Solar Blood Masters (194)

Chapter 194 - Gourmet Roots

Within the depths of Raphael's stomach, a strange and wondrous process was underway. The remnants of Den Den’s flesh and Solar Essence, now a swirling blend of crimson and gold, were being broken down by microscopic roots, thinner than spider silk yet stronger than steel. These were Thienika's Gourmet Roots, a legacy passed down from her Draconic Star Lumber lineage, a gift she'd unknowingly bestowed upon Raphael during Sindoll’s grafting procedure.

The roots were absorbing the nutrients, extracting the purest Solar Essence, and channeling it into Raphael’s dantian. It was a constant flow of life force that revitalized his human form and amplified his power.

Raphael burped loudly and patted his stomach contentedly. Kudumei snuggled beside him for warmth. He observed the now empty cauldron, noting with satisfaction that his Solar Essence Density had increased by 500 kelvin.

“Amazing! Truly amazing this food was! Yet, I still feel… I can eat more.”

“Oh? Still hungry after swallowing all of that?” Enel Snow approached, offering what seemed like genuine praise, but within those fox-like eyes of his… a sinister glint lingered.

“You’re the first gourmand I’ve come across with such a bottomless stomach in centuries. Even in my youth, I couldn’t compare to you youngsters.”

Raphael absorbed the cauldron back into his Abyss Nylon.

“Huh, are you saying… I’m a glutton?”

“Precisely! A glutton among gluttons! Say, after eating that bland soup without much seasoning, your tongue must be feeling parched. Have some grapes to cool it down. What do you say? These are freshly picked.” Enel offered a bunch of black grapes that were glistening invitingly.

“Fresh grapes? Don’t mind if I do. Vitamin C is good for the body, after all,” Raphael accepted the grapes and began munching on them, one after the other, savoring their juicy sweetness.

Enel Snow snickered internally. ‘So easy. Your greed… It will be your downfall. Vitamin C? Hmph! More like Vitamin D… for DEATH!’ He watched as Raphael devoured the grapes.

‘Those are Virulent Coal Grapes. They look black and juicy, but they’re incredibly poisonous. One seed is enough to stun an elephant, and an entire bunch… well, only death is certain. This brat’s constitution is remarkable though. To think he can devour an entire Crimson Fang Hound without any symptoms yet. That soup must still be working its magic. After it’s digested, the poison will take effect. And when this brat croaks, those Snow Maidens… they’ll undoubtedly be mine!’

“Hey! Hey!” Raphael snapped his fingers, trying to get Enel Snow’s attention. “Are you hard of hearing, geezer?”

“Huh? What is it, youngster?”

Raphael pointed towards the arena where soldiers were bustling about, setting up a small podium and preparing a circular stage.

“What are they doing?” he asked.

“Oh, they’re preparing for the next round of the competition. This might be the last one. Those soldiers are rolling out the red carpet for… the Snow Lord’s descent.”

“I see.” Raphael popped another grape into his mouth and watched the proceedings.

Flint Snow’s amplified voice announced the commencement of the third and final phase.

“Only thirteen contenders remain! And now… they will face the wrath of the Snow Maidens! The rules are simple: Those who yield, or are knocked out of bounds, lose. Now, soldiers… Salute!”

The soldiers snapped to attention with their spears held high, as Xavier Snow and his two daughters, Yukiana and Labeach, materialized on the podium with flashes of light that had those near shielding their eyes.

The men in the courtyard went wild.

“The Snow Maidens! They’re even more beautiful up close!”

“Their beauty… It’s intoxicating!”

“I’ll win your hearts!”

“Marry me!”

They made heart-shaped gestures with their hands, completely oblivious to Xavier Snow’s presence.

“Ahem,” Xavier Snow whispered, amused. “Am I that… obsolete?”

“Attention!” Flint Snow’s loud voice snapped them back to reality.

“Greet your Lord!”

The men quickly composed themselves and bowed respectfully.

“All hail Emperor Xavier Snow!”

“Now that’s more like it.” Xavier Snow chuckled, then addressed the crowd.

“For centuries, this tradition has stood as a testament to the strength and resilience of our people. Today, we gather not only to witness a contest of skill, but also to celebrate the union of multiple souls, a bond that will shape the future of our empire. The winner of this final phase will earn not only my daughters’ hand in marriage, but also the prestige, the honor, the unlimited riches, and the enticing opportunities that come with being the next Snow Lord.”

