Chapter 318: Chapter 318: Lineage Factor
"Wow! The princes and princesses are amazing..."
On the deserted island, Abel-chan's eyes widened in awe.
He was drawn in by the continuous thunderous sounds and the incredible displays of strength. As he watched his distant cousins train their Devil Fruit abilities, he could barely believe his eyes.
"So, you have to work hard too, Abel…"
Afar placed a firm hand on his son's head, speaking sternly.
"As a member of the Lunarian race, you cannot fall behind."
"Yes, Father! I'll work hard!"
The three-year-old clenched his tiny fists and nodded earnestly.
"All right, don't be too hard on him," El said with a warm smile, picking up his young nephew. "I can see Abel's potential. I believe he'll grow to be a brave and powerful warrior!"
"You're too kind," Afar chuckled. "If this kid achieves even a tenth of what your children can do, I'll be satisfied."
He spoke with a wry smile, fully aware of the immense talent El's children possessed. Their natural gifts, combined with extraordinary Devil Fruit abilities, were terrifying. Each one of them seemed destined for greatness.
Although they shared the same Lunarian lineage, Afar had to admit that El's genes were overwhelmingly dominant. And it wasn't just El—his partners were remarkable in their own right.
Linlin was a natural-born monster, and others like Helen and Gerd hailed from the Giant Tribe. Lillian was from the Three-Eye Tribe, and even Sally, the Shapeshifting Witch, possessed formidable strength.
"They may have high starting points, but that doesn't guarantee anything," El said calmly, cradling Abel. "In the end, how far they go depends on how much effort they put in."
He then glanced at Afar with a knowing look.
"By the way, I heard that Abyss is pregnant again?"
Abyss was Afar's wife, a woman who had endured a harrowing past. Kidnapped at the age of eight, she had been sold into slavery and lived as a possession of the Celestial Dragons until the age of thirteen, when she was rescued and brought to Totto Land.
At nineteen, she became a nurse at a local hospital, where she met Afar. The two fell in love and married a year later. Three years ago, their first child, Abel, was born.
Recently, El had heard from Gerd that Abyss was expecting again.
"Yes, she's three months along," Afar said with a rare smile. "The doctors say it's a girl this time."
He then chuckled, his expression turning playful.
"But no matter what, I can't keep up with you. Dr. Kureha told me Linlin is expecting triplets again!"
"Ha! Congratulations are in order for both of us," El laughed heartily.
Over the past five years, Linlin had followed El's rigorous training regimen on the Red Line, showing significant improvement in her abilities. But the moment she caught a break, she insisted on having more children.
Given the recent breakthrough by the research team, El hadn't bothered with any precautions. He hadn't expected Linlin to conceive triplets all at once. Had it not been for her unique constitution and Dr. Kureha's reassurances, El might have suspected Linlin of secretly taking fertility treatments.
"Speaking of breakthroughs, I've got news for you…"
While holding Abel-chan, El turned to Afar with a smile.
"The research team, led by Dr. Vegapunk and Dr. Ryan, made incredible progress two years ago when they discovered the 'Lineage Factor,' a blueprint of life itself. After two years of focused development, the application of Lineage Factor technology has matured. They can now modify the Lineage Factors of a fetus while it's still in the womb."
El's eyes glimmered with pride as he spoke.
The advancements of the scientific team, especially in understanding and utilizing Lineage Factors, had exceeded his expectations. It wasn't just their brilliance—El had spared no expense, funneling astronomical amounts of resources into their research. The sheer amount of funding poured into the project was akin to setting money on fire, but it was paying off handsomely.
Over the years, the annual funding requested by the research team had nearly driven Totto Land's three top overseers—who acted as chancellors under the title of Chief of Staff—mad with frustration.
Aside from the World Government, which ruled the seas, only Totto Land currently had the financial resources to support such research projects at any cost.
The returns, however, had been significant.
Some specialized technological products or inventions with limited impact were commercialized through patents entrusted entirely to the Hell Trading Company. These ventures had earned Totto Land a considerable profit over time, though only about a third of what had been invested.
This discrepancy arose because many technologies remained strictly confidential, including laser technology and Lineage Factor modification, both of which were absolutely forbidden to be shared or leaked.
"Lineage Factor modification?"
Afar's pupils shrank in shock.
"They've achieved that level already?"
Years ago, during a casual conversation, El had mentioned Lineage Factor technology to him. He had described how it could grant unborn children incredible enhancements, such as steel-like exoskeletons, the ability to turn invisible like a chameleon, and even the power to control potent electrical currents.
At the time, Afar could barely believe such claims. Now, it had all become a reality far sooner than he had anticipated.
"Exactly. I've already instructed them to prepare. The Lineage Factor modification procedures are scheduled for three days from now," El said with a smile.
"Not just for Linlin, either. Tsuru, Lily, Sally, Baka, Lillian, and Gerd are all pregnant as well!"
With the Lineage Factor technology now mature, El no longer insisted on contraception for Sally, Lillian, or the others. Even Baka, the graceful dancer, had her wish fulfilled when he granted her the opportunity to bear a child.
Unfortunately, Nef, Stussy, Tethys, Toki, and Furiko—who had been sent forward in time—would not return to the present for another four years. As for Tsuru and Lily, the union between El and the Giant Tribe maiden had been a natural progression, unsurprising to anyone.
"You should bring Abyss over for the procedure too," El said.
As a fellow Lunarian, Afar had devoted himself tirelessly to Totto Land's cause over the years. El had no intention of withholding such an opportunity from him.
"All right, we'll come when the time is right," Afar agreed readily.
If El was willing to subject his own offspring to Lineage Factor modification, it was clear that the technology was either highly advanced or posed minimal risk at this stage.
Over the years, El's achievements had proven one undeniable truth: in this harsh world, power was the ultimate currency. Why else would the World Government harbor endless intent to annihilate the Fallen Angel Pirates but never dare make a reckless move?
As a father, Afar naturally wanted his children to be stronger as well. Even if they couldn't match the monstrous talents of his cousin's offspring, he still hoped they would surpass his own achievements.