Luffy charged forward instead of retreating, rushing straight at the Five Elders. Just as their energies were about to collide, he followed Lin Ye's instructions and fully released the dual energies gathered around his fist.
"Gum-Gum Rocket!" Luffy shouted. This time, however, his attack was no longer merely a simple use of his rubber powers—it contained the two-dimensional force born from the resonance between the Runes and the Anchor Stone.
The instant his fist collided with the Void fluctuations, a staggering explosion erupted. The Five Elders took the blow to the chest, letting out a pained grunt as he staggered back several steps. He looked down in shock to find a hole burned through his robe and a distinct crack across his skin, purple energy leaking from it.
"You... actually hurt me?" The Five Elders' tone was full of disbelief, and the panic in his eyes turned to fury. "I will make you pay!"
Lin Ye immediately shouted, "Luffy, don't get drawn into a prolonged fight! Our goal is to retreat and protect the Anchor Stone and Ace!"
Luffy nodded and quickly turned toward Ace, who had already been lifted by Sabo and the medical team. Ace looked to be in critical condition. The wound in his chest was still bleeding, and his face was pale as paper.
"Mr. Rayleigh, take everyone and go first!" Luffy said firmly. "Lin Ye and I will cover the rear!"
Rayleigh looked at him and understood that this was not the time to argue. "Understood. But don't take risks. If anything goes wrong, withdraw immediately!"
With that, Rayleigh led Sabo and the medical team as they carried Ace swiftly toward the temple exit. The entire structure continued to collapse, massive stone pillars crashing down and blocking parts of the passageways.
Seeing this, the Five