Solar Blood Masters (192)

Chapter 192 - Saint Ruler Den Den

“The first phase of the Snow Maiden’s Suitor Selection is officially concluded! Two hundred and thirty-one valiant men have advanced to the next phase!”

A sturdy soldier named Flint Snow announced to the assembled crowd. He stood upon a raised platform overlooking the bustling courtyard.

“The second phase will commence shortly after preparations are complete. Please remain patient, and may the strongest suitor prevail!”

Flint Snow signaled to the soldiers stationed around the arena. They moved in order and formed a circle around the raised platform. Once in position, each soldier slammed the butt of their ice spears onto the ground.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Colossal ice pillars erupted from the earth; each one thicker than a man’s torso. Intricate frost patterns adorned their surfaces. Then, with a synchronized motion, the soldiers extended their hands, channeling their Solar Essences into the pillars.

The air around them crackled with icy energy, and thin, translucent threads of spirit energy, like spider silk, snaked outwards, interlinking the pillars, weaving them together into a sturdy cage that enclosed the arena.

Flint Snow explained, “This cage is for your protection, suitors. For the second phase, you will face a beast of unimaginable ferocity! One whose power could shatter even the strongest bones and freeze even the hottest flames!”

He paused, letting his words sink in, then yelled, “Bring out the beast!”

A hatch opened at the side of the arena, and a group of scared soldiers with paled faces and trembling hands, led out a large Crimson Fang Hound. Its fur bristled, its fangs were bared, and its eyes glowed with a predatory red light. Thick chains reinforced with ice and spirit energy, bound the beast.

“Release it!”

CLANK!

The soldiers unlocked the chains and quickly scrambled back towards the safety of the barrier.

The hound lunged after them with its snapping jaws and barely missed their heels. It let out a furious bellow that reverberated through the courtyard.

“AWOOO!”

The soldiers who were now safely behind the barrier breathed a collective sigh of relief.

“That was close!” One of them wiped sweat from his brow. “I can’t believe Princess Yukiana actually uses THAT beast as her mount! It’s terrifying!”

“Huh, that’s a 1st Layer Saint Ruler Crimson Fang Hound?” Raphael shivered involuntarily as memories of a much larger, and far more dangerous hound flashed before his eyes: Pitbull Sama, the 7th Layer Nightmare Calamity from the Desolate Sands stage. ‘If it wasn’t for the Golden Prism Citadel, he would have turned us to snow with his Ice Laws.’

‘Hmm? This brat is scared?’ Enel Snow mistook Raphael’s shivering for fear of the 1st Layer Saint Ruler hound and shuffled closer and rested a hand reassuringly on Raphael’s shoulder.

“You don’t have to be so frightened, youngster. You can withdraw from this competition at any moment. No one is forcing you. And if you insist on testing your luck, I suggest you wait until the others have exhausted out that monster.”

Raphael replied grinning, “Oh, that’s not a bad idea, geezer. After they’ve done pounding on it, its meat will be quite tender. Easier to devour.”

“Hohohoho! Youngsters these days… So energetic.” Enel Snow misinterpreted Raphael’s statement for a metaphor, unaware that he truly intended to consume the beast.

From his position on the platform, Flint Snow addressed the crowd once more. “This magnificent beast is Snow Maiden Yukiana’s personal mount, a Crimson Fang Hound she affectionately calls ‘Den Den’.

Any suitor who can make this beast yield, or survive within the cage for three minutes, will advance to the next round. You may exit the cage at any time should you feel your life is threatened. Now then… First contender, please enter the stage! The countdown begins the moment you step inside! Be prepared!”

Before the first contender could step forward, a voice, cold and sharp, came from the balcony above. “Den Den! Don’t let any of those despicable bastards pass this round! I’ll give you a big treat later!”

“AWOOO! Don’t worry, Princess Yuki. I’ll chew up and spit out anyone who thinks they’re worthy to be by your side. Only I alone should have that privilege!”

‘Hmmm? That beast is surprisingly loyal to a human. Could it be under some sort of contract?’ Raphael pondered, observing the hound intently.

Near Raphael, a group of men whispered nervously amongst themselves.

“Did you hear that? Princess Yukiana wants us to… lose?”

“Yeah, and that hound… It looks vicious! I don’t fancy being its chew toy!”

“Maybe we should just… forfeit? I mean… what’s the point? Those Snow Maidens don’t even want to be married.”

“Are you insane?! We’ve come this far! I’m not giving up now!”

“But…!”

Their argument was interrupted by Flint Snow.

“We have our first contender! Enel Snow!”

“Huh, that geezer is going first?” Raphael watched with a hint of amusement as Enel Snow shuffled towards the cage, leaning heavily on his ice cane.

