Chapter 461: We Cannot Resist It All Alone
Time moved slowly as the major contestants battled for supremacy, while the audience watched with tense anticipation.
"Kuwahahaha…" Morgans' familiar laughter echoed across the sea.
Hearing this, spectators from around the world and some competitors at the scene felt a pang of annoyance.
This birdman was always laughing—would he ever exhaust himself?
Unaware of the grumbling, Morgans pressed on with his enthusiastic commentary.
"Dear viewers, you can see it now, several forces have crossed the second stage and completed the Vortex Trial."
"What awaits them next is the third stage of the island landing competition."
"It is truly thrilling…" he added, pausing for a moment.
With a smile, he went on and said, "But I believe everyone is more curious about the treasure in the third stage!"
Morgans' words instantly seized everyone's attention.
Those who had reached the third stage were particularly captivated.
Upon arriving, they found a seemingly ordinary sea surface.
Surely the treasure was not hidden beneath the waves, requiring them to dive?
Morgans, without needing to look, knew countless eyes were on him.
The thrill of holding their focus exhilarated him.
"Kuwahahaha, I will not keep you guessing." he said.
"To know the treasure's location, we must first explain the third stage."
"I believe all contestants who have reached it are eager to know."
"The third stage is called the Joyous Beast Level, also known as the Gift of the Beast."
Hearing Morgans' words, the faces of those in the third stage darkened.
His next words confirmed their uneasy suspicions.
"Yes, this stage."
"It is a paradise for beasts."
As Morgans' booming voice faded, the calm sea in the third stage erupted violently.
Rumble!
Splash!
Shadows beneath the water surged upward, breaking through with towering waves.
Water streamed down their massive forms as they emerged.
Competitors in the second and third stages turned pale.
What kind of gift was this?
Hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands of sea beasts and Sea Kings appeared, their cold, cruel eyes glaring.
Many stepped back, swallowing hard.
Did the Mythical Beast Conference expect them to fight these creatures?
"Kuwahahaha, everyone seems frightened, but do not panic. It is only a small matter." Morgans said.
His words sparked complaints from the crowd.
This birdman spoke lightly—why did he not come down and face the beasts himself?
Oblivious to the murmurs, Morgans continued his dutiful commentary.
"You see ordinary sea beasts and Sea Kings. The true test lies at the end of the third stage."
"That is where the treasure awaits."
"For those near Mythical Beast Island, you can now see a ladder against the sea at the stage's end."
"The treasure is there."
The promise of treasure reignited the spirits of many, previously dampened by fear.
Those in the third stage stood on their ships' decks, gazing into the distance.
They spotted a small current linking the sea to the top of Mythical Beast Island.
Clearly, that current was the key to reaching the island.
"Against the sea." some murmured, pondering the name.
Was it a reverse current, like Reverse Mountain?
They wondered.
The distance obscured the current's direction.
But the name provided hints.
While some speculated, others groaned in frustration.
These were competitors approaching Mythical Beast Island from other directions.
The island's front faced Wilbur Island.
Only from that direction was the sea-crossing ladder visible.
By the time they circled the island, the treasure would be long gone.
What a trick! Why had Morgans not mentioned this earlier?
As competitors from other positions complained, Morgans spoke again.
"Kuwahahaha, I believe those in other positions are rejoicing!"
"The forward direction has the most sea beasts and Sea Kings."
"Approaching from other routes means less resistance and a faster path to Mythical Beast Island."
Rejoicing? Hardly!
Though unspoken, Morgans' words stirred other competitors.
Even the island landing race offered treasures.
Surely, Mythical Beast Island itself held riches far surpassing the third stage's prize.
The priority was to reach the island and explore.
With this thought, many set off with renewed vigor.
How they would reach the island was a concern for later.
"Garp-san, shall we move forward?" Rosinante asked.
On the dog-headed warship in the third stage, Rosinante had steadied himself.
He gazed at the swarm of menacing sea beasts and Sea Kings, worry etched on his face.
Though no giant Sea Kings loomed, several large ones, hundreds of meters tall, stood among countless smaller beasts.
With such numbers, the warship risked being overturned if it charged forward.
"Hahaha, do not worry, Rosinante boy. These are mere trifles. We do not need to fight them all alone; we are just passing through!" Garp said.
He turned to his adjutant and added, "Bring the warship closer. I will practice my boxing with these creatures."
Hearing Garp's bold confidence, Rosinante felt a flicker of relief.
Others, however, looked grim.
Vice Admiral Garp could battle the sea beasts without personal danger.
But what about them?
If Garp got carried away and forgot the warship, it could capsize.
Despite their fears, the warship moved forward.
Garp called the shots, and the Marines could only follow, riding the waves.
"Hahaha, the butcher has arrived!" Garp roared.
As the warship advanced, sea beasts and Sea Kings swarmed.
Garp grinned, flashing two rows of teeth.
He charged, swinging fists as big as sandbags.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Rumble!
Giant sea beasts and Sea Kings plunged into the sea with each rhythmic strike.
Huge waves splashed, rocking the nearby warship.
What a wild plan!
Seeing Garp's might, three Sea Kings, each hundreds of meters tall, encircled him.
"Hahaha, get down!" Garp shouted.
He smashed their heads, leaving lumps and cries of agony.
While Garp reveled, other competitors noticed him drawing the beasts' attention.
With someone absorbing the firepower, they launched their ships.
Now was the time to move.
(End of Chapter)