Sunlight, like a visitor eight hundred years late, finally fell unhindered upon the summit of the Red Line and into the chamber of the Empty Throne, illuminating the ravaged hall and every weary yet bright young face.
Imu's will had dissipated completely, and Lin Yan had forcibly channeled and quelled the crisis of Uranus's collapsing wreckage at the cost of nearly sacrificing himself. The world had escaped destruction for now, but the real storm might only just have begun.
Supported by Ace and Luffy, Lin Yan leaned against a relatively intact wall in a corner of the hall, his face pale as paper and his breathing faint. Overusing his authority to channel Uranus's energy had nearly exhausted his newly elevated soul power, leaving him weaker than ever. Chopper was busily treating the wounds that had split open across his body, his little face full of distress and concentration.
Sabo lay nearby under Dragon's care. Although still weak, he had regained consciousness and watched Lin Yan with eyes full of worry and admiration.
Zoro, Sanji, and the others stood guard warily at the passage leading out of the hall. Although Imu was dead and the remaining Holy Knights and CP0 agents had either died or fled while Uranus was being stabilized, no one could guarantee that there were no other dangers.
"How... are things outside?" Lin Yan asked weakly, his voice hoarse.
Dragon walked into the sunlit area and contacted the outside world through a specially made Transponder Snail. A moment later, he turned around, his face bearing a complicated mixture of gravity, exhaustion, and a trace of relief.
"The Revolutionary Army's troops are clearing out the last pockets of resistance in Pangaea Castle, but progress is slow, and losses are considerable. Most of the Holy Knights' core members have died