Hearing Caesar's voice, Doyle immediately stood upright, his expression serious, as if he were standing before a superior officer.
"Yes, Your Majesty, the Heavenly King!"
Immediately afterward, Caesar inquired about the size and physical characteristics of the prisoners he needed. He specified the number of people required and their general appearance—tall, short, fat, or thin—before hanging up.
Time was of the essence. Both he and Doyle needed to move quickly, and ideally, Doyle had to complete this task immediately.
Without hesitation, Doyle departed for the Middle Kingdom's prison to retrieve the criminals Caesar had requested.
Caesar's plan was straightforward yet ruthless: he would trade a fake for the real deal—replace the crown prince with an imposter. Then, he would extract all the scientists in one move, deposit the prisoners in their place, and orchestrate an explosion to cover his tracks.
After all, these criminals were irredeemable villains, rotting in prison with no future. If they were doomed anyway, they might as well serve a greater purpose—his purpose.
If this operation succeeded, no one would ever know that the scientists were still alive, and the World Government would cease its pursuit.
With this, he could claim the greatest treasures of all—human intellect.
An hour later, through rapid flight, Caesar returned to the Middle Kingdom and met with Doyle.
"Have you brought all the criminals I requested?"
"I have," Doyle affirmed with a nod. "They're secured in a separate space."
"Good," Caesar said, satisfied. "Now, come with me. I need your help with something."
Though curious, Doyle asked no questions and simply nodded.
With that, Caesar and Doyle took off toward Baldimore once again.
Caesar pushed his speed to the limit, fearing that if he was even slightly delayed, the scientists might attempt to flee on their own.
Before long, they arrived back in the Future Country, Egghead Island.
This time, with Doyle's assistance, Caesar bypassed security effortlessly. Using Doyle's spatial abilities, they entered the heart of the research facility without triggering a single alarm. Surveillance systems and defense measures remained oblivious to their silent infiltration.
Inside, the scientists worked in uneasy silence, anxiously anticipating the World Government's inevitable crackdown.
Then, without warning, a rift opened in midair!
Gasps filled the room as everyone turned toward the eerie phenomenon.
A handful of scientists with combat experience immediately sprang into defensive stances, warily eyeing the dimensional breach.
Then, from within the portal, Caesar emerged.
For a split second, silence reigned.
Then, recognition dawned, and their faces turned deathly pale.
"King Caesar!"
The name sent shockwaves through the room.
The man before them was a living legend—a figure feared by the entire world. The most wanted criminal alive, a pirate king ruling over a vast territory in the New World, had somehow appeared here.
Panic spread like wildfire as whispers and frantic speculation filled the room.
Even Dr. Vegapunk, the world's greatest mind, was momentarily taken aback.
His sharp gaze met Caesar's. Unlike the others, his reaction was calm and composed, though his curiosity was evident.
Caesar, in turn, scrutinized Vegapunk carefully.
He had never seen the man in person before, but his reputation was as vast as the sea.
A mind five centuries ahead of its time, they said.
Now that he saw him with his own eyes, he thought—Vegapunk certainly looked the part of a mad scientist. His entire aura radiated genius, though Caesar couldn't help but note that he was quite ugly.
Then, a voice broke the tense silence.
"Your Majesty, the Heavenly King... why are you here?"
Caesar shifted his gaze to the speaker—Vinsmoke Judge.
A smirk tugged at his lips.
He was quite familiar with Judge. Though much of Judge's work was built upon Vegapunk's research, his own contributions were far from insignificant.
In particular, the combat suits he developed were a marvel.
The technology was both practical and brutally effective in battle.
If such suits were mass-produced and incorporated into his forces, his army's combat effectiveness would soar. An ordinary soldier would suddenly possess the strength of a Marine officer.
And that wasn't all.
Caesar envisioned something even greater—combining Devil Fruits with advanced battle suits.
If those who consumed Devil Fruits also donned these suits, their combat prowess would reach terrifying heights.
With such a force, his Middle Kingdom could dominate the world.
The thought sent a thrill through him.
His mind was set—Vinsmoke Judge must come with him.
"Well, I doubt I need to introduce myself," Caesar finally said.
"I've heard that this research team consists of the world's top scientists, so I came to extend an invitation."
He let his words sink in, observing their reactions.
Despite his reputation, he chose to adopt a diplomatic approach. He wanted willing scientists—genuine minds who would contribute their best efforts.
If he forced them outright, their research might suffer.
Thus, his tone remained measured, even courteous.
"I recently uncovered ancient ruins containing knowledge from a thousand years ago," he continued. "You might find the discoveries quite interesting."
"Consider my offer."
At this, several scientists exchanged glances.
For ordinary people, talk of thousand-year-old ruins would spark dreams of hidden treasure.
But for scientists?
Knowledge itself was the greatest treasure.
However, some among them hesitated.
Judge's expression darkened—he had planned to take key research materials and return to North Blue, where he could rebuild his empire.
But now, with Caesar himself standing before him, those plans were thoroughly derailed.
Still, he made one last attempt.
"I appreciate Your Majesty's invitation," Judge said slowly, "but I already have plans to return to the North Blue."
Several other scientists quickly followed his lead.
"Thank you for your offer, Your Majesty, but I have my own path to follow."
"I still wish to return home to the West Blue."
Caesar merely smiled as they voiced their rejections.
Nearby, Vegapunk remained silent, watching Caesar with keen interest.
He, of all people, understood the true stakes.
Caesar had not come to negotiate.
From the very beginning, the choice had never been theirs.
As the last scientist finished speaking, Caesar finally asked:
"Are you done?"
Though his smile remained, a chilling aura radiated from him.
"Understand this—I came here to invite you."
"But whether you accept... isn't really up to you."
"Unless you'd rather die when this facility is reduced to rubble."
At this, a wave of dread washed over them.
Judge's face twisted in frustration.
By now, it was painfully clear—Caesar had never intended to let them walk away.
"Well then, Dr. Vegapunk," Caesar said, his gaze now fixed on the scientist. "What do you say?"
Vegapunk exhaled lightly, then smiled.
"I must admit, I'm quite intrigued by your mention of ancient ruins," he said.
"So I suppose... I shall accept your invitation."
Caesar's smile widened in satisfaction.
Then, his gaze swept over the remaining scientists.
His eyes conveyed a simple, chilling question—
"What about the rest of you?"
Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters