Upon arriving at Dr. Vegapunk's private laboratory, Lloyd glanced at Caesar, who had followed closely behind him, and spoke calmly. "You do not need to come in."
Caesar immediately halted, watching as Lloyd and Dr. Vegapunk entered the laboratory together.
This laboratory was far larger than the one that housed Stussy. The space was expansive, and the equipment inside was far more comprehensive and advanced. The moment Vegapunk stepped inside, he immersed himself in adjusting and calibrating various instruments, his attention entirely consumed by his work.
Lloyd, on the other hand, surveyed the surroundings with detached interest. His gaze soon settled on a table lined with red apples.
He walked over, picked one up, and slowly rotated it in his hand.
A portion of the apple had turned purple, giving the impression that it had spoiled. However, upon closer inspection, the purple area gleamed with an unnatural luster. Its surface was smooth and cool, lacking any sign of decay.
Looking at the other apples on the table, Lloyd noticed variations. Some had larger purple sections, while others displayed circular patterns of dark green and light green intertwined across their skins.
From this alone, Lloyd grasped their purpose.
He turned his head slightly and asked, "Dr. Vegapunk, are these the artificial Devil Fruits you are researching?"
Vegapunk did not look up from the device he was adjusting. He simply nodded. "Yes. They were created by extracting Devil Fruit factors from Kaido. However, all of those are failures. I will need more time to succeed."
"You will succeed," Lloyd replied evenly. "I have no doubt about that."
Vegapunk paused, then looked at Lloyd with surprise before offering a sincere thanks.
Lloyd allowed a faint smile to surface. "You were born for science. As long as you focus on your research and avoid unnecessary thoughts, the World Government will provide you with as many Berries as you require."
Vegapunk nodded, though it was unclear whether he fully absorbed the meaning behind Lloyd's words.
He guided Lloyd to lie down on an experimental table and instructed him to remove his upper clothing. Vegapunk then retrieved several tubes fitted with suction cup like ends and attached them directly to Lloyd's exposed skin.
Immediately, streams of data filled the display of the nearby monitoring device.
Vegapunk rested one hand against his chin, astonishment gradually overtaking his expression. "Incredible. I never imagined the lineage factors used on you back then would fuse so seamlessly. This is nothing short of a scientific miracle."
Hearing this, Lloyd first released a quiet breath, then asked, "Are you certain both lineage factors have fused successfully? If so, why can I not feel any power belonging to the Lunarian race?"
"The data shows that the Lunarian lineage factor has integrated quite well," Vegapunk replied. "However, the fusion itself likely completed only recently. Compared to the Mink lineage factor, the time span is still short. I recall that you awakened part of the Mink abilities when you were still a child."
Lloyd nodded. That had happened when Lucia stormed the laboratory in an attempt to rescue him. At the time, he had been less than eight years old.
"Does that mean I still need to wait a long time?" Lloyd asked.
"No," Vegapunk said decisively. "Your current body is vastly stronger than it was back then. The Lunarian lineage factor has been developing alongside your body for years. Its compatibility is extremely high. Once stimulated by the right opportunity, it could awaken completely in an instant."
"An opportunity," Lloyd repeated. "Combat?"
"Fighting beyond your limits is indeed one of the most effective methods," Vegapunk replied.
Then, as if struck by a sudden realization, he added, "Saint Lloyd, it is possible that certain Lunarian traits have already manifested, even if you have not noticed them."
Lloyd froze briefly and reached back, instinctively checking for wings. His skin was smooth, flawless, without even the slightest irregularity.
Vegapunk instructed him to step off the table, then vanished from the room at remarkable speed. When he returned moments later, he was carrying a large flamethrower.
Pointing the nozzle toward Lloyd, Vegapunk spoke with caution. "Saint Lloyd, your Armament Haki is formidable, and you are a Logia user. Still, I ask that you do not resist. Try to experience the flames directly. If you feel pain, we will stop immediately."
Lloyd understood his intention at once.
He nodded, walked into an open area of the laboratory, spread his arms, and said calmly, "Begin."
Vegapunk did not hesitate. He pressed the trigger, and raging flames engulfed Lloyd in an instant.
Lloyd's lower garments were quickly reduced to ash, yet his skin remained entirely unharmed. His expression did not change in the slightest, as though he were merely standing beneath warm sunlight rather than within a sea of fire.
He felt no pain at all.
Vegapunk continued until the flamethrower ran out of fuel. Only then did he stop.
Lloyd stepped forward from the scorched floor, his bare body unmarked. He retrieved a fresh pair of pants from the dark scripture and put them on with unhurried composure.
Despite having been bathed in flames for an extended period, his mood was notably improved. He smiled faintly at Vegapunk. "It appears you were correct."
Vegapunk, however, remained unsatisfied. True to his scientific rigor, he brought over a large basin filled with clear water. "Saint Lloyd, submerge your head and attempt to breathe. This level should not weaken you."
Vegapunk was unaware of Lloyd's unique interaction with the Demon Blade Muramasa. Even the sea itself posed no threat to Lloyd now.
Without explanation, Lloyd placed his head into the basin.
At first, he choked slightly, but moments later his breathing steadied. Soon, inhaling underwater felt no different than breathing air.
Lloyd lifted his head, water cascading from his hair as he brushed it back with one hand. A look of quiet satisfaction crossed his face.
This was the first time he had consciously attempted to breathe underwater. Since obtaining the Demon Blade Muramasa, he had instinctively held his breath whenever submerged, despite not fearing the sea.
Had he not tested it today, he might never have realized.
Now, Lloyd was completely certain. The Lunarian trait of adapting to any natural environment had manifested flawlessly within him.
Flames themselves were secondary.
What Lloyd truly desired was the Lunarian race's terrifying defense and overwhelming speed.
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