Vegapunk observed carefully for a long time before slowly speaking,
"From this, it can be seen that the Lineage Factor we just injected is very stable, and there is no rejection."
Carl asked, "So this means I can consume another Devil Fruit, right?"
"I can't say it's absolutely certain, but there's at least a 90% chance of success," Vegapunk replied.
Carl narrowed his eyes. A 90% chance to gain another powerful Devil Fruit ability was definitely worth the risk. He began to think about which Devil Fruit he should seek next.
Vegapunk moved to recycle the experimental samples, but before he could act, Carl raised his hand, releasing a wave of darkness that swallowed and destroyed them. Although Vegapunk had assured him that cloning him was impossible, Carl believed it was better to be cautious.
After the blood was obliterated, Carl used the power of his Dark-Dark Fruit to extract the ability of the Persian Cat Fruit and transfer it back into a new fruit. When Carl pulled out a brand new Persian Cat Fruit, Vegapunk was left speechless.
"How did you manage that?" Vegapunk asked, stunned.
Carl only smiled mysteriously. Handing the Persian Cat Fruit to Vegapunk, he said, "Just focus on your experiments. I'll explain later."
Vegapunk could only smile bitterly. The sample he had just lost was one of a kind—at least, it would have been if not for Carl and his powers.
Carl inspected the cut on his arm. The wound had completely disappeared, leaving no trace. Satisfied, he glanced at Vegapunk and said,
"Did you remember everything I told you today?"
Vegapunk nodded solemnly. "Yes, modify Stussy's loyalty and develop the authoritarian chips."
"Good. The people of Baldimore will be grateful," Carl said.
With those final words, his form twisted into a dark vortex and disappeared.
As soon as Carl vanished, Vegapunk exhaled deeply, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.
"What a monster I've created… What a sin."
In the grand bedroom of Mary Geoise, Garling had just returned from training. He removed his gear and donned a black robe before settling into the sofa with his eyes closed. Before long, the air in front of him twisted, and Carl appeared with a smile.
"You're back just in time," Garling said, opening his eyes. "The meal's ready. Let's eat here tonight."
Carl sat down beside him, taking a sip from a cup on the table. "Alright, but I need to ask them to prepare another meal. I'm bringing it to Lucia later."
Garling raised an eyebrow. "Is that necessary? There's plenty of food. The leftovers would be more than enough for several people."
"No way," Carl replied with a grin. "I can't let Lucia eat leftovers. If it weren't for you, Uncle Garling, I'd have her dining with us."
Garling didn't respond, as he couldn't stand the thought of a slave eating at the same table. His tolerance only extended to Carl.
Carl understood this and leaned back, stretching out comfortably. Amused, Garling asked, "You seem happy. Did something interesting happen at Vegapunk's lab?"
Carl smirked and recounted the events of the day. Garling listened intently, but when Carl mentioned wanting to consume another Devil Fruit, Garling's expression darkened.
"No! That's far too risky."
Carl was taken aback by his uncle's intense reaction.
"It's fine," Carl assured. "Vegapunk said there's a 90% chance of success."
"And what about the remaining 10%? Death?" Garling asked, staring directly at Carl.
Carl fell silent. Garling leaned forward, his voice firm. "Do you understand that you're gambling with your life?"
"I know, but with the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit, I can protect myself even if something goes wrong."
Before Garling could continue, a servant entered. "Lord Garling, the meal is ready. Shall we serve it?"
Carl glanced toward the door. "Uncle, let's eat first. We'll talk about it while we eat."
Garling sighed, sensing Carl's resolve hadn't changed. He instructed the servant to bring in the food.
Once the dishes were laid out, the servant offered to pour wine for Garling and Carl. Carl waved him off, taking the bottle from the servant's hands.
"You can leave now," he said coolly.
The servant bowed and left, leaving the two men alone.
Carl poured wine for both of them. "Uncle Garling, don't worry. I know what I'm doing."
Garling swirled the red wine in his glass, staring into it.
"Carl, isn't the Dark-Dark Fruit enough for you? What other Devil Fruit do you have your eye on?"
"I'm not sure yet, but I'm interested in the Blood-Blood Fruit. Speaking of which, have you heard any news about Darian recently?"
Garling studied Carl carefully before replying, "He's been staying in his palace. I haven't seen him in a long time. I only know that he's been buying a large number of slaves from Sabaody Archipelago and bringing them to his estate."
"Slaves? When did he take up that hobby?"
Garling snorted, crossing his arms. "I suspect it has something to do with the Blood-Blood Fruit. You should focus on getting stronger. I don't want to clean up your mess before you catch him."
Carl's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Garling's expression darkened. "Have you forgotten? Your grandfather was killed by the Blood-Blood Fruit. Even he couldn't control its power. Do you think Darian can?"
The memory of his father's death filled Garling's mind, and he snatched the bottle of wine from Carl's hand, downing it in one gulp.
With a sigh, Garling murmured, "Everyone of you makes me worry…"
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+86 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg