The Ark Maxim sank into the deepest ocean, enveloped in absolute darkness and silence. The sense of time and space became blurred, with only a single milky-white "beacon" light constantly guiding the way. Without any reference points, the spaceship seemed to be stationary, yet also seemed to be traversing some kind of immaterial layer at an incomprehensible speed.
Just as everyone was gradually getting used to the eerie silence, a sudden change occurred.
On the navigation screen, the dot representing the " Terminal Navigation Beacon " suddenly shone brightly! The milky white radiance rippled outwards like waves, instantly filling the surrounding darkness and bathing the entire Ark Maxim in a holy silvery white.
Immediately following, a "flow of information" that was neither sound nor image, but directly affected the depths of the soul, surged into everyone's consciousness like a flood bursting its banks!
It was not orderly language or data, but a primordial "torrent" of countless images, sounds, feelings, and concepts mixed together. At first, it was a chaotic jumble of noise, but gradually, some images began to become clear, with a strong "direction" and "resonance," especially for Allen and W7.
Allen "saw" / "felt":
• A boundless "ocean" flowing with seven-colored light—a projection or fragment of memory of the " Sea of Origin ".
• A vague, enormous "outline" composed of pure light and information is laboriously pushing a "bullet of light" ( Beacon ) imbued with endless sorrow, hope, and the imprint of civilization towards a specific "ripple" in the "ocean".
Countless tiny, starlight-like shimmering "threads" emanated from the "ball of light," drifting in all directions of the "ocean." One of them, the brightest, seemed to transcend infinite dimensions and time, ultimately forming a faint yet real connection with the Star Core Mark within his body.
A deep, sorrowful, yet resolute voice (non-verbal) was directly imprinted on the depths of consciousness. "Those who come after... if you bear this mark... know the weight of the Spark... the journey home is also a journey... never forget... to watch over..."
The W7 received a more direct and fragmented response:
• A familiar scene, belonging to the final moments of its home universe: the starry sky collapses, gray fog spreads, and the giant "ark" starts in despair.
Countless similar but different "sibling" units, carrying data packets of civilization, fly towards different dimensional rifts.
One of the projection paths, pointing to the " Sea of Origin Mirror," was highlighted, accompanied by the echoing of an encrypted command, "... Beacon ' Noah ' has been projected... Status unknown... Priority: Observe, Record, Guide... If a 'Resonator' is encountered... Protocol ' Passing Down the Spark '... Partial unlock..."
When this echo made contact with the "Watchman" consciousness coming from Allen's side, W7's core memory bank trembled violently once again! A hidden agreement concerning a "potential resonance contract" between the " Beacon " and the "Ark" creations, which had been sealed even deeper, was forcibly activated!
"Warning! Core protocol conflict! Logic lock breaking down... ' Beacon Resonance' and ' Passing Down the Spark ' protocol activation conditions detected... overlap... Definition mission parameters..." W7's voice was filled with unprecedented chaos and excitement, and the V-shaped light strip was flashing wildly.
Almost simultaneously, the milky white light on the navigation screen began to contract and condense inward, eventually forming a complex, constantly rotating three-dimensional rune array in the center of the screen! The style of this rune array blends the antiquity of the Kunlun Ruins, the geometric aesthetics of W7's home civilization, and even has a hint of the One Piece world's Poneglyph!
At the center of the rune array, a line of text composed of light, directly conveying the concept, emerged:
[" Beacon Noah " secondary access verification -- Detected that the " Star Core Mark " carrier ( Allen ) and the " Lost Ark " unit (W7) meet the basic conditions of the " Passing Down the Spark " protocol.]
[Initiating initial information synchronization and contract display...]
[WARNING: The following information pertains to the " Sea of Origin Mirror " security protocol and the laws governing the inheritance of the Spark. Receiving this information signifies acceptance of the corresponding 'guardian' responsibilities and potential risks. Continue?]
Two options appear below the rune: [Accept/Accept] and [Reject/Forget].
"This is... the ' Beacon ' is talking to us?" Nami stared at the screen in shock.
