Near the great fissure, a small gathering of around five hundred people is hidden among a group of hills. At this moment, the only entrance, a canyon fissure, is heavily guarded by the Marines. This location isn't large, and the surrounding hills exceed one hundred meters, meaning that regular zombies would likely perish upon falling here. The locals have even modified the underground tunnels; at night, aside from regular patrols, the survivors retreat underground.
Overall, while this place isn't enough for a large population to survive together, a few hundred can manage without much issue. Currently, however, these Lantins are captured and tied up, with even the stronger among them no exception. They face the vice-captain of the scientific military unit, Thanos, alongside two thousand elite Marines and two top-level rear admirals; such combat ability could stand against the Shichibukai for quite some time.
Thanos, a short middle-aged man in a white lab coat, eagerly remarked upon seeing Base Commander Layser arrive, "Commander Layser, the natives are completely in our control. We've even captured some new species near the great fissure along with the latest research data. Such important data should have had me involved much earlier; you all fail to understand the greatness of science…" Thanos's face was filled with a burst of excitement, marking perhaps his most significant professional discovery and experiment.
"Commander Layser, do you notice any difference between these two?" Thanos beckoned Layser to two iron cages. One held a demonic bull, while the other contained a human with horns and skin colored like a demon.
"One is human, the other is a monster?" Layser quickly discerned their identities. He remained unfazed by the dozens of bound Lantis survivors, aware their fearful glares were merely normal reactions rather than something akin to the disdainful attitude of that Scarlet Queen.
"Exactly, but putting the mutated human in with the monster leads to some fascinating effects as the monster gains strength and physical abilities by consuming the mutated human. I suspect this may be the reason that some powerful creatures don't further decline. Yet despite trying various means and even killing some humans, I've been unable to lure the long-lived species from beyond the fissure…" Thanos expressed his disappointment while regardlessly unfazed by the hatred emanating from the Lantis people toward them.
"Is there no oversight?" Layser glanced over; even while this place had been comprehensively sealed off, his lack of direct involvement in earlier events caused him concern regarding potential oversights. Should the Lantis become aware, it would turn highly troublesome; in truth, Layser didn't care about the fates of the Lantis people; in fact, he believed in eradicating these dangerous elements—though the Marine Headquarters had different orders.
Thus, whenever he acted against their headquarters' directives, he needed to be cautious, even though his actions received direct authorization from CP0. The research on the long-lived species was the primary objective of this mission, with everything else—even the sensory experiences of Master setting second in priority.
"Rest assured, nothing slipped by," Thanos confidently replied since Layser had granted him substantial power. They had softened their defenses under the pretext of negotiating transport out of the island, making it easy to seize control. The strongest was directly executed by a rear admiral, ensuring nothing from this gathering would reach the outside world.
"That's great. Since we've achieved results, let's capture more mutated humans to see if we can lure out the long-lived entity from the fissure. If we manage that, this endeavor would be exceptionally perfect," Layser said with delight. If these plans succeeded, he would elevate his position in CP0, enhance his family's influence within the World Government, and possibly see the day of beings "long-lived."
"Understood. Many natives here are likely mutated; however, the natives say that monster in the fissure is extraordinarily powerful. If it should happen…" Thanos wasn't skeptical of Layser's strength. Instead, he noted the intense fear on the natives' faces describing that creature.
"Fear not, Commander Eric will soon arrive; he's captured some mutated humans as well. This research transcends human reasoning, and if we succeed, we'll make history. Certain necessary sacrifices must be made," Base Commander Layser spoke calmly; their actions pursued ease of research. They had consulted the elders, but the potential for exposure could lead to considerable troubles since the strength of the woman on the island remained ominous, particularly her extraordinary swordsmanship.
"Of course, where would science be without sacrifice?"
Suddenly, the Den Den Mushi rang: it was Eric's call. Layser picked it up. "Commander Eric, what's the situation?"
Layser and Eric were acquainted and shared several tasks within CP0, finding much similar in their thoughts.
"Bartholomew Kuma couldn't find you at HQ; he notified me that some Lantis agreed to follow the Marines off the island to a settlement site. Please arrange accordingly," Eric calmly conveyed, without veiling other meanings within his tone. However, due to their previous in-depth conversation about significant breakthroughs in studies, Layser understood that they intended to eliminate the Lantis survivors at Warlike Island, given that the Marine Headquarters hoped for rehabilitation. Still, the persistent hostility of the Lantis against the World Government made inaction impossible.
Especially after the first negotiation breakdown, their clarity on this shared perspective grew stronger. Even seeking counsel from the elders, letting matters proceed accordingly, essentially implied a consent. The prerequisite required measurable results, or else they would be under deep trouble if that Winter General grew angry—a fact that spasmed over to immediate feasibility made the situation easier to exert.
The objective of internally disrupting the Lantis organization increased, embodying the repeated occurrence of inner fractures; this led to simpler mechanisms to produce many mutated bodies, leading to uncomplicated rid of the problem. If a direct conflict brewed, the current strength of the Marines on the island wouldn't easily secure superiority.
By employing clever strategies, many troubles could be avoided. Dispatch one set, then follow with another—everything operating delightfully as Leer had a disdainful chuckle inwardly.
"Leave it to me; I'll see everything runs smoothly. How is your end?"
"Rear Admiral O'Neill is reluctant to host targets for Master's final commencement in triumph, but I've dispatched a special task force for the mission," Eric responded.
"Perfect! As long as these Lantis people comply, our mission is accomplished, and they shall suffer no further." Nearby, two rear admirals exchanged glances; one subdued said softly, "Executing missions in Lantis is hazardous at the extreme, and several details smuggled from other places express their distaste toward great Lantis sinners' departures. At the same time, there's much compassion for the Lantis condition."
However, military orders are as firm as granite; they were left with no choice. The only few colonels who defied higher commands were dealt with in exceptionally dangerous situations beforehand—reincarnation per warnings like prior excesses in terminology made by a rare inference taken earthward by thoughtful adjusted measures by Layser's arrangements for impossible assignments.
A conspiracy against Lantis survivors is brewing. (End of Chapter)