A Breath of Victory, a Storm Brewing Beneath

The Calm Belt, Liberty Fortress.

Hidden where mist and ocean currents crossed, the secret base had become the Lin Ye Alliance's temporary headquarters. Its vast stone structure blended with sophisticated defenses, making it almost indistinguishable from its natural surroundings. Only someone with its exact coordinates could find it.

The base bustled with activity, its corridors full of people at work. The Battle of the Three Islands had ended in a decisive victory, but it had come at a steep cost. The medical wing was crowded with wounded, and the smell of medicine and bandages filled the air.

In a private ward deep within Liberty Fortress, Lin Ye lay still on a bed, his face pale as paper. Soft light filled the room. Only the monitors cast a faint blue glow and sounded their steady beeps.

Ace and Sabo sat on either side of the bed, their expressions grave.

"The doctor said he's in no physical danger," Sabo said softly. "The main problem is severe mental exhaustion. Fully resonating with the Golden Blade nearly drained all his mental strength."

Ace frowned. "Where did that blade come from? What made it worth such a risk?"

"It's probably a relic of the Ancient Kingdom," Sabo said thoughtfully. "Everything we've learned points to a close connection with the Clan of D. and the Void Century."

As they spoke, Lin Ye's eyelids stirred. Slowly, he opened his eyes.

"Are you... talking about me behind my back?" Lin Ye's voice was weak, but teasing.

"Lin Ye!" they cried together.

Sabo hurried to pour him a glass of water and carefully helped him sit up. "The doctor said you'd need at least three days to recover. I didn't expect you to wake so soon."

Lin Ye took the glass and sipped from it. "I've always recovered quickly.