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The next morning.
Germa soldiers, fully equipped and ready, headed directly to Angel Island under Brolis's command.
If these native residents of Angel Island were sensible, Ichiji naturally didn't plan on ruling with high pressure.
After all, although a considerable portion of Germa's elite troops in the future might be artificial soldiers, large-scale conscription from the territories under their rule was inevitable. The power of technology alone was clearly not enough to contend with a behemoth like the World Government with its deep foundations.
Among the sky island natives, there might not be a lack of outstanding talents. As long as they underwent professional training and guidance, it was not impossible for strong individuals to emerge from among them.
Germa's goal was the entire world; their vision naturally couldn't be too narrow!
"Are you really planning to create two hundred thousand artificial soldiers?"
A voice, somewhat trembling and incredulous, came from the Den Den Mushi – not out of fear, but excitement.
Just by looking at the expression mimicked by the Den Den Mushi, one could tell that Vinsmoke Judge was a bit dazed at this moment.
"What Germa needs are elites no worse than Marine Headquarters officers at the rank of captain or above, not the current half-baked ones. And there must be a scale of at least one hundred thousand, reaching two hundred thousand would be best..."
Standing at the very top of God's Island, Upper Yard – on a giant vine that had grown immensely – Ichiji, overlooking the entire Upper Yard island and currently on a call with Vinsmoke Judge, directly asked, "First, tell me, if the 'sample's' physique is on par with, or even surpasses, that of the first division commander Beckman and the others, can such 'replicas' be mass-produced?"
Originally, if a strong individual with a powerful physique like "Mad Tiger" Brolis was used as a sample, the artificial soldiers produced after complete "factory output" would undoubtedly possess considerable strength. But specifically, he still needed to consult Vinsmoke Judge, this authority.
Of course, since Brolis had already joined Germa, using him as a sample again would be inappropriate. If there were other options, there was no need to cause resentment in the other party over such a matter. After all, having a large number of one's own replicas would make anyone feel uncomfortable.
"I need to personally conduct various data tests on the 'sample' to get a specific answer..." Vinsmoke Judge's expression was stern. He pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "But if it's a 'monster' born with a powerful physique, I believe it can definitely be achieved, but the cost might increase accordingly!"
If the production cost was too high, it could become a bottomless pit.
He was worried that even Shiki's enormous treasure plus the gold obtained from the sky islands wouldn't be enough!
"That's good. As soon as possible, send me the list of materials, medicines, and equipment needed to expand the base..."
Having received a more or less satisfactory answer, Ichiji nodded slightly and sat directly on the giant vine: "I will have 'Joker,' this underworld intermediary, help out as soon as possible. You don't need to worry about the funds; leave that to me to solve!"
Ichiji already had an idea for a new "sample," and its physique was even more outrageously strong.
At that time, he believed he could definitely create an army of enormous scale, no weaker than the Marine elites. It was just that the amount of money and resources needed might be astronomical.
But if the "Artificial Legion" plan could be successfully completed, all of this would be worth it!
"Wait a minute, regarding the base, you might need several huge islands. Do you have any targets in mind?" Vinsmoke Judge was about to hang up but remembered something and reminded him, "If the movements are too big, it might attract the attention of the World Government."
This time, Germa wasn't just establishing a small base; it was equivalent to directly establishing a massive sky kingdom. Not only did they need to build huge bases, but they also needed to establish their own large-scale military factories, etc... The demand for mineral resources and such would certainly not be small. Sky islands didn't have these things.
"No matter. There are also many resource-rich islands in the Calm Belt. Although those resource islands with particularly great value have all been developed by the World Government or Marine Headquarters over these years, Germa's needs in the first phase are not high. The main thing is to accumulate strength first, then slowly plan for others!"
...
The giant Golden Bell was directly taken down from the top of the Giant Jack by Shiki using his powers.
"Dong, Dang..."
The resounding, clear chime of the bell, after a full three to four hundred years, once again echoed across the sky island, spreading in all directions.
Angel Island.
The Angel Island residents, who were originally somewhat nervous and on edge facing the sudden arrival of the menacing Germa army, couldn't help but feel their spirits shaken at this moment.
Ever since Enel had usurped his "God" position, the former "God" Gan Fall, who had been living in seclusion somewhere, also couldn't help but feel a little dazed.
Ever since God's Island, Upper Yard, suddenly appeared in the sky four hundred years ago, countless people had claimed to have heard such a bell chime day after day. But even when the "God" of Angel Island at that time led the God's Army to seize Upper Yard, they hadn't found the great bell that emitted a sound seemingly capable of cleansing the soul.
White-White Sea, Cloud Hidden Village.
The Shandians, the original inhabitants of God's Island, Upper Yard, were sent up to the sky island, tens of thousands of meters high, along with this island by a super-massive Knock-Up Stream four hundred years ago. Ever since the residents of Angel Island seized God's Island, Upper Yard, and drove them from their homeland, the Shandians had been living in seclusion here, constantly thinking about reclaiming the island that belonged to their people.
Over these years, in order to fight for God's Island, Upper Yard, disputes between the Shandian residents and the Angel Island residents had been incessant. By now, an irreconcilable hatred had long been forged between the two groups.
"This is..."
"That's right, this is the sound of the Golden Bell..."
"The Light of Shandora... is finally lit..."
"The sound of the lost Golden Bell rings anew, the promise of four hundred years is finally fulfilled!"
The chief of the Shandian tribe and a group of old, weak women and children were extremely moved to tears upon hearing the bell chime.
"Damn it, did that bastard Enel get the Golden Bell?"
A man with fierce tattoos on his face, looking somewhat frightening and bare-chested, gritted his teeth, his fists clenched, feeling somewhat unwilling.
Ever since "God" Enel drove away the former "God" Gan Fall, their tribe's casualty rate in every attempt to reclaim Upper Yard had continuously multiplied.
"Wiper, should we try again..."
A man, also bare-chested and wearing red sunglasses, looked somewhat hesitant. He glanced at the chief who was both crying and laughing, and whispered to the tattooed man.
"Alright, gather the men!"
Wiper gritted his teeth and made a direct decision.
Little did he know, the reason Ichiji rang the Golden Bell was precisely to draw them out.
If he could subdue the Shandian tribe, that would be for the best. If they were unwilling to submit, then he would not show any mercy.
...force...