A Major Event Eighteen Years Ago!

"Zoan-type Cat-Cat Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Frost-Sky Ice Beast?" Vikengam asked, a trace of doubt in his voice.

At the same time, he had somewhat adapted to the changes within his body. He quickly reined in the surging chill, his figure rapidly returning to normal. Somewhat embarrassed, he said, "Grandpa, everything in this room..."

"They are merely worldly possessions. I had grown tired of looking at them anyway, so I will have someone replace them later." Saint Saturn waved it off without concern, then continued, "It is said that in the Land of Extreme Cold in the North Blue, there is a beast known among the local natives as the Zheng Beast. Its body resembles both tiger and leopard, with a horn upon its brow, five tails, frost-white fur all over, and a cry like iron striking stone, chilling one's very soul. In its rage, it can freeze a thousand miles and turn all things to mournful ice. Because people feared its terrible power, they avoided speaking its true name and called it Frost-Sky. Its legend has been passed down for generations throughout the Land of Extreme Cold in the North Blue. Perhaps this fruit's power came from that..."

As the Warrior God of Science and Defense, Saint Saturn was naturally exceptionally knowledgeable.

Another reason Vikengam had earned his favor was that he, too, was widely learned. Ever since he had learned to read the language of this world, he had loved perusing every valuable book in the Holy Land that he was permitted to access. By now, even he did not know how many books he had read.

There were quite a few Celestial Dragons who could fight, but very few who, like him, loved reading, absorbing knowledge, and broadening their horizons. Saint Saturn was the same sort of person, which was why he appreciated this side of Vikengam.

Vikengam had been somewhat puzzled just now, feeling as though he had heard that name somewhere before. Once Saint Saturn explained it, he immediately remembered. And Saint Saturn's remark that "the fruit's power may have originated from this" was not baseless speculation.

The further north one went in the North Blue, the harsher and colder it became. Its northernmost region was known as the Land of Extreme Cold. With its sparse population and brutal conditions for survival, strange legends had always abounded there.

The North Blue Kraken and Frost Giant Ymir were both household names.

The Frost-Sky Ice Beast was likewise widely celebrated by the people of the Land of Extreme Cold. According to Dr. Vegapunk, Devil Fruit powers might originate from humanity's "fantasies" or "wishes"—the desire to possess this sort of power or that sort of power... Though this theory had no concrete proof, Saint Saturn's words seemed to carry a similar meaning.

There were similar accounts in the books of Mary Geoise as well. Vikengam had read them, and he personally leaned toward that theory.

"Mythical Zoan powers are extraordinary by nature. Most possess strength far beyond that of other Devil Fruits, and even Logia-types often cannot compare. That is why all five of us are Mythical Zoans, as you know. There are also quite a few powerful Mythical Zoan users among God's Knights..." Saint Saturn picked up the teacup on the table, only to realize just as he was about to take a sip that the tea had frozen into a lump of ice. He casually tossed it back onto the table.

Vikengam took the opportunity to say, "I heard that one of the prizes for this study tour competition is a Mythical Zoan power. I had originally wanted to see whether I could compete for it."

"That is indeed the case. It is the power of the Zoan-type Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Azure Dragon Form. It is truly extraordinary, standing out even among Mythical Zoans." Saint Saturn first nodded in acknowledgment before continuing, "But to obtain that prize, you would have to rank among the very best in the competition. Garling has also declared that he intends to take first place, win the beauty, and claim that Devil Fruit power. Considering your current situation, I feared that even with good fortune on your side, you would struggle to contend with them. After all, you are still quite a ways behind those fellows from God's Knights. You will most likely be unable to obtain that reward, so rather than that, it would be better for you to eat the Frost-Sky Ice Beast and gain another source of strength."

From Saint Saturn's perspective, that was indeed true.

Although he had arranged it without asking Vikengam what he wanted, making him seem somewhat forceful and domineering, it truly did contain his concern for Vikengam and his desire to help him grow stronger.

Given the current situation, if Vikengam participated in the competition properly and followed the rules, he would not be able to obtain the Azure Dragon Fruit without some miracle.

What could Vikengam say after hearing that? He had already eaten it. It was not as though he could spit the power back out.

So he simply sighed and said, "Thank you for your concern, Grandpa."

"Mm. And you need not feel regret. The Azure Dragon Fruit may be powerful, but judging from the Frost-Sky Ice Beast's past feats—feats we buried beneath the dust of history—it is not inferior in the slightest." Saint Saturn paused briefly before continuing, "But these are not matters you should know about yet, so I will not say more. Whether you can make this fruit's power shine brilliantly once again will ultimately depend on you."

