Chapter 5: Persuasion and Departure

"Dr. Croft, excuse me!" Nico Robin courteously bowed, showing her respect, while not forgetting Qin Ge behind her.

"Dr. Croft, this is Allen. He drifted to our island after a shipwreck, and he came here specifically to meet you. He told me some things that I don't know how to handle!" Nico Robin stepped aside, revealing Qin Ge behind her, and quickly began explaining.

"Oh? A shipwreck? That's not good news. Allen, is it? I wonder what you told Robin that even our intelligent Robin doesn't know how to handle!" Dr. Croft's face showed regret but also curiosity as he looked at Qin Ge.

He did not underestimate Qin Ge because he was just a child. On the contrary, he showed enough respect as if dealing with someone his age. Perhaps it was precise because of this serious attitude that he was willing to take the risk and explore the forbidden history that the World Government feared so much.

Qin Ge didn't waste any words and simply repeated what he had just told Nico Robin.

If Dr. Croft could maintain a smile at the beginning, his expression was now replaced by seriousness and doubt after hearing what Qin Ge had said.

"Is everything you said true, Allen?" Dr. Croft looked at Qin Ge intently and said calmly.

"It is indeed true. Ohara is facing destruction!" Qin Ge nodded slightly, his voice heavy.

Although the reason was fabricated by him, it was indeed the case. Even if Dr. Croft and others stopped their research now, the World Government, with its caution, would not allow any hidden dangers to remain. Sooner or later, they would erase all dangerous factors to cover up the blank hundred-year history.

Dr. Croft fell into silence. What Qin Ge said was of great importance to him and all the archaeologists of Ohara.

Although the person talking to him now was just a child about the same age as Robin, they were indeed studying the forbidden history that the World Government did not allow. If the World Government were to find out, they would take measures to eliminate the threat.

Although Dr. Croft didn't fully believe that the World Government would destroy Ohara as Qin Ge claimed, considering the information they had deciphered from the official historical texts, the World Government might not hesitate to take radical measures to eliminate any threats.

Dr. Croft's silence made Nico Robin, who noticed it on the side, also become anxious. Her keen mind allowed her to sense something from Dr. Croft's expression.

"Dr. Croft, can it be true that the World Government wants to destroy Ohara?" Nico Robin nervously asked.

Upon hearing Nico Robin's words, Dr. Croft quickly reacted and put on a forced smile. "How could that be? Ohara is a world-renowned archaeological site. Even the World Government wouldn't dare to offend it easily!"

Upon hearing this, Nico Robin also felt relieved. The tension on her face eased, but she still had some doubts. If that was the case, why did Dr. Croft seem so burdened earlier?

Qin Ge remained silent because he could already tell that Dr. Croft believed his words. Now he was just comforting Nico Robin.

"Dr. Croft, can we talk somewhere private?" Qin Ge suddenly spoke up.

Both Dr. Croft and Nico Robin looked at Qin Ge involuntarily.

"Alright, let's go to my room!" Qin Ge's words coincided with Dr. Croft's thoughts. He needed to know more about the situation, so he naturally wouldn't refuse.

Although Nico Robin was also curious, she didn't insist when she saw the two of them intentionally excluding her. Instead, she obediently waited outside.

Qin Ge and Dr. Croft stayed in the room for over half an hour, and it's unclear what they talked about. But when they came out, Dr. Croft suggested that Nico Robin temporarily leave Ohara with Qin Ge, stating that he needed to purchase a new batch of books.

"Robin, don't worry about your aunt. I will go and say hello to her. For now, let me arrange for someone to take you to the port!" Dr. Croft said.

"But, Doctor, why should we go for book procurement? Shouldn't the adults handle that?" Nico Robin asked, puzzled.

Dr. Croft had already prepared an excuse and smiled, saying, "This can also be considered a test for you. After all, besides having a thorough understanding of history, excellent archaeologists should also be well-versed in related matters. This book procurement is meant to give you a better experience of an archaeologist's work!"

Nico Robin pondered for a moment, then nodded firmly and said, "Alright, I will do this job well. I will become an excellent archaeologist!"

Dr. Croft nodded with satisfaction and exchanged a glance with Qin Ge, who was standing beside Nico Robin. Both of them nodded slightly, reaching a silent understanding.

Soon, after receiving a sum of money from Dr. Croft, ostensibly for book procurement but actually for their living expenses, Qin Ge took Robin directly to the port.

"Dr. Croft, are you confident about letting Robin handle the book procurement? Moreover, I've never seen that other boy in town before. Could there be any problems?" Inside the Tree of Knowledge, an archaeologist walked up to Dr. Croft, looking somewhat doubtful.

"You don't understand. With him around, we can ensure Robin's safety. Alright, go gather everyone. I have an important announcement to make!" Dr. Croft shook his head and gave the order solemnly.

...

"Alright, stop peeking and just ask if you have any questions!"

At the port of Ohara, after buying tickets and boarding a merchant ship, Qin Ge stood on the spacious deck, waiting for the ship to set sail. He turned around helplessly when he noticed Nico Robin sneaking glances at him.

Blushing slightly, Nico Robin couldn't resist her curiosity and asked, "Allen, what did you and Dr. Croft talk about? Why did he ask me to leave the island and purchase books, and also told me to listen to you throughout the journey?"

"Oh, it's nothing. Dr. Croft just asked about my situation, and seeing my pitiful state, he temporarily arranged for me to work in the Tree of Knowledge. This book procurement is my first task!" Qin Ge replied earnestly.