As his perception talent activated, Daren took in the full scope of his training progress in a single glance.

"Just as I thought..."

A faint, bitter smile tugged at his lips.

All the explosive stats he'd hit under "Magnetic Field Rotation" had now reverted to their previous state.

Sure, his physique, strength, speed, Armament Haki, and Observation Haki had all ticked up slightly compared to before the battle—but compared to the overwhelming sense of power he'd felt while in that state, the minor gains now felt downright underwhelming.

Still, Daren wasn't too discouraged. He'd already anticipated this outcome.

Magnetic Field Rotation was a technique that twisted the body's magnetic field, forcibly stimulating internal vitality and unleashing explosive power. In that moment, the user gained strength, speed, and endurance that exceeded human limits—becoming a near-unstoppable force of destruction capable of overwhelming enemies in every direction.

But that kind of "boost" wasn't permanent. Once the user exited that heightened state, the enhancements vanished with it.

In simple terms, it was a kind of "combat overdrive"—a temporary burst akin to unlocking one's inner cosmos.

The stronger the surge during that state, the more hollow the crash afterward.

However...

Daren quietly observed the subtle changes in his body. Thoughts flickered rapidly through his mind, and soon, a strange look settled on his face.

Because he suddenly realized—something had shifted inside him.

The stats that had long since plateaued were now... moving again.

Wait a second...

A seemingly absurd idea surfaced in his mind and froze him in place.

Logically, his physical stats had hit a dead end long ago. Especially physique and strength—those hadn't budged, even after going all-out against Kaidou.

But after the fight with Saint Michael, they'd jumped by nearly a full point.

Could it be... that the leader of the God's Knights was even stronger than Kaidou at full power?

That didn't seem likely.

In terms of endurance, Michael—thanks to his awakened Zoan powers—might have edged out Kaidou, who hadn't yet awakened his fruit.

But when it came to sheer offensive might, Kaidou still had the edge.

And more importantly... Kaidou was a top-tier instructor!

Even he couldn't help Daren break through the wall in physique and strength.

There was no way that a Celestial Dragon, even one like Michael, could do what Kaidou couldn't.

Which left only one explanation...

"Magnetic Field Rotation didn't just push me beyond my limits—it helped me forcibly shatter them. Sure, it left serious side effects... but my body is adapting to this new state."

Daren's eyes snapped open, and a fierce, blazing light surged in his deep gaze.

It had to be this.

There was no other answer.

His physique, which had been "stuck" at 98 for what felt like forever, had now leapt to 99!

That's because during Magnetic Field Rotation, his body had touched the ceiling—99.999.

And once you've walked a path that once seemed impossible, every step along that same path becomes easier the next time.

Because your body remembers the pain.

"Maybe this is what Magnetic Field Rotation is really about..."

It wasn't just about unleashing overwhelming strength in a life-or-death moment and flipping the odds against a powerful opponent.

More than that, it was about what came after surpassing your limits—about touching something greater, breaking through bottlenecks, and stepping into a higher realm.

It might just be... a whole new way of training.

By altering the body's magnetic field to simulate pressure—much like those gravity chambers in sci-fi stories—it could trigger physical growth and accelerate strength gains.

As that thought took root, Daren's eyes gleamed with a fervent light. If his body had been fully healed, he might've already lost control and triggered Magnetic Field Rotation again.

As for the side effect of lifespan loss? He wasn't too worried.

This world was flooded with countless power systems—cutting-edge genetic science, advanced body modification, bloodline factor manipulation, and endless Devil Fruit abilities. Daren believed that as long as his strength kept growing, he'd eventually find a way to solve the issue of lifespan decay.

If the Five Elders in Mary Geoise could achieve "immortality," then why couldn't he?

And even if he never found a way to extend his life, thanks to the enhancement from his "Giant's Body," he figured his lifespan was already at least fifty percent longer than a normal human's.

At the very least, the lifespan reduction from activating Magnetic Field Rotation wouldn't be an immediate problem.

"If I go full power, I can probably still use it two or three more times..."

"But what if I control it?"

"If I keep the body's magnetic field rotating at a low frequency and slow pace... maybe I can use it to accelerate training instead."

"If that works, then the lifespan loss should be far less, and the other side effects should ease up too..."

"Yeah, very possible. Once I'm fully recovered, I'll have to set up some experiments..."

"And I'll need proper instruments for testing. Which means... I'll probably be seeing a lot more of that fat bastard in suspenders."

At some point, Daren had lit a cigar. He sat there quietly, puffing smoke, stroking the stubble on his chin as his mind raced.

His expression shifted from solemn to pleased, from feverish to downright sinister.

Across the room, Dragon noticed the changes in his face—and couldn't help twitching at the corners of his mouth.

He didn't know why, but ever since Daren's Devil Fruit awakened, something just felt... off.

It was like he was slowly going mad.

...

At the same time...

The Red Line, Mary Geoise.

Inside the council chamber of Pangaea Castle, the air was so heavy it felt frozen—thick enough to squeeze water from stone.

Stussy, dressed in a crisp white suit, knelt on one knee with two other CP0 agents. Their heads were bowed to the cold marble floor, not daring to breathe too loudly.

The Five Elders didn't even glance at them. Their eyes were dark, their faces twisted with cold fury.

A World Government official stood trembling, clutching a document, his voice shaking as he reported:

"...Saint Michael, along with two members of the God's Knights... their Vivre Cards have all burned out."

The moment the words landed—

Stussy's eyes, beneath her mask, shrank into sharp, needle-thin slits!

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