POV Dr. Vegapunk "Stella"
Location: Secondary Lab, Egghead
The events of the previous day were still etched in Vegapunk's mind. As he sat at his desk, surrounded by screens displaying complex data and ever-changing graphs, his thoughts kept returning to one particular moment from the battle: the instant when Tanya Degurechaff had sheathed her rapier and attacked S-BEAR with her arm enveloped in that strange energy. He had witnessed many extraordinary things throughout his career, but nothing had fascinated him as much as this manifestation of supernatural power.
The Captain's ability seemed far sharper than a mere sword. Watching her in action, Vegapunk had immediately understood that this skill represented an anomaly in current scientific knowledge. Accepting the existence of Devil Fruits was already challenging, but the energy the Captain wielded seemed to defy even the laws imposed by those fruits, it was something entirely different.
Edison, one of Vegapunk's closest satellites, entered the lab, carrying a thick file of reports and analyses. His features were strained, a sign of the long hours he had spent studying the combat recordings and the samples taken from Tanya. He approached Vegapunk, placing the file on the desk with a hint of apprehension.
"Doctor, I've compiled all the test results and analyses on Captain Degurechaff. The data is incredible, but I think you'll be particularly interested in what we've discovered about her ability."
Vegapunk looked up from his screens, a spark of interest visible in his eyes.
"Tell me what you've found, Edison. This skill... I must admit, it's captured all my attention. There's something fundamentally different about the nature of her powers."
Edison nodded, visibly relieved that his efforts were going to be appreciated.
"I've spent hours examining the energy residues left by this skill after its activation. The energy composition is entirely different from that of Devil Fruits. In fact, it seems to derive from a source we've never observed before. It's as if... as if this energy comes from another plane of existence."
Vegapunk crossed his arms, pondering this new information.
"Another plane of existence… That would be a plausible explanation for what we've seen. Devil Fruits are rooted in our world, their power manifesting within the laws of physics that we understand, even if those laws are twisted and distorted. But the source of the Captain's power… it transcends those laws."
Edison leaned forward to open the file, pulling out several spreadsheets and images captured during the tests. He pointed to one of the images showing the young girl's arm surrounded by a vibrant aura.
"Look here. When she activated it, her arm instantly transformed into a kind of blade, and the energy took on a very precise, almost crystalline form. This type of structuring is unprecedented in our studies. Normally, Devil Fruit's energy is chaotic, malleable, but never this... ordered."
Vegapunk frowned as he examined the image. "Fascinating… This could indicate that the energy is not only drawn from another plane but also channeled and controlled in a way that completely eludes our understanding. It's possible this is an ancient energy from the forgotten century, perhaps even predating the Devil Fruits themselves."
Edison nodded, his thoughts following the thread of the discussion. "What's even more intriguing is that Tanya seems capable of manipulating this energy with remarkable ease. She doesn't just use it as a tool; she shapes it, directs it, as if it's a part of her. According to reports we've received from the World Government, she can also enhance her body and create a kind of barrier around herself that can stop bullets and sword strikes…"
Vegapunk took a moment to think, his fingers gently tapping the surface of his desk.
"It's possible that her body acts as a catalyst, an amplifier designed specifically for this type of ability. But even with that in mind, there's still the question of how she manages to maintain such control. Devil Fruits require significant mental strength to master, but what Tanya does goes beyond mere mastery. It's almost as if she's… transcending the very nature of reality by using this energy."
Edison nodded, understanding the implications of this thought. "However, according to the initial analysis of the captain's blood sample, she is entirely human. This is a form of control we don't yet comprehend. But I'm certain that if we can analyze the energy she uses more deeply, we could make significant breakthroughs. Imagine if we could replicate this kind of control, this energy structuring... The possibilities would be endless."
Vegapunk stared at the image of Captain Degurechaff during her battle for a long moment, his thoughts racing. "Yes, the possibilities would be endless, but we also have to consider the risks. The captain's abilities seem far more dangerous than Devil Fruits. She's unpredictable, impossible to contain with the means we currently have. And if she ever lost control… or worse, turned against us…"
Edison shuddered at the thought, but it was clear Vegapunk was right. "We need to be cautious. I'll continue the analysis on my end. We must ensure the captain doesn't suspect anything. She needs to keep believing that we're only interested in evaluating the Pacifista."
