Chapter 110: A Pact for a New World

This was his first time stepping into the enormous laboratory.

Drawing from his memories of Blue Star, he had divided the space into dozens of departments, big and small. At the very center sat a main control console, equipped to handle all kinds of experiments.

Building that main console with Blue Star’s technology had taken immense time and effort to collect the parts and assemble it.

Since research was the lab’s primary focus, living quarters weren’t very spacious—at most, it could house a little over a hundred people at the same time.

Still, that was more than enough for Vegapunk’s needs. He never required a huge team of assistants.

“Hello there, Vegapunk.” Karl smiled as he held out his hand.

“Let’s get to know each other once more. I’m Karl.” There was a spark of anticipation in Karl’s eyes. He hoped to build a solid partnership with Vegapunk, which would surely help their next conversation.

“Hello, Mr. Karl. I’m Vegapunk.”

Vegapunk gave a polite smile in return. His gaze brimmed with curiosity, eager to discover what Karl wanted—enough, even, to force him into this meeting.

Karl studied Dr. Vegapunk. This so-called mad scientist was legendary for his genius and creativity. His research would change the world in ways no one could predict.

Karl nodded toward Quinn and Caesar, who were working on their experiments, signaling Krell to lead them out.

Once the three had left the control console, Karl grabbed a nearby chair, took a seat and faced Vegapunk.

Hope glimmered in his eyes. Karl wanted Vegapunk’s support—if he got it, he could finish his own plans even faster.

Vegapunk sat as well, eyeing Karl with puzzled interest.

He couldn’t figure out why Karl had come to him, but he could sense the respect and hope Karl held, which left him a bit unsettled.

“I want to build a world filled with peace, fairness and justice. A world with no pirates. A place where people work by sunrise, rest by sundown and leave their doors unlocked at night. No one’s afraid to walk the streets. Dr. Vegapunk, I hope you’ll help me make that dream real.”

Karl’s eyes burned with resolve. Every word rang with hope, vision and determination for the future.

Having someone like Vegapunk on board would speed up making that dream a reality.

Vegapunk looked at Karl’s earnest face and found himself a little moved.

Once, he’d warmed his hometown with underfloor heating and invented all sorts of tech out of kindness—yet all he got in return was misunderstanding and blame.

After running out of funds, he’d left his hometown behind and never looked back.

Hearing Karl’s words today struck a chord. He’d always wanted to build that kind of world, but never got the chance.

“If that’s what you really want, then I’m willing to help you.”

Vegapunk stood up, walked over to a piece of equipment on the main console and pulled up a projection.

“This is a technology I’m currently developing.”

Excitement danced in Vegapunk’s eyes.

“It’s called Lineage Factor.”

“Lineage Factor?”

That had Karl jumping out of his seat. He hurried over, staring at the DNA chains flashing across the screen.

He knew full well: it was Vegapunk’s groundbreaking research on Lineage Factor that got him arrested by the World Government, who wanted him working for them.

Karl couldn’t help but feel sorry for the original Vegapunk. He truly understood the magnitude of this technology.

With Lineage Factor, you could graft different genes into a single human being.

It even allowed you to extract the blood of Devil Fruit users and clone the corresponding Devil Fruit.

In the original story, Momonosuke ate a Devil Fruit created from Kaido’s Blue Dragon gene after he’d consumed the original fruit.

Vegapunk may have called that fruit a failure, but seeing Momonosuke’s abilities, it was clear the tech worked.

“Have you finished developing this technology?”

Hearing the urgency in Karl’s voice, Vegapunk gave a bitter smile and shook his head.

“Not yet. I’ll need about ten more years.”

“The main problem is a shortage of materials—and funding too…”

Karl quickly interrupted—so it was a question of raw materials and money after all.

“Don’t worry, Dr. Vegapunk. I understand your troubles. Materials, funding, none of those will be an issue. I’ll take care of it for you.”

Vegapunk looked surprised. “Oh? And how do you plan to do that?”

Karl patted his chest and grinned with confidence. “For materials, talk to Krell—he’ll get you what you need in no time. As for funding, I’ll start by investing ten billion Berries. If that’s not enough, I’ll keep adding more.”

Vegapunk hadn’t expected Karl to value this project so much. Back when he was in MADS, gathering raw materials and money had always been a struggle.

“That’s fantastic! If that’s the case, I’ll aim to have results in five years.”

Seeing Karl frown, Vegapunk quickly clarified.

“Don’t think this experiment is simple, even with all the supplies and money you can throw at it. It’ll still take at least five years.”

Karl relaxed, shaking his head lightly.

He realized he’d been too impatient.

He also understood that Vegapunk always worked with a clear plan and goals in mind.

Lineage Factor was crucial, but Karl knew Dr. Vegapunk needed plenty of time and space to get his research right.

He believed Vegapunk would put his all into finishing it—after all, he’d done it in the original story, too.

His job now was to give Dr. Vegapunk trust and all the support he needed.

He smiled at Vegapunk. “Don’t worry, Dr. Vegapunk. Take as much time as you need. The schedule’s yours to decide.”

“Alright, it’s settled then.”

With things agreed on, it was clear Vegapunk was eager to get rid of his guest. He really was a mad scientist at heart.

Sure enough, after glancing at his watch, Vegapunk apologized. “Captain Karl, thank you so much for your support and understanding. But I have a lot of research to get back to and can’t chat any longer.”

Spending this long talking to Karl had already eaten into precious research time.

Karl nodded in understanding.

“Alright. Quinn and Caesar will serve as your assistants from now on. They’re here to help you complete the Lineage Factor project.”

“Dr. Vegapunk, I’ll be taking my leave so you can get back to your work.”

“No problem.”

Karl slowly stood up, sharp resolve flashing in his eyes. He strode toward the door, glancing at Quinn and Caesar outside.

While releasing an aura of pressure, Karl eyed them both and spoke sternly. “Quinn, Caesar, from now on you are to support Dr. Vegapunk’s research with everything you’ve got.”

“As for your own projects, once Vegapunk completes this one, I’ll make sure you get all the funds and materials you want.”

Quinn and Caesar, both still young, couldn’t help fearing Karl—his reputation for ruthlessness was infamous.

Rumor had it he could tear an admiral apart with his bare hands. They had no desire to anger him and pay the ultimate price.

Under the weight of Karl’s fierce presence, they could only answer respectfully. “Understood, Lord Karl.”

“Go on, then!”

Karl nodded, signaling them to head inside.

He watched the two dash into the lab, then turned and walked off, Krell following behind.

“Vegapunk’s safety is the top priority—let me say that again.”

Krell immediately replied, “Understood, Lord Karl.”

Now, it was time to go meet Rocks.