Chapter 24:
The auctioneer's voice had barely faded when bids started flying.
"Three million five hundred thousand Berries!"
"Four million!"
"Four million two hundred thousand!"
The seats buzzed with excitement. Fish-Men were rare—perfect for novelty or as strong slaves/bodyguards. A whale shark type was especially valuable.
Victor looked bored. "Beli—call ten million."
"Yes, Captain."
"Ten million Berries!"
Beli's voice rang out clearly.
The room fell silent.
Ten million was outrageous—no one wanted to pay that much for a slave.
The auctioneer's eyes lit up—he'd expected six million tops. He quickly began the countdown.
"Ten million Berries—going once! Anyone else?"
"Ten million—going twice!"
"Ten million—sold! Congratulations to the buyer—the whale shark Fish-Man is yours!"
The Fish-Man was immediately escorted to Victor's side.
Auction staff hurried over to collect payment—clearly worried he might not have it.
Victor didn't bother with theatrics. He tossed a heavy bag of Berries.
After quick counting, the staff nodded to their leader—payment confirmed.
"Thank you for your patronage, honored guest. Here's our VIP card—nine discounts on future purchases. And the slave collar key."
Victor nodded to Beli. "Take them."
Beli accepted the card and key. The staff retreated quickly.
The whale shark Fish-Man stood behind Victor, head bowed, collar still locked.
The auction continued.
Next up: a beautiful mermaid—human upper body, shimmering fish tail. She looked fragile and pitiful.
The whale shark behind Victor suddenly tensed—eyes wide with recognition—but he bit his lip and stayed silent.
Female mermaids were far more valuable and sought-after than males.
Bidding started at ten million—and soared fast.
Current price: twenty million. Nearing the ceiling.
Victor spoke casually. "Beli—thirty million."
"Yes, Captain."
"Thirty million Berries!"
No one challenged.
The mermaid was sold to Victor.
He paid, received another VIP card and key, and left with his new acquisitions.
He had no interest in the rest of the auction. The atmosphere disgusted him. If he'd encountered this at sea, he wouldn't have bothered buying—he'd have killed.
The auction house owner knew Victor forced entry—but didn't dare act. Beli's Logia ability was known, and Victor had paid full price. No need to escalate.
Back at the meeting point, the rest of the crew had returned.
Heracles blinked at the two Fish-Men. "Eh? Victor—where'd you get two Fish-Men? Slaves?"
Everyone crowded around curiously—though no one touched them (that would be rude).
Victor smiled. "Bought them at auction. Together they cost forty million Berries."
The crew instantly stepped back several paces.
Heracles burst out laughing. "Hahaha—what are you scared of? Think they'll eat you?"
Crocus asked curiously: "Captain—why buy two Fish-Men? For Fish-Man Island?"
The twin doctors Elli and Eni circled the mermaid excitedly.
The two Fish-Men stood frozen—too terrified to move or speak.
Victor raised a hand. "Alright—don't scare them. Beli—remove their collars."
Beli complied quickly.
Freed from the collars, the Fish-Men still didn't dare move.
Victor asked gently: "What are your names?"
The blue whale shark Fish-Man answered softly: "Sir… I'm Ryan."
The mermaid spoke quietly: "Sir… I'm Sira."
Victor nodded. "How were you captured? Playing around too carelessly?"
Beli immediately looked embarrassed.
The crew glanced at him—making him lower his head in shame.
Heracles laughed. "Haha—Beli, looks like you've got company now."
He quickly added encouragement: "Don't worry, Beli. Bears need to grow up too."
Victor stepped in. "Enough teasing. Beli—don't let it bother you. Stand tall. Train hard. You'll become strong."
Beli straightened up. "Yes, Captain! I'll double my efforts!"
The others nodded approvingly.
Victor turned back to Ryan and Sira. "You heard—we're heading to Fish-Man Island. Don't worry—we're not going to harm anyone there. Our final destination is the New World."
He paused. "Would you be willing to guide us?"
Ryan hesitated. "We're willing… but please—don't hurt our people."
Sira nodded softly. "If Ryan's willing… then I am too."
Victor smiled. "Good."
He looked at Ryan. "How old are you? I'm short one Fish-Man on my crew. I'd like to invite you to join the Plant Scholars."
Ryan froze. "Me? Join you?"
He quickly answered: "I'm seventeen. I'll be an adult next year."
He still hadn't accepted—clearly worried.
Victor understood. "Relax. Your situation is the same as Beli's. Beli and the twins Elli and Eni only joined recently. Everyone on this crew is equal—no need to fear anything."
He turned to Beli. "Beli—talk to them. Ease their worries."
Liked this chapter? Support the story on Patreon!
Early access and extras available at only $4.99 tier.
patreon.com/arthursink