The tense atmosphere at the summit dissipated as Gal Testa retreated. A relieved smile appeared on his face, and his terrifying aura subsided, making him resemble an ordinary, weathered elder.
"Don't be surprised," he said, looking at the Straw Hat Pirates, especially Luffy and Zoro, whose faces were filled with shock. "I'm stationed here not to display my strength, but to select and guide them."
His gaze swept over the crowd. "The trials of Rogrim are meant to forge the ultimate physical and mental strength. But the true purpose is to allow those who reach a certain level to feel the existence of 'momentum' and understand the limitations of their own 'momentum.' Only by recognizing these limitations can one glimpse even higher peaks."
His gaze finally settled on Allen, filled with immense complexity and emotion. "And you... you've already embarked on that path, perhaps even seeing further than I have. My trial is meaningless to you now."
Allen nodded slightly, saying nothing more. He understood the guardian's perseverance and expectations.
Gal Testa then looked at Luffy, Zoro, Ace, and the others. "Your talent and will are top-notch, but your 'momentum' is still in its infancy, either relying on Devil Fruits or limited to techniques. Today you have witnessed a higher level of clash, which will be helpful on your future path."
He paused, then solemnly said, "Remember, the greatest power comes from the unwavering will and the purest self. Only when your Haki, abilities, and will are completely integrated, transforming into your own unique and unshakeable 'domain,' can you truly say you've embarked on the path to the peak."
These words struck Luffy, Zoro, and the others like a resounding Luffy, leaving them deep in thought. Today's defeat and the witness they had witnessed were far more rewarding than a simple victory.
"Then, according to the rules," Gal Testa said, "Those who have passed the trial may challenge me, or... ask me a question."
The group exchanged glances, and finally all their eyes turned to Luffy.
Luffy scratched his head and asked loudly, "Hey, old man! Do you know where ONE PIECE is?"
Gal Testa paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. " The Pirate King's One Piece? I don't know its exact location. But as far as I know, it's not just simple treasure, but something related to a 'truth' about this world... and even a wider world. The journey to find it is the greatest trial in itself."
This answer was not unexpected, but it also indirectly confirms the extraordinary nature of ONE PIECE.
Then, Gal Testa made an unexpected move. He pointed his fingers like a knife and gently sliced his chest, forcing out several drops of blood that pulsated with a rich golden light, as if they were alive!
"This is... the Seed formed from the condensation of my 'unyielding will' and ' Haki essence'." His face was slightly pale, but his eyes were bright. "It cannot directly enhance your power, but by integrating it into yourselves, it can provide a trace of guidance and resonance as you cultivate Haki and temper your will, helping you find your own 'momentum' more quickly."
He flicked the drops of golden blood at Luffy, Zoro, Ace, Sanji, and Jinbe. The blood disappeared the moment it touched them, but each of them felt as if a tiny, yet incredibly resilient "spot of light" had appeared deep within their souls.
This is an incredibly precious gift!
"As for you," Gal Testa looked at Allen and shook his head, "I have nothing more to give you. You must walk your own path."
Allen accepted it calmly.
The trial is over, and the rewards have been given. The Straw Hat Pirates's gains in Rogrim far exceeded their expectations.
After bidding farewell to the mountain keeper, Gal Testa, the group descended the mountain along the same path they had come from. Compared to the arduous climb, the descent was much easier, not only due to their adaptation to gravity but also to an improvement in their mindset and physical strength.
The Thousand Sunny set sail once more, leaving behind the crucible island that had forged them. The Log Pose struck a new direction, and in the heart of each of them, a Seed called "the pinnacle" was planted.