Vegapunk nodded, straightening up. "Exactly. We need to understand her before we can hope to control anything. For now, our main goal is to learn, to observe. There's still so much to discover, both about her powers and about her. And it's crucial that we maintain our cover."
Edison nodded and returned to his calculations, leaving Vegapunk to his thoughts. The chief scientist knew they were walking a tightrope. Tanya's magic was a raw, untamed force that defied the very principles of their understanding of the world. Yet, it was this same force that fueled Vegapunk's insatiable curiosity.
As the days passed, Vegapunk delved deeper into the study of Tanya's powers. Each night, he spent hours poring over the data, formulating theories about how this energy worked. He explored concepts once considered the stuff of science fiction: bridges between dimensions, connections with alternate planes of existence, and the possibility that Tanya's magic was actually a manifestation of a primordial force that existed long before their world took shape.
One morning, as Vegapunk was studying the energy patterns of the blade, Edison entered the lab with a troubled expression. "Doctor, we've received new results…"
Vegapunk looked up, immediately noticing the concern in his assistant's voice. "What is it, Edison?"
Edison placed a small device on the desk, projecting holographic images of the analyses. "It's about Tanya's blood. We've detected anomalies… structures we've never seen before. They seem... alive, but they don't match any known form of life."
Vegapunk leaned in closer to the images, his mind racing. "Alive, you say? Could these structures be the key to her connection with her abilities?"
Edison nodded, clearly uneasy. "It's possible. They are closely linked to the energy particles we detected earlier. In fact, it appears these structures are responsible for converting that energy into a form her body can use. If we could understand how they work, it could lead to unprecedented discoveries… or to dangers we can't yet foresee."
Vegapunk stared at the projected images, his mind already devising new experiments, new methods to explore this discovery. "This could explain why Tanya is able to manipulate this energy with such precision. These structures might be receptors or even energy amplifiers. But what worries me is that we are in uncharted territory."
Edison swallowed, fully aware of the gravity of the situation. "Should we continue the tests, Doctor?"
Vegapunk remained silent for a moment, weighing the options. "Yes, but cautiously. We must continue exploring these structures, but it's crucial that we don't trigger anything we can't control. It would also be wise to limit our interactions with Tanya for now. The less she knows, the better."
Edison nodded, sensing the growing tension. "I'll tighten security around the analyses. We need to ensure that nothing slips through our fingers."
Vegapunk straightened, looking thoughtful. "And Edison, always keep in mind that what we're doing here could very well redefine our understanding of the universe. For now, don't mention our findings to the World Government. We might be on the verge of uncovering truths that humanity isn't ready to accept. So let's proceed with the utmost caution."
POV: Captain Tanya Degurechaff
Location: Egghead Island
A few days had passed since the rigorous tests Tanya Degurechaff had undergone. The memories of her battle against S-BEAR and the strange analyses conducted by Vegapunk and his team were still fresh in her mind. However, despite the intensity of those events, something more insidious weighed on her thoughts. It tormented her to the point where she felt compelled to take immediate action to preserve her autonomy and integrity.
Tanya stood before a large window overlooking the vast scientific facilities of Egghead Island. The morning sun pierced through the island's misty atmosphere, illuminating the futuristic landscape with its metallic towers, laboratories, and shimmering energy fields. On the surface, Egghead was a place of progress, science, and innovation. Yet, to Tanya, this place felt more like a gilded prison, a technological maze where every move was watched, every gesture analyzed.
She placed her hand on her chin, deep in thought. The blood they had taken before the tests troubled her more than she wanted to admit. She knew that what she carried within her wasn't just ordinary human blood. No, it was a unique blend of magic, technology, and raw willpower, a legacy of her tumultuous past as a combat mage in another world. The implications of this substance for someone like Vegapunk were frightening. If he ever managed to unravel the secrets of her constitution, he might find a way to control her, use her, or worse, replicate her.
