Chapter 466: A Lightning-Fast Cooperative Battle
"Very well, let us settle it then!" Tesoro declared.
"But the question now is, will Eve's Fishman Guild join?"
"They are official members of the Magic Pattern Association, and are they not wealthy?"
Hearing Bashan's words, everyone turned their gaze to a ship adorned with shellfish.
This was the official Fishman Guild Eve led by Thunder Ray, from the Magic Pattern Association.
Thunder Ray, leader of the Eve Guild, noticed the attention but maintained a calm expression.
Indeed, as an official affiliate of the Magic Pattern Association, Eve guild had vast resources.
The large sea magic mine controlled by Fishman Island alone brought immense profits.
As long as the mine was active, its daily earnings surpassed those of the Lucky Cat.
However, such wealth came at a cost.
Sea magic mines, especially large ones, were home to numerous Sea Demon Beasts.
Located deep in the ocean, only Fishmen could work in these mines, and the risks were high.
Moreover, Fishman Island's official status in the Magic Pattern Association secured their claim to the mine.
In exchange, Fishman Island provided sea magic ore mining services to other major forces.
They were not short of money, but they welcomed more wealth from other sources.
This would reduce the need for their kin to mine, lowering the risks.
"We can participate." Thunder Ray said calmly.
"With our official background, you will face less pressure, yes?"
"And with our guild's strength, you need not worry."
Addressing Bashan's doubts, Eve spoke with composure.
He knew Bashan's skepticism stemmed not only from their official status but also from their fishman identity.
Yet, in Thunder Ray's view, humans always chased profits.
As long as there were benefits, race did not matter.
Thunder Ray's words eased the tension among those present.
His reasoning held truth.
As an official member of the anti-demon organization, his background indeed alleviated some pressure.
More importantly, their strength was undeniable.
Compared to the official Magic Alliance, Fishman Island had hundreds of C-level magic pattern users.
As the only magic pattern guild on Fishman Island, their numbers were limited by population.
Magic pattern users were rare.
Fishman Island's count was a result of unique circumstances.
Recruiting others was challenging.
As a fishman guild, even if they wished to include humans or other races, various constraints existed.
Their potential was thus capped.
"It seems everyone has decided. Let us call ourselves the Eightfold Alliance for now and jointly claim the mythical beasts." Tesoro announced.
"If there are no objections, we can divide tasks and capture the Lucky Cat."
Tesoro's sharp eyes scanned the gathered leaders, paused, and he added, "As for the Water Crocodile, leave it be. Do not trust all of Morgans' words."
Those present considered his words and finally agreed.
Even Alabasta's Oasis Magic Pattern Guild joined.
They could not resist the majority.
Everyone had dismissed President Badisha's call for respect.
Face held no sway, so they had no choice but to join.
They would assess the situation later.
Soon, the major guilds discussed their division of labor.
During this time, none of the banana crocodiles advanced.
They followed the orders of their leader, the mythical beast Water Crocodile.
As long as no one crossed their boundary, they remained still.
"Begin the operation." Tesoro commanded.
The eight magic pattern guilds split into pairs and charged toward the banana crocodile horde.
Splash!
About twenty banana crocodiles clustered in one direction.
Whoosh!
Countless boulders and mudslides surged forth.
Propelled by wind, they smashed, squeezed, and shook the gathered crocodiles.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Soon, a massive stone ball, over a hundred meters wide, formed.
This was a simple technique by the Great Tornado and Diming Guilds to temporarily seal the sub-species mythical beasts' movements.
Compared to the banana crocodiles, the guilds had a clear division of labor.
Their combined strength was formidable.
The banana crocodiles merely followed their leader's orders.
In typical battles, they swarmed chaotically.
They lacked cooperation.
Caught off guard, they were temporarily sealed.
Their thick hides made this non-lethal, but it restrained them for now.
The assault did not end there.
Whoosh!
Ocean currents surged upward, enveloping the hundred-meter stone ball in a larger, three-hundred-meter water sphere.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
The sound of freezing echoed.
A massive three-hundred-meter ice ball appeared in the air, then sank slowly to the sea floor.
This was the work of the Fishman Guild Eve and the Freezing Tide Guild.
Whether the sub-species mythical beasts inside could escape was uncertain.
It would take time.
Meanwhile, the remaining banana crocodiles, seeing their kin sealed, grew enraged.
They prepared to wield their water-control abilities to attack the humans.
However, the other magic pattern users were ready.
"Let's kill them all!"
The Thunder Guild President shouted and his subordinates acted.
Waves of lightning surged through the sea, wreaking havoc.
The electric currents stunned the crocodiles preparing to attack.
Seizing the moment, metal chains wrapped around each crocodile.
Lightning coursed through the chains, flashing brightly, paralyzing the crocodiles.
At that moment, vine branches entwined the crocodiles together.
They formed a giant sepak takraw ball.
The Natural Home and Oasis Guilds had joined forces.
Other guilds, quickly consuming magic potions to replenish their power, acted again.
The suspended sepak takraw ball was reinforced with mud, stone, and thick ice.
An even larger ice ball, nearly four hundred meters high, crashed into the sea.
The resulting waves rocked the guilds' ships.
Seeing the ice ball sink, the magic pattern users who attacked sighed in relief.
They had caught their opponents off guard.
Each crocodile was like a sitting target, waiting for their strike.
Otherwise, who knew what would happen if the crocodiles counterattacked?
They likely could not escape.
Many thought so inwardly.
Gild Tesoro, the leader, smiled.
Not because he believed the crocodiles were trapped, but because he admired the guilds' swift cooperation.
Magic pattern users with varied attributes worked seamlessly together.
Their combined power was immense.
Even against peers of equal strength, the difference was clear.
Thus, magic pattern users were the future.
Tesoro firmly believed this.
With control over money and resources, he could dominate the growing Magic Pattern Guilds.
In time, even the Celestial Dragons would fall beneath him.
For now, his first step was to secure the Lucky Cat, solidify the alliance, and let it flourish.
(End of Chapter)