#13 The Vault

Before long, the three of them walked into the underground vault filled with treasures.

At the same time, the surveillance snails in the vault's high corners suddenly had their eyes covered with a layer of black mist. Just like what happened in Saint Larcher's palace earlier.

The snails, immobilized in their positions, frantically tried to peer through the black fog but were unable to move, displaying almost human-like frustration.

As soon as they entered the vault, Saint Larcher quickly revealed the location of the Devil Fruits. But as he saw the shocked expressions on Carlo and Blackbeard's faces, a slight smirk of disdain appeared on his face.

Although Saint Larcher didn't say anything, his expression was clear. However, Carlo, sharp-eyed and ever watchful, didn't miss this fleeting look of contempt.

Despite being stunned by the vast wealth in front of him, Carlo kept an eye on Saint Larcher, wary of any tricks. Carlo had a knack for noticing even the smallest details. He was worried that Saint Larcher might try something cunning, but it turned out he had overestimated the guy's intelligence.

Saint Larcher was too straightforward to pull off any sophisticated scheme.

"Look down on me, will you? Idiot, do you think this money belongs to you? Even now, you dare show off your superiority?" Carlo snapped. He slapped Saint Larcher so hard that he flew into the wall.

"Hmm?" Blackbeard turned around at the sound, snapping out of his shock.

Realizing what had happened, Blackbeard's anger flared. How dare this trash look down on him? Blackbeard joined in, and under Saint Larcher's screams, they gave him a thorough beating.

"Stop! Please, stop! It's a misunderstanding!" Saint Larcher cried.

"Misunderstanding? Are you questioning my observation skills?" Carlo retorted.

"Questioning me too? You deserve this beating!" Blackbeard added.

After nearly ten minutes, they finally stopped. Saint Larcher was left with a face swollen, bleeding profusely and bruised beyond recognition.

"Alright, I'll spare you for now," Carlo said, rubbing his sore wrist. "But tell me, this wealth, it's not all of your family's, is it?"

Saint Larcher's, barely conscious, muttered, "No... This is only a third... We keep it here for spending and auctions..."

Though speaking was painful, Saint Larcher used all his strength to ensure Carlo and Blackbeard understood, fearing another round of beatings.

Now his tone had no trace of arrogance. It seemed he had learned his lesson.

"Only a third?" Carlo and Blackbeard exchanged glances, seeing the ambition and desire in each other's eyes.

Given their positions as Celestial Dragons, most of their wealth was likely in Mary Geoise. Still, the vault here was already overflowing with riches. Imagining what their total wealth must be was mind-blowing.

Carlo picked up the battered Saint Larcher and, with Blackbeard, walked past the treasure-filled hall towards the back of the vault. Following Saint Larchers directions, they reached two smaller rooms. One was labeled "Devil Fruit Storage" and the other "Weapon Storage."

The vast amounts of treasure they'd seen on the way had already numbed their sense of shock. Even so, discovering a room dedicated to Devil Fruits and another to weapons was surprising.

Prioritizing their mission, Carlo opened the Devil Fruit Storage room first.

"Ha ha ha, look at that! Four Devil Fruits! These rich idiots left such valuable items just lying around," Blackbeard laughed, seeing four Devil Fruits displayed on crystal stands.

Four Devil Fruits were an incredible find, worth a fortune. Even the least powerful Devil Fruit could fetch a high price, as most people couldn't distinguish between different types by sight alone.

"Who says we're not lucky?" Carlo agreed, walking towards the display with Blackbeard.

"This one looks familiar. I think I've seen it in a Devil Fruit encyclopedia," Carlo said, eyeing one of the fruits. "Could it be the Behemoth Fruit?"

The prospect excited them both. Four Devil Fruits were a game-changer, and their night was about to become even more profitable.