But Tanya was not one to be easily manipulated. She had been through too many trials, too many battles to allow anyone to have such power over her. That's why she needed to act, and quickly. The first step was clear: she had to ensure that the blood samples taken from her were destroyed. She couldn't allow Vegapunk to have any leverage over her. But even that wouldn't be enough.
She also needed access to a laboratory for a personal project, one that might give her the advantage she needed.
With unwavering resolve, Tanya turned away from the window and headed towards the exit of the room. Her steps were determined, quick, as she moved through the sterile corridors of the scientific complex. She had reviewed several scenarios in her mind, carefully planning her approach to speak with Dr. Vegapunk (Edison). Vegapunk was a brilliant scientist, but he had an obvious weakness: an insatiable, almost childlike curiosity for anything related to advanced technologies and exceptional human abilities. This was something Tanya could exploit.
Finally, she reached the door of the main laboratory, a massive and intimidating structure made of an unknown metallic alloy. The doors slid open before her with a mechanical hiss, revealing the interior of the lab a maze of advanced technological equipment, complex machinery, and holographic screens projecting real-time data. At the center of this frenzied activity stood Dr. Vegapunk (Edison), engrossed in studying a new sample of some strange substance.
Tanya approached him, her boots echoing on the metallic floor, reverberating throughout the room. Vegapunk (Edison) looked up from his work as he sensed her presence, his eyes gleaming with intense intellectual curiosity.
"Captain Degurechaff, what a surprise!" he said in a cordial tone. "I was just analyzing the additional data we collected during the tests. Your abilities are truly fascinating."
Tanya nodded, feigning indifference. "I'm sure your analyses have revealed many interesting things, but I'm not here to discuss the results. There's something else I want to talk to you about."
Edison raised a mechanical eyebrow, intrigued. "Of course, I'm all ears."
Tanya locked eyes with Edison, her expression growing more serious. "I want the blood samples you took to be destroyed."
The sudden request surprised Edison, who took a slight step back, trying to understand the motivations behind this demand. "Destroyed? But why? These samples are of great medical importance. As I explained earlier, they will only be used for medical purposes."
Tanya crossed her arms, her gaze turning icy. "I'm sure that's what you can tell me, but there are limits to what I'm willing to accept. How is it that you place such importance on disease prevention, yet when I arrived on this island, no measures were taken to quarantine the ship's crew or me? Once again, I'm asking you to destroy those samples."
Edison frowned, his natural curiosity clashing with the clear authority Tanya was exerting. "Captain, I understand your concern, but you need to trust us. We would never use these samples in a way that would put you in danger."
Tanya sighed, realizing she needed to play a different card to convince the scientist. "Listen, Vegapunk, I'm not questioning your expertise. I know you and your team are the best in your field. But this blood... it's not just about science. It's about security, my security. You may have noticed some abnormalities in those samples, elements you don't yet understand. Trust me, it's better for everyone if these anomalies aren't explored further."
Vegapunk remained silent for a moment, as if he had "disconnected" from the real world. Judging by the minimal expressions on his face, Tanya had the impression he was having an internal conversation with himself.
"Very well," he finally said, his tone more measured. "I understand your concerns, so I'll personally take care of destroying your samples later today. Your health report seems to be in order..."
Tanya nodded, knowing this was probably the best response she would get.
Vegapunk nodded as well, still slightly hesitant.
Tanya watched the scientist for a moment, ensuring he grasped the seriousness of the situation. She had successfully planted a seed of doubt in his mind, which was enough for now. But she had another request, and this one required a different approach.
"There's one more thing," she said, softening her tone. "I need access to one of your labs, one equipped with advanced machining tools. There's something I need to build."
Vegapunk, just recovering from the first request, was again surprised by this new demand. "A machining lab? May I ask what you intend to do with it?"
Tanya smiled inwardly. She knew Vegapunk's curiosity was his weak point, but she needed to be careful not to raise suspicions. "I'm working on a personal project, something tied to my own history. Nothing that directly concerns your research. But for that, I need access to one of your labs."
