"No," Imu stopped Garling from making such a bold declaration. "If the Mother Flame isn't completed before Caelan launches his final assault, then destroy Egghead Island, along with everyone and everything on it."
"If the research on the Mother Flame is still underway, bring the core back, and erase both the people and the island."
If it couldn't be completed before the decisive battle, then the Mother Flame would be of no use.
Continuing the research would only benefit Caelan later. It was better to wipe it out entirely.
And if Vegapunk had already finished the project, then it absolutely couldn't be left in the world.
That genius scientist, said to be five hundred years ahead of his time, had lived up to his reputation. The Mother Flame he was working on had already touched upon the core secrets of the Great Kingdom from eight hundred years ago. If allowed to continue, it would become a massive threat.
"As you command, Lord Imu." Garling understood exactly what Imu meant. "I will do everything I can to retrieve the Mother Flame and wipe out Egghead Island."
"Good." Imu nodded in satisfaction, then turned to the other two. "You will assist Saturn and Nusjuro with preparations for the final battle."
"I understand!"
The two men dropped to one knee and responded firmly.
"In that case, all three of you may go."
Imu waved his hand, signaling them to leave.
Soon, the hall was quiet once more, leaving only Imu seated on the Empty Throne. A faint spark of hope appeared in his heart.
The reunion of five immortal Elders would offer strong protection. Vegapunk's results might help him recover his former power.
Caelan, Caelan, just give me a little more time.
I've only lived a little over eight hundred years. It's not nearly enough.
…
Three days later, Vegapunk on Egghead Island managed to get a message to Stussy.
There was no other way. The old genius had realized this time he truly needed to reach out.
This wasn't something he could fake his way through with death and backup data stored in Punk Records.
After all, it was now the year 1520 of the Sea Circle Calendar, and the only one who could save him now was Stussy.
And Stussy herself knew that she was powerless alone. As the Queen of Pleasure Street, she couldn't possibly protect Vegapunk by herself.
So, she came to Dressrosa, now the headquarters of the World Economy News.
It had once been just a regional branch, but ever since Dressrosa became the base of the Neo Navy and fell under Caelan's control, it had become the main headquarters.
Today, Morgans received an unexpected guest.
Stussy held a slim cigarette between her two pale fingers. She took a slow drag, letting the smoke veil her enchanting face.
But the expression she wore, usually indifferent, was now filled with concern.
Morgans looked at her with a headache. "What brings the Queen of Pleasure Street here today?"
This woman was mysterious, dangerous, and full of trouble. He had no desire to interact with her more than necessary.
Should he call the Neo Navy to arrest her?
"I came to see Lord God Slayer," Stussy said softly, a bit distressed. "But the Neo Navy doesn't seem to welcome someone like me, so I had no choice but to come ask you for an introduction."
"You want to see Lord Caelan? I can call him for you, but whether he sees you is his decision." Morgans was surprised and looked at Stussy with a strange expression.
This woman wanted to meet his boss. Was she planning to deliver herself to him?
Tsk, the world really is falling apart.
"Tell Lord Caelan that I have important information. Information he will definitely be interested in."
Stussy could tell what Morgans was thinking with just one glance.
And yes, that kind of offer was certainly on the table, if Caelan was willing to help her.
"Bulu bulu."
Morgans quickly dialed the Den Den Mushi. "Lord Caelan, the Queen of Pleasure Street wishes to see you. Are you willing to meet her?"
"Huh? She wants to see me?"
Caelan was a little confused.
Apart from a brief meeting at the last auction, he hadn't interacted with Stussy at all.
Morgans asked, "So, will you meet her or not? She says she has important information for you."
"Stussy has important intel for me..." Caelan thought for a moment, then replied, "Alright. Tell her to wait. I'll be there soon."
Morgans replied respectfully, "Understood, Lord Caelan."
Caelan set out immediately toward Morgans' office.
He knew Stussy's identity. On the surface, she was the queen of the underworld, the Queen of Pleasure Street, but secretly, she was a member of CP0. More than that, she was actually a clone created by Vegapunk.
If someone like her had come to deliver information, it could only be about Vegapunk.
He was still very interested in the scientist said to be five centuries ahead of the world.
Before long, Caelan arrived at Morgans' office.
Seeing him arrive, Morgans tactfully welcomed him and then left, leaving only Caelan and Stussy alone to talk.
"It's been a while. You look even more refined than before."
Stussy looked at Caelan, her eyes flickering with charm.
She hadn't fallen for him at first sight, though Caelan was indeed handsome.
She simply wanted to win his favor and get closer to him.
"Heh, if you're trying to seduce me, you can wait until we're in bed to try that." Caelan smiled calmly. "For now, I'm more interested in the important information you said you had."
He didn't mind a little flirtation. First, he wasn't some saint, and second, Stussy was indeed attractive.
Her short golden curls were trendy and fresh, her sapphire eyes clear and dazzling, and her pink lipstick bold and enticing.
Especially today, wearing a white dress and a white sunhat, she looked striking.
Stussy's pure appearance and graceful air gave her the feel of a fairytale princess.
But Caelan knew better. Underneath it all, she was a dangerous underworld queen, skilled and ruthless.
That inner contrast made him want to tear apart the surface and see the real woman beneath.
"Then I'll start with business." Stussy felt Caelan's burning gaze but didn't shy away. Instead, she straightened her chest slightly and licked the corner of her lips with her pink tongue. "We can discuss the rest in bed afterward."
Seeing that Caelan seemed interested, she relaxed.
Beauty was a bargaining chip, and innocence was a weapon.
With both, and with Vegapunk's importance, she believed Caelan would take action.
"Haha, interesting. Woman, you've caught my attention."
Caelan sat beside Stussy and pulled her into his arms.
Stussy instinctively resisted. She wasn't about to be taken advantage of without saying a word.
But Caelan's arms were like iron, and she couldn't break free.
Eventually, she stopped struggling and leaned limply into him. "Lord Caelan, please save my father's life. If you agree, you can do whatever you want with me."
(To be continued.)