Chapter 467: Otohime Sheds Tears
"Let's go for swift victory."
Tesoro flashed a brief smile and prepared to launch the next assault.
First, he aimed to clear the obstacles blocking the path to the Lucky Cat.
This time, he intended to display his own strength.
After the recent outburst, many magic pattern users were in poor condition.
Those with Holy Light Potions could recover, but those without had to wait.
The intense explosion of power had strained many magic pattern users.
Thus, Tesoro needed to act.
The presidents of other guilds offered their support.
B-level magic pattern users were capable and could lend a hand.
Then, another voice spoke up.
"President Tesoro, I heard you recently earned the A-level magic emblem. I wonder how strong you are."
Standing on the ship's bow, Bashan looked at Tesoro and spoke with a smile.
Among the magic pattern users present, Tesoro was the strongest.
Only one other could rival him.
That was Thunder Ray, the fishman leader of the Eve Guild.
This gray-skinned fishman was also an A-level magic pattern user.
"You will soon witness my strength." Tesoro replied and turned his gaze to Thunder Ray.
Thunder Ray met Tesoro's eyes and nodded.
"Kuwahahaha… Dear viewers, we see that the nine Magic Pattern Guilds who arrived first have formed a cooperative alliance." Morgans announced.
"With seamless teamwork, they have subdued hundreds of sub-species mythical beasts."
"It is truly astonishing, what a spectacular battle!"
"Indeed, this era is the great era of magic patterns!"
Morgans' voice echoed across the vast sea, arriving late.
While the guilds had discussed their strategy, Morgans had been chattering about various details.
The magic pattern users, focused on preparing for battle, had ignored him.
Now, with the Eightfold Alliance's operation, the sub-species mythical beasts blocking the way were temporarily neutralized.
Morgans grew animated.
Viewers worldwide fixed their eyes on the live broadcast.
The mythical beast Lucky Cat and the mythical beast Water Crocodile!
After Morgans' introduction, their desire burned fiercely.
Sadly, they could only watch.
Even if they reached the scene, many would be powerless.
The first stage of the island-landing competition alone was a barrier for most.
Beyond wealth to afford a powerful ship, one needed strength or immense luck.
These were already steep hurdles for ordinary people.
Though the mythical beasts were beyond their reach, watching eased their greed, offering some comfort.
It also fueled some viewers' resolve to grow stronger.
The frustration of watching powerlessly was overwhelming.
"Kuwahahaha… The president of the Money Worship Guild is about to act." Morgans proclaimed.
"Alongside him is Eve's guild leader, Thunder Ray. Both are A-level magic pattern users, true giants among magic pattern users."
"Other presidents are involved as well."
Morgans' booming voice spread across seas and islands worldwide.
In the Beast's Gift stage, a ship bearing the Great Fleet's flag sailed among Sea Kings.
Sea monsters and Sea Kings attacking along the way were swept aside by relentless currents.
"Thunder Ray! That fellow has become dependable!" Tiger exclaimed.
Tiger, the fishman hero and one of the Seven Chiefs of Sins in the Extremely Evil Fleet, gazed at the distant figure.
A relieved smile spread across Tiger's face.
He recalled the cold, timid look in Thunder Ray's eyes when they first met.
Now, he was a formidable figure!
What a relief!
Eve, the name bestowed by Princess Otohime, carried her hope that Thunder Ray would lead the guild to greatness.
As Tiger reflected, in the Ryugu Palace of Fishman Island, Princess Otohime watched the live broadcast of the Mythical Beast Conference.
Listening to Morgans' commentary, tears of joy streamed down her face.
Eve, fighting alongside humans, was the reason for her tears.
"Otohime, please stop crying." Neptune, the Ryugu Palace king beside her, said with concern and confusion.
"It is fine. I am just too happy." Otohime replied.
She wiped her tears with both hands, then grabbed a piece of white paper and quickly cleared the snot from one nostril.
Having snot on only one side was truly embarrassing.
"It is wonderful that Thunder Ray has embarked on such a path!" She said and a bright smile lit her face.
Seeing her smile, Neptune smiled too.
To him, Otohime's dream seemed attainable.
The Kingdom of Corti, a land of miracles, was tolerant toward outsiders.
When the Hunters Association was founded, there was a plan to include Fishman Island as an official member.
But due to Fishman Island's limited strength, the plan failed.
Instead, the position went to Elbaf, the Nation of Giants.
Though unsuccessful, the Hunters Association later maintained a friendly stance toward Fishman Island.
As a neutral global force, this attitude greatly impacted Fishman Island.
Neptune's view of humans improved significantly.
Later, the World Government invited their nation to join as an official Magic Pattern User member.
Though Neptune was unsure of the World Government's motives, it was undoubtedly beneficial for Fishman Island.
With Tiger's efforts outside, Otohime and Jinbe's advocacy within, Fishman Island was progressing positively.
The rise of Magic Pattern Users had bolstered Fishman Island's high-end combat power.
Security on the island had improved greatly.
Pirates with bounties of hundreds of millions no longer dared to cause trouble easily.
Now, with Thunder Ray's growth, the prospect of fishmen thriving at sea was emerging.
Seeing this hope, Neptune smiled naturally.
At the end of the third stage of the Mythical Beast Conference, the Water Crocodile watched its subordinates fall in mere moments, feeling stunned.
They had been foolish, waiting like sitting geese for the enemy's first strike.
But it no longer mattered.
The Water Crocodile eyed the ice floes formed on the sea before it.
Several human figures, including a fishman, approached across the ice.
As they advanced, the ice floe expanded toward it.
These humans thought it was a weak crocodile because it had not shown its power!
The Water Crocodile glanced at the Lucky Cat behind it, whose eyes remained vacant.
Forget it—it would fight, but retreat if it got too tough.
Splash!
The sound of flowing water echoed continuously.
Massive ocean currents surged.
A wave tens of meters high lifted the Water Crocodile's hundred-meter-long body upright.
It stood on the sea as if on two legs.
Moreover, its right claw clutched a massive water spear, like a human wielding a weapon.
The magic pattern users facing the Water Crocodile felt immense pressure and a looming shadow.
A crocodile lying down was one thing; standing was entirely different.
And it held a giant water spear like a human soldier.
"Kuwahahaha… The Water Crocodile stands on the sea's surface, wielding a water-made weapon like a human. This is truly remarkable!" Morgans exclaimed and his passionate voice spread worldwide.
"An exciting battle is approaching."
"On one side, the mythical beast Water Crocodile; on the other, the presidents of renowned guilds."
"Stay tuned to see how it unfolds."
Hearing Morgans' words, the guild members at the rear could not help but think: That guy is treating this like a fighting ring!
(End of Chapter)