After Carl gave the order, Dr. Vegapunk barely had time to react before his satellites had already gathered the researchers and begun dismantling the massive mechanical arm. Among them, York, the embodiment of "greed," was the most enthusiastic.
Before long, the giant mechanical arm had been disassembled into various parts and transported into the laboratory.
Dr. Vegapunk wasted no time and rushed back to the lab to begin his research.
Inside the laboratory, Vegapunk and his satellites worked swiftly, operating the instruments as streams of data flooded the screens.
Carl sat on a sofa in the corner, legs crossed, with a cup of tea and some snacks that York had served him on the table beside him.
York barely acknowledged Vegapunk, her original body, but she was excessively attentive to Carl.
After all, her deepest desire was to become a Celestial Dragon and enjoy everything the world had to offer without restraint.
However, achieving that goal was exceedingly difficult. In the anime, York had tried to sell out Vegapunk to gain the World Government's approval to become a Celestial Dragon. But in this timeline, Vegapunk was already under Carl's control—and was even quite loyal—eliminating any chance of betrayal.
Still, York had found what she believed to be the only way to achieve her dream: through Carl.
Due to the shared memories between the original body and the satellites, she knew exactly how prestigious Carl's identity was. If Carl chose her, she would ascend to the highest ranks in an instant, earning even the respect of the Five Elders.
Thinking about this, York's lips curled into a smile.
Lilith, the embodiment of "Evil," furrowed her brows, turned to York, and said, "What are you grinning about? Get to work! This is a task personally assigned by Saint Carl!"
York, pulled from her fantasies, frowned in irritation and snapped, "Can't I even smile? I'm working hard here!"
Lilith scoffed, "I sure hope so."
"What's that supposed to mean? You looking for trouble?"
"Wanna fight? I'd be happy to oblige!"
Lilith, the most combative of Vegapunk's satellites, immediately pulled out a cannon from who-knows-where and aimed it at York.
York, unfazed by the threat, raised her massive hand, ready to swat at Lilith.
Hearing the commotion, Vegapunk turned around and saw the two at each other's throats. He immediately shouted,
"What are you two doing?! Stop it!"
However, neither Lilith nor York paid him any attention. Shaka, the embodiment of "Good," quickly stepped in to mediate, only to be shoved aside by Lilith, who growled, "Stay out of this! I've had enough of her! Today, I'm teaching her a lesson!"
Carl watched the unfolding chaos with amusement. But as things started to spiral out of control, he finally spoke.
"That's enough. Get back to work."
At his words, both Lilith and York froze. They exchanged a glance filled with reverence before turning away and silently resuming their tasks.
Vegapunk wasn't surprised by this outcome. After all, he had known Carl before creating his satellites, and his respect for Carl had only grown over time. That reverence had naturally been inherited by his satellites as well.
Shaking his head at the now-cooperative Lilith and York, Vegapunk sighed before returning to his instruments.
As the research progressed, a look of confusion surfaced on Vegapunk's face. The data on the screen seemed strangely familiar.
Finally, when the last set of data appeared, Vegapunk's eyes widened. He analyzed it briefly before turning to Carl and asking, "Saint Carl, may I ask where you obtained this mechanical arm?"
Carl took a sip of tea and casually recounted how their battleship had been attacked by robots. He then speculated that the two machines were likely creations of Joy Boy.
Hearing this, Vegapunk nodded in thought. "Joy Boy again… No wonder..."
Carl placed his teacup down and asked, "What information did you gather from the mechanical arm? Report."
Vegapunk composed himself and solemnly explained,
"Saint Carl, based on the design and research data from the arm, I found many similarities with the Pacifistas. The Pacifistas' design was inspired by ancient documents I once studied. I suspect that the robots that attacked your ship are products of ancient technology!"
"Then how do these robots compare to your Pacifistas?"
Without hesitation, Vegapunk replied, "I believe the Pacifistas are stronger. Moreover, they've already been upgraded to the third generation!"
A proud smile formed on Vegapunk's face as he spoke.
Carl folded his arms. "Good. My funding wasn't wasted, then. Now, bring out your third-generation Pacifistas and let me see them in action."
"No problem! But, Saint Carl, please be careful. A single Pacifista costs—"
Carl waved dismissively. "Money isn't an issue. If I'm satisfied, I'll allocate even more funds."
At the mention of more funding, Vegapunk and his satellites visibly brightened. Without waiting for orders, Lilith turned and hurried off.
"Saint Carl, just wait a moment!"
...
A short while later, three third-generation Pacifistas stood before Carl.
He examined the trio, all dressed in white coats and modeled after "Weevil." Glancing at Vegapunk and the others, who had positioned themselves at a safe distance, he asked,
"What upgrades were made compared to the previous generations?"
Cupping his hands around his mouth, Vegapunk shouted back, "Saint Carl, why don't you try them out yourself? Be careful—er, actually, never mind. Just have fun!"
He had intended to warn Carl to be cautious but immediately dismissed the thought upon recalling Carl's overwhelming strength.
Carl stepped forward, knocking on the Pacifista's metal torso, producing a resonant clang. Then, he gave the command.
"Let's begin. Have them attack me."
"Saint Carl, you hold absolute authority. With you present, the Pacifistas will only obey your orders!"
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+175 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg