"Submit or die!"
Gurd's voice was icy as he posed the question.
To make someone obedient, beating them first was always the right approach.
"I—!"
Judge's face twisted with rage and unwillingness, but he knew this was his last chance. Missing it meant only death awaited him.
Just like the enemies he had destroyed before.
"Can you tell me why the Beasts attacked Germa? Was it to seize our technological power?"
"Kekeke, your so-called technology is nothing special."
Gurd sneered mercilessly. "Let me share a little secret—Queen has already replicated your prized Battle Suit technology."
"Impossible!"
Judge blurted out.
Gurd smirked disdainfully. "Spark, Electricity Generation, Coil Power, Invisible Fighter—just cheap tricks. Oh, and by the way, your old friend Caesar is now one of mine."
"Understand now?"
"Germa's scientific prowess is worthless in my eyes!"
Judge's face turned deathly pale.
"Then… what do you want from us?"
"Simple. Conquer the North Blue."
Gurd grinned playfully. "Judge, wasn't Germa's long-cherished dream to dominate the North Blue? Swear loyalty to me, and I'll help you fulfill that wish."
"What?!"
Judge was stunned.
The Beasts… helping him conquer the North Blue?
If that were truly the case, he would sell his soul for it—it was his greatest ambition. And now, his life was in their hands anyway.
"Don't rush."
Gurd chuckled softly. "I haven't heard your answer yet."
"I pledge my allegiance to you! As long as Germa can rule the North Blue, I'll do whatever you command!"
Judge leaned forward, pressing his forehead to the ground.
"Good."
The carrot and the stick—simple and effective.
Gurd waved his hand.
"Release them."
"Yes."
The chains were undone, and Judge's family was escorted to the dining table.
Gurd walked over and tossed a few Battle Suit Cans back to them before taking his seat at the head of the table.
"For now, our alliance must remain secret. If the World Government finds out, they'll revoke your status as a member nation. Understood?"
"I understand."
Judge nodded.
The Beasts were now the World Government's greatest enemy. Any association with them would mean losing their privileges.
Gurd's gaze turned sinister. "Your task is simple: by any means necessary—assassination, framing, whatever—incite war among the North Blue's member nations."
"From here on, I'll supply you with weapons, resources, and even military support when needed."
"Sell these arms and supplies to the warring nations, fueling their conflicts and maintaining a balance of power."
"Once they've exhausted themselves and drowned in debt, you'll pull the strings from the shadows—control their royalty!"
"Threaten them, bribe them, or replace them with puppets. Do whatever it takes, but don't destroy their countries."
"Later, I'll send people to buy out their resources and land, stripping them of everything. All you have to do is cooperate."
"Understood?"
"Hiss—!"
Judge sucked in a sharp breath, cold sweat drenching him.
This was nothing like conventional warfare.
Gurd swirled his glass of red wine.
Affiliated nations are the foundation of the World Government.
The North Blue has numerous affiliated nations. If they were openly plundered, even the most foolish actions by the World Government would provoke a desperate fight with the Beasts.
Losing over one-sixth of the Celestial Tribute—such a massive loss of income—would deal a severe blow to the World Government's economy.
This is a red line, absolutely non-negotiable.
Thus, it's best to act in secret.
Let the affiliated nations wage war among themselves, then legally acquire their resources and land, swiftly hollowing them out.
Silently dominate the North Blue!
"And don't touch the non-affiliated nations!"
Gurd reminded them.
Non-affiliated nations aren't as troublesome—the Beasts can handle them themselves. This will be the Beasts' next focus, ensuring the affiliated nations don't plunder the non-affiliated ones to sustain themselves.
It's not just resources and land—population is also crucial. Those displaced by war would surely be eager to migrate to safer lands.
The North Blue could have its own Nation of Labor!
"Lord Gurd, I understand!"
Judge's eyes burned with fervor.
According to the Beasts' plan, the nations of the North Blue would grow weaker and weaker, paving the way for Germa to dominate the region.
The biggest issue now, however, is that Germa's ties with the Beasts aren't strong enough, leaving them vulnerable to being replaced by other factions.
They needed a solution!
Gurd stood with a smile and raised his glass.
Judge and his children immediately followed suit.
"To the future of the North Blue—cheers!"
Clink!
Meanwhile, at Egghead.
After modifications, Egghead's winter climate had completely transformed. The island was now dotted with research facilities, and the Island Cloud was nearly complete.
Most importantly, a certain scientist had severed his own head, storing it in a special container and converting it into a database.
Stussy returned once more and encountered Kuma in the lab.
"Kuma, writing letters again?"
"As long as I have time, I must keep writing. I want to pour a lifetime of love into letters for Bonney."
Kuma smiled as he wrote.
His time was running out.
"Heh, how lovely."
Stussy smiled warmly, though a pang of sorrow lingered in her heart.
Though their time together had been brief, Kuma's uniqueness had made her see him as a kindred spirit—a friend.
She had very few friends.
In just six months, Kuma would undergo his final modification, losing all consciousness—no different from death.
After chatting for a while, Vegapunk arrived in the lab, his Apple Antenna bobbing as he walked, his expression troubled.
"Stussy, you're here?"
"Yes, Doctor."
Stussy nodded with a smile.
"I wanted to discuss something with you."
"Ah, perfect. I also wanted to confirm something with you."
Vegapunk pulled out a peculiar device and waved it around the lab before sighing in relief.
"All clear—no surveillance."
When Kuma first arrived, their conversation had been overheard by the Holy Land. Since then, Vegapunk had been extremely cautious.
Though Kuma was present, Vegapunk trusted him implicitly and didn't hold back, pulling out an old newspaper.
"Stussy, is this true?"
"This is..."
Stussy took the paper, her eyes widening.
It was a report about the Golden Route.
Vegapunk was visibly tense. "I heard you're close with that Calamity Gurd. Did he really create this continent?"
"Yes!"
Stussy nodded with a smile.
"Doctor, I witnessed it myself!"
"That's great!"
Vegapunk was overjoyed.
It was true—that was what mattered.
Based on his deductions, the current sea level was about 200 meters higher than it had been 800 years ago, and the same phenomenon could very well happen again in the future.
But to confirm his theory, he still needed one final piece of evidence.
Vegapunk grew tense again.
"Stussy, what kind of man is this Gurd?"
"Him?"
Stussy tapped her lips in thought.
"He's a lecherous scoundrel!"
"Wha—?!"
Vegapunk froze.
He had heard rumors abou
t Gurd—almost none of them positive—but deep down, he had still held onto a sliver of hope. But if Gurd was truly a villain, then the world was doomed.
"However, Doctor."
Stussy's tone shifted, and a sweet smile spread across her face.
"Gurd is someone we can trust!"
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