Building a New City!

Vidal saw Ichisho and Brook again.

It turned out that Yixiao and the others had flown directly from the sky, something that Vidal greatly envied.

Riding camels across the desert can be quite exciting at first, but it eventually becomes tedious and requires endurance.

Erumalu, a place slightly different from 'Nanohana', is considered a 'lucky riverside city' in Alabasta.

Prince Cobra's enthusiastic explanation revealed that what Vidal had always thought was a strait was actually a large river.

The Mother River, the Sandora River!

It pours down from the northernmost tip of Alabasta, its powerful current constantly pounding against the estuary, preventing seawater from eroding in.

Therefore, Erumalu, with its abundant freshwater resources, is said to be the city with the highest vegetation coverage in the entire kingdom.

Therefore, this place is also known as a 'green city'.

Vidal noticed this even while still on the ship; the lush greenery that stood out so starkly against the endless sea of sand was simply too conspicuous.

"Then why don't you build more cities on both sides of the river?" Vidal said, stepping off the boat onto the planks.

He looked at the map of the country and found that the only city truly located downstream of the river Erumalu; there were no other cities further upstream.

Even the Rainbase and the capital were located half a day's journey from the river.

"Firstly, we are worried that if more cities are built along the river, it will damage and pollute the Sandora River," Prince Cobra said with a smile, looking at the 'green city' in the distance.

"Secondly, it was discovered that apart from Erumalu, few other places grow trees, making it difficult to withstand the erosion of wind and sand."

After all, in a desert environment, having a stable water source is not enough; you also need shelter from the wind and protection from sand.

"However," the prince's expression suddenly revealed worry.

"But what?"

"However, the capital received a report two years ago that the sea level at the estuary had risen by about half a meter. If this situation continues to worsen, the river will become shorter and shorter."

When he brought this up, a part of Vidal's memory was triggered; indeed, Vivi from the future had mentioned it to the Straw Hat Pirates.

The power of the Sandora River was waning, and seawater was encroaching upon it in large quantities; by then, the sea level had long since crossed Erumalu.

In addition, there was no rain for three years, so the residents could no longer even collect rainwater, and the 'green city' quickly fell into disrepair.

This can be considered the result of the combined effects of natural disasters and man-made calamities.

"Vidal, now you can tell me your thoughts," Ichisho said, Cobra, Brook, and the others also turned their attention to me.

"Um."

"My idea is simple: instead of building a thin windbreak, why not find a place with groundwater and plan an oasis that can be developed into a new city!"

Vidal's gaze passed over the green Erumalu, looking deeper and further into the desert. He had spent so much time here; he wasn't here for a trivial matter.

A new oasis, a new city?!

Brook, Nacil, Rogers were alright, but for Igaram, Neisesi, and the other Alabastas, these words were like a bomb exploding in their ears.

What does it mean for a desert kingdom to have an additional oasis?

It represents a rapid increase in population, wealth, and long-term national development.

"This... this..." Cobra's face flushed with excitement as he looked at Vidal with a mixture of disbelief and skepticism.

Is this really possible?

"I think it's possible." Vidal smiled confidently, which inexplicably gave everyone confidence in him.

For Vidal, personally planning a new city in Alabasta would be immensely beneficial, and his plan wouldn't require much sacrifice.

Vidal looked at his adjutant and said, "Rogers, open the map."

"Yes."

On the other side, Yixiao's eyes flickered, wondering if Vidal had 'seen' something again.

Vidal had already told him about his Innate Observation Haki.

"Let's go here!" At the same time, Vidal pointed to the sand sea between Rainbase and Erumalu with his right hand.

That's right, the place he was pointing to was the future location of Yuba!

Putting aside other aspects of this place, one thing is certain: there must be groundwater very close to the surface.

He remembered that Koza's father, Doto, had dug out water all by himself, although it had taken him a whole week.

Without further explanation, Vidal led the group through the city of Erumalu and plunged headlong into the vast sea once more.

After walking for less than half a day, Prince Cobra was extremely familiar with the desert environment, reminded them that they had arrived at the area he had previously indicated.

"Okay, let me take a look."

Vidal glanced around at his surroundings; it was all undulating sand dunes, nothing particularly special.

He lightly stomped his foot, and soon, a scene familiar to Cobra appeared four meters in front of him: a lush, tall tree rose from the ground.

After five breaths, Vidal chuckled with satisfaction, "There really is water here!"

"There's water here?!" Cobra exclaimed in surprise.

He had passed through this place many times before when he traveled between Rainbase and Erumalu, and who would have thought it could become a new oasis?

"That's right, there's a large water source about fifteen meters underground. If we can clear away the sand layer here, we can get even closer to the surface."

Vidal said to Yixiao beside him, "This matter requires your attention."

"Good."

Yi Xiao had no objection, but just as he subconsciously drew his sword to unleash his power, Vidal suddenly called out to him.

"Wait a moment."

"Now that we've confirmed the presence of a large area of groundwater, let's first plan the layout of the new city."

The main reason was that Vidal didn't want to stay here for too long; once the layout was planned, he could focus on getting his own tasks done first.

The rest of the work was left to Yixiao and Cobra.

Please leave this matter to me.

Igaram confidently stepped forward and said, "You just need to tell me the approximate size of the new city and the area that needs to be reserved in advance."

"Alright, let's set up camp here and discuss this properly."

Since there were professionals available, Vidal decided not to take on those tasks, as he understood the principle of specialization.

But when it comes to building camps, he's the real expert!

[Slap.]

He slowly crouched down and slammed his palms heavily onto the warm sand. As the fruit's power spread, two-story wooden houses rose from the sand.

Even though Cobra had seen this scene several times, they still found it particularly spectacular. The ability to create a house anytime, anywhere was incredibly convenient.

In fact, Vidal himself was also considering whether to give this move a name or something. He had thought of names like Four-Pillar House or Linked-Pillar House before, but he still hoped to have his own unique characteristics.

"Let's go inside and talk!"

Can anyone give Vidal a good name for his moves? That way, when he builds a house later, it will look more imposing.