Chapter 766: Chapter 378: Invitation (Five-in-One)_6
A red carpet is spread over the metallic floor, with a massive celebration stage built at the center.
A dense crowd gathers below the stage, composed of nobles, wealthy personalities, and representatives of various forces.
Meanwhile, millions of spectators have gathered on the Star Wall and surrounding viewing platforms.
At this moment, Prime Minister Banat, dressed in a luxurious red robe, steps onto the celebration stage, beaming with a radiant smile as he speaks.
“Everyone, please quiet down!”
The noisy crowd gradually falls silent.
Click!
Countless flashes light up.
Numerous reporters continuously take photos of Banat.
Mechanical spheres with thin metal wings fly up to various angles in mid-air, starting a full-angle live broadcast.
“Gentlemen and ladies, good day! I am Banat, the Prime Minister of the Shabask Kingdom. Thank you all for being here in person to witness the once-in-a-century Star Storage competition. I will be your host today, introducing and explaining the event!”
Banat says with a smile to everyone.
“Let’s begin!”
“Start it quickly!”
…..
Enthusiastic voices continue to echo.
“Alright, alright, alright, I know everyone is quite impatient. But don’t rush, this Star Storage competition is going to be unprecedentedly grand. All members of the royal family will participate; they will fight for this kingdom to seek precious minerals. I believe the future of the Shabask Kingdom will be even more prosperous. Let us welcome the competing teams with warm applause!”
Banat delivers an impassioned speech.
Clap, clap!
Warm applause erupts at the scene.
At this time, mechanical spheres point towards the left side of the celebration stage.
The Eldest Prince Solerka, dressed in an extravagant black robe, steps forward proudly with a hundred-member team.
A close look reveals that Ting Kun and others are in the team.
Banat then introduces the participants to everyone.
“First to enter is Eldest Prince Solerka.”
“Eldest Prince!”
Numerous enthusiastic cheers arise from the crowd.
The Eldest Prince Solerka flashes a brilliant smile, raising his hand to wave at the cheering crowd.
Though he disdains mingling with these commoners, public support has its value at times.
At this moment, Third Prince Merit, wearing a modest robe and a gentle smile, steps out with his team.
“Now coming to the stage is Third Prince Merit!”
“Third Prince!”
Instantly, more than half of the audience bursts into fervent cheers.
Merit raises his hand, constantly waving to the crowd, appearing very approachable.
Amid the enthusiastic cheers, he leads his team to stand beside Solerka.
Judging by the cheers, it’s clear that Merit’s image and reputation far surpass Eldest Prince Solerka.
Seeing Merit so well-received, Solerka’s eyes flash with a hint of anger towards Merit.
Unfortunately, Merit simply ignores him.
At this moment, Omid, wearing a gray robe, emerges solemnly leading a team.
Banat also quickly introduces Omid.
“Now entering the stage is Seventh Prince Omid.”
The audience responds with only a few cheers.
Nevertheless, Omid remains indifferent, leading his team to stand beside the Third Prince.
At this moment, Simak, Shadler, and seven other legitimate royal family members also come out leading their teams.
“Now entering are royal family members, Simak….”
Prime Minister Banat continuously introduces the teams to the crowd.
Meanwhile, teams from the Federation, Tianqi, Dark Star, and Saint Joex Star also follow suit to enter.
Compared to the solemn introductions for royal family members, the teams from the Federation’s four forces receive only brief introductions from Prime Minister Banat.
After all, on the surface, the Star Storage event is meant for royal family members, with other four forces participating largely for engagement.
At this moment, Shadler sees Su Ming and Su Yuan, excitedly waving toward them.
Witnessing this scene, Su Ming is somewhat surprised and quietly speaks to Su Yuan.
“Did Shadler form his own team? Didn’t he join his father?”
“Of course, all royal family members are eligible to participate. Each person can sail a ship, and the more ships, the higher the chances of victory!”
“Isn’t his dad worried something might happen to Shadler?”
“Worried, definitely worried, but since this is a treasure hunting event, nothing should go wrong under normal circumstances.”
Su Yuan speaks without much confidence.
Su Ming shakes his head, choosing not to comment further.
Meanwhile, the gathered members of the royal family engage in excited discussions.
Two young men from side branches converse with smiles.
“Sikem, the King said that any royal family member who wins can obtain the Crown Prince Jade Pendant. Does that mean we can become the Crown Prince if we win?”
“Harper, you make a good point. Though we are not direct descendants of the Shatake Sovereign, we are descendants of his brother, still part of the royal family.”
As their conversation grew more animated, Simak heard their words, burning with rage, and cursed.
“Sikem, Harper, have you both lost your minds, not even considering who you are before eying the Crown Prince position?”
“Simak, don’t misunderstand….”
The two were startled, stuttering in explanation.
“Misunderstanding my ass!”
Simak raised his hand, slapping each of them in the face.
Slap!
The crisp sound of slapping resounded instantly.
A minor commotion followed suit.
Su Ming and others looked over in confusion.
Simak, having unleashed his fury, cursed them further.
“Damn it, consider yourselves lucky to even participate. You side branch trash still dream of the Crown Prince position.”
At this moment, personnel from the orthodox factions also scoffed coldly.
“Have you all gone mad, dreaming of ascending to power without seeing who you are.”
“No brains at all, fantasizing instead of reporting resource finds to us.”
Su Yuan, witnessing the scene, chuckled and said to Su Ming.
“See, they are fighting among themselves!”
“It’s normal. This Star Storage concerns the Crown Prince position; the royal family members are bound to scramble for it.”
“I just don’t get it, why the side branches are joining the chaos when it’s enough for the orthodox contenders to compete.”
“Power is something that easily clouds judgment, even if there’s an abyss ahead, people will blindly step forward. Just wait, this Star Storage event is bound to be lively.”
Su Ming explained calmly.
At this point, Banat notices the commotion within the teams and hurries over.
He smiles placatingly at Simak and others as he speaks.
“Masters, please calm down, stop the insults!”
“Banat, this is none of your business.”
Simak and others retort disdainfully.
“Masters, this is a live broadcast. Causing trouble isn’t good, if the King gets angry….”
Banat speaks with a sarcastic smile.
Hearing this, Simak and others change their expressions, coldly snort, and disperse.
Banat watches their departing figures, breathing a sigh of relief. Fortunate he managed to control the situation before it escalated.