"Mr. Cidilir, as MADS's director, I formally invite you to join us. This kingdom's environment limits your talent. Breaking free will let you achieve your ambitions."
Vegapunk's invitation was earnest, though his tongue drooped like a tie mid-speech—a trait alongside his oversized head.
In his prime, he could retract it; in old age, it'd hang like an accessory.
At this hour, Sorbet Kingdom's beach was deserted, locals resting. The quiet sea breeze carried voices far, reaching Judge and Queen, sprawled exhausted on the sand.
Before Oran could respond, they leapt up.
"Vegapunk! What are you saying? Inviting him?"
"That robot just thrashed us! Didn't you see?"
Their resentment fueled a burst of energy, but Vegapunk was unfazed.
"Doesn't that prove Cidilir's tech surpasses yours?"
MADS didn't ban infighting; comparisons came through technical creations. A victory showcased superior skill.
Judge and Queen often clashed, but Blitzcrank had floored them both.
Vegapunk's words struck like a hammer. Admitting their tech was inferior was unthinkable.
"If you disagree, build one like it. Succeed, and I'll share my funding. Want to try?"
Du Feld's sponsorship was generous but fixed. More members meant less for each. Regular researchers were mere assistants, their funds untouchable, but Vegapunk's personal invite signaled Oran's value. Joining would cut their budgets.
Hence their opposition, but Vegapunk's logic left them speechless.
"Remember that, Vegapunk! There's two of us!"
After a moment's sulk, Queen glanced at Judge.
"Judge, team up. Together, we'll surpass them and split the funds!"
"Agreed. Let's start now. If needed, we'll drag Caesar in."
"Muhahaha! Smart move. Caesar's a loser who'll take a cut, but beating Vegapunk and his guy makes it worth it!"
Supporting each other, they laughed and staggered toward MADS's ship.
Mentally, they'd already convinced themselves of victory, acting as if they'd won.
"Blitzcrank, meow thinks we should beat them again. They learned nothing, thinking they're better than Oran."
"Blitzcrank agrees but needs a reason."
Nearby, smoking fish, Kate and Blitzcrank watched, plotting next steps. Vegapunk's gaze lingered on Blitzcrank.
Such near-human intelligence in a robot fueled his curiosity.
"So, Mr. Cidilir Oran, I'm serious."
"Joining you... what do I get?"
Oran wasn't opposed. MADS offered a quality ship and competent assistants—huge boons.
Plus, MADS researched bloodline factors, one of the sea's mysteries. Oran wouldn't miss studying it. Starting from scratch was harder than building on existing work.
"Funds, materials, equipment. We can explore new ideas. Your robot's power system is unique. What if we scaled it up?
MADS aims to foster peace. Global conflicts stem from resource scarcity. Endless energy could end disputes.
Sorry, I rambled—that's my personal goal."
"Nice dream, but unrealistic. Human ambition grows endlessly. Even with infinite energy, some will crave more."
"I won't know unless I try, right?"
Neither criticized the other's views, merely offering perspectives. Their differences were philosophical.
Vegapunk's offer met Oran's needs. Sorbet Kingdom lacked funds and material channels. Devil Fruits, though common, were rare on a global scale.
Unknown fruits fetched at least a hundred million Berries, owned only by major powers.
Though inclined to join, Oran seized Vegapunk's initiative to push for terms.
"One: no interference in my research. I need an independent lab and ample funds."
"Reasonable. Your robot proves your skill. Funding depends on our sponsor."
Vegapunk found this fair.
"Two: I need Devil Fruits for research, any kind."
Sorbet lacked access, but Oran trusted MADS's connections.
"That's part of our projects—no issue. But using a fruit solo requires group discussion. They're scarce."
Vegapunk agreed easily, seeing these as minor.
"One last thing: I need an operating room.
Sanitary, fully equipped, with sufficient medical staff."
(End of Chapter)