I guarded Impel Down for a hundred years in the pirate world.

Some people cannot accept this.

Inside Impel Down, the six Five Elders, allowed to watch the broadcast, stared in disbelief. Raiola, in a fit of rage, shouted, "Impossible! This is fake! Gaston Figo fabricated a false history to tarnish the Celestial Dragons and the descendants of our gods! Disgusting! Disgusting—"

He clutched his chest and collapsed.

But no one helped him up.

The other five looked at each other, all of them listless.

Destroy it, I'm tired.

Besides them, some people laughed out loud, "Celestial Dragons of the Universe? How ironic and funny!"

Some people were even more excited!

It's not over yet, is it? These mysteries of history and the universe are just the beginning. They can sense that even bigger things are yet to come, and much more will be announced!

Sure enough, after Crohar finished recounting that erased history and left the stage, the figure of Fleet Admiral Kong appeared on the screen.

"Since learning the truth of history, the Navy's research and development team has been developing a spacecraft capable of interstellar travel. Finally, a month ago, they conducted the test flight of Lunar Lander 1 and successfully landed on the moon!"

"Two weeks ago, we made contact once again with the Mink Tribe guests from the other side of the starry sky, Zou. Next, we will screen a dialogue between Uncle Gaston Figo and the Mink Tribe. Let's learn about the universe!"

The world fell silent once again.

The video was edited, and what was played directly was the moment when Figo was sitting face to face with three mink, asking them questions.

The revival star ignites the flame within the body.

Everyone was excited about the King of the World's power and invincibility, and proud of Figo. Their initial panic at the sudden realization of the vastness of the starry sky was completely suppressed.

Knowing about the turmoil of the cosmic demon race, I originally thought the demon race was pathetic, but now I don't feel sorry for them anymore.

When Figo asked if there was anything capable of destroying a planet with a single blow, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. After realizing it was just a false alarm, they smiled and thought that even the King of the World had a cute side, being overly cautious.

One question after another, one answer after another.

Hundreds of thousands of life-bearing planets!

Countless mysteries beyond the universe!

One after another, powerful figures roam the starry sky!

The weak are worried, while the strong are cheering!

Countless people, as they listened, awakened their Conqueror's Haki, causing chaos. Even if it's only one in a million, it doesn't seem so rare in the whole world.

Men of this world yearn for freedom. What is freer than the starry sky?

No one felt tired.

One hour, two hours.

After the dialogue between Figo and the Mink Tribe finished playing, the figure of Gaston Figo, the King of the World, which everyone had been waiting for, finally appeared on the broadcast screen!

He is still as tall and imposing as ever, and his appearance is exactly the same as it was 20 years ago. He seems to never age, giving people a great sense of security.

"Everyone, we meet again after 20 years. We've heard about history and learned about the starry sky. I think everyone has a lot to say."

Figo laughed and said, "I'll speak for everyone."

He raised his right hand, gesturing with his thumb and forefinger to indicate a tiny distance, and said, "Only this big. Our Qinghai is only this big in the universe. Even now, it hasn't been marked on a star map."

After learning these things, I feel somewhat ashamed of the title you've given me, 'King of the World.' Our vision is limited by our knowledge; our world is but a speck of dust in the vastness of space. Are you content with that?

After a few seconds of silence, Figo answered himself.

"I am not reconciled."

He smiled and continued, "Actually, we don't have to make these things public. It's foreseeable that for the next thirty to fifty years, Qinghai will remain in a remote corner, isolated from the stars."

But what about 30 to 50 years from now?

If powerful space pirates discover our location and try to steal our Devil Fruits or our Seastone, what will we use to resist?

If the Celestial Dragons of the universe discover this place and want to bring us into their territory and take whatever they want from us, how can we refuse?

If the demons find this place and want to slaughter us, how will we survive?

Rather than passively waiting for that day to come, awaiting fate's judgment upon us, we should take the initiative... and step out!

Figo's voice was slightly louder: "Some people may feel fear, and some people may place their hopes on the protection of the strong. I have actually considered doing this as well—going to the stars in the universe to improve myself, learn their technology, learn their combat skills, and improve myself."

Then bring these back and become heroes who change Qinghai. But I don't think that's right. At least everyone should have the right to know and choose, and the opportunity to be a hero. We Qinghai people are no weaker than anyone else! Yes, everyone will have the opportunity to qualify for a journey to the stars!

After pausing for a few seconds, he continued his story in a soft, gentle voice: "Seventeen years ago, I encountered a pirate crew on the high seas—the Ward Pirates. After I captured Captain Bondi Ward, he questioned me about my intentions and why I kept fighting pirates. He told me, 'Human dreams, humanity's yearning for freedom, will never end!'"

"I'm confused. What's the necessary connection between yearning for freedom and becoming a pirate? A pirate is a thief, so what's wrong with being punished?"

"What kind of skill is it to yearn for freedom and roam the seas burning, killing, and plundering?" Figo said, "The Navy and I will always maintain our stance: pirates should be captured!"

"However, adventurers are different."

"I've met many men who genuinely and purely yearn for freedom, and I don't dislike them, but please stop using the pirate banner! And now, there is even greater freedom for you to pursue!"

Anticipation, restlessness. On each island, in each man, upon hearing these words, a certain impulse seemed to rise within them. Figo allowed this emotion to ferment in the world for a few seconds before continuing:

"Next, I will make all the sea charts public, including the location of the final island!"

I named that place the Island of Departure!

