Chapter 43: Chapter 43: An Artifact of Strategic Significance
"Metal... It offers the greatest malleability, stability, and strength. The most abundant metals are..."
"...Not suitable. These metals are moderately compatible with the Holy Light's offensive and defensive properties, but completely unsuitable for its healing essence."
"What about wood? Its nature should align more with healing concepts, right?"
"No, that won't work either. The Holy Light isn't a force of nature—it doesn't pair well with wood materials."
"Leather? It only reacts to defensive aspects of Holy Light and lacks versatility."
"Bone? Absolutely not. Even if it worked, we wouldn't use it—this isn't Shadow Magic!"
"Minerals, then? Excluding metals, perhaps gemstones?"
"Gemstones are highly compatible with healing Holy Light, but their scarcity and high cost make them impractical for mass production."
"Let's try something else..."
For over a month, Wright spent most of his time in a specially designated laboratory that Garp had arranged, testing materials brought from all corners of the seas. Outside of his routine foundational training, this was his focus.
The results were less than optimistic. Commonly available materials often failed compatibility tests. Those that worked were either unsuitable for healing Holy Light or too rare and expensive to produce at scale.
"What about glass? Its properties are somewhat similar to gemstones. Let's test it..."
"Compatible, but glass is too fragile, and its density is too low to effectively contain a significant amount of Holy Light."
"Artificial gemstones, perhaps?"
Wright's thoughts drifted to synthetic diamonds, crystals, and agates. He turned to Garp for more information about the availability of artificial gemstones.
"Hey, Wright," Garp soon returned with a document in hand. "This stuff's classified—big-time military intel, you hear? The most widely produced synthetic gemstone is quartz. Here's a sample."
The sample, a small rhomboid crystal about the size of a thumb, was colorless, highly translucent, and incredibly uniform. Garp explained, "Quartz is dirt cheap and mass-produced. Originally, jewelers made it to counterfeit real gems. That got a lot of them busted. These days, it's used more practically—for eyeglasses or specialty glass. The G-3 Fortress uses quartz for its glass panels because it's durable and transmits light exceptionally well."
"This material is nearly perfect," Wright commented as he inspected the sample. A single unit of synthetic quartz weighed twice as much as the same volume of regular glass yet cost only a few dozen Berries to produce.
"Lightcast—Healing!"
Wright clasped the quartz crystal in his hand, channeling the essence of the Holy Light into it with the intent of healing fatal wounds. As the energy flowed into the crystal, it began to change.
By the time Wright released it, the once-clear quartz had transformed into a faint golden hue, with soft, radiant halos of light circulating within—more mesmerizing than the finest amber.
"Did it work?" Garp's excitement was uncharacteristically evident. Even with his usual nonchalance, he couldn't ignore the implications of what he was witnessing.
"Excellent compatibility," Wright confirmed, examining the crystal. "This crystal absorbed roughly one-fifth of the energy required for a full Holy Light spell. It should easily stabilize a person on the brink of death."
"Great! Let's test it right away!" Garp declared. "I'll gather some, uh... volunteers—living beings will suffice for now."
"Wait, wait! Let me refine the process further. We'll test it tomorrow morning!" Wright stopped the overzealous Vice Admiral.
"Fine, fine. I'll bring you more quartz later. Just don't keep me waiting!"
The next morning.
At dawn, Garp pounded on Wright's door with unrestrained enthusiasm.
"Wake up, Wright! Everything's ready—let's get those results! I've waited all night for this!"
Grumbling, Wright reluctantly followed Garp to the sealed training grounds. As they approached, strange cries echoed from within.
"Garp, just how many test subjects did you prepare?"
"Not too many, just a few dozen. They're all unharmed—for now. We'll adjust based on testing needs. If they die... Well, we'll just send them to the kitchen for a feast!"
"...You've got some nerve, old man." Wright sighed.
From rabbits and cats to wolves, bears, and even an elephant, Garp had somehow gathered an eclectic mix of "volunteers" overnight. Despite his frustrations, Wright acknowledged that this variety would ensure comprehensive testing.
Through the morning, Garp personally inflicted varying levels of injuries—minor wounds, severe trauma, near-death conditions, even loss of limbs and extreme blood loss. Each scenario tested the efficacy of the "Lightcast Crystal." The results exceeded expectations. After minor adjustments, Wright finalized the crystal's specifications and activation method.
By the afternoon, Garp was gleefully bragging to Sengoku over a Den Den Mushi:
"Ahahaha, Sengoku! You'll never guess what Wright has invented this time!"
Between Garp's colorful narration and his gloating remarks, Sengoku gleaned the significance of the Lightcast Crystal. His demeanor shifted to one of grave focus as he listened.
"This invention is classified as top-secret. You and Wright are to return to Marineford immediately to report to me in person. No delays!" Sengoku's tone brooked no argument.
Marineford: The Heart of the Navy
Upon arrival at Marine Headquarters, Wright and Garp were ushered directly to Fleet Admiral Kong's office. Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru were already waiting, their eyes alight with anticipation.
Without preamble, Wright placed a Lightcast Crystal on the conference table. The room's occupants momentarily marveled at its breathtaking beauty.
"This," Wright began, "is the Lightcast Crystal. It has been extensively tested on various animals. My ability works identically on humans and animals, so while we haven't conducted human trials yet, I'm confident in its effectiveness."
He explained its healing properties in detail. Sengoku, Kong, and Tsuru listened intently, their expressions growing increasingly serious.
"This crystal isn't just a medical breakthrough," Sengoku finally spoke. "It's a strategic resource that could turn the tide in our favor against the pirates."
Kong nodded, his gaze fixed on the gleaming crystal. "We must ensure this discovery is utilized to its fullest potential—and protected at all costs."
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