Chapter 75: The Lightforged Beacon
It had been a week since Wright arrived at Germa. Now, in his quarters, he was reporting the findings of his investigation into Germa's eradication of the Kingdom of Cozia to Sengoku. The Den Den Mushi mimicked Sengoku's stern expression.
"Based on the investigation, Germa originally planned to attack several more nations. However, because the Cozia Kingdom discovered their intentions early and resisted desperately, Germa suffered significant losses. It seems their attack served more as a warning. They are expected to retreat back to the North Blue, though Saint Jalmack may visit the East Blue at some point after the World Conference."
"I see... No wonder the Navy received no prior intelligence, only an official notice from Germa after the attack," Sengoku muttered through gritted teeth. "The Celestial Dragons… always them…"
"…Careful, old man," Wright cautioned after a brief silence. "Germa's actions go deeper than that. I need more time to investigate. I suspect Germa has been involved in illicit dealings with the World Government and the Celestial Dragons for over two centuries."
"Hah…" Sengoku exhaled heavily. "I've heard whispers of such things, but to think there's evidence… Continue your investigation, but prioritize your safety!
"And as for anything related to the Celestial Dragons, tell no one else. I'll personally inform Garp."
"Understood. I'll report back if anything new arises."
Wright knew Sengoku and Garp couldn't yet learn about the Dawn's Watch. This group was destined to be his private force. The Navy, despite Sengoku and Garp's dissatisfaction with the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, still officially belonged to them. Neither of them would openly oppose their superiors.
But Wright, with his knowledge of the major events to come, was certain: the time for change wasn't far off. There was still time to act.
As he contemplated his next steps, a knock came at the door.
"Grand Lord!"
"Judge? Come in." Wright collected his thoughts and replied.
Judge entered the room, his excitement barely contained. "Grand Lord, I've made a major breakthrough in the research on the power of Holy Light!"
"Oh? What kind of breakthrough?" Wright's interest was piqued. Previously, Germa's agreed-upon "Project Aurora" had included the analysis and application of Holy Light in combat gear and weaponry. Over the past week, Wright had assisted Judge in conducting dozens of experiments, keeping himself quite busy.
"By chance, my team observed a resonance phenomenon involving the Holy Light!" Judge explained, gesturing animatedly. "Resonance itself wasn't new—your earlier explanations and the Lightforged Beacon Crystals demonstrated it—but this time was different!"
"We detected spatial properties in the resonance!"
"Spatial properties?" Wright's expression turned serious. Anything involving spatial characteristics was no trivial matter.
"Exactly! Through specific application techniques, Holy Light can fold space to some extent—potentially even achieving teleportation. However, our current understanding of Holy Light is incomplete, and further research will require your cooperation!"
"Let's go. Show me now!" Wright stood immediately, Judge's words reminding him of Azeroth's advanced technology—such as Holy Light-powered teleportation systems.
The Army of the Light could conduct interstellar expeditions; their Light-powered ship, the Vindicaar, could traverse time and space; even the Lightforged Beacons in Dalaran could teleport individuals directly to the Vindicaar on Argus!
"I should have realized sooner. The long-range resonance of the Lightforged Beacon Crystals was already a spatial phenomenon!"
Wright and Judge quickly arrived at the research lab and began rigorous tests and studies.
"Excellent! Truly remarkable work, Judge!" Wright praised, gazing at the golden device before him.
The golden apparatus centered around a large Lightforged Crystal atop a half-square-meter base. A metallic plate in front of the crystal marked a space for individuals to stand.
Although its design was entirely different from Draenei creations, its function was unmistakable—this was the "One Piece" equivalent of a Lightforged Beacon!
"Is the plaza ready?" Wright double-checked.
"All set, Grand Lord. The Lightforged Beacon on the plaza is standing by!" Judge confirmed with confidence.
"Good... Then let me test it."
Wright stepped onto the Beacon, placing his right hand on the metal plate before the crystal. A surge of Holy Light flowed out, and the golden Lightforged Crystal began to glow. Layers of light enveloped Wright's figure, and moments later, he vanished.
"How did it go?" Judge called out anxiously.
"The surveillance Den Den Mushi at the plaza has confirmed—Grand Lord has arrived at the Beacon there! Your Majesty, we've succeeded!"
Upon hearing the confirmation, Judge clenched his fist in triumph. As a scientist, he fully understood the monumental significance of this breakthrough.
Wright, meanwhile, found himself enveloped in a flash of golden light. When his vision cleared, he stood on the plaza outside Germa's royal city. Before him was the second test Beacon.
"It worked!" Wright exhaled, satisfied. This trip to Germa had yielded significant gains—this black-tech teleportation system was revolutionary.
Although this prototype Beacon was rudimentary and limited to individuals wielding Holy Light, it opened new possibilities. With these Beacons deployed on key islands, Wright's mobility would become practically unparalleled.
For now, the Beacons couldn't handle long-range teleportation, and the test had consumed a considerable amount of the Lightforged Crystal's energy. Clearly, there was room for improvement.
Returning to the lab via the Beacon, Wright was immediately surrounded by Judge and the researchers.
"Grand Lord, how was it? Any findings?" Judge asked eagerly.
"The teleportation speed was fine, but the range needs further testing. More importantly, energy consumption is a concern. The two trips I made nearly drained the Crystal," Wright analyzed.
"Additionally, I can sense the positions of the two Beacons. I might be able to teleport between them without one of the Beacons activating..."
Before finishing, Wright focused briefly. Enveloped in a layer of golden Holy Light, he vanished and reappeared at the adjacent Beacon in an instant.
"It works!" Wright exclaimed, stepping out of the Beacon. Judge and the researchers were dumbfounded.
"This ability seems unique to me. You won't be able to locate the Beacons like I can," Wright explained.
Judge nodded, still in awe. "Even so, this is extraordinary... At the very least, if you're in danger, you can retreat instantly. It's practically invincible!"
Wright chuckled to himself. An ultimate move: invincibility plus a Hearthstone! Now it's instant-cast. Righteous retreat—how terrifying is that?
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