Solar Blood Masters (162)

Chapter 162 - One Billion Kelvin!

Rel escorted the White Century representatives back to their spaceship. He thanked them profusely for their visit, for their insights, and expressed his hope for future collaborations, for stronger bonds between their civilizations.

The White Century leader acknowledged Rel’s hospitality. “We shall share word of Gaia’s potential with other planetary representatives. Perhaps… new alliances can be forged.”

Rel watched as the spaceship ascended, leaving a trail of silver light against the azure sky.

He couldn’t wait to share the news with Arlof.

…

On Arlof’s floating isle, within his expansive garden, a mock battle was underway.

Arlof, atop Drake Ho Orien, unleashed a torrent of fire and lightning upon a translucent barrier. Thienika, now a towering tree with starlight leaves and silver bark, stood calmly within the barrier’s protective embrace.

CRACKLE!

The barrier flickered, its surface rippled under the onslaught, but it held firm.

After a minute, with a final, earth-shattering roar from Drake Ho Orien, the barrier finally shattered into motes of light.

Arlof landed gracefully beside Thienika.

“Well done, little tree. Your barrier withstood our combined assault for a full minute! That’s impressive! What do you call this new technique?”

Thienika giggled, pleased with the praise.

“I call it… ‘Royal Guard’. I developed it to better protect my master and his abode. With it, I can cast a shield around this entire isle! It can withstand even the mightiest of attacks!”

Arlof was impressed.

Just as he was about to inquire about the barrier’s limitations, Rel materialized beside them.

“Arlof! Drake!”

They turned, startled.

Rel grinned, “I have good news! The White Century has agreed to share their knowledge with us! They’ve given me this.” He held out a smooth, white stone.

Arlof’s eyes widened. He was eager to have Thienika decipher its secrets. “Give it to her! Let’s see what those white bastards are hiding!”

Rel shook his head. “Patience, brother. This knowledge… it belongs to all of Gaia, not just us. We’ll share it with the other representatives.”

Arlof grumbled, but he knew his brother was right.

Rel vanished, taking the white stone with him.

Arlof clenched his fists and his knuckles cracked.

“Master Arlof, why are you so… upset?” Thienika’s gentle voice was laced with concern.

He sighed, “I’m tired of being Rel’s shadow, Thienika. Ten thousand years ago… I was the stronger one. Rel was just a… bookworm. Always studying, always reading. But then… he discovered Soul Orbitals, Soul-Planets. And now look at me…” His voice trailed off. His gaze drifted towards the sky as if searching for answers among the stars. “It took me thousands of years to catch up to him. And even then… it’s still not enough. He’s always one step ahead.”

Thienika’s leaves rustled softly, “Master Arlof, do not despair. I will extract the most valuable information from that white stone, and share it only with you. I will help you surpass your brother. I promise.”

Arlof smiled, touched by her loyalty.

“That is your intention Thienika. I appreciate it. However…” he paused, remembering Rel’s words and his dedication to Gaia.

“…Rel isn’t doing this for himself. He’s doing it for all of humanity. Do not hide anything from him, Thienika.”

“As you wish, master.”

…

Later, at the ESBMC headquarters, Rel presented the white stone. Thienika, now reduced to a manageable size, stood beside him. With a gentle touch of her roots, she absorbed the stone's knowledge, instantly deciphering the White Century's secrets.

The information they gleaned was revolutionary. It detailed a new method for enhancing Solar Essence Density. Rel, ever the scholar, quickly grasped the concepts and began implementing them.

Gaia flourished. Its inhabitants grew stronger. Their Solar Essence Density increased at an alarming rate. Their influence within the galaxy expanded. Other civilizations marveled at their rapid progress. They whispered of Gaia’s newfound power, its hidden secrets.

And they came, seeking alliances, eager to forge bonds with this rising star.

Gaia’s status within the galaxy was solidified.

…

Fifty million years passed. Rel and Arlof’s Solar Essence Density had exceeded 1 billion kelvin. They were renowned as the strongest humans on Gaia. Their descendants, inheriting their potent bloodlines, were also powerful figures within the Ava Varium Empire.

Within Arlof's Marble World, a grand celebration was underway. Music, a harmonious blend of stringed instruments, drums, and melodic flutes were playing. its rhythm had those whose hearts craved a beat dancing.

Tables laden with delicacies groaned under their weight, a cornucopia of exotic fruits, roasted meats, and energy-infused wines sparkled invitingly, while the aromas, they were as varied as the guests present.

Beautiful women, adorned in silks and jewels, laughed and chatted with imposing beasts whose Solar Essences had the very air itself trembling. Children with vibrant auras chased each other through the lush gardens, for they were all Arlof's descendants.

Arlof, though outwardly jovial, felt sad. His brother, Rel, hadn't arrived.

Thienika, now a colossal tree whose branches spanned the entire Marble World, sensed his melancholy. Her roots, intertwined with the very fabric of this realm, touched his mind gently, a silent communion, and she whispered words of comfort that only he could hear.

Suddenly, a brilliant flash of light shattered the festive atmosphere, heralding Rel’s arrival. The crowd erupted in cheers.

“Rel Louche Longtier Bloodthorne!”

“Our hero!”

“The strongest human!”

Rel landed gracefully, acknowledging their greetings with a nod, but his gaze immediately settled upon Arlof.

“Brother! I have wonderful news!”

He approached Arlof with a grin, “The White Century has contacted me. They’ve invited me to join their outer-universe exploration! Can you believe it?! We’ll be traveling to other universes! Meeting new species! Discovering new worlds! It’s a dream come true!”

