates, his body should be able to withstand much stronger human augmentation. Even if we don't hit the final objective, he could help us break through the current bottleneck in our strengthening technology and take it to the next level!"
Aeridar grinned. "Then he should have been stronger to begin with. What a waste of such a body. Go ahead with your research and experiments; don't worry about the funding!"
Pere-pere-pere... Pere-pere-pere...
Suddenly, the chirping of a Den Den Mushi echoed from Aeridar's coat. He frowned, pulling out a snail adorned with golden earrings and clicking the receiver.
"Aeridar here."
"Captain, Vinsmoke Judge is here. He's requesting an audience," Arlan's voice came through the snail.
"Judge? What does he want?" Aeridar's brow furrowed in thought. "Could it be for..."
"Host him for a moment. I'm coming over," Aeridar said firmly before hanging up.
…
Central Tower – 21st Floor VIP Reception Room.
"Every time I come here, I am struck by how impressive this place is."
"You are too kind, King Judge. A man of your stature is always a welcome guest."
"Hahaha! Arlan-sama, you are the modest one. Compared to Tesoro's gaudy Gran Tesoro, I much prefer the atmosphere here. These antiques and paintings... there are only two words for it: sophisticated."
"Well, when you have a Captain with a penchant for collecting, we have to cater to his tastes!"
Arlan and Judge sat on the sofa, steam rising from the tea on the table between them. They were smiling and conversing amiably. As the First Mate of the Chris Pirates and the High Minister of the Clifford Kingdom, Arlan's status was perfectly suited to receive the sovereign of a powerful nation like Judge.
While the Germa Kingdom was formidable, they were still a tier below the Chris Pirates in the current world order.
Creeeeeak—
The door swung open, and Aeridar strode in, a bright, approachable smile on his face.
"Judge, it's been a while!"
Aeridar walked over and shook hands with Judge, who had stood up to greet him. Faced with Aeridar, Judge's attitude wasn't exactly humble, but it was deeply respectful; he didn't dare show even a hint of rudeness.
Once they were seated, Aeridar didn't beat around the bush. "What business brings you here in person?"
Judge glanced between Aeridar and Arlan, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "I am aware that 'Black Leg' Sanji of the Straw Hat Pirates is being held here. I hope you will hand him over to me."
"Because he is my son... my third son, Vinsmoke Sanji."
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