Rocks

Despite how cold Level 5, Freezing Hell, was, more than a decade ago, the warden's office, guard rooms, and prison guard quarters of Impel Down had all been located here in Level 4. The reason this place had since been abandoned was all because of Nicholas's orders.

Fifteen years ago, Nicholas had accidentally discovered an enormous space beneath the warden's office. He then ordered everything moved to Level 4, naturally leaving this place abandoned.

When he passed through the passage connected to the warden's office and arrived at the laboratory he had spent nearly five years building,

the light shining through the cracks made his expression turn grim.

When he had left, he had completely sealed this place off just in case.

"Why... did that pirate... know this place existed...?"

When he pushed open the door and entered, he immediately saw Doctor Gu Jian, who had supposedly vanished, busily working at the control console.

This left Nicholas even more confused.

Doctor Gu Jian also seemed surprised to see Nicholas enter, but he did not appear overly flustered as he spoke.

"Mr. Nicholas, you came? Unfortunately, you're too late..."

"Too late!"

Those three words made Nicholas instantly understand something. Following Doctor Gu Jian's gaze, he saw the lights inside the huge experimental tank and, through the glass, a red-haired young man with his eyes half-open.

"So, you chose to betray me?"

"..."

Doctor Gu Jian, who was operating the console, froze for a moment before speaking with a hint of apology.

"I'm very grateful that you freed me from prison and spared me from life behind bars. But I've already worked for you for fifteen years, and as a scientist, it is difficult for me to refuse a miracle appearing before my eyes..."

"A miracle!?"

Nicholas frowned.

"What do you mean?"