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Solar Blood Masters (68)
🕑 Added 2024-11-03 22:02:48 +0000 UTCChapter 68 - Queen Kwan Yuu
"He's heavy! Heavier than he looks!"
"Quit whining! We're almost there!"
"Right! Imagine how pleased Queen Kwan Yuu will be. This bull’s blood, it’s potent! We'll all be rewarded handsomely."
The Vampsquitoe swarm buzzed excitedly as they carried their massive, unconscious prize - the Golden Bull Thork - towards their nest.
“A bull Calamity's blood! Such a delicacy!”
"I want first dibs on his heart!"
"No! The eyes! Those juicy, crimson eyes! They’re mine!"
"Shut up, both of you! You’ll spoil the Queen's meal with your greed!"
Their boisterous laughter and insults echoed through the Dark Swamp Gorge, causing nocturnal creatures to scurry for cover.
One greedy Vampsquitoe, couldn't resist the temptation. While the others argued, it stealthily extended its proboscis and pierced Raphael’s side.
“SSSuck… suck, suck… So… sssweet! And those essences! It’s like… CANDY!”
Its moment of illicit pleasure was cut short.
"Hey! What do you think you’re doing, you greedy guts?!" Another Vampsquitoe shrieked indignantly, "That’s the Queen’s meal, not yours! SPIT IT OUT!"
"B-but I was…"
WHAM!
Before it could defend itself, it was kicked away by the others and could only watch helplessly as his meal for the night got lifted up higher and carried deeper into that shadowy forest.
"You'll regret thisss! I'll…" Its threats faded as it nurse his now bruised behind, such bad luck indeed.
The swarm continued deeper, carrying the unconscious bull deeper and deeper. Before them loomed a grotesque structure - their nest, known in legend as the ‘Corpse Hive.’
It resembled a colossal, animated, black organism. A mesh of pulsating arteries spread across its outer layer. Every vein hosted purple bulges which had a terrifying rhythmic heartbeat of hunger that resonated through the ground below.
This monstrosity covered an area a kilometer wide and several kilometers high. The very air within this space was stagnant and it smelled like dried blood.
And from this monstrosity, smaller versions came emerging to bear witness. These ‘Purple Blood Nests’ that were hundreds in number throbbed silently as a morbid curiosity drew their occupants out of their cozy and dark inner layers.
The Vampsquitoes continued their flight through this grotesque haven. Their buzzing elicited hisses of curiosity and envy.
"Is that… a bull Calamity? How did they capture it?"
"Must be a gift for Queen Kwan Yuu."
"Lucky bastards!"
Finally, they reached the heart of the Corpse Hive which hosted their Queen's chamber.
The chamber was a massive cavern. At the center, a large cauldron of black metal with a potent blood-red aura bubbled menacingly, those whispers from within the hot steam a horrific melody of tormented souls. And the aromas? A mix of sulfur and ancient burnt bones.
Around the cauldron’s base was a nightmarish ossuary! A mountain of skulls, bones and dried entrails which resembled a flower arrangement at a pauper’s grave. Truly magnificent.
“What in the hell?!”
Raphael who was drifting in and out of consciousness shivered slightly upon sensing a potent demonic energy coming from within that giant vessel.
High above, perched upon a stalactite of bone, was their Queen.
Kwan Yuu - Queen of the Vampsquitoe Denizens. Her colossal body dwarfed even her mightiest children, and that massive, bloated, translucent abdomen throbbed ominously with a purple radiance.
She appeared to be sleeping…
BZZZZZ!
Their buzzing shook her gently, but when her royal nap had been sufficiently interrupted by insistent, and ever-increasing clamor she extended a large scaly foot, that could squash an entire elephant without much effort and gave it a mighty slap downwards at the annoying insects below.
BOOOOM!
“What’s happening?! Don’t wake me from a nap ever again, you useless fool…” she hissed angrily.
Those that were hit, vanished! Such terrible bad luck, and their sacrifice had her eyes opened.
Kwan Yuu opened her piercing purple eyes. They radiated a bloodlust and a chilling predatory hunger. She descended gracefully, then hovered above the steaming cauldron and gazed at those gathered below with irritation.
"What brings you here? And why have you disturbed my slumber?!" Her voice bounced around the cavernous chamber, causing those smaller 'Purple Blood Nest’ perched nearby to tremble nervously. It would appear their Queen was displeased.
One Vampsquitoe, braver than its peers, flew forward. It then bowed low, and quieted its buzzing before speaking.
"Your Majesty. We have brought you…a glorious offering. A delicacy we know you’ll savor immensely. "
They proudly presented their prize: the massive, unconscious form of the Golden Bull Thork.
Kwan Yuu’s gaze settled on the bull. "Hmm…" A predatory smile spread across her monstrous face. This creature’s essence was indeed appetizing. Such potent life force.
"Toss it into the 'Four-Faced Blood Sapping Cauldron’!"
