Chapter 520: The Three Guardian Mythical Beasts
As contestants journeyed toward the Competitive Canyon, many chose to linger outside its boundaries. Some, after careful consideration, even opted to steer clear entirely.
It was clear that caution prevailed among them. While those who ventured forth weren't entirely reckless, their pursuit of wealth often outweighed their fear of danger.
Morgans' voice rang out again. "Contestants, you can see that within the canyon, at each of the three corners of the triangular area, there stands a red attic building. These attics serve as sanctuaries for the weaker contestants."
He paused, adopting a reverent tone. "Here, we must praise the compassion of the Yamata God Orochimaru for the weak."
His flattering expression drew ire from many watching the live broadcast, their frustration palpable.
Morgans, undeterred, continued, "Enough of that. Contestants who feel their strength is lacking can seek refuge in these attics. The attics and the surrounding cliffs are designated safe zones. Each attic has nine floors, with the ninth being open-air, offering an excellent view. Stronger contestants who wish to avoid the battle can observe from there."
Adjusting his collar, Morgans added, "This Competitive Canyon was once a dueling ground for Mythical beasts, so it's exceptionally sturdy. Contestants outside the canyon need not worry about being affected by the battles within. That covers the safety concerns. Now, let's move on to how to break the central formation."
He shifted to the core matter, dismissing the concerns of weaker contestants. In his view, those who courted death would find it, and no one could stop them.
"One kilometer outward from the central light sphere, at each of the three corners of the triangular area, stands a statue," Morgans explained. "If contestants can convince all three—or at least two—of these statues to abandon their link to the formation, the seal will break."
Contestants listening intently sensed something unusual.
Abandon? How could statues abandon anything? Were they alive?
Some speculated, while stronger contestants grew confident in their guesses.
"That's… the Dragon God of Hades?!" Sword Master Scarlett, a leader of the Sisters Sword Society and deputy captain of the Soul Society's Gotei 13 Division, stared at a distant statue with a grave expression.
She recognized it from an intelligence report. Three months prior, a terrifying spiritual entity had emerged in the underworld, revered as a god by locals. Known as the Dragon God of Hades, it had vanished abruptly.
Scarlett had been curious about its whereabouts, never expecting to find it here.
"No wonder the teacher forbade me from investigating," she murmured. "It's a Mythical beast under the Yamata God Orochimaru."
Morgans' voice boomed again, confirming suspicions. "Yes, I believe many of you have guessed or sensed it. Those three statues are genuine Mythical beasts—specifically, the only three Superior Mythical King-level beasts on Mythical Beast Island. They are the island's most formidable defenders."
Crack, crack, crack!
As he spoke, the three gray stone statues began to fracture. Under the intense gazes of contestants and the stunned eyes of the global audience, the stone exteriors shattered, revealing the beasts within.
A terrifying aura enveloped the canyon, sending chills through the crowd. Many contestants' legs trembled uncontrollably.
"Horrible! So terrifying!" one whispered.
"Is this what a Superior Mythical King feels like?" another muttered.
Morgans had previously mentioned the concept of Superior Mythical Kings when discussing a God Killer Equipment likening them to apostles for clarity. He had noted the existence of guardian Mythical beasts but hadn't detailed their identities, appearances, or attributes—until now.
One beast, in particular, drew attention. It bore eight majestic snake heads, its body a blend of blue and purple, wreathed in purple mist with a cyan halo. Its eerie appearance strongly resembled the flag of the Yamata Sect, symbolizing the Yamata God Orochimaru.
Though its style was more sinister, its body slimmer, and its colors off, the eight-headed form evoked the Yamata God Orochimaru's image. The resemblance was superficial, as the beast paled in comparison to the Yamata God Orochimaru's true form, but the similarity was striking.
The audience's confusion didn't linger. Morgans' voice returned. "I believe you've seen these three guardian Mythical beasts clearly. To claim the final treasure, you must defeat them or convince them to abandon the seal. At least two must relinquish their link for the seal to collapse. That's your goal. From here, it's up to you to compete for the treasure based on your abilities."
After speaking at length, Morgans took a swig from a water bottle, letting out a long burp before continuing. "Now, allow me, Morgans, to introduce these three guardian Mythical beasts. First is the Yamata Lion Majesty, a Mythical beast modeled after the Devil Fruit's Yamata no Orochi."
The crowd murmured in realization. No wonder it felt familiar yet different—it was based on the Yamata no Orochi.
The global understanding of Devil Fruits acknowledged their power as inferior to that of gods, easing the audience's acceptance.
Morgans' warning about its dangers—particularly its "gangrenous bone poison"—went largely unheeded by viewers, who felt safe watching from afar.
"The second is the dragon-like Mythical beast, the Dragon of Hades, imbued with the attribute of death," Morgans said briefly. His notes indicated the Dragon could traverse the realm of the dead, a detail so shocking he hadn't fully processed it himself.
"The last, designated the strongest by the Yamata God Orochimaru, is the Golden Crow of the Sun," he continued. "It appears as a small, black, three-legged crow, but its diminutive form conceals heat capable of melting the world. Do not underestimate it."
His words sparked immediate reactions.
Underestimate?
Contestants' legs shook so violently they could barely stand. The overwhelming pressure suggested that any battle could be catastrophic.
Desperate to escape the looming threat, many contestants scrambled toward the safe zones at the triangle's edges, hoping to reach the attics. The beasts' mere presence was terrifying—how much worse would a real fight be?
(End of this chapter)