20demayo Page 105
Page 105
It was this discovery that roused Xia Qi, who had been feeling dejected, and she began to investigate further.
The direction of the in-depth investigation naturally turned to Black, who was with Hancock.
Fortunately, just a few days later, Blake arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago with a group of people.
However, Xia Qi did not act impulsively.
She wasn't sure if Rayleigh's disappearance was related to the person in front of her, and that rushing forward might alert him, so she decided to observe first.
However, what Shakky didn't expect was that Black's Observation Haki had already reached an astonishing level.
Even when Im communicated with the Five Elders through telepathy, he could vaguely sense that something was wrong.
Even though Shakky was far away, Blake still managed to catch her gaze, which seemed so real.
Blake tapped his fingers a few times; he really hadn't figured out how to deal with this...widow?
Shakky is far too old, and her looks have deteriorated drastically; she definitely can't be taken back as a slave.
But I also felt it shouldn't have gone to that extent.
Moreover, although Xia Qi has a wide network of connections, they are all relationships from more than 30 years ago.
So many years have passed, those people won't come running to help investigate Rayleigh just because of a single sentence she said.
In addition, her own strength is not top-notch, so she won't cause Blake any trouble.
Blake ultimately decided to postpone dealing with Shakky for the time being.
This woman is an intelligence dealer; we might be able to use her to spread some information in the future.
A strange light flickered in Blake's eyes, and a smile played on his lips:
"By the way, isn't the Op-Op Fruit about to be born?"
"She seems to actually have some remaining value."
Chapter 138 This is very much like the World Government
Blake took a stroll around Area 16 of the Sabaody Archipelago.
To be fair, the quality of the slaves here is actually quite high, but Blake did not recognize any familiar faces.
Even Gild Tezzolo and Cyrus are now working as human engines at the very bottom of the Temple, and Black has no interest whatsoever in those unremarkable slaves.
Xia Qi was very familiar with the terrain of this area and always observed from a distance.
Blake had already come up with some plans, so he pretended not to notice.
After a brief tour, he led the women back to the Temple and continued their journey.
There are seven routes from the Sabaody Archipelago to Upside Down.
In the original work, the main characters chose the fourth option.
Without the slightest hesitation, Blake decisively chose another path.
The things along the Alabasta route have already been clearly explained in the original book, and there's nothing particularly valuable, so Black naturally wanted to experience something new.
And so, the Temple set sail amidst a lively and bustling atmosphere.
Several days later, the Temple arrived at its first stop on this journey—the Heart of Machines.
This is an island made up of rusty steel, broken gears, and thick metal pipes.
It's like a giant watch embedded in the sea.
Moreover, it's a Richard Mille mechanical watch, the kind that makes people dizzy just by looking at it.
Half of it is submerged in the sea, and half of it is exposed to the outside.
The Temple slowly sailed into the only metal port in the Heart of the Machines.
The automated robotic arm docks with the hull, producing a precise meshing sound.
There were already quite a few people waiting at the dock.
Blake stood at the bow of the ship and looked down, seeing the crowd clearly divided into two rows.
One row was clearly dressed in naval uniforms, wearing cloaks of justice.
The other group consisted of both young and old people, all wearing white coats.
Blake raised an eyebrow. In order to enjoy the surprise, he had not looked up any information about the route beforehand.
The gangway slowly descended, and Blake led the women off the ship, this time without the slave with giant blood.
After all, this island didn't look like a place suitable for slaves to crawl on.
The leading naval officer stepped forward and bowed slightly in salute.
“Lord Black Saint, I am Vice Admiral Remus, the base commander of the Navy’s G-10 branch.”
"Leading all the soldiers, we respectfully welcome your arrival."
Blake nodded slightly. He didn't recognize the navy officer; he probably hadn't appeared in the original story.
He turned to look at the doctors in white coats standing to the side:
"And what's the deal with these people?"
A hint of surprise flashed in Remus's eyes, followed by an expression of understanding.
Black was dumbfounded. What's with that "I know the Celestial Dragons so well" look on your face? I was just trying to keep the unknown a surprise.
However, he has always been low-key and didn't seem to care.
Remus pointed to the white-coated man at the head of the group and introduced him:
"This is Dr. Carson, who is in charge of the World Government's research on the Mechanical Heart."
