The heat in Rainbase wasn't just physical; it felt like a heavy blanket soaked in vinegar. Amine wiped the sweat from his forehead, his fingers trembling as he gripped the golden stylus. The violet screen was flickering, struggling to map the area.
"Something is wrong," Amine muttered, looking at the grand casino, Rain Dinners. "The pixels here are too stable. It's like Crocodile has locked the reality of this entire city."
Luffy was already at the fountain, trying to drink water that turned into golden sand the moment it touched his lips. "Hey! Amine! The water tastes like dirt!" Luffy shouted, coughing out a cloud of dust.
"It's a visual loop, Luffy!" Amine ran toward him. He looked at the fountain through the system's lens. It wasn't water; it was a string of 'Null Code' disguised as a refreshing spring. Crocodile was starving the people not just of water, but of the idea of water.
Suddenly, a group of Millions (Baroque Works agents) surrounded them. But they didn't look like pirates. Their skin was translucent, showing glowing red wires underneath.
"The Editor upgraded them," Amine whispered to Zoro. "They're not NPCs anymore. They're 'Anti-Virus' programs designed to delete us."
Zoro spat on the ground, his hand on the hilt of the blue-glowing Wado Ichimonji. "Code or meat, it doesn't matter. If it has a neck, I can cut it."