“YES, QUEEN!”
They didn't hesitate. Even though those aromas of burning essence and potent blood made them cower. After all who wasn’t afraid of getting cooked in that monstrous, terrifying and very powerful vessel? Surely only a fool, he'd not want to endure such fate.
The Vampsquitoes lifted Raphael again. They carefully lowered him into the cauldron, as the air thickened with energy and heat. Sweat dripped from their faces. Their wings beat faster. Their bodies shrunk.
Their leader couldn’t resist yelling, “Hurry! Move! Or the cauldron will absorb too much of your essence!”
And his admonishments were valid.
The Four-Faced Blood Sapping Cauldron wasn't simply a pot for cooking meat. This cauldron was a relic of immense power. It was an ancient device that could boil down even a Calamity's body to the bone while simultaneously harnessing its blood, Solar Essence, and refining it all into a potent blood broth, one sip capable of accelerating a Vampsquitoe’s cultivation by several folds, that is, if their Queen didn’t feast upon it all. Such was her power, their privilege and power.
Each face had a crystal embedded in its mouth. And when a particular stage of the refinement process was complete, one or more of these crystals glowed:
White Crystal: Body refinement achieved.
Red Crystal: Blood harnessed and concentrated.
Orange Crystal: Solar Essence harvested and intertwined.
Green Crystal: Essence stabilization achieved, ready for consumption.
Currently elsewhere…
Bat General Kong and Bat General Melissa soared through the sky like a formidable duo of shadow and might. Behind them, the Dark Swamp Gorge receded into the distance.
"Those insects! They were persistent!" Kong grumbled.
“Indeed. But their blood and essence were very beneficial to our bellies, fuhuhu.” Melissa’s laughter had a chilling echo to it, but her pink gaze was fixed intently on something behind them.
“What! There’s more coming!”
"Solar Beam!"
Without hesitation, she spun around. The ‘Sun Cycle’ upon her back glowed with an intense, golden-red. It unleashed a devastating blast that incinerated dozens of pursuing Vampsquitoes before they even had a chance to react. Their screams didn’t last long.
“Tsk! Such pathetic insects.” Kong sneered and swung his spear. “Rai Shen Long!”
The golden dragon coiled around the shaft of his spear thrashed, then it grew to a colossal size in a heartbeat, opening its jaw and unleashing a torrent of pure lightning that obliterated the remaining pursuers, sending forth a loud crackle across the sky as if a storm was brewing.
Their way was clear. They continued onwards towards their destination with renewed haste and purpose.
...
A short while later, they landed on frost-covered ground that glistened like diamonds beneath the starlit sky. This wasn't the lush green or mud they were accustomed to back in Black Wind.
They glanced at each other with a silent understanding of their roles. Melissa then opened her palm and extended the small, black sphere towards the frozen plains below.
It rolled for a bit before expanding in a burst of shadow essence, and releasing its captives.
The three Blood Knights stumbled out, blinking and confused.
“We’re alive?!”
“Where… Where are we?"
“Did we escape those pests?”
They stared at their surroundings, baffled by the sudden shift in scenery, the freshness of the air was a welcome change. This wasn’t the depts of Yama Yaguai’s stench, or perhaps they were so accustomed to rotting smells that those potent floral fragrance weren’t registered.
And as they gathered themselves and tried to make sense of their escape, their eyes settled upon their saviors.
"A bat, and a…"
“Naga?!” They quickly assumed defensive postures. Within seconds, blood-red swords were materializing.
“Hold!” Melissa’s seductive voice cut through their apprehension. “Lower your weapons, we were ordered by our Master, the Bull Calamity to escort you safely.”
Lorial paused when she heard this. "Your… 'Master' instructed this?”
She could also feel a strange peace that wasn't theirs, nor from Yama Yaguai.
"We are outside its border…? This is the east border." she realized. "He kept his word."
"Hmph! It’s in Master’s nature to honor bargains." Bat General Kong puffed his armored chest, it was obvious that their lineage wasn't fond of being questioned, but he understood that humans needed reassurance, after all weren’t those ancient contracts between gods and lesser beings signed in blood and fire? He had to maintain decorum for now.
Sheathing her swords reluctantly, Lorial cupped a fist. "Indeed. And as such. We shall honor ours." Her solemn voice resonated. She then glanced back towards her subordinates, who were still visibly wary of this new threat that had them surrounded.
She then pulled from her Nexus Plate, a dark red item.
"As promised. Take this."
It was a crimson star tetrahedron. It was infused with her Blood Essence and Bloodline Arts. That power she so desperately used to save their lives earlier.
She looked toward her companions who understood the bargain. They approached and offer their share of the bounty. It wasn't simply to avoid breaking the deal, they weren’t eager to end up as minced meat! Not now, not ever, that much those quivering hands reveal.
