Chương 30: Chapter 29
The Devil Fruit, the ocean's secret treasure, grants incredible powers to those who consume it but at the cost of being loathed by the sea, turning them into landlubbers.
Even Fishmen, who eat Devil Fruits, lose their ability to swim. Although they can still breathe underwater, they sink like stones.
Vegapunk and Orlan are experimenting with a special device aiming to separate Pyrobroin particles.
These are unique keratin particles carried into the atmosphere by volcanic eruptions, which, upon contact with moisture, form island clouds and sea clouds due to density differences.
Moreover, these particles are highly concentrated in Seastone, and they are present in rivers, lakes, and seas, making them ubiquitous.
However, once they enter the human digestive system, they vanish without a trace.
The sea clouds and seawater on Skypiea can weaken Devil Fruit users, and Seastone is their nemesis.
The weakness caused by seawater merely prevents Devil Fruit users from actively using their powers, but passive changes to their bodies remain.
For instance, in the original timeline at Arlong Park, Luffy could still have his head pulled above water to breathe even after falling into a pool.
High-purity Seastone, on the other hand, seals Devil Fruit abilities completely, returning the user's body to normal. During the Paramount War in the original timeline, Marco temporarily lost his abilities when handcuffed with Seastone.
All of this revolves around Pyrobroin particles—the higher their concentration, the stronger Seastone's sealing effect.
Therefore, Orlan proposed this experimental model: using a special generator to create a field that isolates these particles, so Devil Fruit users would no longer fear ordinary water.
As a Brain-Brain Fruit user, Vegapunk volunteered as a test subject, but progress was slow.
"Orlan, these particles are strange. Their penetration is incredibly strong, and their attachment to water is peculiar. It seems conventional methods won't achieve this goal. Perhaps mimicking the bubbles of the Sabaody Archipelago to isolate water might be easier."
"That would be too energy-consuming and limit the user's combat capabilities. At least now you have the strength to wave your hand, which is progress."
Handing Vegapunk a new research suit, Orlan marked another 'X' in the experiment log.
"Orlan, do you remember the hypothesis I mentioned? About the origin of Devil Fruits? I think to understand the fundamental repulsion, we need to find their origin."
Devil Fruits represent the potential for human evolution, living beings from multiple other dimensions imagined by people.
Being unnatural, they are rejected by Mother Nature—the sea.
Though cursed, they persist in the world.
This is Vegapunk's hypothesis on the origin of Devil Fruits, though he himself isn't sure if it's correct.
"Assuming my idea is correct, the P particles are special natural substances meant to counter the unnatural."
"Aren't our studies inherently against nature? Your goal of infinite energy goes against the rules. Even if your hypothesis holds, I won't abandon this research topic. Surpassing it is our goal."
Over two years, Orlan and Vegapunk had many debates, which only strengthened their bond. Their disagreements weren't about personal glory but the direction of technological research.
Their arguments often propelled their research forward. Despite differing opinions, they never used seniority to suppress the other but instead helped refine each other's experiments, letting results speak for themselves.
To Vegapunk, Orlan's thinking was unconventional, and their research philosophies aligned, making him a good friend.
However, Orlan was more aggressive and had a strong interest in weapons.
"When others suspect you have a deadly weapon, it's best to have an even stronger one."
These were Orlan's words. Vegapunk believed infinite energy could reduce conflicts and promote peace, while Orlan thought having a weapon to protect that energy from being misused was essential for peace.
During their time together, Vegapunk realized that while Orlan always appeared courteous, he was exceptionally proud but never showed it by bullying the weak. This pride only revealed itself when offended, with severe consequences.
How did Vegapunk know about these consequences? Some crew members had already experienced it. When Orlan's dark humor surfaced, he was the most dangerous person on the ship.
...
At that moment, the ship's broadcast called both Orlan and Vegapunk out.
On the deck, a blonde woman wearing a white hat was sitting by the ship's rail, waiting quietly. It seemed a fight had occurred, with several security personnel downed around her.
"I said, I just want to talk to your leader. Don't be so aggressive."
She raised her hands slightly to show no hostility, sensing some threats from the approaching reinforcements.
As she said, she came here with a purpose and saw no need for conflict.
"What's going on? Who is this woman? Does she have a grudge against Cidriel and Vegapunk?"
"Shurororo, if she has a grudge, all the better. Someone to teach those two arrogant guys a lesson, right, Queen?"
Since Orlan joined, he further solidified the unity of these three, who often engaged in verbal skirmishes for mental victories. But this time, the usually talkative Queen remained silent.
"Looks like you're defiant again. What, want to fight?"
"Indeed, do you want to fight Blitz again?"
"!!"
Now Caesar and Judge understood why Queen hadn't spoken. Kate and Blitz had appeared behind them unnoticed. Kate was fine, but Blitz, due to learning modules and spending time with Kate, had even mastered walking silently, despite his bulky frame.
Over the past two years, MADS had conducted several performance comparisons. Kate, believing her heart was Orlan's creation and thus part of the results, teamed up with Blitz for 2v3 matches.
From Caesar's fearful expression, it was clear Kate's track record was impressive, leaving a psychological shadow.
The Hextech-enhanced Mink Tribe member working with Blitz easily defeated these fledgling researchers.
[Quinn, you traitor again!]
Caesar's eyes were filled with anger at Quinn, who hadn't warned them. Quinn glared back, unfazed.
[Why should I warn you? If I had, I'd be an accomplice!]
During their silent exchange, the three simultaneously shook their heads. Without new research breakthroughs, they wouldn't court disaster.
Kate and Blitz remained behind them until Orlan and Vegapunk came outside.
"I've seen that woman on wanted posters before, Miss Buckingham Stussy, a pirate. What's she doing here?"
(End of Chapter)
Tình trạng nguồn điện hàng tuần
-- Xếp hạng
Quyền lực 
-- Đá
Quyền lực