The corridors of the Colosseum were spacious.
On either side of the passage, relief-engraved stone pillars stood at regular intervals, leading toward the end of the hallway. The semi-circular archway was paved with square stone slabs, faintly veined in deep green, giving off a heavy, solemn air.
As Maude walked down the corridor, he saw a variety of expressions on the faces of those around him.
Some were seated, others standing, all observing the participants entering the Colosseum with a feigned casualness. This deliberate act of watching was primarily for reconnaissance.
Ultimately, the unprecedented prize for this championship had infused the beast combat tournament with unparalleled vitality.
Everyone, rookies and veterans alike, was giving it their all to win the rumored Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit and the cash prize starting at fifty million Berries.
While the money was tempting, the Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit was a rarity in this world, coveted by all. If not for the unique circumstances of the Ahab Kingdom, such a rare Devil Fruit would be unimaginable as a mere tournament prize.
Upon entering the Colosseum, Maude was once again subjected to an unavoidable barrage of stares.
This was the inevitable result of his reputation, which ensured that wherever he went, he would draw the attention of the majority present. Most of the gazes directed at him carried an unabashed scrutiny.
If his reputation had been more intimidating, he might still attract attention but not be examined so blatantly.
Ignoring the surrounding gazes, Maude followed the guidance of the staff, splitting off into two groups.
As a participant, Maude had to take the left path leading to the waiting rooms, while Lafitte and the others, as spectators, went to the right toward the audience seats of the arena.
Before parting ways, Maude exchanged a look with Lafitte, who responded with a reassuring gesture.
This tournament wasn't just about obtaining the Devil Fruit. They also intended to make a killing through the betting pools of the beast combat tournament.
Their betting capital consisted of tens of millions of berries recently looted from East Street. Additionally, their trump card was none other than the seemingly weak, helpless, and pitiful Bailey.
After parting ways with Lafitte's group, Maude and Law headed to the resting area prepared by the organizers for the participants.
According to the staff leading them, the Colosseum, several times larger than a typical Roman arena, housed fifty large waiting rooms. At the moment, every waiting room was packed, a testament to the popularity of this tournament.
Upon reaching the waiting room, as expected, it was overcrowded. Seeing this, Maude turned and left, heading to the corridor outside.
Law, naturally unwilling to squeeze into the crowd, followed Maude outside.
It was now clear why so many participants were lingering or sitting in the corridors. Not all were scouting; some were simply avoiding the crowded waiting rooms.
Leaning against the wall in the corridor, Maude pulled out the tournament's rulebook he had requested from the staff and began flipping through it with interest.
Not far away, a small group of participants curiously watched Maude as he meticulously read the rulebook.
Such booklets were primarily prepared for the audience. Normally, participants would have thoroughly familiarized themselves with the rules beforehand.
Yet here was Maude, studying the rulebook so earnestly on the eve of the tournament, as though he was merely dabbling in the event.
Paying no attention to the bewildered gazes, Maude immersed himself in the tournament rules.
Law didn't disturb him, leaning against the wall with his sword in hand, closing his eyes in a light nap.
After a long while, Maude closed the booklet.
"Such a twisted sense of humor," he murmured to himself.
The term "beast combat" was quite literal, referring to combat between beasts.
The rules were straightforward and clear. To win, one must fight until only one remains standing—a battle to the death.
What made it interesting was that the definition of "beast" included humans.
This meant that, in addition to the usual large, ferocious animals, one might also see humans on all fours participating in the tournament.
Another intriguing aspect was that participating beasts could wear specially crafted equipment and use tools.
Before entering the tournament with Bailey, Maude had been unaware of this rule.
Not that it mattered.
Bailey's role was to play the weakling, feigning helplessness to increase the betting odds. There was no need for any elaborate gear.
Hearing Maude's muttered comment, Law opened his eyes slightly and glanced at him.
Noticing Law's gaze, Maude held up the rulebook and asked, "Want to take a look?"
Law shook his head.
Since it was Bepo and not him participating, why would he bother delving into the rules?
"Might as well glance at it while there's time."
Maude waved the rulebook in front of Law.
"No interest."
Law rejected Maude's offer outright.
Maude stared at him in surprise, remarking, "You're quite casual about this."
"…"
Law pulled down the brim of his hat slightly, thinking to himself, Coming from someone cramming at the last minute, you're one to talk.
These two participants approached the tournament with a remarkably nonchalant attitude.
Meanwhile, the beasts they had brought along brimmed with fighting spirit.
Time ticked by.
As the opening ceremony concluded, the tiered audience seats of the circular Colosseum, capable of holding over 100,000 spectators, were entirely filled.
Outside the Colosseum, live broadcasts via transponder snails displayed the event in real-time.
For this grand spectacle, the Ahab Kingdom had spared no effort or resources.
In return, once the tournament ended, they were sure to reap substantial profits.
Maude and Law stood on the viewing platform above, looking down at the countless heads below in the circular arena.
"So many people…"
A flicker of surprise passed through Maude's eyes.
Despite being mentally prepared, the sheer scale of the event exceeded his expectations.
He gazed at the packed audience seats, a thought suddenly crossing his mind.
In the future, if he had the resources…
Perhaps he could organize a similar "World Expo" event.
With a prize so irresistible to heroes from all walks of life, the "World Expo" could serve as a trap, drawing in prey one by one.
As his thoughts wandered, Maude's eyes narrowed slightly.
Noticing the change in his demeanor, Law glanced at him with mild surprise, sensing the faint aura of resolve emanating from Maude.
At that moment, the host's passionate opening remarks echoed through the arena. The massive iron gates at four points in the arena's perimeter slowly rose, revealing figures emerging from within.
At the center of the arena was a massive, square, stone platform, with four straight stone paths extending outward to the gates. The overall design bore a striking resemblance to the cross streets of Dick City.
Beyond the platform, the remaining area was filled with thorn-like plants.
These thorn-like plants were none other than the roots of the Suspended Lantern Vine—Law's target.
The thorns on these roots were laced with deadly venom. Even a minor scratch could lead to unbearable agony within a minute, as the toxin coursed through the bloodstream, leaving victims begging for death. Without an antidote, the poisoned would die in excruciating pain.
This venomous plant was not only a national treasure of the Ahab Kingdom but also a common instrument of torture and a source of sadistic entertainment for the nobility.
Now, the roots of the Suspended Lantern Vine surrounded the platform, their purpose clear.
On the southern side of the audience seats, a giant screen hung overhead.
As the transponder snail's view focused on the arena, the screen displayed the massive, fearsome beasts entering the arena.
When the camera zoomed in on these terrifying creatures, their overwhelming presence elicited gasps from the audience.
Suddenly, the broadcast staff mischievously shifted the transponder snail's focus to a particularly unique contestant.
The screen now showed Bailey, lazily crawling along the stone path, his small, unassuming figure starkly contrasting with the giant, fierce beasts around him.
A brief silence swept over the audience.
Then, waves of laughter erupted, crashing over the Colosseum.
"Pfft, hahaha!"
"Hahaha, what is that little white thing?"
"With that size, one stomp and it's done for!"
"Hahaha…"
Seeing Bailey's feeble demeanor, not only did the spectators in the Colosseum burst into laughter, but even those outside joined in.
It was simply too amusing.
Never before had they seen such a small creature enter a fight-to-the-death beast tournament.
Surely, it would be squashed into a pancake at the start of the match.
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