Solar Blood Masters (181)

Chapter 181 - Hell Ryu

“You pathetic human! You think you can hide in this Dark Blood Domain? I’ll find you! And when I do… I’ll burn you to ASH! Then I’ll feast on your Solar Consciousness! It’ll be a delicacy!” Hell Ryu shouted.

CRANK! CRANK!

The six nodes on his globular canister began to turn, opening chambers within. Fiery sands poured out, coalescing above him into a miniature sun.

“Hells Glory!”

“Arh!”

Raphael felt his Solar Essence draining as Hell Ryu powered up the attack. ‘It’s not as potent as Hellphet’s… but it’s still… draining me. How…? It’s as if… his power… It’s derived from my own…’

“Master… Are you alright?” Zhu Jian noticed Raphael slumping against the black pillar. “That creature… It’s draining your essence!”

“You’re right, Zhu Jian.” Raphael wheezed as his small human frame trembled with pain.

“I will solve this matter for you, Master,” Zhu Jian declared. He withdrew a World Canvas from his back and grasped two paintbrushes.

The canvas unfurled, depicting Hell Ryu and his ‘Hells Glory’.

Zhu Jian dipped one brush in white ink, preparing to use ‘Nihilistic Stroke’. But before he could…

“What are you doing, you fat bamboo scholar?! Are you betraying master for that pathetic human?! I’ll crush you both!” Hell Ryu roared and flung his trunk toward Raphael.

Zhu Jian attempted to use Nihilistic Stroke to erase that sun, but this failed, so Zhu Jian quickly switched tactics. He drew chains around the miniature sun and bound them to Hell Ryu.

WHOOSH!

The chains materialized, tethering Hell Ryu to his own attack. And when he unleashed the Hells Glory…

BOOM!

It backfired.

The miniature sun slammed into him and exploded!

“KYAAH!”

Hell Ryu tumbled backwards but quickly regained his footing. He glared at Zhu Jian. “You traitor! You dare protect my target?!”

Zhu Jian ignored his insults. He studied the scene on his canvas, searching for a weakness.

‘There! His belly… It’s bleeding!’

A small wound on Hell Ryu’s stomach oozed blood. His Solar Essence Density flickered and was now at 9th Layer Calamity.

‘His strength… It’s tied to the amount of blood he consumes.’

Zhu Jian grinned. ‘If I can cut open his belly…’

“Inkblade Stroke!”

He drew two black slashes across Hell Ryu’s stomach.

The slashes materialized and sliced their target.

But…

“That tickles, bastard!”

The slashes struck Hell Ryu.

But the damage was minimal.

“DISAPPEAR!”

Hell Ryu whipped his tail to smash them both in one go. It slammed into the pillar, then rebounded harmlessly. The pillar didn’t even budge.

‘This pillar… It’s incredibly durable. Hmmm…’ Raphael observed the scene. ‘Why didn’t Zhu Jian’s attack work?’

“Zhu Jian… Why did your slashes fail to injure him?”

Zhu Jian pondered for a moment. “I understand now, Master. The World Canvas’s potential… It’s drastically reduced when operated by me. I lack… the Gem of Knowledge. Lingshi… he used it to amplify his strokes, to enhance the canvas’s power. For you to maximize its potential, Master you must be the one to wield it.”

“I see…” Raphael nodded. ‘So, that’s how it works.’

“Master, allow me.” Zhu Jian helped Raphael steady himself. His small human form was still weakened from the earlier energy drain.

“Thank you, Zhu Jian.”

The World Canvas hovered before them.

Zhu Jian offered his paintbrush. But Raphael shook his head and materialized ‘Lucid Dream’. It was comically large in his small hand. He stared at the canvas. Within its painted depths, Hell Ryu’s every move was replicated.

“My tail… It hurts… Damn! How bloody sturdy is that little thing?!” Hell Ryu grumbled while glaring at the pillar.

“You… and that pathetic human… and that traitorous brush… You will ALL DIE!”

He surrounded his arms with fiery sands that rushed out of his canister. His fists glowed with a hardened heat.

“Prepare to be incinerated!”

Raphael stared at the canvas, ‘Lucid Dream’ poised above its surface.

‘How should I do this? I’m not as skilled as Lingshi. Should I paint a sword to cut open his belly? No… that’s too intricate. Wait, does it even have to be detailed? Can a simple slash work?’

