The specks of silver light that Laisesu transformed into completely merged into the Star Core, and the pulsating silver sphere seemed to brighten slightly, as if carrying the will of the last Watcher, continuing its silent steadfastness. The hall was silent, with only the low hum of the Star Core's operation, telling of its eternal solitude.
The Straw Hat Pirates was still reeling from the overwhelming amount of information they had just received and the heavy burden of their mission.
" Observers... Harvest civilizations... this is simply..." Usopp clutched his head, feeling his imagination utterly inadequate in the face of such horror.
"Destroying other civilizations for the sake of 'possibility' and 'order'? Unforgivable!" Chopper was afraid, but even more so, he was furious about this behavior.
"I've heard something incredible." Sanji lit a cigarette, the smoke rising in the silent hall. "Looks like we'll have to add 'Shooting Down the Observers ' to the Space Restaurant's menu."
Zoro, sword in hand, his eyes as sharp as ever, said, "The enemy is strong, just right."
Nami looked worriedly at Allen, who was receiving information with his eyes closed, then at the Star Map Tablet in her hand, which seemed to come alive with its ever-flowing patterns. "So, we not only have to take risks now, but also... save the universe?"
"Isn't this super cool?!" Franky pumped his fist. "Protecting the possibility of life! Is there anything more SUPER manly romance than this?!"
Luffy adjusted his straw Straw Hat, his usual playful expression gone, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness and determination in his eyes. "Those guys who destroy other people's homes without permission cannot be forgiven! We must send them all flying!"
At this moment, Allen slowly opened his eyes. Deep within his pupils, it seemed as if a river of stars flowed, and a more profound aura flashed across his body. He had successfully received and stabilized the " Star Core Mark " and the vast database concerning the Observers and the Purge Protocol.
" Laisesu left us not only with a mission, but also with hope," Allen said, his voice steady. " The Star Core Mark allows me to perceive and guide the Power of the Stars more clearly, and has established a preliminary connection with the Star Core. This database contains the weaknesses and activity patterns of the known units of the ' Purge Protocol,' as well as... the vague coordinates of some civilizations or forces marked as ' Sparks,' which may still be Resistance."
He looked at the stone tablet in Robin's hand. "The completed star map should be able to guide us to these ' Sparks ' coordinates."
Robin nodded, focusing her thoughts on the stone slab. After a moment, she looked up, a hint of excitement in her eyes. "That's right, the star map is complete. It now not only marks the routes to other potentially habitable planets, but also highlights several coordinates with markers like ' Resistance,' 'Sanctuary,' and ' Ancient Covenant.' The closest one is on the edge of our star system, in a region called the ' Jade Nebula.'"
The new course has been set!
"Great! Let's go! To the Jade Nebula!" Luffy immediately regained his energy and waved his hand.
"Wait," Allen spoke again, his expression grave, "Before we leave, we might have a little 'trouble' to deal with."
He looked up at the simulated starry sky on the dome of the hall, his gaze seemingly penetrating the building and seeing beyond the force field.
"Through my Star Core, I sensed that the ' Purge Protocol ' fleet... is assembling on a large scale and heading towards the moon. They seem to have lost signal from us and the Cleaners forces, and have decided to launch a larger operation. Expected... to reach lunar orbit in three hours."
A chill ran down everyone's spine!
Just as hope was beginning to emerge, crisis struck!
"Their target is definitely the Star Core and this ruin!" Nami immediately realized. "If they get it..."
"We absolutely cannot give them to them!" Luffy declared resolutely.
"But can we stop a fleet?" Usopp's voice trembled.
Allen walked to the Star Core, placed his hand on its cold surface, and felt the vast energy within it and its connection to the entire city ruins.
"Perhaps... we don't need to fight head-on." A decisive glint flashed in Allen's eyes. " Laisesu entrusted the Star Core Mark to me, probably anticipating this situation. I can try... using the remaining energy of the Star Core to activate the final defense system of this ruin, or... something more thorough."
"More thorough?" Franky asked curiously.
"Initiate... self-annihilation procedure," Allen said in a deep voice. " Sweet Commander core and this ruin together into cosmic dust, ensuring they don't fall into the hands of the ' Observers.' At the same time, the massive energy burst will disrupt or even severely damage any approaching fleets, buying us time to evacuate."
This decision silenced everyone. Destroying the last remnants of a civilization is undoubtedly cruel, but it is also the most rational choice and the one that can prevent future troubles.
"... Is there really no other way?" Chopper asked softly, his voice filled with reluctance.
"This is about protecting, Chopper." Allen patted Chopper's head, his tone gentle yet firm, "Protecting the other 'possibilities' that still exist under this starry sky. Laisesu has given us the choice; he'll understand."
Luffy looked at Allen, then at the pulsating Star Core, and finally nodded forcefully. "Yes! That's what we'll do! We can't let those bad guys get away with it!"
Having made the difficult decision, the Straw Hat Pirates immediately sprang into action. They quickly returned to the Ark Maxim, preparing to evacuate at any moment.
Allen, meanwhile, remained alone in the hall, deeply fusing his will with the Star Core, beginning to guide the immense energy that had accumulated over countless years, preparing to execute this tragic and resolute final command.
The Endless Vearth on the far side of the moon, after countless ages of silence, is about to burst forth with its final and most magnificent brilliance. And this brilliance will illuminate the Straw Hat Pirates's new journey to the stars!