"It's not entirely a dialogue; it's more like a pre-programmed, triggered automated program," Robin analyzed, his eyes flashing with excitement and tension. "It has verified Allen and W7's identities, and now it's going to show us something and ask us to make a choice."
"Taking on the responsibility of 'watching over'? Potential risks?" Usopp swallowed hard. "That doesn't sound good..."
"But this is crucial to our return home, and also our chance to learn the whole truth." Allen took a deep breath, his gaze resolute. He could feel the Star Core Mark within him resonating warmly with the array of runes before him, as if urging him to make a choice. "Moreover, 'Never Forget the Watcher'... this seems to be the expectation, or rather... entrustment, of the civilization that left the ' Beacon ' for us 'laterers'."
He looked at W7: "Your protocol has also been triggered. What do you think?"
W7's beam of light gradually stabilized, and his voice regained its usual calmness, but with an added solemnity, "' Passing Down the Spark ' protocol... has extremely high authority in my underlying command library. It means that when 'Ark' units encounter a ' Spark Successor' recognized by the ' Beacon,' and the conditions are met, they should share critical information and, if possible, establish a ' Watcher Alliance.' This Transcendence my original, singular mission of 'recording and warning.' I... choose to comply with the protocol."
Allen nodded and looked at his companions. "I want to choose 'accept.' This could be a crucial step in unraveling all the mysteries and finding our way home safely. But there might be risks involved, and I need your opinions."
Luffy grinned. "Of course I'll accept! Adventures are inherently risky!"
Zoro: "Agreed. The mystery is right before our eyes; there's no reason not to solve it."
Sanji: "It's worth taking a risk so that Nami and Robin can uncover the truth of history."
Although Nami was scared, she nodded vigorously. "For the sake of going home! Besides, understanding these things will be beneficial for our future voyages, right?"
Others also expressed their support.
"Okay." Allen no longer hesitated, and with his will (through the resonance of the Star Core Mark ), he chose [Accept/Accept].
Instantly, the three-dimensional rune array shone brightly! An even larger, more orderly, yet still vast flow of information, like a well-maintained river, surged toward Allen, W7, and... the entire Ark Maxim!
A clearer picture and information emerged in Allen's mind:
• The complete "resume" of " Beacon Noah ": It is not a simple "civilization database," but a highly compressed "civilization meme complex" containing almost all the technology trees, Psionic Energy knowledge, historical memories, cultural essence, and... ultimate research results and counter-speculations on the " Shadow of the End " of W7's home civilization (named " Spirit Source Civilization").
Its projection target is clear: it does not randomly seek refuge, but precisely locates a specific area within the " Sea of Origin Mirror " where the rules are relatively "active" and "inclusive," hoping that the " Beacon " can "evolve" in the new environment and "give birth to a new civilization form with the potential to resist the ' End '."
The essence of the " Star Core Mark " is a simplified copy/ Seed of the "Authorization Key," which represents the highest Psionic Energy achievement and will of the " Spirit Source Civilization," within the core of the " Beacon." It is not only a coordinate guiding the " Spark Successor" back, but also contains the code to unlock some of the deeper functions of the " Beacon " and to understand the " Spirit Source Civilization's " resistance against the " End " concept.
The truth about Laugh Tale: It is the core landing point and main control node of " Beacon Noah " in the pirate world (a specific area of the " Sea of Origin Mirror "). Through the evolution of a long period of time and the interaction with the local rules, it has deeply integrated with the spacetime structure of that sea, and has given rise to a series of "rule manifestation" products such as Devil Fruit, Haki, Seastone, and Ancient Weapon. The so-called " Void Century " and " Will of D. " are related to the early activation of " Beacon ", contact with the local indigenous civilization, and the conflicts and cover-ups caused by certain forces (such as Imu ) attempting to monopolize or distort the control of " Beacon ".
• The specific content of the "Watcher" responsibility: It does not require them to immediately fight against the " Shadow of the End ", but rather to "understand the nature of the threat", "pass on the concept of resistance", "protect the 'possibilities' of their world", and when they are strong enough and the time is right, to pass on the " Spark " and "warning" as much as possible, to establish contact with other civilizations that have not yet been swallowed by the " End " and to find a way out together.
