Chapter 558: Selected for the Knockout Round
"Two thousand Holy Light Potions? That sounds quite impressive." Tesoro remarked.
"What a pity…"
In a wide, dark passage, Tesoro, president of the Money Worship Guild of the Magic Pattern Guild, who had made a name for himself at the Mythical Beast Conference, leaned casually against the wall.
His face carried a hint of nonchalance as he gazed at Morgans in the distance.
Around him, aside from the elite members of his guild, were representatives from the Eight Alliance, formed during the Mythical Beast Conference.
These included Eve from Fish-Man Island, Alabasta's native Oasis, and other guilds like Freezing Tide, Earth Cry, Big Tornado, Thunder Spear, and Nature Guild.
The original Eight Alliance was fully represented here.
Nearly all their guilds' top teams had gathered.
Per the Demon Hunting Ceremony's rules, each guild could field no more than twelve participants.
Each of the eight guilds had nearly full rosters.
Clustered at the passage's end, they appeared formidable.
Given their renown in the magic pattern world, other guild members in the passage regarded them with awe.
"President Tesoro, why did you call us here?" Bashan, the outspoken president of Thunder Spear, asked first.
If Tesoro hadn't contacted them via Den Den Mushi, they might not have converged in the same passage.
Following Bashan's question, many magic pattern users turned their attention to Tesoro.
Facing their gazes, Tesoro remained unfazed.
He stood upright, looked at everyone, and smiled.
"I gathered you here to foster closer ties, encourage communication, build camaraderie, and enhance our cohesion."
"You're all elite members of your guilds, and our unity benefits the Eight Alliance's existence."
"Especially for this conference, we may need to cooperate."
Hearing Tesoro's words, Bashan sneered.
The head of a money-worshipping guild talking about feelings was almost laughable.
If there were no benefits, Bashan wouldn't be surprised if Tesoro turned on them instantly.
Still, one shouldn't strike a smiling face.
Bashan wasn't timid, either.
"Hahaha, President Tesoro is right." Bashan said, laughing.
"The Eight Alliance should support each other." he agreed.
"We may need to rely on you at this conference, President Tesoro! It's a bit embarrassing."
Tesoro smiled back and let everyone mingle freely.
Others were speechless at Bashan's antics.
However, many guild presidents began conversing among themselves.
The Eight Alliance had previously secured a Mythical beast contract stone together at the Mythical Beast Conference.
They later successfully contracted a Mythical beast.
This beast became the cornerstone of their ongoing alliance.
Closer ties among guilds formed a larger interest group, benefiting all.
No one opposed this.
As the presidents engaged with one another, Tesoro leaned back against the wall.
His gaze settled on a silent fish-man in blue clothes with gray skin.
"President Thunder Ray, we may have opportunities to collaborate at this conference." Tesoro said.
"Afterward, you're welcome to visit Pinnacle Island."
Tesoro valued Eve Guild from the Eight Alliance.
As a member of the Magic Pattern Association's anti-demon agency, Eve held a privileged status.
Thunder Ray's strength was undeniable, and as a fellow A-level magic pattern user, Tesoro naturally paid him more attention.
Additionally, Tesoro held a favorable view of fish-men, particularly due to his respect for the fish-man hero Tiger.
Thus, his attitude toward fish-men was less dismissive than others'.
Hearing Tesoro's polite words, Thunder Ray merely nodded.
He desired harmony between fish-men and humans but personally had little interest in socializing.
Especially with Tesoro, who prioritized money.
As the Eight Alliance conversed, Morgans, having finished discussing the rewards, moved to the main event.
"Now, dear viewers, let us begin the elimination round of the Demon Hunting Ceremony."
"This round will be overseen by a powerful three-star gem-level hunter…" he said, pausing for effect.
The audience, both onsite and worldwide via live broadcast, leaned in with anticipation.
A three-star gem-level hunter was a demigod-tier powerhouse, rare across the world.
Who could it be?
"One of the twelve holy knights of the Kingdom of Corti, the Land of Miracles, Rhythm of the Earth… Posadong!"
As he spoke, wild sand swept the arena, forming a swirling vortex.
A vague figure emerged at its center.
Seconds later, with a boom, the vortex collapsed.
The figure was revealed, a man with a watermelon haircut, wearing green clothes, flashing a double-rowed toothy grin.
He waved enthusiastically at the audience, who erupted in cheers.
In a corner, a man surrounded by giant bees watched, feeling embarrassed.
So old, yet acting like a child, Posadong was a disgrace to the Holy Knights!
"Guhahaha, what a grand entrance!" Morgans exclaimed.
"The crowd's cheers show why the Holy Knights of the Land of Miracles are so beloved."
The Kingdom of Corti, known as the Land of Miracles, enjoyed global admiration for its contributions to commerce, industry, agriculture, and more.
Its twelve holy knights were renowned figures.
At Sand City's ceremony, as the cheers subsided, Morgans loudly announced the rules.
"Alright, the rules for the knockout round are as follows."
"The Holy Knight Posadong will serve as the referee for this stage."
"All magic pattern guilds participating in the ceremony will face three earth and stone dolls created by Referee Posadong."
Morgans paused, and Posadong, in the sandy arena below, conjured three round earth and stone dolls in sync.
"As long as you defeat these three dolls or survive against them for five minutes without being defeated, you pass the round."
"However, I believe our noble magic pattern users won't resort to stalling tactics!" he added with a sly smile, his voice brimming with encouragement.
"Facing 100,000 spectators in the stadium and countless viewers worldwide, please, noble magic pattern users, show your true strength!"
(End of this chapter)