Dr. Vegapunk observed the data in silence for a long while before finally speaking in a low, measured tone.
"From my analysis, the Devil Fruit factors you injected earlier are extremely stable. There has been no sign of rejection."
Lloyd's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So this means I can consume another Devil Fruit."
"I cannot guarantee it absolutely," Vegapunk replied honestly, "but the probability of success is at least ninety percent."
A faint glint appeared in Lloyd's gaze. Gambling his life on a ninety percent success rate for another powerful Devil Fruit was more than acceptable to him. The potential gain far outweighed the risk.
At that moment, he had already begun considering what his next ability should be.
Dr. Vegapunk turned to retrieve the prepared experimental sample. Before he could touch it, Lloyd raised his hand. A curtain of darkness spread instantly, swallowing the sample whole and erasing it without leaving a trace.
Although Vegapunk had already stated that cloning Lloyd was impossible, Lloyd preferred certainty over reassurance.
Once the blood sample was destroyed, the power of the Persian Cat Devil Fruit was extracted and sealed once again into a fruit stored within the Dark-Dark Fruit's ability.
When Lloyd produced a pristine Persian Cat Devil Fruit from the darkness, Dr. Vegapunk froze in place, shock written clearly across his face. He immediately began questioning how Lloyd had accomplished such a thing.
Lloyd merely smiled, the expression calm and unreadable.
"Focus on your experiment," he said, handing the fruit to Vegapunk. "I will explain it later."
Vegapunk could only give a strained smile, muttering to himself about wasted miracles. That sample had been the only one of its kind in the world, at least as far as he knew. This was under the assumption that anomalies like Marshall D. Teach did not exist.
Lloyd lowered his arm and inspected it. The wound he had cut earlier had vanished completely, not even a scar remaining.
Satisfied, he turned his gaze toward Vegapunk.
"Do you remember everything I instructed you to do today?"
Vegapunk nodded immediately.
"Yes. Modify Stussy's loyalty target and complete the development of the authority chip."
"Good," Lloyd replied evenly. "The people of your home will remember your contribution."
As Vegapunk watched, Lloyd's body twisted and dissolved into a spiraling mass of darkness, vanishing without a sound.
Once Lloyd was gone, Vegapunk's legs finally gave out. He collapsed heavily into his chair, exhaling a long breath as cold sweat ran down his face.
"What kind of monster have I helped create…" he whispered hoarsely. "This is a sin."
Mary Geoise, within the private sleeping quarters.
Saint Garling had just returned from the training room. He removed his training attire, changed into a black robe, and sat down on the sofa with his eyes closed, allowing his body a moment of rest.
Before that moment could last, the air in front of him distorted. A familiar figure emerged from the warped space, Lloyd appearing with a faint smile.
Garling opened his eyes and chuckled softly.
"You came back at the perfect time. I already had the servants prepare dinner. We will eat here tonight."
Lloyd dropped onto the sofa beside him, picked up the teacup Garling had left on the table, and took a slow sip.
"That's fine," Lloyd said, "but have them prepare an extra portion. I will take it to Lucia later."
Garling shook his head.
"There is more than enough food. The leftovers could feed several people."
Lloyd's tone remained calm but firm.
"Lucia does not eat leftovers. If not for your insistence, I would have had her dine with us."
Garling did not respond. His tolerance did not extend that far. His leniency applied only to Lloyd and no one else.
Lloyd understood this well. He leaned back against the sofa, one arm draped casually over the backrest, his expression relaxed.
Finding Lloyd's mood unusual, Garling smirked.
"You seem pleased. Did something interesting happen at Vegapunk's lab?"
Lloyd's lips curved slightly as he recounted the events of the day. Garling listened quietly, smiling like an ordinary elder rather than a ruler.
That smile vanished the moment Lloyd mentioned his intention to consume another Devil Fruit.
"No," Garling said sharply. "Absolutely not."
Lloyd paused, clearly surprised by the sudden intensity.
"It is manageable. Vegapunk conducted the experiment himself. He gave it a ninety percent success rate."
"And the remaining ten percent?" Garling demanded. "Death?"
Silence followed.
Garling met Lloyd's gaze directly.
"You are gambling with your life."
"I am aware," Lloyd replied evenly. "But I possess the Dark-Dark Fruit. Even if something goes wrong, I believe I can protect myself."
Garling frowned, about to argue further, when a servant's voice came from the doorway.
"Saint Garling, the meal is ready. Shall we serve it now?"
Lloyd glanced toward the entrance.
"Uncle Garling, let us eat first. We can continue this discussion during the meal."
Garling exhaled slowly. He knew Lloyd had not abandoned the idea. With a wave of his hand, he instructed the servants to bring the dishes in.
Once everything was set, a servant moved to pour wine for them. Lloyd stopped him, taking the bottle himself.
"That will be all. You may leave."
The servant bowed deeply and withdrew, leaving the room in silence.
Lloyd poured wine for Garling, then for himself.
"You do not need to worry," Lloyd said calmly. "I know exactly what I am doing."
Garling lifted his glass, watching the red liquid swirl inside.
"Is one Dark-Dark Fruit not enough for you? What other power are you aiming for?"
"Nothing specific yet," Lloyd replied. "But the Blood-Blood Fruit interests me. On another note, have you heard anything about Gulando?"
Garling studied Lloyd for a moment before answering.
"He remains in his quarters. I have not seen him in years. What I do know is that he has been acquiring large numbers of slaves from Shambles and sending them directly to his residence."
"Slaves?" Lloyd asked. "Since when did he develop such a habit?"
Garling snorted coldly, folding his arms.
"It is obvious. It is connected to the Blood-Blood Fruit. Strengthen yourself quickly. If you are too slow, I will have to deal with him myself."
Lloyd's eyes sharpened.
"What do you mean?"
"Have you forgotten?" Garling said quietly. "Your grandfather was destroyed by that fruit. Even he could not control it. Do you think Gulando can?"
As he spoke, Garling closed his eyes. The memory of personally killing his father resurfaced. He seized the wine bottle from Lloyd's hand and drank deeply.
With his physique, alcohol had no effect. He emptied the bottle and muttered bitterly,
"One after another… none of you ever let me rest."
____
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