This enormous mystery, hidden deep within the darkness, was waiting for the moment it would finally be uncovered.
And all of it—the transformation of the airborne fortress, the prosperity of trade, and even the mysterious clone project—was clearly reflected in the empty wineglass Reiju had set down.
That glass was like a mirror, refracting the truth behind this complicated, ever-changing world.
...
Wano.
In the quiet air, an invisible tension lingered.
A deep-blue holographic projection rotated slowly in front of Ron like a dreamlike nebula, giving off a soft yet profound glow.
This was no ordinary light show.
Contained within it was Germa 66's most core and classified technological data.
The information flowed out continuously like a brilliant river of stars, casting the entire room in a hazy, almost unreal radiance.
Looking closely, one could see that the richness and complexity of the data far exceeded imagination.
There were incredibly detailed Lineage Factor maps, every line and every node precisely recording the secrets of different bloodline inheritances.
There were also rigorous clone soldier cultivation protocols, clearly marking every step from the selection of embryos to later growth and training.
These priceless documents were classified files the World Government had coveted for decades but never managed to obtain.
Yet now, they were being casually flipped through beneath Ron's fingertips, as if he were merely browsing an ordinary picture book.
"That stubborn old man Judge…"
Ron narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze locked onto a particular gene sequence.
His fingers paused lightly, as though feeling the tremendous power hidden behind that data.
Then, the corner of his mouth slowly lifted into a dangerous curve.
There was control over the present in that smile, and confidence in the plans to come.
At the same time, outside the laboratory's incredibly tough bulletproof glass, a group of researchers in white lab coats were bustling around the newly delivered clone cultivation pods.
Their expressions were focused and serious. The tools in their hands moved constantly, and their eyes revealed awe and obsession toward science.
Through the transparent pod walls, one could see modified clones floating inside.
These clones were noticeably different from earlier versions.
Their pupils flickered with a dark-golden light completely unlike the original Germa models.
That glow was deep and mysterious, hiding boundless power.
These were special models integrated with the Eternal Divine Kingdom's spiritual imprint, representing an entirely new possibility and an unknown future.
Inside the control room, the atmosphere was tense and solemn.
Ron's expression was focused, his gaze steady as he looked at the complex console before him.
His finger rested firmly on one key button.
Badge Surveillance: North Blue.
The moment he pressed the button without hesitation, the previously calm wall seemed to come alive.
An incredibly realistic holographic sea chart of the North Blue suddenly lit up across its surface.
The chart looked like a miniature world, displaying every detail of the North Blue with perfect clarity.
In the past, the white scale symbols representing the World Government's jurisdiction had been neatly distributed across various important locations, standing as signs of authority.
But now, under the precise operation of the advanced system, those old symbols were being replaced one by one in perfect order.
A silent transfer of power was quietly taking place.
At the location of Forrest, known as the Steel City, streams of brilliant light began to gather and weave together.
At first, they were only vague outlines of light and shadow.
Gradually, one vivid red-star emblem after another slowly took shape.
Those red stars gleamed with a sharp, chilling light, declaring that a new power was about to rise there.
Their meaning went far beyond a simple pattern.
They were more like a proclamation to the world, announcing that this land now had a new master.
Then the view shifted to the sky above Karon, known as the Black-Market Capital.
There, a strange sight appeared.
A red-and-gold holographic flag slowly rose into the air.
The flag fluttered gently, giving off a mysterious and noble aura.
Red represented blood and revolution, while gold symbolized hope and light.
The two colors blended perfectly, displaying this city's unique status and new identity.
Even the most remote, almost forgotten nameless islands were not ignored.
On one such island, a lonely lighthouse now shone with a different kind of brilliance.
Within the beam of light projected from the top of the tower, the signature light pattern of the Eternal Divine Kingdom could be seen clearly.
Those light patterns were like mysterious runes, passing through the darkness and carrying the Divine Kingdom's will to every corner.
Just as everyone held their breath and watched the changes unfold, a cold, mechanical electronic voice rang through the entire control room.
"Rewrite complete."
Those brief words sounded like an order, declaring the successful completion of this transformation.
Looking at the enormous sea chart again, it had already become a dazzling ocean of red and gold.
But these flickering points of light were not merely changes in symbols.
Behind every emblem hid a vast and precise network system.
Within that system were clone soldiers carefully modified by Germa, possessing extraordinary combat ability and absolute loyalty.
There were also microchips implanted inside submitted pirates, acting like invisible shackles that constantly monitored their every movement.
And beneath each island, deeply buried surveillance systems watched everything like countless vigilant eyes, covering every angle of the sea without leaving a blind spot.
Ron slowly extended his slender finger with calm certainty and gently touched the projection formed by the flashing characters labeled Black-Market Capital.
At that instant, an invisible force seemed to trigger.
The still image immediately shifted into live surveillance mode like a living scroll unfolding.
The scene focused on an underground auction house that had once been filled with crime and darkness, a place dedicated to the sale of slaves.
Now, it had changed beyond recognition.
Former criminals burdened with past sins were sitting around workbenches with full concentration, gripping welding tools and earnestly learning advanced welding techniques.
There was no longer the cunning and viciousness of the past in their eyes.
In its place were focus and a hunger for a new life.
Sparks flew from their work, illuminating the gradually firmer expressions on their faces.