Kate's chest now bore a gleaming gem—a cross-shaped crystal emitting a faint blue glow. This was her new heart.
The unassuming crystal had taken on the vital task of circulating blood throughout her body. Under the dual stimulation of dim light and Hextech crystals, Kate's physical recovery accelerated rapidly, the heart integrating seamlessly into her form.
She flexed her arm, feeling a surge of fresh power in every cell.
"Move around a bit. Your body needs time to fully adapt to the enhancements from this new heart. Getting active will help you adjust better."
"Come this way—there's a dedicated testing area on the ship."
Vegapunk was even more excited than the two involved parties. He was far more curious than Oran about the changes this heart might bring.
Under Vegapunk's guidance, they soon reached the ship's lower deck, lined with testing instruments. Targets bore bullet scars, and nearby, lab assistants who had just finished experiments were tidying up.
At Vegapunk's arrival, they nodded silently in greeting and cleared the space.
"Go ahead—whether it's speed or strength, these devices will provide precise data. Data doesn't lie. Too bad there's no baseline for comparison; it would highlight the effects even more."
"Such details aren't important, Kate. It's part of your body now. Feel it, then control this power. It's within you, like breathing or emotions—just a thought away."
Oran instructed Kate on harnessing the power, while Vegapunk activated the equipment.
The Hextech heart didn't pulse like a flesh one, yet Kate sensed the rhythmic thrum of energy within.
Crackle.
Sparks flickered through her fur—unlike her usual static, these coalesced into dancing silver serpents. Currents encircled her body, invigorating her cells.
Facing the speed-testing device, Kate pushed off with her legs. Her form blurred into a streak of white lightning, flashing past the sensor. Her own astonished expression revealed she hadn't expected such velocity.
The sudden boost caught her off guard; she lost control and slammed into the nearby wall.
"Director Vegapunk, looks like this place needs an upgrade. The equipment's resistance to electricity is lacking."
"I think it's the intensity of her current. In my knowledge, Mink Tribe members can't reach this level."
The speed tester smoked, Kate's spillover currents apparently frying a component. But neither Oran nor Vegapunk minded the minor damage.
Compared to the results, it was trivial.
"Alright, Mr. Cidril, here's your access card. I've granted you full permissions for all ship equipment. I showed you around yesterday—feel free to explore from here.
If you have questions, ask the other researchers. I need to resume my work; time is never enough. If only I could clone myself."
Having seen what he wanted, Vegapunk wasted no more time and handed Oran the pre-made card.
Its activation marked Oran as a core MADS member, able to direct regular researchers like Vegapunk and the others.
"Time is inherently limited. Pursuing infinite knowledge with finite hours—that's the thrill. Sometimes, getting answers directly robs the fun."
"Infinite knowledge indeed, Cidril. I'm looking forward to our future collaborations."
From the current outlook, Vegapunk felt Oran was a better research partner than Queen and the rest, though he made no firm judgments. The future was unpredictable.
After Vegapunk left, Kate pushed her limits. Sweat seeped through her fur, but she relished the sensation—this was her first time running freely, her heart no longer a burden but a steady power source.
"Any discomfort?"
"None, just getting used to the boost. A bit more adjustment, and it'll be fine."
Stretching, Kate felt remarkably well.
"By the way, Oran, could you crouch down?"
"What's up?"
"There was one step missing before. Time to complete it. You know the Mink Tribe well, right? You should recognize this—Garchu~"
Their height difference was notable. Once Oran knelt, Kate gripped his shoulders and rubbed her cheek against his.
This was the traditional Mink greeting, akin to a human handshake.
After leaving Zou and being captured, Kate had sealed away this custom. Even after escaping, she hadn't used it—it was reserved for family in her mind.
Today marked her rebirth, a new beginning. The benefactor who changed her fate was as vital as family.
The MADS ship lingered in the Solbe Kingdom for a few more days. Oran handled follow-up matters during this time before embarking on the new journey.
Queen and the others grumbled about funding allocation but failed to fulfill Vegapunk's bet by not selecting a leader.
At first, they saw no big issue, but later, regret grew. Unwittingly, another superior loomed over them.
MADS's voyage continued. As time passed, they entered the Grand Line, exploring new unknowns. Before long, it was 1487.
Two years had elapsed since Oran joined MADS, two and a half since arriving in these seas. Today, he and Vegapunk tested a new device.
"Punk, ready?"
"Ready. Hope it succeeds this time."
Vegapunk stood in a massive glass enclosure, wearing an oxygen mask.
As he activated his switch and signaled readiness, Oran pulled a lever. Seawater flooded in, submerging him.
Moments later, it drained automatically. Vegapunk's face showed disappointment.
"Oran, still no good. It can't block seawater's effect on ability users—the weakness persists. PYROBROIN particles are too unique."
"Dr. Vegapunk! Dr. Cidril, a woman suddenly appeared on deck. She says she wants to join us!"
As Oran and Vegapunk discussed results, the lab broadcast crackled— an unexpected situation had arisen.
(End of Chapter)
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