After Lloyd issued the order, before Dr. Vegapunk could intervene, his clones had already mobilized the research staff. They stepped forward in an organized manner and began dismantling the massive mechanical arm. York, who embodied "Desire," was the most proactive among them.
It did not take long before the enormous arm was broken down into numerous components and transported into the laboratory.
Dr. Vegapunk wasted no time. He hurried back inside and immediately immersed himself in analysis.
Within the laboratory, Vegapunk and his satellites operated complex instruments as screens flickered with dense streams of data.
Lloyd sat in the corner on a sofa, legs crossed. A table beside him held tea and snacks that York had personally brought.
York treated Dr. Vegapunk, the original body, with clear indifference, yet her attention toward Lloyd was meticulous and deliberate.
Her ambition was simple yet extreme, to become a Celestial Dragon and indulge freely in everything the world had to offer.
Achieving that goal, however, was extraordinarily difficult. In another timeline, York had even considered betraying Dr. Vegapunk to gain favor with the World Government in exchange for that status. But here, Vegapunk was firmly under Lloyd's control and deeply loyal, leaving her no opportunity to act.
Still, York believed she had found a path, Lloyd.
Through shared memory, she understood the weight of his status. If Lloyd favored her, she would rise instantly. Even the Five Elders would be forced to acknowledge her.
At that thought, a smile crept across her face, and a quiet laugh escaped her.
Lilith, representing "Evil," frowned and glanced sideways at her.
"What are you grinning about? Get back to work. This is an assignment from Saint Lloyd."
Her thoughts interrupted, York's expression darkened.
"Can't I laugh? I'm doing my job just fine."
Lilith curled her lip in disdain.
"I hope so."
York's temper flared.
"What's that supposed to mean? Looking for a fight?"
Lilith responded immediately, her tone sharp.
"If you want one, I won't refuse."
As the most aggressive of the six satellites, Lilith wasted no time. She pulled out a cannon from seemingly nowhere and aimed it directly at York.
York showed no fear. Using her size advantage, she raised her hand high, ready to strike down at any moment.
Hearing the disturbance, Dr. Vegapunk turned around.
"What are you doing? Stop this immediately!"
Neither Lilith nor York paid him any attention.
Shaka, representing "Justice," stepped forward to mediate, but Lilith shoved him aside.
"Stay out of this. I've been annoyed with her for a long time. Today, I'll deal with it properly."
From the sofa, Lloyd observed the scene with mild interest. As the situation teetered on the edge of escalation, he spoke.
"That's enough. Return to your work."
The moment his voice fell, both Lilith and York stiffened.
They turned toward Lloyd, their expressions instantly respectful, then silently resumed their tasks without another word.
Dr. Vegapunk showed no surprise. He had already met Lloyd before creating the satellites, and his reverence had only deepened over time. That sentiment was naturally inherited by each of them.
After glancing once more at the now-composed Lilith and York, he shook his head and returned to his instruments.
As the research progressed, a trace of confusion appeared on his face. The data displayed on the monitors felt strangely familiar.
When the final set of results appeared, Vegapunk analyzed them carefully before walking up to Lloyd.
"Saint Lloyd, may I ask where this mechanical arm originated?"
Lloyd took a sip of tea and briefly recounted the encounter, describing how the warship had been attacked by robots, and how those machines were likely creations of Joy Boy.
Vegapunk nodded thoughtfully.
"Joy Boy again… that explains it."
Lloyd set his cup aside.
"What conclusions have you drawn? Report."
Vegapunk straightened and spoke with seriousness.
"Saint Lloyd, based on its design and internal data, this mechanical arm shares multiple similarities with the Pacifista. The Pacifista design itself was inspired by ancient records I studied. I believe those robots that attacked the warship are products of ancient technology."
Lloyd crossed his arms.
"Then how do they compare to your Pacifista?"
Vegapunk answered without hesitation.
"The Pacifista are superior. Furthermore, they have already been upgraded to the third generation."
A trace of pride surfaced on his face.
"Good," Lloyd said. "The funding I provided wasn't wasted. Release the third-generation Pacifista. I want to see them."
"No problem. However, Saint Lloyd, please be mindful. Each unit is extremely costly…"
Lloyd waved dismissively.
"Cost is irrelevant. If they meet my expectations, I will allocate additional funding."
At the mention of more funding, Vegapunk and all six satellites showed visible excitement.
Without waiting for further instruction, Lilith turned and left to release the units.
"Saint Lloyd, please wait a moment!"
Soon, three third-generation Pacifista stood before Lloyd.
He examined the tall, Weevil-like figures clad in white coats, then addressed Vegapunk and the others, who had deliberately positioned themselves at a distance.
"What improvements distinguish this generation from the previous ones?"
Vegapunk cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted.
"Saint Lloyd, you should test them yourself. Be caref… actually, never mind. Enjoy it!"
He had almost advised caution, but quickly dismissed the thought, recognizing Lloyd's overwhelming strength.
Lloyd stepped forward and tapped one of the Pacifista on its abdomen, producing a sharp metallic clang.
"You may begin," he said. "Have them attack me."
Vegapunk called out in response.
"Saint Lloyd, you possess Absolute Authority. With you present, the Pacifista will only obey your commands!"