Vegapunk seemed to hesitate. He was clearly accustomed to working in an environment where every request was meticulously documented and analyzed, but Tanya wasn't giving him much of a choice. "Well, I suppose we could grant you access to a machining lab. However, I can't allow you to be in the lab alone. One of my assistants will stay with you."
Tanya nodded, hiding her satisfaction. "Do what you must. As long as I have access to the lab, I have no objections."
Vegapunk (Edison) stepped aside, still visibly puzzled but complying with Tanya's demands. "I'll prepare the necessary authorizations. You should have access to the lab within a few hours."
Tanya thanked him with a simple nod before leaving the lab. As she walked through the facility's corridors, she contemplated her next steps. The destruction of the blood samples was crucial, but constructing the calculation orb was equally important, she didn't want her ultimate advantage to remain unstable due to her Devil Fruit.
She had used a rudimentary version of the orb based on her Devil Fruit powers in her previous battle against S-BEAR, but that version had its limits. To maximize its potential, she needed something more sophisticated, more durable. And she knew exactly how to create it.
Once in the machining lab, she could put her plan into action. With the machines and materials at her disposal, she could craft an orb capable of channeling and amplifying her magical powers while remaining discreet. This orb would be an invaluable asset, not only for future battles but also for ensuring her survival in this hostile environment, where even potential allies could turn into enemies.
Once the orb was completed, she would no longer need to carry all the materials necessary for its construction. Her Devil Fruit's power had served her well so far, but she wanted to be able to rely on the orb at any moment.
Tanya finally reached her quarters, a small, austere but functional room where she had spent the last few days reflecting and preparing. She sat on the bed, pulling out her small notebook, which was nearly out of pages, where she had sketched the plans for her calculation orb.
A few hours later, as promised, Vegapunk returned to inform her that access to the machining lab had been granted. Tanya thanked him briefly, concealing her eagerness to begin her work. She didn't have much time. Every day spent on Egg Head increased the risk of her true intentions being discovered.
She immediately headed toward the laboratory that Vegapunk had designated for her. Tanya moved through the labyrinthine corridors of Egg Head, her boots striking the metallic floor with an almost hypnotic rhythm. Each step brought her closer to the machining lab Vegapunk had assigned her. The walls were smooth, a sterile white reminiscent of a hospital, stretching endlessly with no distinguishing features except for the occasional illuminated panel guiding visitors. Here, technology was the undisputed ruler. Science was both omnipresent and invisible.
When she finally reached the lab door, Tanya paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. She could feel the excitement building within her, a cold but vigorous anticipation that went far beyond mere curiosity. The stakes were much higher. The device she was about to recreate could determine her future in this world, perhaps even beyond. Everything depended on the success of this project.
The door slid open with a faint pneumatic hiss, revealing a vast room bathed in bright white light. The laboratory was a true temple of engineering, a technological masterpiece where every machine, every tool seemed designed for optimal precision and efficiency. Tanya let her eyes scan the room, absorbing the details with military speed and acuity.
The first thing that caught her attention was a robotic arm mounted on a rail that extended along the ceiling, allowing the mechanism to move with impressive fluidity. The arm was equipped with multiple interchangeable tools, from a micro-laser welder to a precision grip, along with a series of cutting instruments that seemed capable of slicing through any material. This device alone was worth an entire workshop, capable of performing complex operations with speed and precision unmatched by human hands.
Along the walls, meticulously organized shelves were filled with rare materials, exotic alloys, and ultra-high-performance electronic components. Some of these were so advanced that Tanya didn't even recognize their nature, but she knew that here, she would find everything she needed for her project. Every element in this lab exuded innovation. The space wasn't cluttered, but rather optimized, with every tool and piece of equipment having its designated place. In the center of the lab stood a large modular workbench, surrounded by various screens and holographic control panels displaying real-time data on ongoing processes.
Tanya stepped forward, lightly touching the surface of the workbench. She could feel the coolness of the material under her fingers, likely an alloy with high thermal conductivity and shock resistance. This was where it would all come together. She walked around the room, mentally cataloging the tools and materials she would need to build her calculation orb. In one corner, she spotted a high-precision scanner, an essential instrument to ensure that every component she used met the rigorous standards she had set for herself.