“Master! Hurry! His attack is incoming!” Zhu Jian warned.

Raphael felt a wave of heat and wind pressure.

He didn’t hesitate. He dipped ‘Lucid Dream’ in black ink and slashed across Hell Ryu’s painted belly.

“Inkblade Stroke!”

WHOOSH!

A black slash materialized and struck Hell Ryu.

This time, the effect was immediate.

BOOM!

His stomach split open! Blood gushed forth, staining the ground crimson.

“What the…?!”

“MY BLOOD! NOOOO!”

Hell Ryu clutched his stomach, desperately trying to absorb the spilling blood back into his body. “My power… It’s fading! I can’t…!”

But the ink stain on his belly prevented the wound from closing.

The blood flowed back into Raphael’s Dark Blood Domain. Hell Ryu shrunk, and along with his diminishing size, his Solar Essence also waned.

He was now a small critter, barely larger than an insect. He buzzed around angrily, cursing Raphael and Zhu Jian.

“You… bastards! I’ll… I’ll…”

Raphael ignored his feeble insults. He was too impressed with the World Canvas.

“It’s just as I told you, Master. The World Canvas’s potential… It’s enhanced… by your presence.”

“You were right, Zhu Jian. A simple slash was enough to drain that lizard.”

“I’M NOT A LIZARD! I’m a Helliphant Dragon!” Hell Ryu shrieked.

Raphael observed the buzzing insect. It was now a mere Early Nightmare Stage, 5th Layer.

“I see… My blood… and my Solar Essence… they enhance your strength. And without them… you’re nothing but a bug.”

“I… I’m not a bug! I’m… I’m…” Hell Ryu protested weakly. “But… the blood… it does enhance my strength…”

A chilling realization struck Hell Ryu. Only Raphael's blood and Solar Essence could amplify his power. Which meant… this human… was his true master. The Golden Bull Thork?!

“Master! I… I apologize! I didn’t recognize you… in your new form! Please… forgive my insolence! Don’t destroy me!”

Raphael smirked sinisterly.

But then…

“Very well, Hell Ryu. I’ll spare you… for now. You can have… THIRTY THOUSAND gallons of blood.”

“Really! Very Generous!”

And ecstatic Hell Ryu immediately began sucking blood from Raphael's domain through his trunk. His small form began to grow larger, his Solar Essence Density also increased

Raphael stopped him at 29,000 gallons. “That’s enough for now.”

“As you command, Master.” Hell Ryu bowed his head respectfully. He was now back to his 1st Layer Calamity strength.

He had 40,000 gallons of blood and the Elixen Belkelium needed 20,000 gallons to unlock, which would roughly leave him with 20, 000 gallons in total.

“Master… That creature’s physiology… It’s fascinating. A hybrid of dragon, elephant, Shadow Bat… and your own Blood Essence. And its loyalty… unwavering. It could prove to be a valuable asset.” Zhu Jian commented while observing Hell Ryu with a scholarly detachment.

“Indeed, Zhu Jian. A loyal servant and a powerful weapon all in one. It seems I’ve gained more than just a Super Human Constitution.”

WHOOSH!

Raphael dematerialized Lucid Dream. The light particles return into his Lingshi Eye.

“Now then… time to unlock this thing.”

Raphael placed his right hand on the top face of the Elixen Belkelium and began pouring his blood into one of the breathing holes. It was a slow process. As his Blood Pool diminished, the pillar began to glow red. A low hum resonated from within, as if the weapon itself was… awakening.

A network of veins and arteries within the pillar’s translucent depths began to glow. It was as if the weapon was drinking greedily, savoring the taste of Raphael's potent Blood Essence.

A strange chemical reaction occurred within the pillar. The blood turned to a darker shade of red, almost black. A thick, dark-red smoke began to seep from the breathing holes along the pillar’s edges.

The smoke swirled around Raphael's arm, then with a sudden whoosh, it was sucked inwards up to his elbow. His arm seemed to vanish inside the pillar, becoming one with the weapon. It was a chilling yet exhilarating sensation, a merging of flesh and divine material.

And then… the weight vanished.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Strange symbols appeared on the pillar’s long surface.

“Is this it? Is it unlocked now?”

Raphael swung the pillar around. It felt lighter, more manageable. No longer an oppressive weight, but an extension of his own arm.

“Hmmm… Not bad.” He grinned, enjoying the sensation of power.

