The energy core had now been successfully modified. All that remained was to wait for the outer framework to be completed, and the device would operate stably. This required only a little patience.
Upon hearing this news, the people in the canyon quickened their already hectic pace. Having glimpsed the finish line, they began their final sprint toward survival.
Ivankov and Ginny didn't abandon their original plan either. To prevent any mishaps in these final moments, they intended to take advantage of the chaos caused by the incoming pirates to attempt stealing the Devil Fruits being used as prizes.
But before that, they were about to participate in a new hunt. This time, however, the roles of hunter and prey had been reversed.
"Oran, why don't you take a rest? We can handle the rest."
Modifying the energy core wasn't physically demanding, but it was mentally exhausting. At this point, Kate, who had been maintaining the electromagnetic field's stability, had fallen into a deep sleep, having reached her limit.
Though Oran appeared fine, Kuma and the others were concerned.
"My body's unique. A few days without sleep won't affect me. If I fall asleep now, I'm not sure when I'd wake up. Have you set up everything I gave you?"
"Yeah, it's all in place."
Seeing Oran's resolute attitude, Kuma and the others didn't press further. Their brief time together had given them insight into Oran's personality. If one attempt to persuade him failed, further attempts would be pointless.
"Then there's no issue. We'll proceed as planned, but before that, I have a few words to say."
Oran walked to a protruding platform on the canyon's rock wall. Looking at the people still frantically working, he picked up a makeshift megaphone and spoke:
"I'm sure you've all heard by now—a Celestial Dragon is approaching this place.
You've all been incredibly lucky. At least in these past few days, no one has discovered us. But in the days gone by, the Celestial Dragons have rampaged through your homeland, destroying your homes and slaughtering your loved ones, all for their amusement!
Your luck today doesn't guarantee luck tomorrow. I have a way to get you out of here today, but who can promise you won't face this again?
Is resistance really that hard?
You've already lost everything, and these people want to take the only thing you have left—your lives. In a situation like this, are you still too afraid to fight back?
The blade is already at your throats. Do you still think you can reason with them?"
The people below paused their work momentarily, but no one responded. This wasn't surprising.
If a few words could spark a rebellious spirit, the Celestial Dragons' rule wouldn't have lasted this long.
Even if someone like Oden's soul were here, the effect would be diminished.
As long as the Celestial Dragons carried their aura of invincibility, even stranded on a deserted island, few would dare raise a hand against them.
"I'm not saying you should storm the Red Line—that's suicide. But if you won't seize an opportunity right in front of you, that's nothing but utter cowardice. There's a murderer out there right now!
Who among you is willing to take revenge?"
Silence remained the majority response, but this time, a scattered few stepped forward. Most were former slaves, with a handful being locals who had lost family members to the massacre. Compared to the total number, they were a mere handful, but it was a start.
As long as the myth of the Celestial Dragons' invincibility was shattered, their blood would nourish the seeds that would eventually take root and sprout.
"Report to Saint Eratin! Saint Glingo has ordered everyone to return to the base immediately. The game is temporarily suspended."
"That Glingo guy, does he really think he's the boss? Does the Figarland family think they can order me around? If I had run in the election, his position would've been mine."
A man dressed in a black suit, looking like a secret agent, knelt before a masked figure, holding a gem-encrusted Den Den Mushi. His tone was filled with deference.
Several others dressed similarly stood nearby, but there were no Navy personnel present. This was the Celestial Dragons' hunt; they only needed scorekeepers and obedient hounds to track their prey.
The Navy might want to serve as their dogs, but they weren't necessarily qualified.
"Saint Eratin, the call said pirates are approaching the island, which is why—"
The agent didn't respond to Eratin's complaints. When it came to Celestial Dragon matters, their own words meant little. If he interjected, he risked immediate execution.
"A bunch of useless fools! What are those Navy idiots doing, eating for free? They can't even handle something this small—what's the point of them?!"
"You're absolutely right. So, what should we do now?"
"We'll search this area and head back immediately. I'm just short a few points. Glingo isn't trying to stop me from surpassing him, is he?
You useless lot, don't just stand there! Go find me some prey! Remember, you're not allowed to touch my targets, or I'll have you all executed!"
"Yes, sir!"
Though Eratin grumbled, he still followed Glingo's orders to prepare to return. Among the Celestial Dragons, there was a hierarchy, and Glingo was undoubtedly the current leader.
Complaining was one thing, but ignoring him would result in punishment from the other Celestial Dragons.
Eratin hadn't encountered any high-value prey these past few days, which put him in a foul mood. If his score was too low, he'd be mocked by his family upon returning.
As he mulled over these thoughts, it seemed Lady Luck smiled upon him.
"Saint Eratin! A major find—it's the SR-class slave from the Buccaneer tribe!"
Kuma had once again taken on the role of bait. The Celestial Dragons' designation of him made him the easiest to draw their attention.
"Chase him! If you lose him, I'll have your head instead!"
Ordinary people believed the Celestial Dragons were untouchable, and similarly, the Celestial Dragons had an unshakable confidence that no one would dare defy them. It never crossed Eratin's mind that someone would set a trap for a Celestial Dragon on this island.
To him, Kuma was merely a high-value hare worth ten thousand points.
Using his familiarity with the terrain, Kuma quickly led them into a nearby canyon. Eratin, guided by his loyal hounds, followed closely behind.
Seeing Kuma standing motionless at the canyon's dead end, Eratin assumed he had nowhere left to run.
"Kid, stop running. Let me kill you quick and clean—it'll save you some suffering."
A one-shot kill came with bonus points, so Eratin had no intention of torturing Kuma. But Kuma ignored him, turning and vanishing once again.
Without needing Eratin's orders, the agents immediately gave chase. They didn't notice that beneath the fallen leaves at their feet, mechanical lotus flowers had quietly begun to bloom.
Crack!
One agent stepped on a lotus. As the trigger was activated, the petals snapped shut like a bear trap, locking him in place. At the lotus's base, purple energy began to gather…