She also noticed a machine resembling a 3D printer from her previous world. It was likely capable of creating custom parts within minutes. This machine would use advanced 3D printing techniques to sculpt the most complex elements of the orb, the ones she couldn't simply assemble from existing pieces. Next to it was a type of controlled fusion furnace ready to melt and cast metals into structures perfectly suited to her needs.
Another piece of equipment that caught her attention was a series of microscopic manipulators designed to assemble circuits at the nanometer scale. These devices would allow her to work at a scale that even her magical skills couldn't reach without technological assistance. The combination of magic and science was about to reach its peak here.
Tanya took a deep breath. She had everything she needed. Now it was time to take action. However, before she could start, the lab door opened, and a slim man entered wearing a futuristic helmet with the number "01" prominently displayed on the front, covering his entire head. He wore a long dark blue coat with "VEGAPUNK" and the number "01" written at the bottom. The coat was partially decorated with lighter patterns. The inscription "CAUTION XO" ran down the length of his left sleeve. His appearance was completed by the typical Egg Head footwear.
" He must be the assistant Vegapunk mentioned earlier," Tanya thought, not paying much attention to the individual who took a seat on a stool tucked under the workbench without saying a word.
Ignoring the individual, she began preparing the materials. She carefully selected a lightweight yet incredibly strong alloy compared to what she had used before. It should support the central core of the orb. This alloy would serve the dual purpose of protecting the orb from external shocks while allowing the smooth and lossless conduction of magical energy. She also prepared a small amount of a synthetic crystal with unique electromagnetic properties. This crystal would be used to create the orb's energy core, an essential component for stabilizing magical flows.
Once the materials were selected, Tanya turned her attention to the fusion furnace. She inserted the chosen metals, adjusting the temperature and parameters with unmatched precision. The metal quickly melted under the intense heat, transforming into a shimmering liquid mass. Tanya monitored the process closely, adjusting the energy levels to ensure the alloy reached the perfect consistency before pouring it into a specially prepared mold.
As the alloy solidified in the mold, Tanya turned to the man who continued to observe her actions in silence. "If possible, I'd like to reproduce these parts as accurately as I can. Do you have a machine that can help me with this?"
While asking her question, Tanya took out the materials she already had in her small bag and used her Devil Fruit powers to shape them as desired.
"It seems possible. Place your pieces on the small blue mat in the center of the workbench," the man said. Without hesitation, Tanya followed the instruction.
The man, without saying a word, nodded and then moved toward a screen in the corner of the room to enter some commands. Immediately, a sort of ray, resembling a scanner, extended from the machine's arm and scanned all the pieces.
Once the scan was complete, the machine downloaded the plans she had sketched for the internal components of the orb and began to work. The robotic arm started moving, extruding layer after layer of material with millimeter precision. Gradually, the complex shapes she had requested began to take form before her eyes.
"Despite all my attempts to understand the creation, I can't determine its purpose," the man finally said next to her.
Tanya fixed him with a stare. " It's true that I may have rushed into building my orb despite Vegapunk's assistant. Even though he granted me access to his lab, I still don't trust him completely. If he were to discover that my orb is used for practicing my magic, I'm sure the Five Elders would know about it the very next second…"
"My father was an engineer from my country," Tanya began in a childlike tone. "When I was younger, I used to visit my father's lab to watch him work, and sometimes, he let me assist him…"
Seeing that the man in front of her was listening without reacting, Tanya continued her story, letting a small tear escape. "Before he died, my father challenged me to build the same solar watch that he had…"
"A solar watch?" the assistant repeated, tilting his head to the side.
"It's a tool that can indicate when the sun will set. It might not seem useful to you, but since it was a promise made to my father, I strive to keep it during my free time…"
After some time, the pieces began to accumulate on the workbench. Microcircuits, connectors, and structural elements, all perfectly matching the specifications she had set. Tanya examined each one, checking every detail under the microscope to ensure there were no imperfections. Each piece was essential; any error could compromise the entire orb.
