The Holy Land of Mary Geoise.
Deep within Pangaea Castle.
The air in the Hall of Power was oppressive.
On the mahogany table, the crushed metal card was impossible to miss.
"The Firmament Matrix!"
The bald Elder rose to his feet, veins throbbing on his forehead.
"Eclipse has turned Wano Country into a fortress."
"Our people couldn't even reach the gates of its core area before they were reduced to scrap."
"The entire Underworld is laughing at the World Government!"
The long-bearded Elder sat at the head of the table, his expression grim.
"We cannot let eight hundred years of the World Government's authority collapse now."
"If conventional forces are useless, we'll invoke the highest authority."
He pressed the red emergency communications button beside him.
"Connect me to Future Island, Egghead Island."
"Activate all of Vegapunk's wartime authorizations."
The Den Den Mushi blinked, then quickly connected to the signal across the sea.
Future Island.
Egghead Island Laboratory.
The Main Control Room was packed with instruments and mechanical parts.
Vegapunk was crouched before the remains of an ancient machine, a wrench in his hand.
"I've told you countless times."
Vegapunk shouted at the floating Den Den Mushi.
"I'm analyzing the Ancient Kingdom's energy recirculation system."
"Don't interrupt me now. You can't afford the losses if my research is disrupted."
The blond Elder sneered.
"Vegapunk, mind your temper."
"The World Government funds you to do more than study parts dug out of ruins all day."
"Eclipse Organization already has electromagnetic weapons, powered armor, and an automated defense matrix."
"Stop your current research immediately."
"Mobilize the latest Pacifista models and the Seraphim unit."
Vegapunk's wrench stopped in midair.
"The Seraphim's Lineage Factor integration process hasn't fully stabilized."
"They aren't cannon fodder to throw away."
"Besides, Tony Stark's approach to technology is different from