Luffy's blunt question was like a pebble thrown into a seemingly calm but unfathomable pool, creating a silent ripple in the Guardian Council hall.
The silver eyes of the guardians remained unmoved by the offense, displaying only an indifference born of countless years and... a trace of indescribable weariness.
"Young warrior, you call it 'hiding'," Chief Guardian Oriharu's voice remained calm, as if stating a fundamental law of the universe, "And we call it 'guardianship.' Guarding this last sanctuary untouched by the ' Observers,' guarding the Spark of knowledge left by our ancestors, and guarding the proof of our own existence. If fierce resistance is destined to bring utter annihilation, then isn't continuation itself a form of silent resistance?"
This overly rational, even somewhat cowardly, logic made Zoro frown, his hand unconsciously resting on the hilt of his sword. Sanji lit a cigarette, the smoke standing out starkly in the silent hall.
"But living like this isn't fun at all!" Luffy retorted loudly. He couldn't understand this choice of giving up the meaning of "living" for the sake of "existence." "No adventures, no parties, no fooling around with my crew, and no risking my life to protect what's important! What's the difference between this kind of 'living' and those cold robots?"
Chopper nodded vigorously, and though frightened, he whispered in agreement, "That's right... A life without smiles and tears is incomplete..."
While Nami understands Eleusis's helplessness, as a navigator who has experienced countless adventures, she leans more towards Luffy's perspective. Although Usopp is afraid of death, he also cherishes every day filled with surprises and unexpected joys with his crew.
Brook hummed a slightly melancholic tune, as if mourning the frozen moment in time.
Franky struck his classic pose. "A man's romance is about charging forward on the turbulent sea! SUPER--!"
Allen didn't speak immediately. He sensed the omnipresent " Order Force Field " in this space; it was powerful and precise, yet like an incredibly ornate prison. He looked at Oriharu and asked a more specific question:
"Chief Guardian, you just mentioned the ' Key.' If we understand and are willing to bear the weight of knowing the truth, would Eleusis be willing to hand over this ' Key ' to us? Perhaps this is an opportunity to break the current deadlock and find a new 'possibility' for this Xinghai, and for Eleusis herself."
Allen's words shifted the focus from ideological disputes back to practical goals. He acknowledged Eleusis's predicament but also suggested a potential breakthrough—these "variables" might bring about change.
The guardians exchanged glances and communicated silently through their thoughts. The speed was extremely fast, as if they had been discussing something for a long time.
Finally, Oriharu slowly spoke, "' The Key ' is not a tangible object. It is a sealed 'memory,' a piece of origin information about what the ' Observers ' are and why they perform 'purification.' This memory contains a massive torrent of information and a profound mental impact, which not all life can withstand. Hasty contact may lead to a collapse of consciousness, or... assimilation into the 'truth' within, becoming a puppet of order."
His gaze swept over the Straw Hat Pirates, finally settling on Allen and Luffy.
"Perhaps some of you are qualified to bear this burden. But travelers, you must think carefully," another female guardian added solemnly. "Knowing the truth means bearing the corresponding destiny and responsibility. You will no longer be able to remain uninvolved; every step you take may lead to known destruction, or unknown... deeper despair. Even so, do you still want to know?"
A heavy choice lies before us. Knowing might yield crucial intelligence, but it could also crush us, or even distort our understanding. Not knowing might allow us to continue our relatively "easy" adventure, but one day in the future, ignorance could lead to an irreversible end.
Luffy didn't hesitate for almost no time. He grinned, revealing his pearly white teeth. "Of course we need to know! No matter who the enemy is, no matter how terrible the future is, we have to face it! Because we are— the Straw Hat Pirates! If we don't even dare to know the truth, how can we talk about defeating them!"
His words were simple, yet they were filled with an unwavering determination and the boldness of a pirate.
Zoro, Sanji, Nami... everyone wore determined expressions. They had long since bound themselves to each other and their shared dreams, and whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.
Allen looked at the Guardians, giving their final answer on behalf of everyone, "We choose to know. Whatever the truth may be, we will bear it and walk our own path."
Oriharu gave them a deep look, and in his calm, silver eyes, a faint ripple of expectation finally appeared.
"In that case... in accordance with the ancient covenant, when the heir holding the token demonstrates sufficient resolve, Eleusis will fulfill his final duty."
He and the other four guardians simultaneously raised their hands, and five pure silver beams of light shot out from their hands, converging in the center of the hall to form a slowly rotating, extremely complex rune of light.
"This is the entrance to the ' Memory Corridor.' Sealed within are those forbidden memories of the origin." Oriharu's voice was solemn like never before. "Those who enter will confront the past. Whether you can remain true to yourself, whether you can understand and retrieve the ' Key,' depends on yourselves."
The runes of light rippled outwards like water, forming a deep passage leading to an unknown realm.
Who's going?
"I'll go with Allen!" Luffy immediately said, as he was most interested in exploring the unknown.
"No, Luffy," Allen shook his head, his expression grave. "This time is different. According to the Guardians, this is a pure shockwave of information and spirit. While your intuition and will are strong, my abilities and mental strength are better suited to handle this torrent that directly affects consciousness. Let me go scout ahead."
Seeing Allen's serious expression, Luffy reluctantly nodded, "Alright! Be careful! If anything seems wrong, come out right away!"
"I'll go with Allen," Robin stepped forward. "As an archaeologist, it's my duty to interpret and understand history and memories. Besides, my ' Flower-Flower Fruit ' ability might offer some unique perspectives and protection at the level of consciousness."
Allen glanced at Robin and nodded. The two of them were undoubtedly the most suitable candidates.
Without further hesitation, Allen and Robin exchanged a glance, then stepped together into the swirling runes of light, their figures instantly engulfed by the silver light.
Inside the hall, the runes of light slowly closed, returning to their original state. The rest of the Straw Hat Pirates, along with the five guardians, waited quietly. They awaited the return of what they would bring back—perhaps hope, or perhaps... an even heavier despair.