Once the components were ready, Tanya turned back to her now-solidified alloy. She removed it from the mold, revealing a shiny metallic core with a perfect spherical shape, which would form the base of the calculation orb. Though small, the core was heavy, indicating the density and durability of the alloy used. Tanya nodded with satisfaction before placing the core in the center of the workbench.
The next challenge was to integrate the magical circuits into the core. She used the nanomanipulators to insert the microcircuits and crystals inside the core, ensuring that every connection was made with extreme precision. It was a meticulous task, requiring not only great skill but also a deep understanding of both magical and technological principles. Each circuit had to be positioned to optimize the flow of magical energy through the orb, allowing Tanya to channel and amplify her powers with formidable efficiency.
For hours, she worked tirelessly, integrating one component after another. Time seemed to flow differently in this lab, each minute stretching as she immersed herself in the task with intense concentration. Her hands moved with almost mechanical precision, each gesture the result of years of rigorous training and experience in magical engineering.
The energy core of the orb, made from the crystal she had carried for a while, was the last component to be inserted. This crystal would act as a catalyst, amplifying Tanya's magical power while stabilizing the energy flows, preventing any overload or malfunction. She placed the crystal at the center of the core, locking it in place with an elaborate protective mechanism to prevent any external interference.
Once the integration was complete, Tanya activated the circuits to test the energy flow. The core responded immediately, the crystal glowing with a bluish light, pulsing gently like a beating heart. Tanya felt a wave of energy coursing through her hands as she held the orb, confirming that the magical flow was functioning correctly. The flow was stable, powerful, and entirely under her control.
She smiled slightly, a rare expression for her. The orb was nearly finished. All that was left was to assemble the outer shell, which would protect the core while allowing Tanya to handle the orb easily in combat. For this, she returned to the prototyping machine and created a shell from a lightweight, durable composite material. The shell was designed to be ergonomic, fitting perfectly to the shape of her hands, with special grips for quick and secure handling.
Tanya assembled everything, carefully attaching the shell around the core. She made sure that the orb remained responsive to her commands while being robust enough to withstand the harshest conditions. She performed several tests to ensure that the internal systems remained intact and functional even after rough handling.
After several rigorous tests, the orb was finally complete. Tanya held it in her hands, feeling the power emanating from the object. This creation represented not only a technological advancement but also a concentration of her knowledge in magical engineering. It was a weapon, an extension of her will, and an essential tool for her survival.
Tanya allowed herself a moment of pride. She had succeeded. Not only had she designed and built a weapon of formidable efficiency, but she had also managed to do so under the noses of those who might have targeted her if they had guessed her true intentions. This calculation orb, the result of days of intense work, was now set to become her most valuable asset.
To avoid arousing the assistant's suspicions, Tanya managed to create a holographic decoy from the orb that displayed a random countdown before sunset, as she wasn't sure how long she had been locked in the lab.
"Some adjustments will need to be made to the device, but it seems to be working," she said with feigned joy.
After packing up her tools and cleaning the work area, Tanya turned off the machines, ensuring everything was back in order. She slipped the orb into a hidden pocket of her uniform, ready to leave. But before exiting the lab, she took one last look around the room. She knew she might need to return here, whether to make adjustments or work on other projects in the future. For now, however, she was ready to move on to the next stage of her plan.
Nodding to the assistant as a farewell, Tanya left the lab with an impassive face but a mind in turmoil. She knew her actions wouldn't go unnoticed forever. Vegapunk and his team must already have their suspicions, and she needed to be prepared to face the consequences if they discovered what she had created here. But for now, she had the advantage. Her calculation orb was complete, and with it, Tanya knew she was ready to face whatever this world might throw at her.
As she headed towards her quarters, she thought about her next steps. She needed to find a way to test her new equipment in a real situation, preferably without drawing attention from her hosts. And most importantly, she had to continue moving cautiously, always keeping an eye on those around her. On Egg Head, even the slightest mistake could be costly, but with her calculation orb in hand, Tanya felt ready to tackle any upcoming challenges.