The moment the five minutes were up, Mulan clamped the long dagger between his teeth and hugged the iron ball to his chest. After a running start, he leaped out.
The previously calm water below churned again as the sea monster swam through the faintly blood-tinged sea. Since the previous challengers had all found ways to avoid the suicidal approach of dropping straight into its open mouth, this time the monster did not even surface.
Mulan narrowed his eyes. It suited him just fine if it stayed underwater. Holding the iron ball, he plunged straight down like a human arrow.
Splash!
He barely raised any spray. The instant he entered the water, Mulan knew the sea monster was closing in fast, but his combined weight sent him sinking so quickly that he truly shot toward the bottom like an arrow. The monster snapped at him and caught only the bubbles he left behind.
Everyone in the arena watched the water anxiously. This wager was the most uncertain yet, with plenty of people betting substantial sums on both Mulan surviving and failing. Everyone hoped to make a fortune this time.
Of course, the Raskin Pirate Crew were the most nervous of all. As for Mulan himself, although he could not use his near-Awakening-level strength, his combat expertise meant he was hardly at a loss against this sea monster.
Mulan sank toward the bottom while the sea monster accelerated toward him. Some of the earlier challengers had dodged its attacks along the seabed, so seeing Mulan do the same clearly enraged it.
The sea monster was still an intimidating sight underwater. Mulan flung the iron ball to one side, letting it and the chain sink first and catch against a rock. Then he gave a powerful yank, pulling himself through a short,