Juno asked Tera to open the door to Vita, and then he walked in.
After more than a year and a half, the base was finally complete. Every day, more residents and scientists moved into the facility, adapting to their new home. They all believed Juno possessed an ability similar to the Door-Door Fruit, allowing him to open portals to an undiscovered island. To maintain secrecy, Juno simply told them, "This island is unique," and forbade anyone from crossing the border. Of course, some scientists were naturally curious and eager to study the phenomenon. Juno allowed them, thinking that perhaps their research would yield something valuable.
Walking the road leading into the heart of Vita, Juno marveled at the transformation. Once an empty and uninhabitable void, Vita now flourished with advanced technology, artificial sunlight, and an ecosystem carefully cultivated by Vegapunk and his team. Towering structures lined the streets, humming with energy, each one a testament to human ingenuity. Despite being in another space entirely, Vita felt alive—a new world forged by science and ambition.
"Tera, status report," Juno said, his voice steady as he observed the bustling environment around him.
"The Vita Project is at 92% completion. Terraforming efforts continue, with sustainable food production estimated to be operational within six months. Energy output from the artificial sun core is stable, and all atmospheric regulations remain within optimal parameters. However, the dimensional stabilizers require maintenance to prevent spatial fluctuations. A full system check is advised within the next three weeks."
Juno nodded. Everything was progressing smoothly, but there was still much to be done. He glanced up at the artificial sky, a vast blue dome created to simulate Earth's atmosphere. It was breathtaking, yet something about it felt incomplete. A manufactured sun could never replace the real thing.
As he walked through the base, familiar faces greeted him—scientists, engineers, and even a few elite fighters assigned for security. Some offered respectful nods, and others continued their work with unwavering focus. Juno had long since established himself as a leader here, though he never truly saw himself as one.
Eventually, he arrived at the research facility where Vegapunk was waiting. The old scientist stood before a massive screen filled with complex data streams and blueprints of an upcoming project. The moment he saw Juno, he grinned.
"You're just in time," Vegapunk said, tapping the screen. "We've made a breakthrough."
Juno raised an eyebrow. "A breakthrough? In what?"
Vegapunk turned to him, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "In Enhanced Human Traits."
Juno knew that Vegapunk and his contemporaries, like Vinsmoke Judge, engineered humans with superior physical attributes. These enhancements included increased strength, durability, and accelerated healing, aiming to create a new generation of super-soldiers.
Then he looked at Vegapunk and said, "But isn't there a 20% chance of death?"
Seeing Vegapunk smiling at him, Juno immediately understood. The old scientist had come here for one reason—to have Juno use the Visionary Device.
With a smirk, Juno said in a mocking tone, "You're really addicted to cheating, aren't you? Your colleagues are doing experiments, and you're here to get the answer straight."
"Of course! Only an idiot wouldn't take the easy way," Vegapunk replied confidently.
Juno chuckled. "Alright then, let's head to the lab."
"After you," Vegapunk gestured.
They made their way into the laboratory.
"We can move into Vita in six months," Juno said.
"We can move in now," Vegapunk corrected. "There are just some minor problems that need to be solved. The power source is the last major issue. You could use your ability to help the electro-fish evolve and generate more electricity, and then we'd be ready."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's start directly. Tera was ready four months ago—we just need to move in and we're good to go," Juno said.
"Yes, yes, but first, use the Visionary Device on me," Vegapunk insisted.
Now inside the lab, Vegapunk settled into a chair. Juno placed his hand on his father's shoulder and activated the Visionary Device. As the system panel appeared, Juno skipped past most of the abilities and focused on one in particular. But as he glanced at the rest, he paused, intrigued.
Replication of Devil Fruits: Level 3
Green Blood: Level 1
Enhanced Human Traits: Level 7
Cloning: Level 5
Cross-Species Abilities: Level 2
Seeing these advancements, Juno smirked. "M.A.D.S really helped you."
"Okay, hurry up and level it up," Vegapunk urged impatiently.
Juno chuckled. "You learn quickly. Alright, be ready."
He clicked on Enhanced Human Traits: Level 7 and urged the Visionary Device to level it up. In just one second, a third of his stamina drained as the ability rose to Level 8.
Vegapunk trembled as new memories and data flooded his mind. "Ahhh, this feeling..." he muttered. Then, looking at Juno with hungry excitement, he said, "No matter how many times, I can't get enough of it! Do it again."
Feeling his remaining stamina, Juno placed his hand back on Vegapunk. This time, about half of his remaining stamina was consumed, pushing Enhanced Human Traits to Level 9.
"Ohh! One more time, Juno!" Vegapunk pleaded.
But Juno had already collapsed, laying down to rest. He needed time to recover his stamina.
"How confident are you in enhancing human traits now?" Juno asked, knowing only by increasing his physique could he endure more usage of the device.
Vegapunk closed his eyes and remained silent.
Juno smirked. "Calculating again, huh?" He also shut his eyes, focusing on restoring his stamina.
An hour later, Vegapunk finally spoke. "I can now give you superior physical attributes—enhanced strength, durability, and accelerated healing."
Juno opened one eye. "By how much compared to my current physique?"
Vegapunk answered, "Your last test was a month ago. Based on those parameters, I can enhance you to about twelve times your previous level."
Juno sat up in shock. "Twelve times?! My physique was Level 52 last month, and now it's Level 54. That's only about double my previous level!"
He processed the implications. With one injection, Vegapunk could take a weak physique and enhance it to the equivalent of Level 76.
"That's insane!" Juno exclaimed. "What's the failure rate?"
Vegapunk grinned. "With this formula? Zero percent. It's completely safe."
Juno was left speechless.
Then, without hesitation, he extended his arm. "What are you waiting for? Give me a shot!"
"Alright," Vegapunk replied, "but give me about four hours to prepare the serum."
Juno nodded. "Alright, go ahead. I'll head to the energy facility and work on solving the power issue in the meantime."
After recovering some of his stamina, Juno stood up, his muscles flexing as he prepared to leave the lab. He gave a quick glance at the machines in the lab—his mind already racing through what needed to be done next. With a determined stride, he left the room and made his way through the winding halls of the base, heading straight to the energy facility of Vita.