Chapter 547: The World Is Boiling
Time passed swiftly.
The next day, Morgans' freshly printed newspapers began circulating worldwide, igniting global excitement.
The headline blared, "Are You Willing to Become One-Eighth of a God?"
Such a bold gimmick captivated readers.
Even those who had watched the live broadcast couldn't resist the headline.
After reading the expansive newspaper, their excitement persisted.
For those who hadn't seen the broadcast, the shock and thrill were just as intense.
They yearned for the Mythical beasts showcased at the Mythical Beast Conference.
The treasures from the conference were equally coveted.
While some details might have been unclear, the Mythical beast Fortune Cat, which produced one billion Berries daily, was crystal clear.
One billion Berries a day!
Ten billion in ten days, and over 360 billion in a year.
Such immense wealth was staggering!
According to the newspaper, Fortune Cats could live for centuries.
This meant a Mythical beast that could sustain wealth for generations!
For ordinary people, owning one would eliminate financial worries for themselves and their descendants.
Even the World Government had only existed for eight hundred years.
This prospect of centuries of wealth made many salivate.
The image of the Fortune Cat was etched deeply in their minds.
Many pirates even set their sights on this Mythical beast.
They were watching how the World Government would handle it.
If the arrangements weren't tight, countless eyes would be on it.
Unlike magic mines, which required mining and were hard to transport, the Fortune Cat was perfect for pirates.
Obtaining it meant never needing to plunder again, a direct ticket to prosperity.
Of course, after reading the newspaper, many forces felt regret.
Despite the Mythical Beast Conference's strong promotion, not all factions sent representatives.
Many didn't participate at all.
The reason was simple: too many forces were involved.
Even if they had attended, the rewards would likely have gone to the major powers.
So, they saw no point in going, opting to watch the broadcast or wait for the newspaper.
But they hadn't anticipated the treasures' richness.
Had they known, they would have set out, even for a sliver of hope.
Now, it was too late for regrets.
After reading the newspaper, these forces were frustrated but found some comfort in the fact that the ultimate God Killer Equipment remained unclaimed.
They resolved to use all their resources to find the eight orbs, determined to secure a piece of the feast.
People worldwide had mixed reactions to the newspaper, but a fiery enthusiasm prevailed.
Even the terrifying combat prowess displayed by the conference's contestants couldn't hold their attention.
Desires tied to personal gain were surging.
Many, driven by ambition, wanted to set sail immediately, become hunters or pirates, or simply leave home.
Their adventurous spirit was ignited by the grandeur of Mythical Beast Island.
The world was vast and magnificent, why not explore it?
Moreover, the eight orbs, keys to godhood, awaited them.
---
Sabaody Archipelago, Area No. 13.
Shakky's Rip-Off Bar.
The legendary pirate Dark King Rayleigh sat at the bar, swirling a wine glass in one hand.
In the other, he held a large newspaper spread across the counter, reading it with interest.
"Become one-eighth of a god?"
"That Morgans really knows how to stir things up!"
"He couldn't even see the shadow of the orbs, yet he explains it so vividly."
"It makes readers feel like they're the chosen ones."
"That guy hasn't changed. No, he's getting even more provocative."
Shakky, behind the bar, showed no reaction to Rayleigh's comments.
Having read countless newspapers by Morgans, she knew his style.
She treated newspapers as entertainment.
Shakky wouldn't be surprised by anything he wrote.
She'd only be shocked if he acted honestly and did nothing sensational.
"Does that man have a new title?" Rayleigh asked.
"Father of Mythical Beasts, a fitting name."
Rayleigh took a sip of his wine, refilled his glass, and continued.
"The Mythical beasts on that island are truly remarkable."
"Even just watching the broadcast, I could tell many were beyond my ability to defeat."
"Times have changed so fast. I still vividly recall that man's battle with Garp at Sabaody Archipelago."
"Now he's Yamata God Orochimaru, and I can't even defeat the Mythical beasts he created."
"It's only been a little over two years!"
Feeling Rayleigh's hint of loneliness, Shakky exhaled a puff of smoke and offered gentle comfort.
"You're already quite old; there's no need to feel sentimental."
"At your age, take care of yourself and stop causing trouble."
"Remember, you're an old man from a bygone era. The new era has no ship to carry you."
Hearing Shakky's blunt comfort, Rayleigh was dumbfounded.
His sense of loneliness vanished.
"Shakky, your tongue is so sharp. Are you comforting me or wounding me?"
"I'm just stating facts to keep you from chasing unrealistic dreams."
She flicked ash from her cigarette, picked up her wine glass, and downed it in one gulp.
"Hahahaha, actually!"
"I don't feel old yet. The Holy Light Potion's effects haven't worn off."
"Seriously, my current strength wouldn't lose to the old Whitebeard."
"As for a ship to carry me, that kid Shanks would surely welcome me."
Shakky choked him with a single sentence.
"So, who paid for the Holy Light Potion you used?"
"Uh… hahaha, let's not talk about that. Cheers!" Rayleigh said, raising his glass.
(End of this chapter)