The flames on either side of the passage flickered faintly, as though about to go out, but soon regained their brightness.
River paused, surprise crossing his face, but he quickly understood.
"I almost forgot. Like Roger, you have the voice of all things."
Redfield's face showed no emotion. His hair had turned gray, his face looked aged, and wrinkles creased his skin.
On the surface, he was just an unremarkable old man with braided hair who liked wearing red, but River knew perfectly well how dangerous he was.
With all Eight Gates open, there were very few people in this world who could threaten River. Roger was one, Whitebeard was another, and the man before him was one too.
"You're a man of great ambition."
"Yet, unusually enough, you harbor no evil intentions."
"That's why I'm willing to speak with you."
Redfield spoke softly.
"So, Marine, what do you intend to do next?"
River was somewhat surprised. He had thought Redfield would refuse to speak any further and had been ready to leave, only for the man to ask him a question instead.
"What do I intend to do?"
After a brief pause, River smiled again.
"There doesn't seem to be much point in hiding anything from someone like you."
"I intend to change this world."
Redfield fell silent, then sighed. "Many people in this world are quietly changing it in their own ways."
"But in the end, they can't even change themselves. They become ordinary men who do nothing but chase their dreams."
"So, young Marine, what gives you the confidence to talk about changing the world?"
River smiled, looking straight into his eyes.
"Yes, many people are trying to change the world in their own ways."
"But in reality, they have no idea where this world's problems lie."