The information W7 received focused more on the detailed history and technological aspects of the " Spirit Source Civilization," the full picture of the " Ark Project," and a very vague fragment of spacetime coordinates that might have been left behind by other "Ark" units! Its core mission was officially updated to: assist the " Spark Successors" ( the Straw Hat Pirates ) in their growth and exploration; repair itself and attempt to contact other "Arks"; deepen research on the " End " and related pollution phenomena; fulfill the " Passing Down the Spark " agreement, becoming a "bridge" connecting the past and the future.
The Ark Maxim itself, its hull structure, energy circuits, and even its ship spirit (if it exists) seem to have undergone a complete "baptism" and "enhancement." The navigation system has been deeply updated, gaining more accurate real-time dynamic coordinates pointing to Laugh Tale, as well as a detailed rule map and danger warnings for the partially explored areas within the " Lost Beacon Zone "! The ship's " Order Calibration " effect has been solidified and enhanced, greatly improving its adaptability to rule distortions. Even more miraculously, Franky discovered that a weak, benign resonance had been established between the ship's Star Core Reactor and the " Beacon " energy, resulting in a significant improvement in energy utilization efficiency and purity.
The information synchronization lasted for about ten minutes.
As the light gradually faded, the rune array slowly disappeared and finally vanished. The surroundings remained in absolute darkness, and the beacon light ahead returned to its original soft glow.
But everything is different now.
"Hoo..." Allen slowly opened his eyes, feeling countless heavy and precious pieces of information in his mind. His soul seemed to have undergone a baptism, and his connection with the Star Core Mark became even closer. He could even vaguely sense the final sorrow and hope of the destroying pioneers of the " Spirit Source Civilization " in distant space and time.
"Protocol synchronization complete... Mission parameters updated..." The V-shaped light strip on W7 shone steadily, radiating an unprecedented sense of "tranquility," as if it had found its true home. "' Passing Down the Spark '... I understand. I am no longer merely a wandering 'recorder,' but also... a 'bridge' and a 'facilitator.'"
" Laugh Tale..." Robin murmured, her eyes filled with shock and excitement, "Such a magnificent being... the embodiment of the 'Seed of Hope' from the last civilization of another universe in our world... the Void Century, the Ancient Weapon, the origin of Devil Fruit... it all finally connects!"
"In other words," Nami concluded, her voice trembling slightly, "That we're going to more than just an island hiding treasure and historical truth... it's the core control room of a living, super-civilization from another universe?!"
"And we also promised to 'watch over'..." Usopp clutched his head, "That sounds like a huge responsibility!"
"The greater the responsibility, the more meaningful our adventure becomes!" Luffy exclaimed excitedly. "Great! So the destination we've been sailing to is such an amazing place! I'm going to be the Pirate King! 'Watching over' and all that, as long as it's for my friends and freedom, I'm willing to do it!"
Allen looked at his revitalized (and boisterous) companions, a slight smile playing on his lips. Yes, the responsibility was heavy, the truth was shocking, and the road ahead might be even more dangerous... but this was their adventure. They were not alone; they carried the legacy of a destroyed civilization and the future of their own world.
"Alright, information received, contract established." Allen clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention back. "Now, we have a clearer goal and more ample information. Laugh Tale is just ahead; the way home is clear. Follow the new navigation, full speed ahead!"
"SUPER~ Received! New coordinates locked! Energy reactor resonance increased to 120%! Charge!" Franky roared excitedly from the cockpit.
The Ark Maxim seemed to be infused with new vitality, its hull gleaming with silver light. In this strange interlayer connecting the two worlds, it burst forth with unprecedented speed toward its final destination!
The darkness was torn apart, and the milky white beacon light rapidly magnified in the field of vision.
The final destination of homecoming, and the source of all secrets—
Laugh Tale, here we come!
[The Subsequent Impact of the Super Soldier Company World (Indirectly Shown Through the Perspectives of W7 and the Ancient Law Faction )]:
Earth, North Star Headquarters.