More characters appeared on the pillar's surface.

Zhu Jian deciphered their meaning.

“Master, it’s a manual.”

…

Elixen Belkelium – Gas Pillar Mode Manual:

Hulking Gas Palm: The breathing holes release blazing gas that forms a large, gaseous hand infused with molten rock. Acts as an extension of the user’s hand. Can incinerate enemies with a touch.

Lumber Gas Meteor: Can summon up to five meteors made of spherical molten lumber to crush enemies.

Jackhammer Sonic: Releases an explosive force of 450,000 tons capable of upheaving the earth on impact and shattering a Calamity’s bones.

Inferno Gas Bath: Transforms the surroundings into a hellish Artificial Fire Pool. Can be used to enhance fire powers.

Bull Demon God Transformation: Releases potent gas and Solar Essence that transforms the user into a hulking molten bull.

…

After learning from the manual, Raphael was impressed. “Not bad at all, Gastaroid.”

He glanced at Hell Ryu. “Hey, lizard, wanna be my sparring partner?”

“It will be an honor, Master,” Hell Ryu replied eagerly.

“Hulking Gas Palm!”

Raphael channeled his Solar Essence into the Elixen Belkelium.

WHOOSH!

Blazing gas erupted from the breathing holes close to its tip, coalescing into a large, orange hand with molten rock for knuckles.

Hell Ryu grinned. “Fire Sand Wall!”

He spat a stream of fire and sand from his trunk. It solidified into a wall before him.

BAM!

Raphael’s Hulking Gas Palm smashed through the wall like it was paper. It reached out and grasped the startled Hell Ryu.

“Burn!”

The hand tightened its grip. Its molten knuckles pressed into Hell Ryu’s flesh, searing it.

“KYAAH! Master! You’re paying me back for my earlier transgression!”

Raphael grinned and began slamming Hell Ryu left and right against the ground.

“You bastard! Wipe that smug smile off your face!” Hell Ryu yelled at Zhu Jian, who was observing the scene with amusement.

“Lumber Gas Meteors!”

Five puffs of smoke escaped the pillar’s breathing holes. They soared upwards where they expanded into spherical molten meteors.

But just as they were about to crash down on Hell Ryu… they vanished.

And the Hulking Gas Palm also dissipated.

CLUNK!

Raphael’s arm slipped out of the Elixen Belkelium pillar.

“What’s happening?”

As he stared at the pillar, confused, Hell Ryu lunged from behind, thrusting forth a powerful fist!

“Master! Behind you!”

Raphael reacted instinctively. He lifted the pillar and blocked the attack.

CLANG!

A radial, transparent barrier appeared, freezing Hell Ryu in stasis.

“This is… ‘Royal Guard’?” Raphael was stunned. He could use Thienika’s techniques?

‘Is this because of the pillar… or Sindoll’s tinkering?’

The barrier flickered, then vanished.

Hell Ryu’s fist connected and smashed Raphael away. He rolled across the ground like a ragdoll.

“Master!”

Zhu Jian rushed to his aid.

“My apologies, Master! I didn’t mean to… Please don’t take away my blood!” Hell Ryu pleaded, terrified.

Zhu Jian helped Raphael to his feet.

“Master, are you alright?”

Raphael ignored Hell Ryu’s groveling. He was more concerned about the Elixen Belkelium. ‘Why did it stop working?’ He scanned it with his Lingshi Eye.

And he was shocked.

Unlocking Gas Pillar Mode had required 20,000 gallons of blood. Hulking Gas Palm had consumed 10,000 gallons. And Lumber Gas Meteor… 12,000 gallons.

Each ability converted his blood essence into the gas the pillar used to fuel its power.

And he’d only had 20,000 gallons remaining.

His Blood Pool was now… zero.

“That damn Gastaroid! He didn’t tell me I needed a constant supply of blood to operate this weapon! This pillar… It’s a greedy leech!”

“Master Raphael,” Zhu Jian’s calm voice cut through Raphael’s outburst. “Anger… it is a disruptive emotion. It releases cortisol… adrenaline… hormones that cloud judgment, impair cognitive function, and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. It is… unwise… to indulge in such base impulses.”

Raphael took a deep breath. Zhu Jian was right.

“That Gastaroid… I have to talk to him. Now.”

He absorbed Zhu Jian back into his forehead, canceled his Dark Blood Domain, and returned to the forge onto that platform.