Chapter 74: Chapter 74: Dawn's Watch
"The matter of modified humans and clones can be set aside for now—those that already exist may continue to function, but all ongoing or planned developments are to be sealed and permanently discontinued." Wright tapped the armrest of his chair thoughtfully.
"Yes, Lord Wright. It was my past extremism that led to such practices. Back in the days when Germa ruled the North Blue, we didn't rely on modified humans or clones. With our combat suits and auxiliary technologies alone, we crushed every nation that opposed us!" Judge's eyes glinted with pride.
Even with his worldview fundamentally changed, Judge remained deeply proud of Germa's technological prowess.
"Precisely. Though the present era is far removed from two centuries ago, your technology still has immense potential for growth. The Lineage Factor… Vegapunk certainly had a far more advanced application in mind."
"Oh?" Judge's respect for his former colleague—the genius hailed as five centuries ahead of humanity—was evident. "Vegapunk had other uses for the Lineage Factor?"
"Indeed…" Wright nodded. Though Vegapunk's research hadn't yet borne visible fruit, it was undoubtedly progressing. "His work likely pertains to Devil Fruits."
Judge's eyes widened in astonishment. "Devil Fruits… He's truly ventured into such a forbidden domain? Vegapunk… remarkable, as always."
"Applying the Lineage Factor to Devil Fruits, animals, and even inanimate objects is one of his research directions. He's even exploring how weapons could 'consume' Devil Fruits and gain sentience."
Wright's explanation left Judge frowning deeply. "Hmph… It seems human modifications are far beneath his scope. His focus is on challenges far more complex."
"Because modifying humans comes with immense risks—and now you understand that," Wright said, glancing at Judge. "However, Vegapunk's focus on Devil Fruits and weapons sidesteps many of those hazards.
"And if Vegapunk lacks Germa's combat suit technology, then imagine combining the suits with Lineage Factor advancements, empowered by the Holy Light. Couldn't ordinary people wield extraordinary power? And unlike humans, weapons are far easier to control.
"Moreover, life modification and cloning technology still have their uses. When integrated with the Holy Light, this technology can revolutionize our medical capabilities and become an invaluable asset in warfare."
"It's certainly possible…" Judge nodded, his confidence in Germa's combat suit and Lineage Factor technologies unshaken.
"Now, the next topic concerns the future of this world." After a moment of silence, Wright spoke again. If Judge hadn't undergone the Lightbinding Ritual, Wright would never have revealed this.
"The world… the Celestial Dragons?" Judge displayed the sharp insight of a top-tier scientist, grasping the core issue from Wright's initial words.
"Correct. My ideal is… world peace. And to achieve that, the greatest evil of this world—the Celestial Dragons—must be eradicated." Wright nodded solemnly.
"That would mean dismantling the World Government itself. But what about the Navy?" Judge asked, his tone thoughtful. Having witnessed the depravity of the Celestial Dragons as Germa's 'royal war force,' his disdain for them was absolute.
"One of the reasons I joined the Navy was for this very purpose. The majority of its members uphold justice and joined to protect the weak. For a long time, the Navy has been the sea's guardian.
"However, the existence of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons often forces the Navy to act against justice. Many within the Navy doubt their own righteousness and positions because of this.
"Among the Navy's true leadership—Fleet Admiral Kong, Admirals Sengoku and Zephyr, Hero Garp, and numerous elite Vice Admirals—many harbor their own views on the World Government. From their vantage points, they see truths hidden from rank-and-file soldiers.
"Thus, the Navy is one of our greatest potential allies in this endeavor. However, this requires gradual and subtle changes…"
"But even with the Navy's support, it won't be enough. I need more allies." Wright paused. "In time, like-minded individuals will join us. And you, Judge, will be one of the foundational pillars of our success."
"Germa will follow Lord Wright!" Judge dropped to one knee and bowed deeply. "Not only for your dream but also to atone for our sins!"
"Judge… no need for such formalities." Wright helped Judge to his feet. "We are comrades united by a common goal, not master and servant."
"But, my lord, this is no small matter. You will be at the very heart of a world-shaking event, and you must have a position of leadership! Your current rank in the Navy is insufficient for this." As Germa's king, Judge understood the gravity of leadership in such a monumental undertaking.
After a moment of contemplation, Wright smiled. "Then let us call our movement Dawn's Watch. As its founder, I will be the Grand Lord of Dawn. Judge, you will lead one of its military divisions. As the Vinsmoke family now wields the power of the Holy Light, your mission will be to develop new combat suits and medical technologies. As for your division's name…"
Wright thought briefly. "Let's call it The Crest of Sacred Fire. In time, we will have many more comrades."
"Among comrades, a bow of respect is sufficient—there's no need to kneel. The ultimate goal of Dawn's Watch is world peace, not mere rhetoric. To live in this world, one must strive for greatness. And what goal could be greater than this?"
"Yes, Grand Lord!" Judge saluted fervently.
"The creed of Dawn's Watch is not only to overthrow the Celestial Dragons but also to protect the innocent until that day arrives. Dismantling the Celestial Dragons is not the goal—it is merely a step toward achieving it.
"The Celestial Dragons and the World Government are far more intricate than you imagine. Over eight centuries, they've buried countless secrets—secrets too terrible to fathom.
"For now, we must unite in secrecy and lay a solid foundation. The future is long, and when the day of reckoning comes, each of us must be ready!"
"Understood, Grand Lord." Judge stood tall. "I'll immediately begin arranging the next stage of research. My children, however, aren't qualified researchers; I never prepared them for such a role…"
"Then I'll personally oversee the process. Within three days, I'll provide you with a satisfactory report!"
"Excellent. I look forward to it…"
"Please, Grand Lord, grant a name for the upcoming plan!"
"Heh… a name for ceremony, is it? Then let's call it Project Aurora."
"To watch over the dawn's first light!"
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