Adventurers yearning for freedom, if you conquer this sea and successfully reach it, you will gain the right to sail the stars!

Before the world could gasp in astonishment, Figo raised his hand and said, "The Navy will increase its oversight of every sea area. Don't take chances and become a pirate who calls himself an adventurer. There are still countless empty cells in Impel Down!"

And you men who truly yearn for freedom, come and compete with me on this stage! Let's see who can make Qinghai's name resound through the stars first! Who will become a hero recorded in Qinghai's history!

The broadcast footage was cut off.

The world was silent for a few seconds.

Cheers! A frenzy erupts!

Seven-year-old Crocodile jumped up and down, patting his white beard excitedly, "Dad, Dad, can they...?"

On a small island, a little boy with eagle-like eyes frantically swung a wooden stick in his hand, as if he wanted to cleave the starry sky with a sword, and was spanked by his parents.

Cheers also erupted at the Navy Headquarters.

Countless current and future powerhouses are turning their gaze to the sea and to the stars.

On February 22, 1484 (according to the Haiyuan calendar), the people of Qinghai began their conquest of the stars!

Age of Space Exploration

Chapter 145 Resignation

1500 in the Haiyuan calendar.

"Daglas Barrett, are you the leader of the Barrett Adventurer's Guild? Please show me your New World Route island access document and assessment certificate."

"Okay, we will verify it."

"Please be patient. You will need to stay in the Royal City for three months to undergo special training in essential skills such as the Six Arts of the Stars, Star Language, and flying boat piloting. If everything is verified and no criminal record is found, you will be matched with your own flying boats after three months and begin your star adventure."

"Oh, there's one more thing you need to choose. When you enter space, do you need a naval officer to guide you? Currently, the Navy Headquarters has established naval branches on seven inhabited planets relatively close to Qinghai. With their help, your journey will start more smoothly."

"It can be paid or unpaid. If your space adventure goes well, we hope that you can contribute resources equivalent to five million star coins in the future... No, there is no mandatory obligation. This is an agreement among adventurers, for our common Qinghai."

"Okay, have a great adventure."

After completing a series of registration procedures, the Barrett Adventurers, led by the jailer, entered Impel Down 4 and headed towards Impel Down.

"Three more months? I can't wait to fight the strongest in the stars." The tall, strong, blond-haired Barrett grinned, his face full of bulging flesh, his excitement barely contained.

"Hahaha, Captain, just bear with it for a bit." The young man next to him laughed loudly, "Without learning the Star Language and how to pilot the flying boat, we won't be able to move an inch in the starry sky."

“Why not just recruit two aliens from a nearby planet? I have absolutely no interest in that stuff,” Barrett said.

This time, the pot-bellied young man next to him just smiled憨厚ly and didn't respond.

The other members of the adventure team following behind the two readily agreed, saying that the task of learning to read and flyboats would be left to them. They had been somewhat dragged to the final island by Barrett thanks to their navigation skills and other abilities, and were worried that Barrett would not take them with him if they went into space.

Upon reaching the fourth level, they took a shuttle bus through the underwater passage to the Imperial City. As they visited for the first time, they admired the sea view and dreamed of the starry sky.

The shuttle bus soon stopped outside the fourth level of the Royal City. The group got off and continued with the jailer towards the Royal City Adventurers' House. They hadn't gone far when the jailer leading them suddenly stopped and exclaimed excitedly, "Lord of the Royal City? You're back!"

Push King? That's not it... Barrett paused, gazing in that direction.

Sixteen years ago, when he was only seven years old, he listened to Figo's speech on the broadcast screen, but Figo's appearance and demeanor were firmly imprinted in his mind and could not be forgotten.

At first glance, he confirmed that it was indeed Figo, but he looked somewhat different from what he remembered.

It's not that he's aged with time, but rather that he's become younger. It's as if Figo has been aging in reverse for the past 16 years, transforming from a middle-aged man in his fifties into a robust man in his thirties!

'As expected of the King of the World?' A smile of excitement appeared on his lips.

The other members of the adventure team were also pleasantly surprised to see Figo. Figo had barely appeared in Qinghai for the past 16 years, and everyone thought he had already ventured into the starry sky. They never expected to see him here. But when they noticed Barrett's expression, they were all shocked.

"Hey, Commander, you wouldn't want to..."

“King of the World, I am so fortunate to meet you here. Can you show me the gap between me and the pinnacle of the world?!” Barrett shouted.

The adventurers were all shocked: "..."

The jailer who led them there glared at them.

Figo looked over.

His gaze swept across the faces of the Barrett Adventurer Group members, and he smiled, "Another adventurer group arriving at the Isle of Departure? Come on!"

Barrett's excitement intensified.

Amidst the horrified gazes of his subordinates, he clenched his fist without hesitation, enveloped it in flowing Armament Haki, and his right arm expanded to a certain extent, altering its cellular structure. Using the False Fire technique, he charged straight towards Figo!

The force capable of shattering a small mountain with a single blow pressed down! And then, in an instant, vanished without a trace!

A single finger calmly blocked his fist, like a black hole, swallowing up all his strength. Barrett paused for two seconds, then grinned, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

That's how it should be! If the King of the World didn't reach this level, he would be disappointed!

Figo laughed and patted Barrett's arm: "Not bad strength. You'll become a great fighter. What's your name?"

"Daglas Barrett!"

Figo already knew, and then asked the pot-bellied young man, "And you?"