The waters where the ancient ruins had sunk lay in a deathly hush, like the calm before a storm. The thick fog had not fully dispersed, but visibility had improved to several hundred meters. The sea was eerily still, its dark green surface smooth as a mirror, reflecting the lead-gray sky like an enormous piece of slowly solidifying amber. Lingering energy turbulence wandered silently through the mist like tiny bolts of lightning, then vanished.
The allied fleet dragged its battered bodies slowly across this silent sea. The medical bays were packed with wounded, and Chopper and the Revolutionary Army's doctors worked without a moment's rest. On deck, sailors and fighters silently patched damaged hulls and wiped bloodstained weapons. The air hung heavy with the smells of medicine and scorching, and with suppressed grief.
Lin Yan sat alone on the edge of the Dawn Ark's highest lookout platform, his eyes closed as he regulated his breathing. His brief but perilous clash with Blackbeard, followed by his forced analysis of and resistance against the energy turbulence from the ancient ruins' self-destruction, had exhausted him and badly jarred his internal organs. Pale golden flames flowed slowly over his skin like living gauze, repairing his injuries and tempering his Haki. He held the rubbing Red-Haired had given him, which recorded the "Resonance Ritual," brushing his fingertips over its ancient, mysterious patterns.
Footsteps sounded from the deck below as Ace, Luffy, and Sabo came up together. All three were injured. Ace's arm was bandaged, Luffy had several new scrapes on his face, and gauze covered Sabo's temple. But their eyes remained bright, without a trace of dejection.
"Big brother, how are your injuries?" Ace asked first, concern in his voice.
Lin Yan opened his eyes, his golden pupils striking in the dim light. "Nothing serious.