No wonder the defense of this bubble shield was so formidable. It had been infused with the power of Sea Prism Stone, making it highly effective against Devil Fruit users.
Saint Lloyd smiled faintly.
"This level of defense is more than enough to deal with ordinary Devil Fruit users."
As soon as he finished speaking, Saint Lloyd tightened his grip, effortlessly crushing the fists of the two Pacifista. While still suspended in the air, he spun and delivered a devastating kick, smashing both of their heads apart.
Two explosions echoed through the testing grounds.
Saint Lloyd calmly stepped out of the smoke, his Navy coat swaying gently behind him.
A small flame ignited at his fingertip. He lit a cigarette, took a slow puff, then glanced indifferently at the stunned researchers surrounding him.
"Clean up the battlefield."
Only then did everyone snap out of their daze, as though awakening from a dream. The researchers hurried forward and began collecting the shattered remains of the Pacifista.
Dr. Vegapunk approached together with his six satellite bodies. Each of them looked at Saint Lloyd with barely concealed nervousness.
Saint Lloyd flicked away the cigarette ash before speaking.
"The third generation Pacifista have impressive combat capabilities. It seems the funding I approved wasn't wasted."
Hearing those words, Dr. Vegapunk immediately smiled from ear to ear.
"As long as you're satisfied, Saint Lloyd. It's simply because your strength far exceeds our expectations."
Saint Lloyd nodded.
"How many third generation Pacifista have been completed?"
"Thirty in total. After the three destroyed during testing, t1wenty-seven remain."
"Good."
Saint Lloyd continued,
"Activate every remaining unit and send them all to Mary Geoise."
"Understood."
Dr. Vegapunk suddenly remembered something.
"Saint Lloyd, besides the third generation Pacifista, the Seraphim project has also been fully completed. Every unit is ready for deployment."
"I see."
A slight smile appeared on Saint Lloyd's face.
"Then dispatch the Seraphim alongside the Pacifista."
Having finished speaking, Saint Lloyd prepared to activate Kamui and return to Mary Geoise.
Before he could leave, Dr. Vegapunk hurriedly called out.
"Please wait, Saint Lloyd."
Saint Lloyd paused and looked back.
"What is it?"
"The S-Snake unit... could you take her back with you first?"
"Hm?"
Saint Lloyd looked at him with mild curiosity.
Dr. Vegapunk forced a helpless smile.
"Ever since she awakened, she's been insisting on seeing you. Her personality is extremely difficult to manage. I'm honestly afraid she'll destroy the laboratory one day."
In this timeline, the Seraphim were not created solely from the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
S-Snake had naturally been cloned from Hancock, a decision made personally by Lloyd.
Saint Lloyd considered the request briefly before replying,
"Very well. I'll meet them first."
Dr. Vegapunk immediately led Saint Lloyd deeper into the laboratory until they arrived before a hidden research facility beneath the main institute.
The heavy metal door slowly opened.
Inside was a surprisingly childlike room.
Seven Seraphim were scattered throughout the room, each occupied with their own activities.
Because of Saint Lloyd's influence, the Seraphim based on Crocodile, Gekko Moria, and Jinbe did not exist in this world.
Instead, their places had been taken by S-Viola, S-Vergo, and S-Tiger.
The three represented white-haired child versions of Viola, Vergo, and Tiger.
The moment Saint Lloyd appeared at the entrance, every Seraphim immediately stopped what they were doing.
Their indifferent expressions disappeared.
In the next instant, all seven appeared before him almost simultaneously, kneeling respectfully on one knee.
"Saint Lloyd."
Among them, S-Snake looked up at him with sparkling eyes filled with excitement.
Saint Lloyd noticed her immediately and smiled.
"S-Snake, I heard you've been wanting to see me."
She nodded so hard that her long black hair bounced lightly.
Her distinctive star-shaped pupils shone brightly.
"Saint Lloyd... I finally get to see you."
Saint Lloyd chuckled softly.
He crouched down and opened his arms.
A blur shot toward him.
S-Snake instantly threw herself into his embrace like a child finally reunited with someone she cherished.
Watching the scene, Dr. Vegapunk wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
Nearby, S-Viola puffed out her cheeks and muttered quietly,
"Hopelessly lovestruck... Saint Lloyd would never prefer someone like you."
S-Snake's ears twitched.
The warmth on her face instantly disappeared, replaced by icy hostility.
She turned toward S-Viola.
"Flower Centipede... do you want to fight?"
Hearing that nickname, S-Viola's expression darkened immediately.
The Green Blood flowing through the transparent container attached to her arm began circulating rapidly.
Soft pink petals gradually drifted around her body.
S-Snake let out a cold snort.
A pink heart-shaped glow flickered within her eyes.
Dr. Vegapunk swallowed nervously.
He knew these two far too well.
If Saint Lloyd were absent, the pair would undoubtedly begin fighting immediately, and his laboratory would once again be reduced to rubble.
Despite their childlike appearances, the Seraphim possessed destructive power far beyond that of the Pacifista.
Previously, S-Kuma alone had nearly demolished the entire research institute during a rampage.
If two Seraphim fought at full strength, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Saint Lloyd gently held S-Snake in one arm before speaking with an easy smile.
"You're companions. You should get along."
The moment he spoke, both S-Snake and S-Viola immediately calmed down.
S-Viola glanced enviously at the position S-Snake occupied in Saint Lloyd's arms before lowering her head with an awkward expression.
At that moment, S-Kuma suddenly spoke.
"Viola... don't you also want Saint Lloyd to hold you?"
S-Viola froze.
Her cheeks instantly turned bright red.
"W... What are you talking about? I'm not like her. I... I..."
Without another word, S-Kuma gently pushed her forward.
Just like the original Kuma, he possessed an exceptionally gentle and considerate nature.
Caught completely off guard, S-Viola stumbled directly into Saint Lloyd.
Saint Lloyd simply smiled before bending down and lifting her into his other arm.
Now S-Snake and S-Viola were face to face.
The two girls stared at one another for a moment.
Then, almost simultaneously, both turned their heads away with matching huffs.
Among the remaining Seraphim, S-Yacha, the clone based on Doflamingo, also wanted Saint Lloyd to carry him.
Unfortunately, Saint Lloyd's arms were already occupied.
As the only boy among those eagerly seeking attention, he could only sigh quietly in disappointment.
Although every Seraphim had an Authority Chip implanted, with Saint Lloyd holding the highest command authority, five of them also possessed genuine personal loyalty toward him.
Those five were S-Snake, S-Viola, S-Kuma, S-Yacha, and S-Vergo.
That attachment originated from the emotions inherited from their original templates.
Even without the Authority Chips, those five would still choose to follow Saint Lloyd's orders willingly.