Lian Feng stared at the screen at the extremely faint and encrypted anomalous signal that had just been deciphered from deep space (originating from the interdimensional ripples when the " Beacon " was activated, a clue captured by the " Sparks Observation Station "). The signal was undecipherable, but its energy spectrum bore a subtle resemblance to previously recorded " Sparks " characteristics. "They... seem to have triggered something extraordinary," she whispered to Du Kao.
Du Kao gazed at the starry sky. "Whatever it is, I hope they reach their destination safely. How is Heart Source Project progressing?"
" Ge Xiaolun and Rena have made breakthrough progress in their will resonance training, and Liu Chuang's 'Battle Spirit Concentration' can also temporarily enhance the rule interference ability of the God-Slaying Axe... What ' Sparks ' has left us is not only hope, but also direction."
Angel Nebula, Merlot Heavenly Court.
Angel Yan listened to Angel Zhui's report, "... The Ancient Law Faction Squadron of the ' Blade of Order ' sent an encrypted communication, mentioning that the 'High-Potential Spark ' has passed the ' Terminal Navigation Beacon ' and entered the ' Lost Beacon Zone.' The ' Ancient Law Faction ' will continue to observe and has advised Angels to keep a close watch, but not to intervene for the time being."
Angel Yan tapped her fingers lightly on the armrest of the throne. " The Ancient Law Faction... those old scholars. The ' Spark ' they covet... Queen Kaisa's knowledge treasury has extremely limited records of ' Beacon ' and the ' Sea of Origin.' Issue the order to add the ' Straw Hat Pirates ' and related ' Beacon ' phenomena to the Angel's top-secret ' Origin Archives ' for observation. I need to know what they will bring back."
Death Song Academy.
Before Karl floated a constantly shifting model composed of Void energy and complex data streams. At one corner of the model, a point of light representing an "unknown variable" was rapidly increasing in brightness and the associated causal lines. "The deep resonance of the ' Beacon '... was triggered earlier than expected," Karl murmured, his eyes gleaming with fervor and deep thought. "Is it because of the ' Star Core Mark ' carrier, or the ' Lost Ark '? The ' Sea of Origin Mirror '... indeed contains 'variables' that even the ' Void ' cannot fully encompass." He turned to Sno: "Adjust the guidance direction of the Triangle Bodies prism, increase the detection intensity at the edge of the ' Information Turbulence Zone.' I need to know whether the rule distortion of the ' Beacon Zone ' has a... antagonistic or complementary relationship with certain deep properties of the ' Void '."
• Demon One
Morgana listened to Ato's report on the unusual movements of the " Blade of Order " and the energy fluctuations deep in the universe, and scoffed. "Those rigid white irons (referring to the Blade of Order ) and those mystical ' Spark ' again? Never mind them, that perverted Karl is definitely more interested. Our focus now is to find more allies willing to 'fall into freedom' and add more fuel to the fire of that bitch Kaisa's 'justice' mess! But..." A sly glint flashed in her eyes, "... have the kids below keep an eye out for news about 'ancient ruins' and 'abnormal energy,' maybe they can find something good."
Ancient Law Faction Observer-073 hovers silently outside the " Terminal Navigation Beacon ".
In her data-driven view, countless streams of information flowed smoothly, recording all the energy and rule changes the moment the Ark Maxim crossed the beacon. "' Passing Down the Spark ' protocol activated... ' Beacon's ' deeper information begins to be released..." She sent a highly encrypted report to the " Ancient Law Faction " arbitration tribunal and core database. "' Spark ' Allen Portgas, and his ' Straw Hat Pirates ' have officially entered the final trial and inheritance sequence of the ' Beacon.' It is recommended to raise their observation level to 'Amber Level' (high potential, high risk), and prepare for the second phase of the 'Limited Contact' contingency plan... pending their return from the ' Beacon Zone '."
After the transmission was completed, the silver-white spaceship slowly turned and silently merged into the cosmic background, entering a long period of silent observation. Only within its constantly operating logical core, a tiny process representing "expectation" and "variable calculation" continued to run.
Beyond the sea of Xinghai, the Ark Maxim are sailing toward their destined end.
And the ripples it left in the Super God Universe are only just beginning to spread.
The future of two worlds has been quietly altered by the journey of these otherworldly pirates.
An even greater storm may be brewing slowly in the distant future...