"Your courage is commendable, but meaningless," the commander-in-chief said with pity in his voice. "You cannot comprehend the great transformation to come. The entire world will welcome a new order, and the holders of the seven keys will become both the greatest obstacles to that transformation and its most important sacrifices."
Aisha gripped the Key of Life tightly. Though her body was weak, a resolute flame burned in her eyes. "As long as I am alive, I will never let the Key of Life fall into the hands of Void minions."
The commander-in-chief shook his head, his purple eyes gleaming dangerously. "Then use your life to prove those words."
The doors to the Marine Headquarters conference room slowly closed, shutting out every sound from outside. Steel Bone Kong swept his gaze over the officers who remained in the room. The same determination gleamed in all their eyes.
"From this moment onward, we will carry out the Guardian Project," Steel Bone Kong said in a low, resolute voice. "We do not have much time."
Vice Admiral Tsuru unfolded a world map marked with twelve red dots. "According to our intelligence, these twelve locations are highly likely to be sites for the Celestial Dragon Descent ritual. The Five Elders plan to open some kind of gateways in these places simultaneously, allowing Void Creatures to enter our world on a massive scale."
Aokiji said gravely, "I am ready to investigate G-16 Island. If Akainu really tested Void Weapons there, we need to understand their mechanism and range of influence."
"Take this." Tsuru handed Aokiji a special metal case. "This is an improved data collector capable of operating in high-intensity Void Energy fields. Do not directly touch any contaminated objects or creatures."
Steel Bone Kong nodded. "Make it quick, Aokiji. Once you confirm the