Chapter 459: As Long As It Dances Fast Enough
Under Hokubu's approving gaze, the Tornado Guild's ship began to rise.
It floated upward and then surged forward, gaining speed.
The pace quickened steadily.
The whirlpools and currents in the Sea Vortex Layer posed no obstacle.
Since the ship was airborne, it had no contact with the sea's surface.
Thus, the swirling currents below were irrelevant.
No matter the size of the whirlpools, the ship could cross them without detours.
"Oh, something is happening on the field! The Magic Pattern Guild's Tornado is making its move." Morgans announced.
"Their ship has taken flight, they are crossing the second stage at incredible speed."
"It is truly a great guild of wind magic pattern users. Once they act, the difference is clear."
Morgans' booming voice stirred anxiety among many at the scene.
Unlike before, the promise of a grand treasure in the third stage changed everything.
With such news, no one wanted to dawdle. Seeing someone take the lead, urgency swept through the competitors.
Many ships in the vortex layer began to push harder, each displaying unique abilities.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
A whirlpool blocking a ship started to freeze.
The ship, like a sled or an unleashed pug, charged across the ice.
Behind it, a whirlpool-shaped snowstorm erupted, propelling it forward.
Some ships levitated, using counterforces to glide over the vortex layer.
Others harnessed lightning to power their vessels, with giant wooden paddles propelling them into flight.
On some ships, masses of vines and floating algae emerged beneath.
The vines danced wildly, like a chaotic swarm of demons.
The ships moved as swiftly as a swimmer.
As long as they danced fast enough, the ocean's currents and whirlpools could not drag them down.
These ships belonged to magic pattern guilds akin to the Great Tornado.
Like the Tornado Guild, they were large organizations focused on a single attribute, recruiting magic pattern users of that type.
This approach allowed their members to combine forces, unleashing astonishing power.
As seen now, it showcased the strength of numbers.
"Guhahaha, the situation is intense! Several magic pattern guilds are pushing forward, swiftly overcoming this challenge." Morgans declared.
"We can see many major forces are still holding steady, they had not made a move."
"Will they start to act? Let us wait and see."
Under Morgans' loud commentary, many viewers grew expectant.
Yet, major forces remained calm, showing no intent to hasten.
In this era, economic output expanded rapidly.
Even when Morgans described the treasure, the expressions of transcendent powers remained unchanged.
More crucially, this was a world where might reigned supreme.
The world was under the divine authority of gods.
This shaped people's mindsets.
The law of the jungle was starkly evident.
Without strength, nothing could be protected.
Even if one held on, a price was inevitable—no one could freeload entirely.
Many high-ranking figures understood this clearly.
Seizing treasure was not the hardest part; holding it was.
Thus, they did not look down on those who rushed ahead.
Their focus was on other equally formidable forces.
These powers watched each other. If one moved, others would follow.
The Mythical Beast Conference was just beginning.
There was no need for hasty conflict.
"Hahaha, everyone looks very lively!" Garp exclaimed.
"It seems my old bones need some exercise." he said, waving his arms.
On the dog-headed warship, Garp planned to use a move King had once employed.
Hearing Garp's intent to act, Rosinante grew curious.
Sengoku had specifically placed him on Garp's warship for this mission.
It was Rosinante's first time aboard, and he could not predict Garp's actions.
"Garp-san, what are you planning to do?" Rosinante asked curiously.
The frightened looks of nearby officers heightened his intrigue.
"Vice Admiral Garp, please stay calm!" an officer pleaded.
"If you misjudge, we will end up being fish food!" another warned.
"This is no ordinary place! Whirlpools are everywhere!" a third added.
An officer stepped forward to dissuade Garp.
Garp's past reckless behavior was well-known.
Since the rise of King and Esdeath in the Marines, Garp no longer needed to bow to the Celestial Dragons or World Government.
This made him even more unrestrained.
He often acted on whims, startling those around him.
"Garp-san, what are you doing?" Rosinante asked cautiously.
The Marines' attempts to stop Garp gave him a bad feeling.
"Hahaha, do not worry, Rosinante boy. You are Sengoku's dear child; you will be fine." Garp said reassuringly.
"Trust my skills. I will land us safely."
"What you must do now is hold onto the warship and avoid being thrown off!"
Garp's words did not ease Rosinante's nerves; instead, they heightened his anxiety.
'What is Garp-san about to do?'
As Rosinante thought, Garp shouted loudly, "All Marines, attention! The warship is about to take off, so hold on tight! Hahaha!"
His voice echoed across the ship. After a brief silence, everyone scrambled to secure themselves.
The panic was orderly, as if rehearsed many times.
Rosinante wanted to speak, but Garp had already leaped off the warship.
The warship's sails remained furled, and with whirlpools everywhere, power wheels were safer.
This suited Garp's next move.
Whoosh!
As Garp landed on the sea, steam rose from his body, and Armament Haki enveloped him.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
An explosion reverberated in the air.
Garp used Moonwalk, darting across the sea's surface, circling to build momentum.
His unparalleled Armament Haki surged outward.
He struck the warship's hull without damaging it, showcasing masterful Haki control.
In an instant, the warship soared as if winged, flying into the distance.
Garp, using Moonwalk, caught up swiftly and landed on the deck.
The ship ascended before the cabin.
Nearby ships, previously sailing close to the dog-headed warship, froze in shock.
'Is this how warships are handled?'
The question lingered in their minds.
"Ahhh!" Rosinante screamed.
Usually quiet, he could not help but shout, clinging to the main mast, his nose running.
He had no time to care, he was too focused on holding tight to avoid being flung off.
"Hahaha, Rosinante Boy, you are not handling this well!" Garp teased.
Standing beside Rosinante, Garp gloated, arms crossed, his justice robe fluttering.
The relentless wind made him appear tall and valiant.
But Rosinante was in no mood to admire it.
His first time airborne felt clumsy, his heart nearly leaping from his throat.
That was his overwhelming sensation.
(End of Chapter)