Enel Snow entered the cage and bowed respectfully to the Crimson Fang Hound.

“Please… go easy on these old bones, Saint Ruler Den Den.”

Den Den snorted, unimpressed.

“I’ll go easy when I’m chewing your bones! Now… enter my mouth!”

The hound dashed forward and devoured Enel Snow’s form.

The crowd gasped.

“He’s dead!”

“That was quick!”

“What a fool!”

But upon closer inspection, they saw that the shattered Enel Snow had no blood. Only ice shards remained, scattered across the arena floor.

“Hmm? An ice clone?!”

“Indeed.” Enel’s voice came from behind Den Den. “Since you refused to go easy on me… I had to resort to… trickery. Blame your overwhelming strength.”

“Old bastard! You think I’ll allow you to survive another minute?! AWOOO!”

Crimson ice erupted from the ground, forming jagged shards that shot towards Enel. The air within the cage grew colder, and pink snowflakes began to fall.

“My, my… This beast is quite rowdy.”

Enel Snow was moving like a snake, dodging the ice shards with surprising agility. Then he unleashed his magnificent Star System.

“6th Soul Planet – Water in the Cruising Mist!”

Tiny white particles exploded outwards from his body. When the particles touched the ice shards, the ice melted.

The cage floor transformed into a pool of water, and with a sudden surge, a wave washed over Den Den.

SPLASH!

“Wet mutt. What was that you said about me not lasting another minute? If this keeps up, you might just lose.” Enel taunted the beast.

The crowd roared its approval.

“That old man! He’s cunning!”

“He turned the ice to water!”

“What a twist!”

On the balcony, Labeach clenched her fists. “That geezer is getting on my nerves.”

Yukiana reassured her, “Don’t worry, sister. Den Den will tear his guts out.”

“I sure hope so.” Labeach stared intently at Enel Snow.

…

BOOM! BOOM!

Den Den’s attacks grew increasingly ferocious. He moved with a coordinated intensity that had his fangs snapping, claws slashing, and his Solar Essence exploding like a gale storm.

He lunged again towards Enel Snow while unleashing his ‘Ice Law of Two Fangs’ with a mighty bellow. This icy tornado of potent energy tore through Enel’s defenses and shattered his 'Water in the Cruising Mist' barrier like brittle glass.

“I got you now, bastard!”

Just as Den Den was about to snap Enel’s head off, Flint Snow announced, “Three minutes have elapsed! Enel Snow has passed the second phase!”

The hound became frustrated by the interruption and still tried to bite Enel's head off. But when its jaws snapped shut, all it encountered was water. The real Enel Snow appeared behind Den Den and taunted, “Too slow, mutt!” before dashing out of the cage just as more crimson icicles were unleashed.

Den Den became enraged by Enel’s escape and howled at the empty space and smashed its claws into the icy ground, creating a series of cracks that radiated outwards like spiderwebs.

“AROOOOOOO!”

The remaining suitors watched Enel’s escape with a mix of awe and resentment.

“That old man! He angered the beast! Now we’ll have to face its wrath!”

“Was that his plan all along? To eliminate us indirectly? That cunning bastard!”

“It seems we have underestimated Enel Snow. We must not underestimate his ability and strength when the time comes, to do so could very well end up with us meeting a fate not to our liking.”

Enel Snow ignored their glares and settled on a bench beside Raphael.

“So, youngster, what do you think? Have I made it tender enough for you?”

Raphael laughed. “Hahaha! You have skills, Enel. But why did you choose to wait out the time instead of defeating that dog?”

Enel Snow glanced up at the balcony, where Labeach stood watching. “I have to save my strength for… the main course.”

Raphael followed his gaze.

“Huh, those maidens you mentioned… they are quite a distance from us, and their beauty is average at best. I don’t see what the fuss is about.”

“What?!” It wasn’t Enel who said this, but Yukiana, who’d overheard Raphael’s comment despite the distance. “Average?! Did he just say… we’re AVERAGE?! Who does that golden-haired brat think he is?! Just because he defeated Bailof… he dares to be so arrogant?! Wait until Den Den gets a hold of him. There won't be anything left!”

“Calm down, my daughter.” Xavier coughed, covering his mouth.

“Perhaps… he didn’t see your appearances clearly? We’re pretty high up. Unless he has bird vision, how can he truly appreciate your beauty from so far away?”

“You have a point, Daddy. That boy’s sight… it’s as short as his legs. If I was before him… he would have never uttered such a statement, right sister?”

“Mhm,” Labeach nodded, then her gaze settled on Raphael. Both curiosity and anticipation swirled within her ocean-blue eyes. ‘How will you handle this obstacle?’

