Inside the cave, five elderly Sun Elves sat cross-legged beneath the oddly shaped Sun Tree, basking in the warm glow of the luminous orb hanging at its top.
To Ace, the scene looked like the elders were absorbing energy from the glowing sphere.
But what truly astonished him was that the glowing orb growing out of the twisted Sun Tree gave him the distinct feeling—it was like a miniature sun.
Ace blinked, glancing between the radiant orb and the seated elders, then finally asked, "What are they doing? And what is that glowing ball?"
"They are our elders," Karkus replied solemnly. "As for that orb… it's called the Sun Seed."
"Sun Tree's seed?" Ace frowned.
"No," Karkus corrected. "Not the seed of the Sun Tree. I mean a literal seed of the sun."
Ace froze for a second, his jaw dropping. "You're telling me the sun grows from trees? That's insane!"
"I know how it sounds," Karkus said, expression serious. "But according to the ancestral records passed down by our Sun Elf tribe, the sun does grow from such seeds. This one is still immature, and it could take thousands—or even tens of thousands—of years to fully mature into a new sun."
Ace stared at the orb with wide eyes, disbelief etched on his face. "I… I guess I've heard stranger things." He rubbed the back of his head. "I didn't expect the sun to be tree-grown, though."
Karkus and his sister Carols were both stunned for a second.
'He… actually believed it?!' they thought.
Ace exhaled, then pointed at the meditating elders again. "So, what exactly are they doing?"
"They're absorbing the Sun Seed's energy to prevent it from growing further," Karkus said grimly. "To our kind, the sun is sacred—but also dangerously destructive."
"Even in this juvenile state, the Sun Seed contains immense energy. If left unchecked, it would eventually destroy this island—and possibly the world."
"The flames that cover this island year-round come from the excess energy the elders absorb from the Sun Seed. They channel it into controlled external fires, which won't harm the island's environment."
Ace's eyes widened in realization. "So… they're actually saving the world."
"Exactly." Karkus placed his hand over his heart in salute. "The elders are the Sun Warriors of the previous generation. When they pass, we'll inherit their duty—absorbing the energy, holding back the sun's growth, and protecting the world."
"You guys are amazing," Ace said with admiration. "How long have they been doing this?"
"Six hundred years," Karkus replied.
"Our people live long lives—up to a thousand years," Carols added.
Ace was stunned. "A thousand years! Then… it's only fair that you do something meaningful."
Suddenly, a hoarse voice echoed in the chamber. "Karkus…"
Ace, Karkus, and Carols turned to see one of the elders slowly opening his eyes.
"Elder Pym," Karkus greeted respectfully.
"Karkus, who is this human?" Elder Pym asked, glancing at Ace.
Before Karkus could reply, Ace stepped forward and said, "I'm Ace, a pirate. I want to make this island my territory. I hope you'll allow it."
"Elder Pym," Karkus quickly added, "Ace doesn't mean to plunder. He simply wants to rent the unused parts of the island—he has no intention of disturbing our homeland."
"I'll pay rent!" Ace said sincerely.
"Ho ho ho…" Elder Pym chuckled. "It's been years since I've met such a direct human."
He continued, "Young man, the sea belongs to no one, and neither does this island. As long as you can survive in this harsh environment, the Sun Elves will welcome you as neighbors."
Ace smiled broadly. "That's no problem. I ate the Mera Mera no Mi—I'm a Flame Human. I can both absorb and control fire, so I'll clear out the excess flames and make the island livable for my companions."
Elder Pym's eyes gleamed with interest. "Ah, a Devil Fruit user. Then there's no issue. If you can adapt to this island, you may stay. There's no need to pay rent—just as we don't."
"Really?! That's amazing!" Ace grinned with joy, while beside him, Carols' expression turned a little gloomy.
Seeing this, Ace gently said, "Don't worry, even if I don't need to pay rent, I'll still give you the Wind Dial."
Carols looked up, surprised. "Really?"
"Of course. We're friends now, aren't we?"
"Yeah!" she nodded happily.
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