Mother Flame, actually, was the energy source Imu used previously to release the Ancient Weapon's attack.
It was a special energy source developed by Vegapunk, shaped like a flame that could burn in water.
Originally, this should have been a great creation that could benefit the entire world, as it could provide almost limitless energy irrationally.
However, Dr. Vegapunk had only considered technological development and didn't fully understand human nature.
Whether out of self-interest or simply to prevent others from accessing this infinite energy source, the World Government would never let it spread.
Earlier, York had been targeted by the other clones because she had leaked information about Mother Flame to the World Government.
This led to the later trap deliberately set for her, ultimately capturing the traitor.
And even the new Marine government currently also advised Dr. Vegapunk not to rashly announce Mother Flame to the world.
Their reason was simple.
Not everyone possesses noble character, especially in this still-turbulent era of chaos. If used by certain ambitious individuals, Mother Flame would not only fail to benefit the world but could also lead to more widespread slaughter.
But at least there was one good thing: the current leaders of the new Marine government, Sengoku and Tsuru, promised Vegapunk that they would gradually spread this thing bit by bit after order and stability were restored to some extent on the seas.
This wasn't an overnight process. The appearance of Mother Flame was destined to deal a devastating blow to the energy industry.
Its complete promotion and adoption might take ten, even dozens of years, perhaps even a century.
Because he understood these things, Lilith was stunned when she heard Dr. Vegapunk suddenly mention Mother Flame.
"Huh? Vegapunk, you want this old man to get Mother Flame..."
She repeated incredulously, but was met with Vegapunk's even more urgent words.
"Yes! Hurry! I'm counting on you."
Seeing this, Lilith looked at the other clones, then at the Seraphim still blocking everyone, and finally scurried out the door.
"Doctor... Adam, he..."
Beside him, Stussy was just like any ordinary mother, somewhat distraught because of the abnormality in her child.
Even though she tried her best to remain calm like the emotionless top agent she once was, when she saw the little face tightly scrunched up in discomfort, her heart felt wrenched.
Now, not only was Adam's light flickering like a candle, but his skin was also slowly paling, and even horns were beginning to appear on his forehead.
Stussy didn't understand what this meant, but she could tell the little one must be suffering right now.
"Adam is probably trying to enter the 'maturity stage' prematurely. He's accelerating his own growth process."
"This ability to freely control one's own growth—"
Dr. Vegapunk spoke, then noticed Stussy's unease.
He hesitated for a few seconds, then finally organized his words.
"This is Adam's own active choice. He might have sensed your approach."
"He's a miraculous child, possessing some powers even I can't explain."
Hearing Dr. Vegapunk's words, the sadness on Stussy's face deepened.
"Is it... because of me?"
Her fingernails dug into her flesh from excessive force, but Stussy, heart-wrenched, didn't notice at all.
"But don't worry too much. The current situation is likely just due to insufficient energy supply."
"Judging from various physiological parameters, Adam is currently healthy."
When saying 'healthy', even Dr. Vegapunk sounded a bit uncertain.
Because there weren't enough comparative parameters, strictly speaking, he couldn't determine if Adam's current state was 'normal'.
But even using the three Seraphim before them as reference, Adam's current state and physical condition could still be considered very healthy.
—Even though he was still just an infant.
"Coming, coming! This old man brought it! Be careful, step aside!"
Lilith held a palm-sized sealed box filled with an unknown liquid.
In the middle of the liquid was a perpetually burning flame.
Mother Flame.
Seeing this, Dr. Vegapunk immediately started working with the other clones to connect Mother Flame to the biological laboratory's energy supply.
The equipment here had been modified accordingly, and adapting to Mother Flame's power was just a matter of changing an interface.
In fact, over 99% of the energy on Egghead Island actually came from wind, geothermal, or solar power. There were hardly any devices powered by Mother Flame.
The only time Mother Flame was officially used was when Imu released the attack in an attempt to destroy Impel Down last time.
Other times, it was mostly just used for testing.
Although it wasn't clear how Adam was absorbing electricity even through the nutrient fluid-
But clearly, the remaining electrical energy on the island was far from enough to supply Adam.
This was evident from the stalled elevator and the activated emergency lights when they came down.
At this moment, due to the massive energy drain in a short time, some facilities on Egghead Island had already shut down.
The remaining energy couldn't last much longer either.
"According to the instruments, at Adam's current absorption rate, it can last at most fifteen more minutes."
"Then no time to waste. Start the connection!"
Just as Vegapunk gave the order and Lilith was about to place Mother Flame into the specially designed energy converter, a sudden change occurred.
Adam in the glass incubator suddenly opened his one blue, one green eyes. Then, a powerful, invisible repulsive force erupted from the little one.
That repulsive force seemed self-aware, actively 'avoiding' the Seraphim and knocking Vegapunk and the others flying.
Thankfully, Shaka and Lilith reacted quickly, pulling Vegapank behind them in time. Otherwise, the first wave might have broken the old man's bones.
Atlas, like a small giant, spread her arms, firmly catching all those thrown back, preventing secondary injuries.
"Wh-what?! What happened?"
Vegapunk's head swayed from the impact. Thankfully, he had long removed his brain, or just this impact would have dizzied him for half a day.
"It came from Adam's side—"
"Oh no! Mother Flame!"
When Vegapunk exclaimed and raised his head, he was stunned by the scene before him.
Not just him… the other clones had similar expressions.
At this moment, besides the three Seraphim, there was still one person standing perfectly fine in front of the incubator.
Who else could it be but Stussy?
And Stussy looked bewilderedly at Mother Flame, which had somehow automatically floated onto her hand, incredibly stable, her mind in chaos.
"He's..."
Before Shaka could voice his confusion, the three Seraphim suddenly simultaneously tilted their heads as if listening.
Then, as if receiving some command, they uniformly stepped aside, clearing the path to Adam.
The meaning was clear.
Seeing this, Stussy, as if blessed with sudden insight, realized something. She took a step and slowly walked toward her child.