Below, Raphael overheard Yukiana’s outburst but paid it no mind. His attention was solely on the Crimson Fang Hound, its Solar Essence, its movements, its… meat.

‘My Gourmet Roots are tingling. It seems… they want a taste of that hound.’

“Another suitor has been eliminated!” Flint Snow announced.

“Next contender, enter!”

Several more men challenged Den Den. Some were swiftly defeated. One unfortunate soul, a burly man whose arrogance had fueled his reckless charge, was devoured.

Others who were more cautious, chose to flee before they were eaten. They dashed out of the cage the moment they felt their lives were threatened, forfeiting their chance to win the Snow Maidens’ hearts. A few, more cunning, waited for the beast to tire, and managed to outlast the three minutes.

Den Den, though enraged by their escapes, couldn't maintain his fury indefinitely. He was no Lu Ignis who could burn for THIRTY HOURS straight. Eventually, his Solar Essence was depleted by the constant battles.

‘Those pathetic humans. Running away is unbecoming of a Solar Blood Master! But at least I managed to give princess Yuki a good meal earlier. She’s the only one I respect. And one day… I’ll become a Nightmare Calamity like Pitbull Sama and claim the Snow Maiden’s heart for myself! With my invincible fangs and claws! No one will be able to defeat me!’

The contender list dwindled to the double digits.

“Next contender!” Flint Snow yelled.

“Finally! My turn! I can’t wait to have those maidens dancing on my fat!” A rotund man pounded his fists together, eager to enter the cage.

“That beast has been weakened drastically! I’m going to make it yield!” He licked his lips in delight.

As he strode towards the cage, his ample belly was jiggling with each step. He called himself “One Oink”. He puffed out his chest, trying to appear intimidating, but his Solar Essence barely flickered, a paltry display compared to Den Den’s fiery aura.

He entered the cage.

Den Den was wheezing and breathing rapidly. It looked exhausted.

One Oink grinned. This was his chance!

He charged his Solar Essence, readying his attack, when suddenly… Den Den’s eyes glowed!

Through their beastly contract, Yukiana channeled her Solar Essence into the hound. A wave of energy washed over it, revitalizing its weary body and soul. Its aura blazed with renewed vigor.

“Huh! What the…”

One Oink’s grin vanished; replaced by a look of sheer terror.

“Oh, no!”

He tried to flee. But it was too late.

Den Den jaws shut around One Oink’s leg, and dragged him back towards the center of the cage and tossed him back and forth. He bounced like a ragdoll.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

“I yield! I yield! Please, don’t eat me! I have no meat! Only fat!”

“Silence, human! I’ll decide how much meat you have!” Den Den’s word had a chilling finality. He pinned One Oink to the ground with a paw, and bared those fangs.

Just as Den Den was about to sink his fangs into One Oink’s flesh…

Something stopped him.

One Oink opened his eyes.

Raphael’s small hand grasped Den Den’s fang.

“Huh, brat, it’s you! Thanks for the save!” One Oink quickly scrambled to his feet and jiggled out of the cage, eager to escape the hound’s wrath. “I’ll repay you someday!”

“Don’t mention it,” Raphael replied casually. He stared at Den Den. Those blood-red eyes were assessing its quality.

‘My Gourmet Roots are demanding a taste…’

“Hmmm, that little runt stopped me?” Den Den quickly retreated a few paces. He was slightly confused by this tiny human.

‘This human isn’t so simple. I can sense a beastly presence vastly superior to my own. And that scent… It’s been ages since I’ve smelled it, but I remember it. Emperor Silk Yune’s scent. Why is it so potent on this human? Was he one of her slaves? Regardless, to be able to stand in that woman’s presence without exploding is a remarkable feat. I can’t afford to offend this human.’

He snorted. “Not bad for stopping me earlier. I don’t bully little kids. You pass this round.”

“Say what?!”

The crowd was stunned. The most shocked of all was Yukiana.

“Den Den! What the hell are you playing at?! Crush that brat! Don’t give him a free pass! This is MY chastity on the line! I command you! Eliminate him!”

“But princess, he’s…”

“Don’t ‘but’ me! Do as I say! Or I’ll cancel our contract right this minute!”

“Please don’t be so rash, princess… I’ll comply.” Den Den stared at Raphael, then began circling him slowly.

“I tried to give you a free pass. No hard feelings, human.”

Raphael looked at Den Den thoughtfully.

‘Should I really eat this hound? He seems… cool.’

Suddenly, Raphael’s stomach growled loudly, “Grrrrrr…”

‘Dammit! My Gourmet Roots are demanding a taste… Sorry, hound, but you’ll have to be my snack today.’