Led by Chief Ogen, the Straw Hat Pirates, along with the remaining indigenous allied warriors, quickly retreated from the smoke-filled battlefield and disappeared into the depths of the dense jungle. Inside the jungle, the light was dim, but huge, faintly fluorescent fungi provided a strange source of light, while the intertwined vines and enormous leaves offered natural cover.
They descended along a hidden tunnel carved out by the Underground Tribe, the air thick with the smells of earth, plant roots, and a faint, almost imperceptible, mechanical lubricant. The tunnels were a labyrinthine network, clearly meticulously constructed for defense against enemies and for transporting supplies.
After a period of trekking, the view suddenly opened up before us.
They arrived at a huge underground cavern. Stalactites hanging from the ceiling emitted a soft white light, like natural electric lights. The interior of the cavern was extremely spacious and had been transformed into a simple yet fully functional underground shelter. Various styles of huts and tents were built against the rock walls: treehouses woven from living trees by the Treant Tribe, caves built from rocks by the Underground Tribe, and tents built from animal skins and bones by the Lizard People.
Many non-combatants—the elderly, women, children, and various strange creature cubs—live here. When they see Chief Ogen and the warriors return, especially many unfamiliar faces ( the Straw Hat Pirates ), they cast curious and worried glances, but mostly joyful looks at seeing their loved ones return safely.
"This is the ' Root of the Azure Sun ' refuge," Chief Ogen introduced, his tone tinged with weariness and helplessness. "It is one of the last homes for us free people who refuse to submit to the Crystal Husk Empire."
As you can see, although the people in the shelter have a resilient look in their eyes, most of them look haggard, and the supplies seem to be quite scarce.
Chief Ogen led the Straw Hat Pirates to a relatively spacious area in the center of the cave, paved with smooth stone slabs, which seemed to be a place for gatherings and discussions. He gestured for everyone to sit down, and other tribesmen had already brought them clean water and some local specialty tuberous foods.
"Thank you all again for your assistance," Chief Ogen said solemnly. "If you hadn't arrived in time, our team that went out to collect energy crystals would probably have been wiped out."
"Energy crystal?" Nami keenly grasped the key phrase.
"Yes," Chief Ogen nodded, "That's crucial for maintaining the shelter's energy barrier and basic living facilities. The Crystal Husk Empire not only enslaves our planet and plunders all its resources, but also strictly forbids us from collecting any energy on our own. Every venturing out is fraught with immense risk."
"Are those robots the army of the Crystal Husk Empire?" Zoro asked.
"They are the Crystal Husk Empire's ' Mining Mules ' and ' Purgers '," a scarred lizardman chieftain beside him added in a hoarse voice, "Responsible for patrolling, suppressing rebellions, and... capturing our people and sending them to their 'purification factories'."
"A purification plant?" Chopper was startled.
"It is said that... those who are captured will be transformed into semi-mechanical slaves, or directly decomposed into biomass raw materials..." An elder of the Underground Tribe said in a low voice, filled with fear and anger.
Upon hearing this, everyone's mood turned heavy. The actions of the Crystal Husk Empire were cruel and efficient, filled with cold malice.
"We have been Resistance," Chief Ogen continued, his eyes burning with an indomitable spirit, "But our forces are too scattered. There are several other shelters like ours on Qingyang II, each fighting its own battles with poor communication. Meanwhile, the Crystal Husk Empire has monitoring stations and warship ports in orbit; the disparity in strength is immense."
At this moment, Robin took out the completed Star Map Tablet and showed it to Chief Ogen: "Chief, we have come following the guidance of this star map. It marks the existence of ' Resistance ' Sparks within Qingyang II. We hope to unite all forces of resistance to fight against the Crystal Husk Empire and the even more terrifying entity behind them—'The Observers '."
When Robin uttered the word " Observers," the Ogen chieftain and several other leaders around him visibly trembled, their faces showing extreme shock and disbelief.
"You... you also know about the ' Observers '?!" Chief Ogen's voice trembled. "That's a name mentioned only in the oldest forbidden records of our races! Legend says they are cold eyes that bring ultimate destruction, Crystal Husk Empire is nothing but their insignificant servants!"
"Yes, we know," Allen replied, his voice carrying a convincing calm. "We come from a world once invaded by the creations of the ' Observers ' ( the Dark Abyss ), and we have communicated with the last Watcher of the lunar civilization. We know their threat all too well. Uniting all the Sparks is our only hope."
Allen's words and the star map in Robin's hand were like a ray of light, shining into the hearts of Chief Ogen and the others, who were shrouded in despair.
Chief Ogen took a deep breath, as if making a firm decision. "If you truly possess the will and power to fight against the ' Observers,' then you are the 'variable' we have been waiting for!"
He stood up and instructed one of the Underground Tribe warriors beside him, "Immediately contact the ' Red Rock,' ' Marsh,' and ' Wind Valley ' shelters using the deepest encrypted channel! Tell them that the 'Visitors from the Xinghai ' have arrived, carrying ancient Covenant Token! Summon a meeting of leaders!"
He turned to the Straw Hat Pirates, his eyes gleaming. "Gentlemen, please rest for a moment. Once the leaders of the other shelters arrive, we will discuss our grand plan! The Sparks of Qingyang II are ready to ignite a prairie fire!"
The flames of rebellion have finally seen the dawn of unity. The arrival of the Straw Hat Pirates has officially ignited the first spark in the Jade Nebula's resistance against the Crystal Husk Empire, and even in the future, against the Observers!