At Kate's chest, a gleaming gem now rested—a cross-star crystal emitting a faint blue glow. This was her new heart.
This unassuming crystal bore the critical task of circulating blood throughout her body. Stimulated by shimmer and the Hextech Crystal, Kate's physical recovery was remarkably swift, and the heart had seamlessly integrated into her system.
She flexed her arm, feeling as if every cell brimmed with newfound strength.
"Move around a bit. Your body needs time to fully adapt to the enhancements this new heart brings. Getting active will help you adjust to it."
"Come this way. There's a dedicated testing ground on the ship."
Vegapunk was even more excited than the two involved. He was more curious than Oran about what changes this heart could induce in a person.
Led by Vegapunk, they quickly reached the ship's lower deck, where various testing instruments were stationed. Some targets bore bullet marks, and nearby, researchers who'd just finished experiments were packing up.
Seeing Vegapunk's arrival, they nodded silently and cleared the area.
"Go ahead. Whether it's speed or strength, the equipment here will provide accurate data. Data doesn't lie. Shame we lack a baseline for comparison, or we could better gauge the effects."
"Such details aren't important, Kate. This is now part of your body. Feel it, then control this power. It's within you, like breathing or emotions—just a thought away."
Oran guided Kate on harnessing this power, while Vegapunk activated the equipment.
Unlike a flesh heart's rhythmic beating, the Hextech Heart didn't pulse, yet Kate sensed the sound of its energy surging.
Zzzzt!
Sparks flickered through her fur. Unlike her usual static, these sparks coalesced into dancing silver serpents. The electric current enveloped her body, stimulating her cells.
Facing the speed-testing device, Kate propelled herself forward, her body a streak of white lightning flashing past the sensor. Her own shocked expression revealed she hadn't expected to move so fast.
The sudden surge in speed caught her off guard, and unable to control her momentum, she crashed into a nearby wall.
"Director Vegapunk, looks like this place needs upgrades. Your equipment's resistance to electricity is a bit lacking."
"I'd say it's the intensity of her current. Minks in my understanding can't reach this level."
The speed tester was smoking, likely fried by a stray current from Kate's run. But neither Oran nor Vegapunk cared about the damaged equipment.
Compared to the results, such trivialities were irrelevant.
"Alright, Mr. Cidril, here's your access card. I've granted you full privileges for all ship equipment. I showed you around yesterday, so feel free to proceed as you wish.
If you have questions, ask the other researchers. I'm heading back to my work. Time's never enough—wish I could split myself into multiples."
Having seen what he wanted, Vegapunk didn't linger, handing Oran a pre-prepared access card.
This card's activation marked Oran as a core MADS member, able to direct regular researchers to assist his projects, just like Vegapunk and the others.
"Time is inherently limited. Pursuing infinite knowledge with finite time—that's the joy of it. Sometimes, getting answers directly can feel dull."
"Infinite knowledge, indeed. Cidril, I'm looking forward to our collaboration."
From the current situation, Vegapunk felt Oran was a better research partner than Queen and the others, though he reserved final judgment. The future was unpredictable.
After Vegapunk left, Kate began testing her limits. Sweat seeped through her fur, but she relished the sensation. For the first time, she could run freely, her heart no longer a burden but a steady power source.
"Any discomfort?"
"None. It's just the enhancement feels unfamiliar. I'll get used to it soon."
Stretching, Kate found her condition surprisingly good.
"By the way, Oran, can you crouch down for a sec?"
"What's up?"
"There was one thing missing before, and now it's time to fix that. You know a lot about minks, right? Then you should know this—Karuqiu~"
Their height difference was notable. As Oran crouched, Kate grabbed his shoulders, rubbing her cheek against his.
This was the traditional mink greeting, akin to a human handshake or saying hello.
After leaving Zou and being captured, Kate had largely abandoned this custom, not using it even after escaping. To her, it was a greeting reserved for family.
Today marked her rebirth, a new beginning. In her eyes, the benefactor who'd changed her fate was as important as family.
The MADS ship lingered in the Sorbet Kingdom for a few more days, during which Oran finalized his arrangements before embarking on the next leg of his journey.
Though Queen and the others grumbled about funding splits, their inability to choose a leader meant they never fulfilled Vegapunk's wager.
At first, they didn't see it as a major issue, but later, the trio increasingly regretted not stopping it sooner. Unwittingly, another figure loomed over them.
MADS's voyage continued. As time passed, they entered the Grand Line, exploring new unknowns. Before they knew it, the year was 1487.
Two years had passed since Oran joined MADS, and two and a half years since he arrived in this sea. Today, he and Vegapunk were testing a new device together.
"Punk, ready?"
"Ready. Let's hope it works this time."
Vegapunk stood inside a massive glass chamber, wearing an oxygen mask.
As he pressed a switch on his body and signaled readiness, Oran pulled a lever nearby. A torrent of seawater surged in, submerging Vegapunk.
Moments later, the water drained automatically, but Vegapunk's face was crestfallen.
"Oran, it's no good. This can't negate seawater's effect on ability users. That sense of weakness persists. The composition of PYROBROIN particles is too unique."
"Dr. Vegapunk! Dr. Cidril, a woman suddenly appeared on deck. She says she wants to join us!"
As Oran and Vegapunk discussed the results, the lab's intercom blared, signaling an unexpected situation.