"This Star Map shows the exact locations where the keys need to be placed," Lin Ye observed, kneeling to study the patterns on the ground closely. "And how the energy must flow to complete the ritual."
"But we only have seven keys, while the map marks eight positions," Ace pointed out the crucial issue. "What is the position at the very center for?"
Rayleigh drew a deep breath, seeming to hesitate over whether to reveal an important secret. At last, he slowly spoke. "That is the Anchor Point. Someone needs to stand there as the center of the energy flow. Back then... Roger stood in that position."
"What?" Everyone looked at Rayleigh in shock.
"Yes." Rayleigh's voice was filled with reminiscence and sorrow. "This was the greatest secret Roger left behind, and the true reason he turned himself in. He was not truly the King of the Pirates—at least, not in the way people imagined. Roger was a Guardian of the dimensions, the final master of the Seven Keys."
"When we reached Laugh Tale and found this altar, Roger had already sensed that the Dimensional Balance was subtly tipping. He stood at the central position while the rest of us each held a key, completing a temporary balancing ritual. But that was only a temporary measure. Roger knew the real crisis would still come."
"He foresaw the Five Elders' plan?" Dragon asked.
Rayleigh nodded. "He sensed certain signs and knew someone wanted to break the balance. But most importantly, Roger realized that his life force was no longer enough to sustain the next complete sealing ritual. He needed time to find new Guardians for the world, while also ensuring that the Seven Keys would not fall into enemy hands."
"So he disbanded the crew and scattered the keys across the