Arlof was stunned. “Other universes…?”

“Yes! And they’ve allowed me to bring a few guests. Come with me, Arlof! It’ll be an adventure of a lifetime!”

Arlof’s heart soared. It was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse… almost.

His gaze drifted towards his wives, his children. Their faces were painted with sadness.

Unlike Rel, who'd dedicated his life to scholarship and diplomacy and whose heart hadn't been swayed by amorous pursuits, Arlof had a large family, a legacy carved in the hearts of countless women. He couldn't bear to leave them, not for an indeterminate amount of time. Those outer-universal journeys, they could last for billions of years. A mere blink for the White Century, but an eternity for a man of Gaia.

He smiled sadly.

“Brother… This is your destiny. Go. Explore the vast universe. Discover its wonders. When you return, Gaia will be waiting. Your home… will always be here.”

Rel was touched by Arlof’s words. He embraced his brother. “Thank you, Arlof. You are truly the best brother a man could ask for.”

He wasn't aware of Arlof’s deeper intentions. With Rel gone, Arlof would undoubtedly be the strongest human on Gaia, no longer in his brother’s shadow. Though his influence was already considerable, the knowledge of Rel’s superior Solar Essence Density had always been a thorn in his side, a constant reminder of his perceived inferiority. Now, he would truly grasp his ambitions.

…

On the day of Rel’s departure, a grand send-off was held. Creatures from across Gaia gathered to bid him farewell. They cheered, they wept, they showered him with gifts and blessings, their voices a harmonious blend of sorrow and jubilation.

Drake Ho Orien roared his farewell. Even Thienika shed a few starlight leaves, a gesture of respect and affection.

Rel approached Arlof, "Brother, I have one final gift for you." He held out a small, white egg.

“What is it?” Arlof asked, intrigued.

“A Supreme Caterpillar Sage. I acquired it on planet Muckqueen. It’s still in its infancy, but it has the potential to become incredibly powerful. I call her… Sindoll. Take good care of her for me, Arlof, until I return.”

“I will, brother.” Arlof smiled.

Rel turned and entered his spaceship.

“Farewell, Gaia!”

With a burst of light, the spaceship ascended and blinked out of sight.

…

Within Arlof’s garden, Thienika, the Tree of Knowledge, stood tall and majestic, her starlight leaves swaying gently, her branches dancing to an unheard melody. On one particular branch, a small, plump caterpillar munched contentedly on a star leaf. Its tummy, bloated and translucent, glowed green. Its large eyes sparkled with delight.

Suddenly, the leaf was yanked away.

“Sindoll! You need to go on a diet! At this rate, I’ll have no leaves left!” Thienika’s voice, though scolding, held a hint of amusement.

Sindoll pouted. She reached for the leaf with stubby legs, then, not getting it, burst into tears. Her wails echoed through the garden.

“Ah…”

Thienika sighed and reluctantly returned the leaf. Sindoll’s tears were instantly forgotten. She munched happily once more.

Years passed. Sindoll grew fatter, plumper, her appetite insatiable. But she also grew in wisdom, for Thienika shared the knowledge she’d absorbed, tales of Gaia, of the Ava Varium Empire, of the vast universe beyond. Sindoll’s curiosity blossomed. She dreamed of traveling the cosmos with her teacher.

More years flashed by. Sindoll was now as large as one of Thienika’s branches, her greed for knowledge, for star leaves, unmatched.

FLASH!

Drake Ho Orien and Arlof arrived.

Seeing Thienika’s ravaged leaves, Orien laughed, “That little caterpillar’s at it again, I see. Such a greedy guts!”

“I’m NOT little anymore!” Sindoll retorted, glaring at the dragon. “And those leaves are MINE! Thienika gave them to me!”

“Oh really? Then why are you still a worm? Shouldn’t you have transformed into a magnificent butterfly by now?” Orien teased, his tail swishing playfully.

“I’M a Supreme Caterpillar Sage! Not some… common butterfly!” Sindoll pouted indignantly.

Arlof approached. He observed Sindoll with a thoughtful frown. “Rel gifted you to me two hundred years ago. I expected you to have evolved by now. Why are you still a… worm, Sindoll?”

“I’m NOT a worm!”

“Then why are you still clinging to Thienika? I’ve been to Muckqueen. Your brethren have all transformed into magnificent creatures. Yet, here you are, still sucking on Thienika’s leaves.”

“Yeah, Sindoll! When are you going to grow up and be powerful like ME?!” Drake Ho Orien added, puffing out his chest.

Sensing the escalating tension, Thienika intervened, “Master Arlof, why are you here today?”

“See for yourself.” Arlof extended a hand and touched one of her branches.

Thienika absorbed his knowledge.

Her ravaged leaves were instantly restored. New ones sprouted, shimmering with starlight. It was a magnificent display of growth and regeneration.

Sindoll watched, baffled.

Arlof and Drake Ho Orien departed.

“Sindoll, I’ll be gone for a while,” Thienika announced.

“Gone? Where are you going?! And WHY?! Are you abandoning me?!” Sindoll’s voice was laced with panic.

“I’m going… to outer space.”

“Outer space?! I want to come with you! Please, Thienika! Take me with you!”

Thienika’s voice hardened. “No, Sindoll. You’re a big girl now. You need to learn to be by yourself. I’ve spoiled you for far too long. You’ll stay here. And you’ll behave. Is that clear?”

Sindoll pouted, but she knew better than to argue with her teacher. “Yes, Thienika.”

…

The next day, Sindoll watched from the palace roof as a spaceship ascended. On her back, a group of children played while waving goodbye to their father.