"Yes. Vikengam will not disappoint your expectations, Grandpa. I will strive to become a true powerhouse as soon as possible!" Vikengam declared firmly.

Saint Saturn nodded in satisfaction, then advised him, "A power and its user must complement one another if they are to build a great reputation together. Every powerful ability user on the seas is like this. But Grandpa must still warn you today: the person is ultimately the master of the power. If a person cannot make himself strong, then no matter how powerful the ability he eats, he will be nothing more than an empty shell and a laughingstock."

Vikengam nodded as he listened. While agreeing aloud, he could not help thinking, Old man, you should reflect on those words yourself...

Yet moments later, he felt that he had been too biased, allowing preconceived notions to make him unfairly arrogant toward the old man and the others.

Although they had seemed rather pathetic later on at Egghead Island, there were actually only a tiny handful of freaks on these seas who could surpass them—monsters blessed with absurd talent, fortune, and strength.

Looking at it that way, those five truly were outstanding figures of their era. Otherwise, how could they have risen to the Five Elders' position of supreme power? There was nothing wrong with what the old man had said.

Arrogance and prejudice truly harm people. I should reflect upon myself three times a day... Vikengam warned himself inwardly.

Seeing Vikengam's earnest expression as though he had truly taken the lesson to heart, Saint Saturn smiled. "You are still young. There is much for you to learn in the future."

The room was bitterly cold, but neither Saint Saturn nor Vikengam seemed to care.

Only after ending the topic of the so-called "study tour" did Saint Saturn bring up Vikengam's training this time.

"How is Clover doing?" Saint Saturn asked.

"Still the same as before. But he has probably noticed some problems already..." Vikengam said softly.

At those words, Saint Saturn's gaze darkened slightly. He looked at Vikengam without speaking, while Vikengam met his gaze calmly.

After a moment, Saint Saturn spoke again. "Not just him. You as well, right?"

"After all, Grandpa, your arrangements these past few times have been somewhat... strange. If I had no doubts or suspicions, wouldn't that make me seem incompetent?" Vikengam said directly, without trying to hide anything.

Saint Saturn nodded lightly, then said, "Eighteen years ago, a major event occurred. Do you know what it was?"

Vikengam froze. After hesitating for a moment, he said uncertainly, "I was born?"

Saint Saturn: ???

You brat, are you joking with me right now?

Though speaking of it, eighteen years ago, in Sea Circle Calendar 1466, someone remarkable really had been born: Borsalino. He and Vikengam were the same age.

But clearly, that was not what Saint Saturn meant. Rather...

"Stop talking nonsense." Saint Saturn glared at Vikengam, half annoyed and half amused, before continuing, "Eighteen years ago, a man broke into the Holy Land and caused a great disturbance. He even killed one of the Admirals at the time, bringing great humiliation upon the World Government..."

As soon as he said that, Vikengam remembered something.

Ah, the desk Admiral. He did know about that incident. As for that man, he was none other than the great pirate currently making waves across the seas—Rocks D. Xebec.

"Rocks?" Vikengam raised a brow.

"That's right, him..." Saint Saturn nodded, then said, "Even as his mortal enemy, I must admit that Rocks is a talent rarely seen in a hundred years. His strength is such that few upon the seas can stand in comparison to him. At the same time, he is wildly ambitious. He has always sought to destroy our World Government and seize hegemony over this world. Time and again, he has openly declared that he wants to become the King of the World!"

Rocks never concealed his madness or ambition. His slogan of becoming the King of the World was known to everyone and was no secret.

"Now, he has gathered a large group of equally troublesome and ruthless figures under his command. Their threat is like a bone caught in the World Government's throat. Yet under the current circumstances, unless an extraordinary opportunity presents itself, we truly have no good way of dealing with him. Whenever I think of it, I cannot help but feel uneasy..." Saint Saturn said in a low voice.

Thinking about it carefully, the Rocks Pirates truly were terrifyingly powerful at present. It was entirely understandable that Saint Saturn was so wary of them.

"Dr. Clover's research may bring us some unexpected surprises. That is why I have allowed him such latitude time and again," Saint Saturn explained briefly.

But that was all he said. Clearly, whatever further plans he had, he did not intend to tell Vikengam at this time. Perhaps, in his eyes, Vikengam was still not qualified to know more.