The Azure Dragon slowly descended toward the research stratum floating above the clouds over Egghead.
Reiner glanced down at the island below. Towering high-rises brimming with technology stood everywhere, while pedestrians moved along the futuristic city streets. It seemed no different from usual.
"Since he got the news, why didn't that guy evacuate the civilians beforehand?"
Reiner muttered in confusion.
"Vegapunk probably thought that if he left, the people here wouldn't be dragged into it."
Aokiji frowned slightly and replied flatly, "All that can be said is that he still underestimated the World Government's methods."
"Wait, what do you mean?"
Hearing that, Uta hurried over, an uneasy premonition rising in her heart.
Reiner and Aokiji glanced back at her but did not answer.
Robin gently placed a hand on Uta's shoulder from behind. Looking at the futuristic island below, filled with all kinds of miraculous technology, a trace of regret quietly flashed through her eyes.
"After today, this island will probably disappear from the world completely."
"What about the people here?"
"Ah, they'll be burned to ashes by cannon fire along with the island, then sink to the bottom of the sea."
As she spoke, Robin looked toward Aokiji expressionlessly.
She did not know what the rest of the situation was, but she knew without a doubt that the World Government would still erase all evidence and traces of the research history.
Aokiji said nothing, as though he tacitly accepted Robin's words.
"How could this happen?"
Uta stood frozen in place, her eyes trembling as she struggled to accept it.
At the thought of the innocent people across the island wailing amid artillery fire, she felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar, cold all over.
Aokiji turned toward the research facility and said impassively,
"The warships haven't