Dr. Carson, with his gray hair, stepped forward and bowed respectfully, his tone full of deference:
"Lord Black Saint, your arrival has breathed new life into this long-silent island."
Blake raised an eyebrow.
The old man didn't kneel down instinctively, which suggests he holds a fairly high position in the World Government.
In other words, there must be something special about this island that makes it worthwhile for the world government to send a scientist of considerable caliber to study it.
But thinking about it, it makes sense; such a huge mechanical creation clearly has some kind of connection with a great kingdom.
But now is not the time to delve into these matters, Blake nodded politely.
Seeing that his attitude seemed quite good, Carson immediately spoke up:
"Lord Black, we have prepared a banquet for you, as you see..."
"Let's eat something first."
After saying this, Blake led the women toward the center of the island, with Remus and Carson on either side of him.
Upon entering the banquet hall, Hancock was smarter this time, and immediately took the seat to Black's left as soon as he sat down.
Kalifa, not to be outdone, immediately sat down to Blake's right.
Their gazes clashed sharply across Blake, as if electricity were flashing in the air.
However, since there were outsiders present, no conflict arose, and Blake simply ignored them.
Stella smiled slightly helplessly, and instead of arguing with the two girls, she sat down next to Hancock.
Everyone took their seats, and Hancock gently poured wine for Black.
Blake patted her hand, indicating that it was about time, but his gaze fell on the largest circular mechanical construct in the distance.
Noticing his gaze, Dr. Carson explained;
“Lord Black, this is a site left behind by an ancient kingdom.”
"For the past three hundred years, we have been dedicated to unlocking its secrets."
"Three hundred years?"
Blake was somewhat surprised.
The number three hundred... could it be related to Emmett's attack on Mary Geoise?
He continued to ask:
"So what have you all figured out?"
Upon hearing this, Dr. Carson blushed and said awkwardly:
"This...this..."
Seeing his expression, Blake knew that the World Government hadn't figured it out at all.
He said, somewhat speechless:
"So for the past three hundred years, you've been cleaning the rust off this pile of iron?"
He raised his glass and gestured to the doctors in white coats in a gesture of greeting.
"Then I really have to toast you."
"For no other reason than your unwavering patience!"
This is typical of world governments; their efficiency is unparalleled.
But Blake's words were not entirely sarcastic.
After all, even a novelist, how long can they persist without seeing data?
This group of people, however, were able to withstand the pressure of no positive feedback and persevered for several generations.
Dr. Carson lowered his head even further, clearly ashamed.
Seeing this, Blake did not press the matter further.
In any case, even if the world government discovers something useful, it will mostly be used for military purposes and will have little to do with his personal life.
As the banquet drew to a close, Kalifa took out a handkerchief and gently wiped Black's mouth, while giving Hancock a provocative look that made the latter grit her teeth.
Blake, however, paid no attention to their interaction. Instead, he stood up and asked Dr. Carson:
"Would it be convenient for me to show this island around?"
Although it was a question, the tone left no room for argument.
Upon hearing this, Dr. Carson and the other researchers became tense:
"Lord Black Saint, although we maintain this place regularly, it is, after all, an ancient creation, so in terms of security..."
"It's ok."
Blake waved his hand:
"My understanding of 'safety' may differ from yours."
After saying that, he ignored the researchers' reactions and slowly left the banquet hall.
Just kidding, even if another Emmett popped up here, Blake wouldn't be afraid. What danger could there be?
Seeing this, everyone else could only hurry to follow.
Chapter 139 Life hasn't taught me anything...
Among all the laws of the World Government, the point that "the World Nobles possess all the privileges of the world" is placed first.
In other words, the Celestial Dragons don't need to go crazy like the Homelanders.
Legally speaking, they are in a position where they can do whatever they want.
Now that Blake wants to visit the Machine Heart, no one can stop him.
Guided by Dr. Carson, Black gradually ventured deeper into the mechanical heart, while Lieutenant General Remus led a team to guard the entrance.
Beneath your feet is a rusted metal mesh passageway, and on both sides are piles of parts and debris stacked like mountains.
The air was cold and carried a strong metallic smell.
Blake looked around curiously, thinking to himself: