Lorne replied calmly.
"No, these are just some changes brought on by my bloodline."
Carrot gave a somewhat disappointed "Oh," then grew excited again.
"But that's all right. Everyone will like you because you saved me!"
As they climbed higher, the Fearless below grew smaller and smaller, finally becoming a tiny white dot.
The mist around them gradually thickened. Cold moisture struck their faces, obscuring their vision.
"Be careful, everyone! The wind is strong here. Hold on tight to the steel cable!"
Kuina loudly warned the Marines behind her.
One Marine lost his footing and nearly fell. Bakel reacted swiftly, grabbing his collar and pulling him back.
"Whew, thank you, Captain Bakel!"
The Marine patted his chest, still shaken.
"Pay attention! You'll turn into a pulp if you fall!"
Bakel reprimanded him in a low voice.
Lorne stayed at the very bottom, constantly monitoring everyone's movements above with Observation Haki to ensure nothing went wrong.
"Sir, the air pressure keeps dropping as we go higher. The ordinary Marines are burning through their stamina."
Kuina called down.
"Keep moving. Regulate your breathing and use the Life Return techniques I taught you to recover your stamina."
Lorne's voice reached everyone's ears clearly.
The Marines gritted their teeth, circulating the power within their bodies as they followed closely behind Carrot.
After half an hour of arduous climbing, they finally passed through the thick clouds and stepped onto solid ground.
The air here was exceptionally fresh. Dense primeval forest surrounded them, its towering trees blotting out the sky.
"I'm finally back!"
Carrot rolled excitedly on the grass, her ears twitching nonstop.
Kuina surveyed their surroundings, keeping her hand on Wado Ichimonji's hilt.
"So this is the country on the elephant's back?"
"It feels like an ancient ruin."
Bakel also watched their surroundings warily.
"It's