First Meeting with the Cave Explorer

Herman Revenge, conference room.

"Nice to meet you, Doctor."

Dawn sat down opposite Vegapunk, a gentle smile on his face.

"I don't think I need to introduce myself. You should know who I am."

Vegapunk nodded, his enormous head swaying slightly from the movement.

"Indeed. Unless someone has been completely cut off from the outside world, nearly everyone knows you. I didn't expect Stussy's backer to be you."

A weight in his heart finally lifted. If it was the man before him, he truly had the qualifications to provide a suitable research environment.

The Underworld possessed no less funding than the World Government. He had experienced that firsthand in his younger days—many of his early inventions had only seen the light of day thanks to the support of the loan shark king, Dufeld.

"The World Government has placed too many restrictions on you. Those fools turn a blind eye to the research that could truly change the world, but I won't. With me, you can freely conduct any research you want. I will provide every resource you need."

Seeing that Vegapunk was tempted, Dawn wasted no time in laying out the terms he could offer.

With no restrictions whatsoever, Vegapunk would naturally prioritize fulfilling his dream of creating endless energy—and endless energy was precisely what Dawn needed as well.

"Those are very favorable terms. I accept."

Vegapunk had no reason to refuse a patron who imposed practically no conditions.

Dawn rose to his feet.

"Then, happy cooperation. I'll make arrangements for some other matters first, then come back to discuss the details with you."

"Please, go ahead."

The door closed behind Dawn. Vegapunk leaned back in his chair and let out a long breath.

After leaving the conference room, Dawn passed through a long corridor and arrived at the storage