The oppressive atmosphere in the cave refused to lift.
The thought of their companions' stone statues being smashed and thrown into the depths of the sea weighed heavily on everyone.
"Wait, Little Li Xiang!"
"Didn't Lillian say that this island holds a selection every year to send women of a suitable age into the Island Master's harem?"
"Then we can take advantage of that! Someone with the right build could dress up as a girl from the island and slip into the group!"
Gen spoke up. Thinking it over, the plan really did seem feasible.
Li Xiang caught on and nodded in agreement.
"Good idea! It's the only option we have right now."
Kohaku also understood the key to the plan.
"If we can get into the harem, we can get close to the Island Master and assassinate him!"
Standing nearby, Lillian carefully recalled the island's selection schedule and added softly.
"There's still some time before the next annual selection. We have plenty of time to prepare."
"But we can't let our guard down."
"Especially around that Petrification Device. We need to work out how to defend against it beforehand."
Everyone nodded solemnly, regaining their composure.
While the others discussed defensive measures, Senku had already used that time to finish making the Revival Fluid.
Without a moment's delay, Senku poured the Revival Fluid over them.
The liquid washed over the stone statues.
After a long wait, the stone shells peeled away, revealing living, warm skin beneath.
Two familiar figures slowly opened their eyes, sensation gradually returning to their stiff limbs.
Grandpa Fossil rubbed his eyes and slowly straightened up.
Beside him, Soyuz also came fully to his senses and looked around the unfamiliar cave in bewilderment.
Having just awakened from the deathly silence of petrification, his mind was still sluggish,