Three star tetrahedron floated serenely before Melissa’s now glowing eyes as her lips formed an eager, seductive smile, "My, my… such a delightful treasure trove… Thank you."
She flicked her tongue as she picked it up, one after the other and observed it with a connoisseur’s glee, for these were not ordinary trinkets but rather skills from an ancient bloodline and knowledge that those who weren’t of that lineage wouldn’t even fathom existing.
Melissa scrutinized these trinkets. She adjusted her monocle then call on “Zhu Jian” who materialled before her. “We need assurance that they weren’t attempting to trick us."
She gestured with a flick of her long tail. "Zhu Jian, assess these."
The Sagewood Script didn’t hesitate. It eagerly absorbed the treasures. It then flickered and those runes became active before the words appeared.
‘The offered techniques are genuine.’
“Hmm…!”
Both Generals were very impressed with this Sagewood Script’s swiftness and proficiency.
"Excellent," Bat General Kong smiled. It was clear to them now, why their master kept this creature so close.
"It's now official," said Melissa, “You may go!” She turned around to leave as well.
After gathering their resolve to exit Yama Yaguai’s hellish gate and begin a long trip back towards civilization that could take several days, if they survived those beasts encounters on their way. They bowed before turning towards the light above, ready to traverse the skies above towards that rising moon that would hopefully guide their broken spirits to safety.
“Hmph! It is good that we’re leaving with our life, not like others." Said Lorial to her subordinates.
“Truly, Senior. It was hell back there.” Handeson commented as they prepared to leave.
However, their steps froze when Melissa shouted:
"HOLD IT!"
“What?!” They were confused! Had something change? It would appear fate still had tricks at its scaly sleeves.
“Hmm?” Even Kong gave Melissa a puzzled look, ‘What is this bitch up to?’
“You humans. Tell me, is that all you have to offer?” Melissa flicked that tongue again before emphasizing, “I mean… surely you all understand Master’s fondness for those blood treasures?”
Then her voice softened. “But Master isn’t one to greedily take without reciprocating… right?" She adjusted her monocle before directing her pink eyes on those shivering humans, "So? Anything else that might appease master’s essence. We will guarantee safe travels. There are many dangers here even at the border of Yama Yaguai. You've been warned."
‘Is this her means of extorting us?’ Lorial was keen on the uptake.
“Senior, should we also…?” Fenriss didn’t want to give over their treasures.
Lorial sighed and told her peers, “Just hand them over.”
Fear propelled their hands to activate the devices on their wrist which glowed dimly. They hastily dumped their ‘Nexus Plate’ treasures upon the snow-covered ground before whispering:
"Take them! They're yours, just leave us be!”
"Wise decision."
Zhu Jian unfurled itself and hovered above the assorted treasures. It began identifying each treasure one after the other.
A list then materialized:
…
Solar Sabre: A special hilt, capable of absorbing its wielder's Solar Essence to conjure blades of solidified energy. Its power is dependent on one’s stage of cultivation, truly a magnificent find for a Bloodthorne, a perfect tool for showing one’s might.
Black Slate Nameplate: A plate of dark stone etched with intricate white runes used as official documentation by the Bloodthorne Empire Registry. It stores personal details about its owners.
"Hmm? It’s… empty? It has not been activated, what a strange gift."
This inscription is activated after an individual is acknowledged by an official from their registry! Strange… why would they have this?” Kong looked towards Lorial with curiosity and perhaps, even respect for a bloodline so meticulous.
Green Mamba Orchid: A rare flower said to enhance sensory perception and spiritual acuity upon consumption, but these effects are only temporary.
Blood Replenishing Potions: These powerful elixirs can rapidly replenish Blood Pools and regenerate wounds quickly.
Blood Essence Pills: These concentrated pills grant short bursts of enhanced power, but it comes at a high cost.
Spirit Enhancing Talismans: Enchanted scriptures that augment concentration, focus and spells they choose to weave. This power, like the orchids is temporal, and is easily broken.
Blue Fang Chrysanthemum: This delicate flower blooms under moonlight. And it is a rare, expensive ingredient in creating special fragrance only reserved for noble ladies such as princesses and Queen Ewa Nier. The stench repels insects and lower-tier beasts, such an invaluable item in their land and beyond.
Lily Blood Root: These bulbous roots, like their flowers, exudes a fragrance that dulls a user's senses, creating a temporary state of euphoria. However, if mixed with other Bloodthorne concoctions. It could amplified and become more toxic. One touch is fatal.
Iron Turtle Shield: A massive, enchanted metallic shield capable of deflecting even a ‘Helios Stream’. How amazing and useful.
Black Sin Robe: This robe, crafted from the living flesh of a Shadow Serpent, can repair itself and it amplifies the wearer’s presence. The hood provides extra protection from spiritual attacks. What a luxurious find.
Vajra Mask: A platinum-laced artifact. Wearing it alters an individual’s facial features. This is a tool made for deception.
