Chapter 457: I am claiming that treasure
"Guhahaha, we can see the Whitebeard Pirates and the Beasts Pirates engaging in a friendly exchange." Morgans announced.
"This exchange has shaken the heavens and earth. Clearly, some contestants' ships could not withstand it and have been capsized."
"At present, it seems both sides have no plans to escalate further."
"But this clash appears to have halted many competitors' progress."
"This is truly unfortunate news."
Across the wide sea, Morgans' passionate voice echoed once more.
People worldwide, glued to their screens, stared at the remnants of the sky torn apart by the earlier confrontation.
Such power inspired both fear and longing.
Young viewers, in particular, resolved to train harder, aspiring to become terrifying powerhouses capable of altering the surroundings.
At the conference's headwind layer, many were intimidated and chose to withdraw.
Only those present could truly grasp the overwhelming might beyond human limits.
This display stemmed merely from a clash between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Beasts Pirates.
Yet, at this Mythical Beast Conference, neither Whitebeard nor Kaido ranked among the top contenders.
The most fearsome demigods had yet to act.
For smaller players, joining the fray risked their lives for uncertain rewards.
As realization dawned, many raised their sails, letting the wind carry them out of the competition.
Time passed slowly.
Soon, many leading ships broke through the headwind layer and entered the vortex layer.
"Very good, we can see that many contestants have reached the vortex layer." Morgans said.
"However, many ships are still struggling in the headwind layer or advancing slowly."
Morgans coughed twice and continued, "To add a bit of excitement, I will share some information."
"There is a treasure awaiting in the third stage of the island landing race. The first to arrive has a greater chance of claiming it."
Morgans noticed a large audience listening intently.
After all, the word "treasure" never failed to captivate.
He deliberately drew out his tone and started laughing, "Guhahahaha…"
Hearing Morgans tease, both viewers watching the broadcast and competitors listening on-site wanted to grab him and give him a beating.
"If you can claim that treasure…"
"This treasure could sustain a nation of one million people with food and clothing for a lifetime!"
Listening patiently to Morgans' words, the audience's eyes lit up.
Even the contestants' eyes gleamed, some practically drooling.
What a treasure! One that could support a million people for life!
What kind of treasure could it be?
It was so extraordinary and valuable!
Many who had planned to quit the conference due to its dangers suddenly felt invigorated.
Their motivation to continue surged.
The difficulties they had feared? What difficulties?
With treasure ahead, who would quit now?
Some who had already withdrawn restarted their engines, eager to rejoin.
The lure of wealth was deadly.
This treasure was too tempting.
"Guhahahaha, so, are all the contestants motivated?" Morgans asked.
"A reminder: if you move too slowly, those ahead will claim the treasure first!"
"After all, there is only one such treasure."
Morgans' voice was like a devil's temptation.
And people fell for it.
"Come on, little ones!" a pirate shouted.
"What big powers? If they eat the meat, we must at least sip the broth! We deserve a share of such treasure." another declared.
"Hahaha, with so many here, who will claim the treasure!" a third laughed.
The sea erupted in commotion.
Desire crept into hearts, pulling them toward the abyss.
"Tch, tch, tch, what kind of treasure is it? I am truly curious!" Garp said.
On a dog-headed warship in the vortex layer, the legendary Marine Hero Garp brimmed with curiosity.
Though not greedy for wealth, Morgans' description piqued his interest.
Over the past year, Sengoku had constantly grumbled about Marine finances.
The complaints had rubbed off on Garp.
Sengoku's daily rants about money shortages had calloused Garp's ears, annoying him greatly.
They called him a freeloader, but how could he be?
He worked hard, after all.
On the Buggy Pirates' ship, Buggy heard Morgans' words.
Treasure? A lifetime of food and clothing?
After hearing the word 'treasure', it was as if his body reacted on instinct.
"Hahaha, boys, did you hear that? Push harder! I am claiming that treasure!" he shouted.
He called wildly to his crew through the captain's cabin window.
"Horororo, that is our Boss Buggy! Even with demigods among the competitors, he remains so confident." a pirate with a swollen belly said with a smile.
"Is Boss Buggy already as strong as a demigod?" another asked.
"Sure enough, Boss Buggy is full of secrets!" a third added.
On the ship, Galdino felt speechless.
If they kept boasting, Buggy's strength would seem godlike.
Buggy, momentarily caught up in the frenzy, snapped back as if doused with cold water.
He did not deny it outright but laughed, fueling his crew's imagination.
Immediately, amid cheers and some exasperated sighs, the Buggy Pirates' ship charged toward the vortex layer's end.
"Guhahahaha, dear viewers, we can see the contestants are filled with enthusiasm." Morgans said.
"It seems everyone has high hopes for the third stage's treasure."
His words spread worldwide via Den Den Mushi.
Not only the competitors but also the audience anticipated the treasure.
Many worldwide were captivated by Morgans' talk of riches.
Some wished they could join the fray.
Citizens of certain nations hoped their country's ships could seize the treasure.
If they succeeded, would the citizens not live worry-free?
Their dreams were grand indeed.
Time passed further.
Morgans' voice rang out again.
"Very good. Though over ninety percent of ships remain in the headwind layer." he said.
"Many have entered the vortex layer, and some are even catching up to the Magic Pattern Guild's Great Tornado."
A main screen broadcasting globally shifted to a ship, its image sharpening.
A massive vessel adorned with seashells captured everyone's attention.
(End of Chapter)