His voice grew more serious.

“But with these privileges come responsibilities. Responsibilities to uphold the prosperity of our empire, to protect its people, to be faithful and loving to my daughters, to guide our nation with wisdom and compassion. Those who cannot step up to this status, those whose hearts are filled with greed and lust, I urge you… give up now! For the path ahead is arduous, and only the strongest, the purest of heart, will prevail.”

He unleashed a wave of Solar Pressure. The ground trembled. The crowd gasped as they were forced to their knees.

“What the hell?!” The grape slipped from Raphael’s grasp. He too, was forced to bend a knee. ‘This Solar Pressure… It’s intense! How can a human possess such power? This Snow Lord… he’s no simple man.’

“Are you alright, youngster? Let me help you up.”

Enel Snow approached and offered a hand, he also picked up the grape, dusted it off, and handing it back to Raphael.

“You wouldn’t want any to go to waste.”

“Oh, thanks,” Raphael popped the grape back into his mouth while glaring suspiciously at Xavier.

WHOOSH!

Xavier Snow canceled his Solar Pressure. Yukiana and Labeach stepped forward.

“Listen up, maggots! It’s getting late, and I can’t stand to miss my beauty sleep!” Yukiana yelled. She leaped onto the circular stage.

“Come at me! I’ll take all of you on at once!”

She slammed a fist onto the stage and unleashed her Star System.

BOOM!

Two Soul Orbitals, radiating the potent energy of 11 Soul Planets, came into being. She was a peak Star Soul Layer Solar Blood Master.

She activated a Soul Planet skill – ‘Snow Bunny Carrot’.

A cute orange Snow Bunny with large, expressive eyes materialized before her.

“Hey, what is this about? Are we supposed to… fight her?” Raphael asked Enel.

“Yes, youngster. Whoever defeats the Snow Maidens wins this competition. Are you willing to be the first contender?” Enel Snow was eager for Raphael to expend more energy, to hasten the poison's effects.

Raphael shook his head. “I’ll sit this one out. You can have it all, old man.”

He placed another grape into his mouth and settled himself atop Kudumei. She was shivering.

“Hey, you’re cold again. What do I have to do? Soak you in a Fire Pool?”

‘Hmm, this brat… Is he truly not interested in those Snow Maidens? Did I poison an innocent lad for nothing? Well, it doesn’t matter now. The deed is done. He can only wait for death. By the time they figure out he’s been poisoned, the throne will be mine!’ Enel grinned internally and observed the other contenders, whose Solar Essences were dimming with anticipation and apprehension.

“I… I don’t think I can hit a woman…” one of the men mumbled.

“Yeah… She’s the princess! What if we… injure her?”

“I’m not going to attack first! You go!”

“No, you go!”

They argued amongst themselves. Their bravado had vanished, replaced by a newfound chivalry. Each one wanted the Snow Maiden to acknowledge their individual strength, their courage. This way, there could be no doubt, no accusations of foul play or cheating.

Finally, after much deliberation, they reached an agreement.

“One at a time. No interference.”

The first contender leaped onto the stage. He was a slender man with a rose clenched between his teeth, a shield in his left hand, and a sword in his right. He strode towards Yukiana and presented the rose with a flourish while striking a dramatic pose.

“My dear princess, your beauty… It has captured my heart. Will you accept this humble token of my affection?”

He winked, then added with a cheesy grin, “Is your name… Queen Google? Because you’ve got everything I’ve been searching for.”

Yukiana took the flower, twirling it between her fingers, as if considering his offer. The man’s ego swelled.

Then, she tossed the flower to the ground and stepped on it, crushing its delicate petals.

“You…!” The man’s face turned red. “You’re not a princess! You’re an ugly wench!”

He lunged forward with his sword swinging.

But an invisible barrier materialized before Yukiana and not only deflected the blow. But…

BAM!

The man was sent flying backwards! He soared over Raphael’s head and crashed into a building eight hundred meters away.

“One down. Who’s next?” Yukiana glared at the remaining contenders. She noticed Raphael relaxing on his clam, seemingly uninterested in the proceedings.

‘Why isn’t he approaching? Is he… scared of my power? Hmph! He’ll be groveling before me soon enough.’