Chapter 154: Arena

The expansion extended beyond the seabed, reaching above the water's surface. Luo Ning had even constructed a colossal arena.

"Master Luo Ning, what purpose does this enormous arena serve?"

Upon learning of the arena's construction, the others were perplexed, utterly unable to grasp Luo Ning's intentions.

"This arena is intended for the criminals," Luo Ning explained. "Inform the prisoners on level six that I will grant them an opportunity to leave Impel Down. If they defeat me in battle, they will be free."

Luo Ning recognized the potential for a significant influx of freedom points within Impel Down, evidenced by his previous encounter with Golden Lion.

Many long-term residents of level six had suffered a decline in strength. By allowing them to temporarily regain their peak power, their experience would translate into a substantial harvest of freedom points.

Luo Ning anticipated another substantial gain in freedom points after this round of extraction, which would also allow him to complete another lottery draw. Every item he had previously acquired through the lottery had proven incredibly valuable, but the lottery itself remained the ultimate prize.

"Are you certain... absolutely certain? Those are all hardened criminals!" Magellan stammered, utterly bewildered by Luo Ning's proposal.

"Why not?" Luo Ning declared. "Inform them of this: if they win, they are free to leave Impel Down. However, should they lose, they must pledge their future good conduct."

These denizens of level six are all lunatics. Subdued, they remain docile, but once their madness flares, they become a significant threat. Magellan and the Jailor beasts frequently visit level six to quell these disturbances, not because the prisoners actively instigate trouble.

"Understood," Magellan acknowledged with a nod. He interpreted Luo Ning's actions as an attempt to stabilize the volatile environment of level six. After all, the floor housed some of the most dangerous criminals. Their escape would be disastrous.

The possibility of someone defeating Luo Ning and securing their release was utterly ludicrous. Luo Ning's strength was unparalleled. He had single-handedly swept through the New World's Four Emperors. By now, all except Shanks were either deceased, captured, or forced into permanent retirement from piracy.

If even the Four Emperors couldn't stand against him, these prisoners certainly wouldn't stand a chance.

Magellan promptly descended to level six.

"Prisoners!" he boomed, "I have an announcement regarding your potential freedom!"

Magellan's arrival usually garnered little interest from the prisoners on level six. However, his proclamation instantly riveted their attention.

"Magellan, are you serious? We, the inhabitants of Impel Down, are they offering us freedom?" one prisoner scoffed.

"Is this some kind of joke?" another chimed in. "They say escaping from level six is impossible, even from level one!"

A chorus of shouts erupted from the prisoners. It wasn't that they doubted Magellan's sincerity, but the concept of freedom from Impel Down, especially level six, was simply unfathomable. Entering Impel Down was typically a life sentence, with very few managing to survive that long.

The baptism alone could claim the lives of half the weaklings who entered, and the subsequent executions were designed to be equally swift.

This brutal gauntlet ensured that very few emerged alive. Even the first floor, with its notoriously harsh conditions, paled in comparison to level six. The denizens of this floor had long resigned themselves to a life sentence.

"Silence! Now listen closely!" Magellan shouted again, his voice surprisingly effective this time. Most of the shouting ceased immediately. After all, the prospect of freedom, however remote, demanded their attention. Even the maddest prisoners fell quiet now.

"Listen well," Magellan continued. "Master Luo Ning has constructed a vast arena on the first floor above sea level. Those of you who wish to participate can register. We will provide ample food and training facilities.

"Once your strength has returned to its peak, you will face Master Luo Ning in combat. Victory secures your freedom from Impel Down. Defeat, however, means you remain here to serve your sentence."

Magellan concisely relayed the terms.

"Registration will take place shortly. This is your sole opportunity for escape. However, let me be frank. I sincerely doubt any of you can best Master Luo Ning. He is an unmatched force within this world!"

With that, Magellan departed, leaving the sixth floor in a stunned silence that abruptly shattered into a cacophony of noise.

"Such an opportunity! A chance at freedom, complete with training grounds and ample food? Have they gone mad?" The prisoners of level six were in a state of feverish excitement. This was the predictable reaction of such a volatile group.

However, a few voices of reason emerged.

"A bunch of fools! Do you truly believe that monstrosity, Luo Ning, is so easily defeated? Consider how you yourselves ended up here. And those Celestial Dragons – captured and surviving until now? Don't you think they were all formidable figures in their own right?"

Golden Lion scoffed. These fools were taking the opportunity for granted. Luo Ning was the most fearsome existence he'd ever encountered. Even Rocks in his prime couldn't hold a candle to Luo Ning.

The fact that Luo Ning was still very much alive and even constructing an arena served as a clear message – the World Government held no sway over him. Who among them could dare to openly defy the World Government and emerge unscathed?

Golden Lion was confident in his answer: none. While a sliver of hope for freedom existed, it was realistically negligible.

"Golden Lion, has that fellow frightened you witless?"

A voice, gruff and challenging, echoed from a nearby cell. It belonged to Douglas Bullet the Demon Heir. A spark of defiance flickered in his eyes, a clear indication of his intent to participate.

"Frightened? You'll find out for yourself once you fight him," Golden Lion rumbled. "But with the chance to fill my belly, I'll certainly sign up!"

He readily admitted his inability to defeat Luo Ning. However, signing up presented a rare opportunity in Impel Down – a chance to eat his fill. The standard prison fare was a meager offering, barely enough to stave off starvation. How could one muster any strength under such conditions? Bullet, of course, was an exception.

"Looks like this old man should stretch his limbs a bit!"

Patrick Redfield the Red Count chimed in from his cell. Even if the chances of victory were slim, it was still a chance. As Golden Lion had said, even if they lost, they could at least enjoy a few hearty meals. Why not take the gamble?