Your Efforts Are Meaningless

"The good news is that the void rifts across the island have begun to shrink," Dragon continued his report. "That means the ritual is working. Hold on. We'll buy you as much time as we can."

After the communication ended, Lin Ye and Ace noticed that the energy vortex at the center of the altar had formed a clearly visible passage entrance. Through that slightly distorted space, they could faintly make out a familiar figure—Luffy was struggling to approach the passage from the other side.

"Luffy!" Ace shouted excitedly, almost rushing toward the passage before Lin Ye stopped him.

"Not yet. The passage isn't stable enough," Lin Ye warned. "I need to become the anchor point and connect myself fully to the ritual to make sure he can cross safely."

Ace was torn. As an older brother, he longed to save Luffy himself, but as a friend, he couldn't bear to let Lin Ye shoulder such an enormous risk alone. Yet time was running out. The Five Elders could attack again at any moment, and there was no telling how long Luffy could hold on at the edge of the dimensions.

"There has to be another way," Ace said quietly, conflicting emotions flickering in his eyes. "Maybe we could do it together..."

Lin Ye shook his head, his expression resolute. "There can only be one anchor point, Ace. And it has to be me." He looked straight into Ace's eyes. "Think about it. Once Luffy comes back, he'll need someone to guide him and help him adjust. You're his older brother. No one can take your place."

Ace fell silent for a moment, then finally let out a deep sigh. "You decided this a long time ago, didn't you?"

Lin Ye smiled faintly. "Ever since I came to understand the