This was where the importance of the Slaves became clear.
Outside the Luminosa Kingdom, Black and his group changed into the spacesuits and fishbowls (helmets) the Slaves usually wore.
Of course, Stella and the others' outfits were mere imitations, with subtle differences in style.
"Maybe the Void Century was a massive epidemic, which is why Celestial Dragons have worn these outfits ever since," Black muttered casually.
Robin, however, pondered for a moment before rolling her eyes at him:
"If it were just an epidemic, why hide it?"
After donning the fishbowls (helmets), Robin's voice sounded slightly muffled.
Perona shook her head, clearly uncomfortable in the outfit.
Apart from a few female Slaves beside him, the others who had accompanied them for odd jobs didn't receive such treatment.
Short-term exposure to lead powder could be sufficiently handled by metabolism, and dressing Slaves in outfits resembling Celestial Dragons was taboo.
For Stella and the others, being slightly willful was acceptable.
As for the other Slaves forget it.
Double standards!
Still, Black was surrounded by Slaves, and the residents inside Flevance would die within two years; no one would report him anyway.
From the outside, Luminosa appeared normal, even thriving.
After all, it was a mining country.
The nobles of Luminosa ruled through deception and hiding danger.
Even if the royal family took the bulk of resources, miners' wages were still paid.
The silver dust falling occasionally decorated the country like starlight, giving it a dreamy glow.
Perona reached out to catch some dust, but Black pulled her hand back:
"That's lead powder. Absorbing it will cause lead rot disease."
"Why do you think I made you wear these outfits?"
Perona retracted her hand, terrified.
Robin studied Black thoughtfully:
"So it's not an epidemic? It's lead rot disease?"
"The World Government knows about the situation here," Black admitted openly.
"The royal family of Luminosa struck a deal with the government."
"I don't know the full details, but when I decided to come here, CP handed me a file on Luminosa Kingdom."
The women were unsurprised; they had already seen the World Government's cruelty firsthand.
Luminosa was small, and soon they arrived at the white town of Flevance.
This was one of the most severely affected areas.
The town was covered in white slag, with shadows of homeless people coughing constantly.
Robin used her Hana Hana no Mi ability to snatch a medical record blown by the wind and read it:
"The residents seem unaware of their condition."
"Of course," Black laughed.
"If they knew lead rot disease was heavy metal poisoning, they wouldn't work themselves to death in the mines."
Black's steps were leisurely, yet his direction was precise.
Nearby, a brown-haired little girl crouched by a gutter, vomiting.
"Wow! The stuff she's throwing up is glowing!" Perona exclaimed.
Rami turned her head, wiping her mouth in panic, revealing fluorescent blue stomach acid.
"The metabolites of lead, oxidized by stomach acid, produce…" Robin started, but Black tapped her fishbowl (helmet) with his scepter:
"Get to the point!"
"If she stays here, she'll die soon."
Robin summarized concisely.
Seeing the clinic behind the girl, Black walked over.
The brass bell of Trafalgar Clinic rang, and Law opened the door, wary of the newcomers.
His eyes widened seeing Rami beside Black:
"Rami?! When did you run out?"
"Just went for a walk," Rami mumbled, eyes shifting nervously.
Law didn't linger. He eyed Black, who followed them in.
"Who are you?"
"Good morning, young sir," Black greeted.
Then he looked at the doctor in the inner room:
"This must be Mr. Trafalgar Victor?"
"I once read a paper, 'Research on the Toxic Metabolism of Lead,' quite impressive," Black continued.
Victor paused.
"That paper is banned by the World Government. The fact you found it… your identity isn't simple, is it?"
Black smiled:
"Forgot to introduce myself. I'm Hilbert Black, Saint Black."
Victor's pupils constricted.
Black continued:
"I'm here to offer an opportunity. You might need this."
He patted Stella's shoulder.
Stella understood, taking a document bag from her embrace and handing it to Victor.
Victor opened it inside was a migration permit bearing the World Government's emblem.
Within the information cocoon created by the World Government, everyone on Pionbino Island believed Luminosa's disease was contagious.
Thus, the neighboring kingdoms set up checkpoints, preventing escape.
Victor, as a doctor, was one of the few who knew the truth: lead rot disease.
This pass could save his family.
But for a Celestial Dragon to come personally… "What's the price?" Victor asked hoarsely.
"Very simple."
A Slave brought a folding chair, and Black sat, pointing at Law:
"This child has great potential."
"Even Rob Lucci, celebrated as CP's strongest talent in 800 years, may not compare."
"He needs training, then work for me."
Law pointed at himself in disbelief:
"Me?"
Victor frowned. As a doctor with some standing, he knew the temperament of Celestial Dragons.
Black was comparing Law to CP-level geniuses.
Who would want their child in dangerous spy work?
Before Victor could reply, Law composed himself:
"No problem. I'll work for you."
"Law!" Victor's voice rose instantly:
"You have no idea what this means!"
Law's gaze remained calm:
"It won't be worse than now, will it?"
"Since studying medicine, I realized this situation was wrong."
"Originally, I lacked confidence, but now…" He glanced at Rami.
"No matter what, family is the most important thing."
Black chuckled.
Well, aren't you a family man too?