At Luo Wen's signal, Morgans, the host, immediately took his place.
"Distinguished guests, renowned powerhouses of the New World, I know you've all been eagerly awaiting this. Without further ado, let the auction begin!"
Morgans, microphone in hand, was brimming with passion.
"Everyone came here for the Artificial Devil Fruit Technology, but before witnessing its effects, they inevitably have some doubts. Do Artificial Devil Fruit really exist? And what are their effects?"
That makes sense.
Several Underworld kings nodded in unison, expressing their agreement.
They are all mature adults who will not easily believe what others say.
There are indeed some doubts about the effects of Artificial Devil Fruit.
"To dispel everyone's doubts, Luo Wen has already considered this! Before auctioning the Artificial Devil Fruit Technology, we will first auction five Artificial Devil Fruits to let everyone see the effect!" Morgans explained with a smile.
That's not bad.
Everyone agreed with Luo Wen's approach.
That's great, now I can see it in person before deciding whether to buy it or not.
"Each Artificial Devil Fruit will be auctioned starting at 100 million Beli, with each bid increasing by at least 10 million Beli!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, raise your paddle numbers and start the bidding frenzy!"
Morgans, holding the microphone, stirred up the crowd's emotions.
Instead of wildly raising their placards, the crowd found it unbelievable.
"Taking away the young master!?"
Pieklo cried out in surprise.
Starting bid at 100 million Berries, with each bid increasing by at least 10 million Beli —that's blatant robbery!
It's important to know that these Artificial Devil Fruits have drawbacks; they're significantly inferior to ordinary Zoan Devil Fruit.
They valued the Artificial Devil Fruit Technology only because it allowed them to reliably build an army of Devil Fruit users, not because the Artificial Devil Fruit were particularly powerful.
A typical Zoan Devil Fruit costs around 100 million Beli.
Such a flawed Artificial Devil Fruit would be considered a high price if it sold for 50 million Beli.
Selling it for 100 million Beli and then having to bid – isn't that blatant consumer fraud?
Even if they have money, they don't spend it like this!
"Cough cough."
Luo Wen coughed twice and glanced at Morgans.
Morgans understood immediately and turned to the assassin king, Pieklo, who had just spoken, saying, "If you can't afford it, you don't have to buy it. Artificial Devil Fruit with a starting bid of 100 million Beli really that expensive?"
"Where is it expensive? Don't think our stuff is expensive; think about your own problems. Have you been working hard to earn money? Do you have any savings after all these years?"
As he spoke, Morgans even showed a look of disgust.
"You!"
Pieklo was furious.
Damn it, isn't this mocking him for being a penniless wretch?
Who do you think you are!
"100 million Beli, 10 million? I'll get one and show you, you little bastard, what my strength is!"
Pieklo roared.
When it's time to pay, he's going to use his own Beli to smash Morgans' bird head flat.
"King of Assassins Pieklo offers 100 million Beli and 10 million! Any higher bids?"
Morgans ignored Pieklo's roar and spoke as if nothing had happened.
"100 million Beli and 50 million."
Du Feld raised his paddle and bid.
While 100 million Beli is far too high compared to the actual value of the Artificial Devil Fruit, it's worth spending 200 million Beli to justify the Artificial Devil Fruit Technology.
"The King of Loan Sharks is indeed generous, raising the price by 50 million Beli in one go! Is there anything higher?"
Morgans said with a chuckle, glancing at Pieklo as he did so.
"Idiot, why spend so much money on an Artificial Devil Fruit? Wouldn't it be better to buy one?"
Pieklo said through gritted teeth.
"Don't complain if you can't afford it. Du Feld is a famously wealthy man, someone you can't compare to."
Morgans was flattering Du Feld.
A qualified auctioneer should give the big spender a great deal of satisfaction.
"That's right, you poor bastard, don't shout. I'll offer 200 million Beli!"
The Gild Tesoro, exuding an air of extravagance, made a bid that directly increased by 50 million Beli.
He lacks love and ability, but he's never short of money.
He wants to try out the first Artificial Devil Fruit.
"The Gild Tesoro has offered 200 million Beli, is anyone else interested?"
Morgans' eyes lit up as he looked at Du Feld.
"I'll wait for the next one."
Du Feld shook his head and refused to raise the price further.
If it were Pieklo, he could try raising the price.
But his opponent is the Gild Tesoro, a figure who controls 20% of the world's Beli. Comparing wealth to his is utterly absurd.
Even if we were to really compare them, we should wait until the Artificial Devil Fruit Technology is auctioned off.
"Congratulations to Mr. Gild Tesoro Gild Tesoro for acquiring the first Artificial Devil Fruit with 200 million Beli!"
Morgans smiled as he confirmed the ownership of the first Artificial Devil Fruit.
After Gild Tesoro paid 200 million Beli, the Artificial Devil Fruit was also delivered to Gild Tesoro.
"It looks a bit ugly."
Gild Tesoro examined the Artificial Devil Fruit in his hand, a look of disgust on his face.
Compared to the Gold-Gold Fruit he ate, this thing was far too ugly.
But it's okay, it's not like he's the one eating it.
He casually handed the Artificial Devil Fruit to one of his subordinates and ordered him to eat it.
At this moment, everyone turned their attention to Gild Tesoro, observing the changes in his subordinates.
"Ah! Ah! Ah!"
The moment the subordinate ate the Artificial Devil Fruit, he let out a shrill scream.
His veins bulged all over his body, like dark red earthworms surging across his skin.
A moment later, his subordinate, no longer in pain, stood up expressionlessly.
He was lucky and didn't experience the explosion of his body. However, the side effects of the Artificial Devil Fruit still caused him to lose all emotions except for smiling.
After a brief test, Gild Tesoro found that the claims about the Artificial Devil Fruit were true. Although it was weaker than a normal Devil Fruit, it was generally usable.
"I want the Artificial Devil Fruit Technology!"
The moment the effect was confirmed, Gild Tesoro made his decision.
No matter the cost, he is determined to acquire the Artificial Devil Fruit Technology, establish an army of Devil Fruit users, and sweep away everything in his path!
Four billion Beli, five billion Beli?
His wallet was already open, just waiting for Luo Wen to come and collect it.