With technology at least several centuries ahead of the outside world, this island could rightfully be called "the future of humanity."
However, having dealt with Vinsmoke Judge and Queen—both former members of the MADS research team—Daren understood that while the technology here was undeniably advanced, it was still far from being scalable or widely deployable.
For now, many of the robots clearly could only follow basic instructions and perform simple, repetitive assembly line tasks.
In contrast to Daren's composed demeanor, Stussy was frozen in shock, unable to take another step.
Although she was a "new human" created by Vegapunk himself, she hadn't seen him in years. She had never imagined that in such a short span, he had achieved so many breakthroughs and pushed the boundaries of science so far ahead of the rest of the world.
This was beyond anything modern humans could even dream of.
As awe lit up her eyes, Stussy clenched her fists without realizing it.
To her, Vegapunk—who had essentially given her life—was a figure akin to a father.
And every child, by instinct, looks up to their father.
"Snap out of it. We're not here for a sightseeing tour."
Daren patted her shoulder, pulling her back to the moment.
Stussy's expression sharpened instantly. She regained her composure, switching seamlessly into her CP0 agent mode.
"You're right. Something about this place doesn't sit right."
She scanned the surroundings with a cautious gaze.
"Over there..."
Her pupils contracted slightly. In the distance, she spotted two enormous beasts, each the size of a mountain, locked in a savage battle. Their roars were deafening.
"That's not real. Probably just a hologram."
Daren spoke calmly.
With his perception, he could tell at a glance the two monsters weren't living creatures.
They were holographic projections.
For one, he couldn't sense any life force. And more importantly, despite the intense battle, the surrounding terrain remained completely untouched.
Clearly, this hologram technology was still in its early development stages—impressive, but still rough around the edges.
Stussy let out a quiet breath of relief, though her brows knit again soon after.
Beyond the advanced tech and bizarre architecture, there was something else strange about Egghead Island.
It had already been over a full minute since they'd arrived, yet they hadn't encountered a single living person.
Could it be that no one actually lived here?
And more concerning—wasn't Dr. Vegapunk supposed to be under government control?
Why hadn't they run into any guards?
Stussy had mentally prepared herself for a potential clash with the Marines or even CP agents the moment they landed.
But up to now, not a single person had stepped forward to stop them.
Could this whole thing be a trap?
Suspicion began to rise. Stussy cautiously observed their unfamiliar surroundings, her eyes narrowing with vigilance.
"Let's head toward the research facility."
Daren had already zeroed in on a direction and took off in a swift blur.
Stussy followed immediately. The two of them darted through the kaleidoscope of structures, weaving at high speed between the vibrant towers.
Egghead Island was massive—essentially a super-island. Its internal layout and architectural style were so alien compared to the outside world that the rainbow-colored buildings made it easy to lose one's sense of direction.
Suddenly—
Daren came to a dead stop.
Stussy, caught off guard, nearly slammed into him.
"How did you suddenly—"
She didn't even finish her sentence.
Boom!
Something massive burst through the walls on both sides of the street, shattering concrete and sending rubble flying. A roaring, dinosaur-like beast charged out of the dust and debris.
"What the..."
Stussy's expression shifted. She sprang into the air, her long legs, heels and all, lashing out in a sharp kick.
"Rankyaku: Hana Kick!"
Clang!
Her Armament Haki-coated kick landed square on the creature's skull—but instead of flesh and bone, it rang out with a high-pitched metallic screech.
Sparks exploded everywhere on impact.
Stussy frowned.
That feeling...
Her eyes quickly locked onto the creature's neck—where the mark "Vegapunk 08" was clearly stamped.
Before she could react further, the "dinosaur" snapped open its massive jaws—and to her shock, a huge black cannon barrel extended from inside its mouth.
"Beep... beep... beep..."
An ominous electronic tone blared, like the countdown to death itself. A chill ran down Stussy's spine as cold sweat broke across her back.
Golden light began to concentrate rapidly in the cannon barrel within the creature's mouth.
At this range...
Her pupils constricted.
But at that moment, a flicker of blue lightning zipped across the creature's body.
As if gripped by an unseen force, the dinosaur's head suddenly crunched and twisted in on itself, crushed by invisible pressure. Gears snapped. Metal cracked.
The fully charged laser cannon was forced back into its own mouth—where it detonated with a dull, muffled boom.
Bang!
Smoke and sparks burst out as the dinosaur staggered, then collapsed with a heavy crash. Its body twitched as electric arcs crackled across its surface.
Stussy let out a shaky breath, then turned to Daren with a grateful glance.
He calmly lowered his hand and stepped up to the fallen "corpse," peering at the shattered plating and the mass of rotating gears and bearings within.
"A machine…"
Stussy finally understood why her kick hadn't done a thing.
"Looks like they've already detected our infiltration," Daren said, raising an eyebrow.
As his words fell—
Boom.
Boom.
Boom.
The ground began to tremble. Thunderous footsteps echoed from all directions.
Like giants marching, each step sent a low rumble through the earth.
Stussy's eyes darkened as she watched the hulking, steel-modified beasts close in from every side.
But then—her concern vanished.
Because the black-haired young man in front of her took a single step forward.
Just one simple step. No surge of aura, no sudden blast of power. Even Stussy didn't catch what had changed.
Yet those towering monsters, as large as mountains, froze.
All of them.
Paralyzed on the spot, unable to move even an inch.