Doubt?
The evidence is already right before their eyes!
Nami’s magic and the lightning Adam summoned while ignoring the Sea Stone all point to the existence of a broader world that lies beyond their comprehension!
Despite the turbulent waves of disbelief in their hearts, facts speak louder than words.
Everyone present, from the Admiral to the Four Emperors, fell into silence, but their eyes had changed—from the initial skepticism and scrutiny to unprecedented gravity, fervor, and even greed.
Watching the change in expression among the crowd below, Adam knew the groundwork had been laid.
He smiled slightly and struck the auction gavel in his hand.
Thud!
The crisp sound echoed through the hall, pulling everyone back to reality from their shock.
Since you all accept the origin of the auction items, next, I need to explain the bidding rules of this establishment.
This is the key to protecting the rights of every participant, so please listen carefully.
As soon as he finished speaking, his gaze swept across every seat in the hall, and he said slowly: “I presume you have all noticed the silver-gray metal machine placed to the right of your seats.” Following his reminder, everyone lowered their heads.
Sure enough, they saw a device about half a person’s height standing beside them.
The machine body was smooth, with a blue-glowing screen embedded in the front and an opening at the top, looking quite mysterious.
This machine is called the ‘Asset Verification Instrument’.
Adam continued to explain, “Before the auction officially begins, please complete your asset entry—deposit the Berries you intend to use for bidding directly into the opening at the top.
The machine will automatically count and record the total amount of Berries.” If you have brought jewelry, rare ores, or other valuable items, you may also place them inside.
The machine will calculate their equivalent value in Berries based on the material, rarity, and actual utility of the items, adding them to your total available assets.
In other words, regardless of whether you brought cash or treasures, it will ultimately be displayed on the screen of the machine in the form of a ‘Total Berries’.
Once these words were spoken, there was a slight stir in the hall.
Some people curiously reached out to touch the machine, while others frowned in thought; after all, having to ‘register’ one’s wealth in public inevitably brought some concerns.
Adam seemed to see through everyone’s thoughts and added: “There is no need to worry about privacy.
The assessment data from this machine is only used to determine the bidding limit for this auction and will not be disclosed to any third party.
Furthermore, after the auction ends, any unused Berries and valuable items will be returned to you intact.” Immediately after, he changed the subject and pointed out the core of the rules: “The reason this machine was set up is precisely to avoid ‘reckless bidding’ during the auction process.” After all, the value of the items in this auction is extraordinary.
If someone impulsively calls out a price far exceeding their own capacity and fails to fulfill the contract, it will not only waste everyone’s time but also undermine the fairness of the auction.
Simply put, the ‘Total Assets’ recorded by the machine is your maximum bidding limit for this auction.
The price you enter on the machine must not exceed the number displayed on the screen.
Furthermore, once a bid is successful, the Berries in the machine will be automatically deducted, which will also facilitate the transaction.
Hearing this, the concerns in everyone’s hearts gradually dissipated.
They then began to put the Berries or valuable items they had brought into the machine.
It seems you have no more questions.
Then, let the auction officially begin!
The first auction item— Behind Adam, a display stand slowly rose, and the lights focused on it.
A ring with an ancient design, shimmering with a faint light, floated quietly within it.
[space ring]!
Originating from a vast world of cultivation.
He paused slightly before continuing: “This ring contains an independent space of three hundred cubic meters.
It can store non-living objects, ignores weight, and is easy to carry.
It has incredible utility, from military transport to storing precious treasures.” Starting bid—500 million Berries!
Each bid increment must be no less than 10 million Berries!
Adam’s gaze swept across the hall: “The auction begins.” space ring?
Three hundred cubic meters?
After Adam’s words fell, the hall was silent for a moment, and then a commotion erupted, even more intense than before!
Devil Fruit abilities are strange and varied, and it’s not that there aren’t any storage-type ones, but a storage device that is this stable, safe, and has such a huge capacity is simply unheard of!
For any major power, its strategic value is immeasurable!
Whether it’s transporting confidential supplies or carrying heavy weaponry, it would be revolutionary!
“500 million Berries!” A voice with an evil smirk broke the silence.
Doflamingo leaned back in his chair, legs crossed, and called out the base price.
He appeared casual, but the gaze behind his sunglasses was sharply scanning the room’s reaction.
His Underworld empire desperately needed such a treasure, which could greatly improve logistics efficiency and secrecy.
“510 million Berries!” A masked Underworld emperor with a hoarse voice immediately followed up.
“520 million Berries!” From the Marine seats, Staff Officer Tsuru calmly increased the bid.
Her voice was not loud, but it represented the official will.
This kind of strategic-level storage equipment was of great significance to the supply allocation and confidential transport of Marineford.
The price climbed slowly amid cautious probing.
“550 million.” Doflamingo increased the bid again, his tone carrying his signature mockery, “Fufufu, are the Marines also interested in such a trinket?” “600 million.” Queen of the Beasts Pirates, the “Plague,” shouted in a muffled voice, while Kaido sat with his arms crossed, looking determined to win.
For the plunder-loving Beasts Pirates, a huge mobile warehouse was extremely tempting.
The price gradually approached 1 billion Berries, and some weaker Underworld forces and lone powerhouses began to shake their heads and give up.
“650 million Berries!” Doflamingo raised his voice, the invisible strings on his fingertips twitching slightly, showing his inner unrest.
Just then, a cold, arrogant voice that seemed to lack any human emotion rang out from the World Government CP0 seats, instantly lowering the temperature of the hall by several degrees: “700 million Berries.” The bid was crisp and decisive, without explanation, yet it carried an unquestionable authority.
The evil smirk on Doflamingo’s face froze instantly.
He turned his head to look in the direction of CP0, his eyes behind his sunglasses flickering with uncertainty.
In the end, he snorted coldly, shrugged his hands, and did not continue.
Competing head-on with the World Government required great courage and cost.
The other bidders who were still hesitating also went silent instantly.
Akainu frowned tightly, but Staff Officer Tsuru shook her head gently, signaling that the Marines did not need to clash head-on with the World Government at this moment.
This first item was more like a test of the auction rules and the reactions of all parties.
“700 million, going once.” Adam announced calmly, his gaze sweeping over the silent crowd.
“700 million, going twice.” Just when everyone thought this would be a quick transaction—