Chapter 518: The Final Prize of the Mythical Beast Conference
Time passed slowly.
Across Mythical Beast Island, numerous battles erupted as various factions clashed. Some conflicts arose from rivalries, while others ended with contestants retreating out of caution.
The outcomes varied depending on each contestant's strength and strategy. Major forces generally secured treasures, but some were unlucky, leaving empty-handed due to the limited number of prizes.
As the sun climbed to its peak and began its westward descent, Morgans' booming voice echoed across Mythical Beast Island and reached the global audience watching the live broadcast.
"Dear contestants, the sun will set in one hour," Morgans announced, "Then, the highlight of our Mythical Beast Conference will begin—the unveiling of the final prize!"
His cautious yet theatrical tone jolted the audience, who had grown weary after watching the day-long broadcast. Their attention sharpened instantly.
No one doubted the significance of the final prize. It was undoubtedly an extraordinary treasure.
The conference had already showcased remarkable items: Contract Stones to bind Mythical beasts, Sky-Bound Crystals to seal them and create Jinchūriki, Mythical Beast Fruits that granted transformation into mythical creatures, and God Killer Equipment capable of rivaling or even defeating demigods. These treasures were unprecedented, unattainable by mere wealth, and their acquisition by contestants fueled envy among viewers worldwide, who longed to join the fray.
However, the island's initial three-stage entry trials deterred most aspirants, let alone the challenges that followed. Only those with exceptional abilities could participate, a harsh reality that intensified the global hunger for power.
The seas grew increasingly turbulent, as both ambitious conquerors and those defending their homes recognized the necessity of strength—a truth laid bare by the Mythical Beast Conference.
Many foresaw that this event would usher in an era of even greater chaos.
"Now, all contestants on the island, please make your way to the valley in the central area of Mythical Beast Island!" Morgans continued. "There, the final prize will be claimed by the victor. Let me share a little secret: this prize is unprecedented! Kwahahahaha!"
His sly, businesslike grin heightened anticipation. "If used well, this ultimate prize could earn its wielder the coveted five-star rank. That power…"
His voice trailed off, deepening dramatically. The emotions of contestants and viewers surged with his words, hanging on his every syllable.
Moments passed in silence, and frustration mounted. Eyes reddened as the audience cursed Morgans' suspenseful pause.
Why did he have to drag it out?
Many vowed to give him a good smack if they ever got the chance.
Unaware of the growing resentment—or perhaps reveling in it—Morgans pressed on.
He knew prolonging the suspense too long could backfire, "That power is close to that of a god, perhaps even reaching godhood itself!"
The announcement ignited fanatic gazes among the crowd.
A prize that could grant near-divine power? Was this for real?
Viewers stared at Morgans' image on their screens, desperate for more details.
Morgans didn't disappoint. With a decisive flourish, he concluded, "Kwahahaha, that's all I'll reveal for now. I look forward to welcoming all contestants to the Competitive Canyon. You have two quarters of an hour—don't miss it!"
His voice cut off abruptly, leaving viewers itching to storm the broadcast and give him a kick.
On Mythical Beast Island, a brief silence gave way to heated discussions. A prize that could grant godlike power—what could it be?
After a short debate, contestants surged toward the central valley, racing against time.
For those on the island's edges, reaching the center within half an hour was no small feat. The journey wasn't a simple sprint; each region harbored unique threats. While encountering a full-fledged Mythical beast was unlikely, subspecies Mythical beasts and their groups were guaranteed.
These creatures varied in temperament—some were friendly, others indifferent, playful, or outright hostile.
A bit of bad luck could spell doom for ordinary contestants, forcing them to proceed cautiously.
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In a lush forest.
The Time King, Joe Tlin, strolled casually.
He toyed with a Mythical Beast Contract Stone and a Sky-Bound Crystal in his hand, spinning them like beads. Two figures in strange attire trailed behind him—the Pope and the Hanged Man of the Tarot Totem.
"This prize must be won," Joe Tlin said. "It will be my gift to Father God. Let's go meet the other formidable contenders."
"Yes." his companions replied in unison.
In a vast desert, three graceful figures glided across the rolling yellow sand.
Squeak, squeak!
A swarm of venomous scorpions, undeterred by their beauty, charged toward them in a spectacular wave.
One of the figures stepped forward, and the sky darkened. A full moon rose, its light bathing the scorpions.
Instantly, they fell silent, parting to form a clear path. The trio strolled through unhindered.
"Sister, the final prize…" one began.
"Let's fight for it," another said. "It would be wonderful to offer it to the Goddess."
"Mm," the third agreed softly.
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By a serene lakeside.
Uchiha Madara sat on a moss-covered stone.
Nearby, a Nine-Tails Firefox lay snoring loudly. Earlier, Madara had clashed with the demon apostle Zhurong, who ultimately retreated. Afterward, he had come to this spot to recover his stamina and chakra.
Morgans' broadcast gave him a new objective.
Splash!
Madara rose from the stone and stepped onto the ground. Without expression, he grabbed one of the Firefox's long whiskers.
Boom!
"Ow!"
The Firefox yelped, waking with a start. Its fiery red eyes glared at Madara, seething with rage. "You bastard! Why'd you pull my whisker? Do you want to die?"
"It's time to hit the road." Madara said calmly.
"What?! That's why you yanked my whisker? Just die!" the Firefox roared, baring its teeth. But after a few slaps from Madara, it grudgingly set off, carrying him on its head.
(End of this chapter)