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Chapter 17 - The Infinity Door

The energy facility of the base stood as a marvel of innovation and sustainability, nestled near the island's coastline where the steady flow of water and the occasional gust of wind complemented its power generation. At the heart of the facility was an extraordinary discovery by Vegapunk: the Electro-fish. These bioluminescent fish, native to the deep ocean trenches, had an unparalleled ability to generate powerful electric currents, a unique trait that Vegapunk had harnessed to provide the base with energy.

The facility was a blend of cutting-edge technology and natural biological processes. A series of large, transparent tanks filled with the Electro-fish acted as the primary source of power. Within each tank, the fish swam in controlled environments, their electrical discharges channeled through a network of advanced conductors and converters that transformed their natural energy into a stable power supply for the entire base. The tanks were carefully regulated, ensuring the fish's well-being while optimizing their energy output.

Outside the building, rows of reinforced conduits carried the electricity from the tanks, weaving through the facility and branching off to the different sections of the base, powering the research labs, residential areas, and critical systems. Alongside the fish-powered generators, a secondary system of solar panels and wind turbines dotted the landscape, providing additional energy, especially on cloudy days or during calm periods when the fish's energy output might be lower.

The facility was designed to be a self-sustaining system, taking advantage of both organic and renewable energy sources. In case of emergencies or unexpected spikes in energy demand, backup systems could be quickly activated, but the base rarely needed to rely on them. The integration of Electro-fish into the power grid was a feat of scientific brilliance—blending nature's inherent power with humanity's ingenuity, providing a constant, eco-friendly source of energy.

At night, the facility glowed with a soft, ethereal light, as the faint bioluminescence of the Electro-fish illuminated the tanks, casting a serene, almost magical ambiance over the area. It was a reminder of the delicate balance between technology and nature that Vegapunk had so skillfully engineered to sustain life on this isolated island.

Juno approached the Electro-fish tanks, his mind already shifting to the task at hand. Using the visionary device he had recently developed, he no longer needed to physically touch the fish to activate it. Instead, he extended his hand slightly, and a subtle transformation occurred. His fingers morphed into a wispy gas-like form, an ethereal touch that connected to the fish without contact. The device was working automatically now, its power flowing effortlessly through him.

He watched closely as the system activated.

User: [Electro-fish]

Generate electricity – Level 67

This was the ability of an adult Electro-fish, one of the most powerful in the tank. Juno moved his focus to the others.

Generate electricity – Level 54

Generate electricity – Level 46

Generate electricity – Level 38

Juno assessed the data quickly. These fish had potential—he just needed to boost their output.

"Alright, let's start with this one," he said, focusing on the Level 46 fish first. The device worked, its effect instantaneous as the fish's energy output began to increase. He continued, slowly working his way through the tanks, each fish steadily rising in power.

Six hours passed, and Juno wiped the sweat from his brow. The most of the fish were now between Level 70 and Level 60. He nodded, satisfied with the results. That should be enough to power the facility for the time being.

"That should work," Juno muttered to himself, feeling the weight of the long hours starting to catch up to him. With one last glance at the tanks, he headed back toward the lab to find Vegapunk, his mind already turning to the next task.

After solving the energy problem, Juno made his way back to the lab.

Upon entering, he found Vegapunk in the midst of his usual chaos—a whirlwind of motion, with his mind always a step ahead of his hands. Vegapunk moved swiftly between scattered papers, half-built contraptions, and blinking machines, his sharp eyes never resting. He seemed to be searching for answers hidden in the chaos that surrounded him, as though the disorder itself was part of his process. His fingers flew across the keyboard, entering complex calculations at lightning speed, while his other hand scribbled frantic notes on a notepad. He made connections that seemed almost impossible, weaving together new theories and ideas that Juno could barely keep up with.

Occasionally, Vegapunk would pause, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as a new idea sparked in his mind. Despite the apparent mess, there was an eerie order to the scene—a precision in the madness. Each stray wire, each discarded blueprint, seemed to hold the key to the next breakthrough.

Juno was about to ask about the serum when Vegapunk, without turning his head, cut him off.

"Shh. in the corner. Use it directly," Vegapunk said, his voice firm but focused.

Juno knew better than to press further. When Vegapunk was deep in research, the world around him disappeared. He simply nodded and stepped back, positioning himself in the corner of the lab without another word.

