Chapter 488: The Thousand-Year Dragon King's Frustration and Commendable Courage
"Are these the Thousand-Year Dragons? They don't look impressive!" Crocodile remarked.
He gazed at the Thousand-Year Dragons perched on the rocks, his eyes appraising them like merchandise.
Then he dismissed their appearance.
Yet, a hint of solemnity lingered in his gaze.
Though these Thousand-Year Dragons appeared unremarkable, they possessed considerable power.
According to the Hunter Association's evaluation, their strength ranged between B and A levels.
Seventy percent of their auras were around B level, with thirty percent reaching A level.
Dozens of Thousand-Year Dragons were visible.
Combined with those unseen, their collective combat power could stir significant waves in the outside world.
It seemed Morgans' claim that they were among the strongest Mythical Beast subspecies on Mythical Beast Island was no exaggeration.
"Dear visitors, welcome." A deep voice resonated across the area, carrying a peaceful energy.
Everyone turned to look.
They saw a Mythical Beast, distinct from the other Thousand-Year Dragons, hovering above the waterfall on the high mountain.
It was larger, more majestic, and shimmered with a faint golden luster.
At a glance, they knew it was the Thousand-Year Dragon King they sought.
This realization ignited fervent looks among the crowd.
However, the Dragon King's serene aura calmed their intense emotions, suppressing their fervor.
This situation displeased a certain demon present.
The War King, who had followed the group, felt irritated as his methods were restrained.
He could not act recklessly, lest he become a target of scorn.
Among so many contestants, the demon clan's provocative nature stood out.
It was inevitable.
Many major forces had been positioned by the World Government to oppose demons.
Thus, the demons stood in opposition to numerous sea factions.
A deep conflict existed between them, fueled by accumulated hatred and substantial interests.
"Are you the Thousand-Year Dragon King? I heard you can grant a thousand-year lifespan. Is that true?" a man shouted.
An ordinary-looking man called out to the Mythical Beast above the waterfall.
He cared little about the Dragon King's ability to speak or its strength.
His sole focus was whether Morgans' information was accurate.
Seeing the crowd's eager gazes, the Thousand-Year Dragon King felt a surge of frustration.
Despite its usual peaceful demeanor, it harbored resentment toward a certain loudmouthed birdman.
Still, the situation was unavoidable.
"Visitors, I am the Thousand-Year Dragon King. I understand the purpose of your visit." it said.
"The Mythical Beast protection Morgans mentioned is indeed real, but…" it continued.
"This protection can only be used once every hundred years. If you desire it, choose one person, and I will grant it to them." it explained.
"But I hope you will leave this peaceful place afterward." it added.
Hearing the Dragon King's words, the crowd stirred.
A thousand-year lifespan was real!
And it could be obtained now, as long as they acted swiftly.
"I'll take it! I am Med, captain of the War Pirates, with a bounty of 630 million and leader of the Domination Alliance." a man declared.
"Everyone, give me face, and I will repay you generously in the future."
The crowd buzzed with commotion.
A strong man named Med stepped forward.
He was a B-level fire element elite, nearly an A-level Demon Pattern user, with considerable strength.
He was particularly renowned in North Blue.
The Domination Alliance, a pirate coalition in North Blue, was founded under his leadership.
As the apparent leader, his reputation was significant.
His ambition and intelligence had brought him this far.
He stepped forward now, unable to control his emotions.
A thousand-year lifespan could enable immense achievements and power.
The allure of such prospects drove him.
Of course, the influence of a certain demon clan played a role.
Regardless, he stood up. If successful, he'd gain it freely; if not, he'd lose only some pride.
The chance of being killed outright by the boss was slim.
So, Med stood boldly.
Soon, someone emerged to douse his ambitions.
A large man in a vest stepped forward.
It was Bashan, the leader of the Thunder Spear Guild from the Demon Pattern Guild.
"How laughable! You have the gall to speak so shamelessly!" Bashan scoffed.
"You couldn't even defeat the stronger Thousand-Year Dragons there!"
"With such strength, you dare stand up without checking your reflection?"
Hearing Bashan's merciless sarcasm, Med felt the mocking gazes around him.
His eyes reddened, glaring at Bashan as if he could spit fire.
Facing Med's ferocious look, Bashan showed no fear and returned a fierce stare.
Then, he stood behind Tesoro respectfully.
Bashan admitted he'd been a bit hot headed.
The other's shameless words had provoked him.
He felt compelled to speak out.
But it didn't matter; if he offended him, so be it.
The Eight Alliance could shield him.
Moreover, Bashan believed he wasn't truly afraid of Med. Pirates were just pirates.
How could he fear the War Pirates, who clung to North Blue?
In group combat, his guild was no pushover.
Tesoro, seeing Bashan behind him, was speechless.
He held some disdain for the War Pirates and their Domination Alliance.
The name sounded grand, but they were merely a rabble.
This pressure could be an opportunity for the Eight Alliance to unite.
Tesoro thought so and stepped forward.
"Captain Med, don't say things that make people laugh. Aren't the real decision-makers the big shots here?"
As Tesoro shifted focus to the major Contestants, the farce ended.
Bullet, growing impatient, had had enough.
The distance was close enough.
He stood and spoke bluntly, "Anyone causing a ruckus can leave!"
Conqueror's Haki swept the crowd like a specter, carrying the force of thunder.
The terrifying aura weighed on everyone's hearts.
The world seemed to darken.
Ignoring their gazes, Bullet strode toward Aizen, not far away.
His frenzied aura made his golden hair flutter.
"Aizen, let me test your strength next—the strength that defeated Gabaisho!"
Clatter!
Feeling the shadow looming before him, Aizen lifted his hand to adjust his glasses.
The lenses glinted faintly.
"Oh? Even after seeing my move, you still have the courage to challenge me? Your bravery is commendable." Aizen said.
"But…"
"Can your strength back up this challenge?"
His voice remained gentle, but his words brimmed with arrogance.
Hearing Aizen's words, Bullet's lips curved into an excited smile.
"I'll make you feel it, Aizen!"
"Medium Bullet form!"
( End of this chapter )