The merchants and nobles among the guests could only watch helplessly as Garen bought up their favored cheap labor and fresh playthings at rock-bottom prices.
But the atmosphere in the auction house did not grow quiet because of this. Instead, it continued to ferment beneath the silence.
Besides merchants and nobles, nearly half the people at this auction were powerful figures who roamed the seas, or representatives of major forces.
Their goal had never been those insignificant slaves, but the final treasure of the auction:
A mysterious Logia Devil Fruit.
And as Garen swiftly purchased batch after batch of slaves meant to warm up the crowd, the final item finally appeared onstage.
As they looked at the chest containing the Devil Fruit, the guests' eyes began to burn.
The host keenly realized:
These people were no pushovers. They would not let an opportunity to become a top-tier powerhouse slip through their fingers just because they feared Garen's prestige.
Thus, the host, who had been left somewhat dazed by Garen's earlier actions, finally recovered his professional composure at this crucial moment.
"Esteemed guests!"
His voice became passionate as he excitedly waved his arms.
"Next is the grand finale of this auction—the Logia Devil Fruit!"
"And its power is—"
The host deliberately dragged out the last word before slowly placing his hand on the chest lid, thoroughly whetting everyone's appetite.
At that instant, every guest in the venue felt their heartbeat quicken.
Even Teach, who always hid behind a facade and never showed his emotions, unconsciously tensed his muscles, clenched his fists, leaned forward, and revealed a trace of ferocity in his eyes.
"Its power is—"
The host finally opened the chest and revealed the answer. "The Logia Sand-Sand Fruit!"
"Huh?"
Teach froze, profound disappointment written all over his face.
"The Sand-Sand