Standing there, Juno's eyes briefly wandered over the organized chaos of the lab as Vegapunk continued his work. After a few moments of quiet observation, Juno's attention returned to the task at hand. He moved to the sterile lab table, where the small vial of serum waited for him. The amber liquid inside shimmered with the promise of power. He gripped the vial tightly, his fingers steady as he inspected its contents.

With a deep breath, he unscrewed the cap and retrieved the needle from the nearby tray. The cold metal gleamed in the lab lights, its sharp tip a reminder of the transformation that was about to take place.

Juno wiped a small patch of his arm clean with an alcohol swab, his focus unwavering. Then, with calm precision, he pressed the needle into the crook of his elbow, the cold liquid rushing into his bloodstream. For a brief moment, there was only the slight sting of the needle, but then a warmth began to spread through his veins. It wasn't just warmth—it was a surge, a burst of energy, like a fire igniting deep within him.

His muscles tensed and expanded as the serum coursed through his body. He could feel the change immediately—his body reacting to the enhanced power with an intensity that took his breath away. A bead of sweat appeared on his forehead as the rush of strength intensified, but Juno's expression remained steady, resolute. This was the moment he'd been preparing for.

As the serum settled into his system, Juno flexed his arm. The change was subtle, but undeniable. He could feel the difference, the raw potential now humming beneath his skin. His physique had been upgraded—more endurance, more strength, a faster recovery rate.

When he saw the number "Physique – Level 76" flashing on his internal panel, Juno couldn't help but let out a triumphant laugh.

"Now, let's make the final improvement," he muttered to himself. "Then we can start the plan to make Netra go public."

Juno stood before Tera, his mind racing with possibilities. This was it—the moment he had been preparing for. For months, the idea had taken root in his mind, growing into something revolutionary. Netra was already powerful, but now, it was time to break its final limitation.

He recalled the conversation from six months ago, the day he first conceived the idea.

"Tera, I need you to develop something new," Juno had said, his voice carrying the weight of his vision. "A doorway—but not a physical one. An abstract connection, something that can extend the reach of Netra beyond your current one-kilometer radius. I want you to create The Infinity Door."

Tera had met his gaze with her usual composed demeanor, but there had been a flicker of intrigue in her eyes. "The Infinity Door?" she echoed, processing his request. "You're asking for a metaphysical passage—a way to spread Netra's reach across the entire world, seamlessly and without limits."

Juno nodded. "Exactly. It should function like a limitless connection, as if the door itself opens to infinity, spreading the signal everywhere."

Tera had taken a moment to consider. "Theoretically, it's possible. But the energy demands, the continuous stabilization of such a link..." She paused, her tone thoughtful. "You'd have to push the boundaries of what's feasible."

Juno smirked. "I have a way."

With that, he used the Visionary Device to assist her development. Over the following months, Tera refined the concept, pushing her understanding of space, time, and connectivity to new heights. And now, it was time to put it all into action.

Juno's thoughts returned to the present as he looked at Tera, anticipation thrumming in his veins. The weight of their efforts hung heavy in the air, but he knew it was the right moment. The culmination of months of planning, sacrifice, and risk.

"Tera," he said, his voice steady, "is everything ready? Can Netra now cover the world?"

Tera, ever composed, nodded. "Yes. The Infinity Door is fully operational. The signal will remain uninterrupted, no matter the distance. Everyone, everywhere, will be connected."

Tera's voice broke the silence, calm and steady as ever. "Starting... checking Netra... Building Infinity Door... letting Netra's signal pass through the Infinity Door... Testing... Testing... Netra now covers the whole world."

"Netra is now fully operational. It can be activated at any time."

Juno's eyes gleamed with determination. "Do it. Let everyone connect."

As Tera initiated the signal, it spread out across the globe, reaching every corner, crossing oceans, mountains, and lands. The message was clear and all-encompassing.

In the East Blue Sea, In the West Blue Sea, In the South Blue Sea, In the North Blue Sea, In the Grand Line, In the New World,

Across every territory, from bustling cities and remote villages on every island to the Sky Islands high above the clouds, to the deep, hidden corridors of Fish-Man Island at the bottom of the sea, the signal began to take hold.

And then, within the minds of every human, Sky People, Fish-Men, Mermaids, Giants, Dwarfs, and Minks around the world, a voice echoed—soft yet commanding, familiar yet new.

"Hello, I am Tera, and I can help you use Netra."

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