Luffy clutched the crystal tightly and nodded. Though weak, his gaze remained firm. "We have to save Lin Ye..."
Just as they turned to leave the secret chamber, a suffocating pressure suddenly descended from the temple entrance. The air grew thick, and breathing became difficult. A tall figure in white robes slowly appeared at the end of the corridor, purple eyes gleaming dangerously in the darkness.
"The Five Elders..." Rayleigh murmured, a grave look flashing through his eyes. "Looks like we'll have to fight."
Flames blazed from Ace's arms. "Then let's fight!"
Luffy stood before the seventh node, while Lin Ye's illusory figure floated beside him, guiding him to direct the Rune Energy within his body toward the final crystal. As the energy flowed, unprecedented agony swept through Luffy's entire body, as though every nerve had been ignited and every cell was burning.
"Hold on, Luffy!" Lin Ye's voice was both distant and clear. "The Rune Energy must fully resonate with your vitality before it can activate the final node."
Luffy gritted his teeth, veins bulging across his forehead, yet he did not let out a single groan. Purple Runes flowed beneath his skin, surging toward his fingertips like living creatures before shooting toward the pitch-black crystal.
Ace stood nearby, his flames still steadily maintaining the first node's activity, but his gaze remained fixed on his younger brother. Seeing Luffy endure such immense pain tore at his heart, yet he was also proud of the extraordinary willpower his brother displayed.
"Hold on a little longer," Ace encouraged softly. "You can do it."
Luffy's eyes suddenly flew open, shining with purple light. He pointed both hands at the final node, and the Rune Energy he had accumulated for so long erupted like a flood. The black crystal flared brightly, falling into