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Thankfully, after some explanation, Rowen realized he had overthought things. The Universal Gene Solution truly has the power to restore any living organism to its optimal state. Whether it's a severe illness or a physical disability, it can return them to their original condition. However, that's the limit of its capabilities.
Cases like Steve achieving superhuman enhancements by pushing his natural limits aren't something the Universal Gene Solution can accomplish.
"Furthermore," Vegapunk explained, "due to your cells" incredibly potent devouring ability, the parasites within the Celestial Dragons are equally incapable of resisting the Universal Gene Solution's effects. Once the parasites are devoured, the replicating cells will rebuild and repair the body's internal structure. If equilibrium can be achieved, the problem will be entirely resolved."
"This is the solution we propose! Now, all that's left is to conduct the final experiment!" Vegapunk's eyes shone with determination, his tone brimming with pride.
It's true that Caesar used Lineage Factor technology to create the Universal Gene Solution, but it was Vegapunk who originally discovered the Lineage Factor concept! In the past, he primarily utilized this technology to explore the unknown mysteries of Devil Fruits, creating cutting-edge weapons like the Pacifista in the process.
Vinsmoke Judge had focused on genetic modification to produce clones, resulting in a powerful, fearless army. Now, even Caesar had managed to create the Universal Gene Solution.
When others achieve success based on his theories, for Vegapunk – the man who discovered Lineage Factor – it's the ultimate honor as a scientist.
"So, how confident are you?" Based on Law's previous experimental results, Rowen could easily have deemed the Celestial Dragons as 'doomed.' But now that Vegapunk and Caesar had resolved the issue of Rowen's cells being incompatible with other organisms, the Celestial Dragons' fate was uncertain.
How should he put it? As expected of Vegapunk – the 'World's Greatest Scientist' and a genius '500 years ahead of his time!'
"50-50," Vegapunk replied seriously, his smile fading. "No two lifeforms in the world are completely identical, not even clones, which only share identical genes. Even though we've conducted thousands of experiments, we can't guarantee what will happen. Either the Celestial Dragons' bodies are devoured by your cells and liquefy into pus, or the parasites are eliminated, and they return to being normal humans."
In simpler terms, there are only two possibilities: they live, or they die. With such a straightforward premise, probabilities don't really matter.
Rowen nodded, accepting this explanation. However, he suddenly thought of something and asked, "You mentioned clones earlier. If the technology exists, why not create a batch of clones first and test it on them?" Even if the clones were only genetically identical, they'd still be sufficient for data collection, wouldn't they?
Hearing this, Vegapunk's expression tightened, and he frowned as he answered, "There isn't enough time! For accurate data, the clones must match the Celestial Dragons' current conditions exactly. This means the process of cultivating and adjusting them would take years."
The Celestial Dragons don't have that kind of time!
"Moreover," Vegapunk continued, "the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) have explicitly forbidden us from doing so. The specific reason is unknown – they simply don't allow the cloning of Celestial Dragons."
At this moment, Caesar looked indignant. "We're monitored 24/7, and it's not like we're going to do anything shady! Why won't they let us?!"
"..." Rowen glanced at him silently, offering no evaluation.
There's nothing inherently special about the Celestial Dragons' lineage. Tesoro could confirm this without a doubt – he had plenty of blood and tissue samples from the so-called 'Godly Nobles.' His data showed that, biologically, they were no different from ordinary humans.
'So why is it forbidden?' The answer becomes abundantly clear.
It's a matter of ethics, morality, philosophical identity, and, most importantly, lineage. As a purely scientific mind, Caesar hadn't thought that deeply about it.
…
Shortly after Rowen arrived, the four remaining members of the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) swiftly set aside their duties and came to the laboratory. To date, a double-digit number of Celestial Dragons had succumbed to the virus's erosive effects, turning into 'oil monsters,' which were then incinerated by flames.
Rowen hadn't told them that these oil monsters could, in fact, regain their sanity. After all, it was the Celestial Dragons who were dying – he didn't feel any sympathy.
Now that 'Pure Gold' had been confirmed to be fake, this was the only option left. If they didn't proceed with the experiment soon and the virus's outbreak phase arrived, none of the Celestial Dragons would survive!
Thus, the experiment was hastily pushed forward and scheduled for the same day.
"Rowen, do you think it'll work?"
In the upper section of the laboratory, behind a floor-to-ceiling glass window, the Gorōsei with the long mustache stood at the forefront and quietly asked the question.
"I don't know," Rowen replied honestly, reclining deep into the sofa. "As long as the devouring properties of my cells within the Universal Gene Solution remain inactive, Vegapunk's experiments have shown a 100% success rate. But once it's injected into the Celestial Dragons, activating the devouring properties to use poison against poison to clear the virus – nobody can predict the outcome."
At this point, Rowen shifted his gaze to the prominent figures in the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm not here to delve into the truths of the past. But I must remind you – if things spiral to that point, we must be prepared!"
"I care far more about what happens in the future than what occurred in the past!"
The prolonged absence of the Celestial Dragons had already stirred widespread rumors across the seas. While the nobility of their supposed 'godly lineage' had largely suppressed overt discussions, whispers and suspicions were undoubtedly growing among those paying attention.
The excuse of Celestial Dragons being assassinated or Orrick's betrayal used to divert attention was now being questioned and losing credibility.
If the experiment ultimately failed and the virus spread, it would lead to an unprecedented catastrophe – one that would primarily impact the Gorōsei.
Hearing this, the four elders fell silent, their expressions grim. Rowen's words were harsh, even bordering on treasonous in earlier times. But undeniably, he had voiced what everyone was thinking.
In the past, the government's existential threat came from freedom fighters uncovering the Void Century's secrets. They feared the truth being exposed. But now, there was no need to uncover the truth – a greater crisis had already arrived.
If the Celestial Dragons perished, the government's supreme authority would be entirely undermined. Without the Celestial Dragons, who had served as the unchanging rulers for 800 years, both Allied and non-Allied kingdoms would undoubtedly entertain rebellious thoughts.
Would brute force alone be enough to suppress them? It's not as if the Marines during the Pirate Era were weak. And yet, what difference did that make?
The Celestial Dragons' existence is the core of the government's power! The awe-inspiring authority they've built over 800 years is a weapon more powerful than any military might.
If the Celestial Dragons lost their golden reputation, the government would have to address its fatal weaknesses and stabilize the flaws in its centralized system.
"I have a proposal we can discuss later. But for now…" Rowen left his sentence unfinished as he looked through the glass window at the test site below.
"Let's hope they succeed."
Below, under Vegapunk's supervision, a team of workers clad in protective suits wheeled in a glass capsule. Inside was an obese, middle-aged man, entirely unclothed, his body connected to various conduits keeping him alive.
Simple imprisonment would have caused the Celestial Dragons to suffer a mental breakdown. Having lived their entire lives as untouchable elites, they couldn't endure such humiliation. Thus, the Gorōsei had ordered them to be sedated, their lives sustained through machines.
Seeing the once-arrogant Celestial Dragons reduced to such a state caused even Rowen and the others present to sigh deeply.
This world, this era, is simply too mad.
(End of Chapter)