Chapter 248: [FGO]: 248
Credits: YrageJustaGame
Under the dim torchlight, the horrifying scene was revealed—a skull from an intelligent species. The ground of the entire cave was paved with bones, a grotesque sight of death. The Lionman Chieftain strode nonchalantly over the gruesome floor, dragging the Wolfman, who was now frothing at the mouth, deeper into the cave. Inside, the atmosphere opened into a vast chamber. At the center stood a massive altar made entirely of bones.
Upon closer inspection, the remains were varied: massive bones likely belonging to giants, winged skeletons possibly from sky-winged species, sharp-eared Elf remains, and even bones of Warbeast. However, the largest number of skeletons belonged to a smaller, humanoid species—humans. Nearby, a striking figure caught the Lionman Chieftain's eye: a golden-haired, red-eyed fox maiden. She wore a shrine maiden's outfit, its design both provocative and revealing. The crude, dark iron chains binding her contrasted starkly with her fair, silky skin, creating a strange aesthetic of cruel beauty. Even the Lionman Chieftain, who prided himself on his disdain for frail females and preference for muscular males, nearly faltered in his convictions.
Snapping back to his senses, he snorted disdainfully, "Weak female," and masked his discomfort with a dismissive scowl. The fox maiden remained indifferent, her golden hair drifting softly as her vacant crimson eyes stared at the ground. Unbothered by her silence, the chieftain approached the bone altar. He extended his free hand, and with a metallic zing, sharp claws emerged from his padded fingers. Like slaughtering a chicken, he slashed the Wolfman's throat.
Scarlet blood spurted forth, forming a dense crimson mist. The Wolfman's eyes widened in terror as his life drained rapidly. Strangely, the blood began flowing unnaturally, as if alive, toward the center of the altar. The bleeding accelerated dramatically, and the Wolfman's once-sturdy body shriveled into a grotesque, mummified husk. Suddenly, a wild and angry voice echoed throughout the cavern. It started distant and ethereal but quickly grew louder and more tangible.
["Roar! The taste of blood... still so delicious."]
A brilliant red light erupted at the center of the altar. Like a nebula, the crimson glow condensed into the shape of a lion humanoid made entirely of blood energy.
["My servant, why do you disturb me?"]
The Lionman Chieftain trembled at the question, his fur standing on end. One wrong word, and he knew he could face a fate worse than the Wolfman's. Kneeling reverently, his voice quivered as he replied, "My Lord, we have discovered a new godling among the humans..."
Before he could finish, the blood god burst into wild laughter. ["Humans? Those pitiful creatures produced a godling? You dare mock me?"]
A terrifying killing intent filled the air, suffocating the chieftain. This... this is the power of a deity! He thought, terrified, as he pressed himself flat against the ground, tail wagging submissively.
["Speak!"] the god demanded, withdrawing its oppressive aura.
"Your servant dispatched 300,000 troops, allied with demonkind and dwarf—an army of one million strong—but they were annihilated by just two humans..."
["Interesting,"] the blood god mused.
["So it seems they are godlings after all. Perhaps newly born and weak... perfect for devouring."]
Muttering to itself, the god grew silent. The chieftain dared not move; the tension was unbearable. Finally, the god declared, ["If your report proves true, you shall be rewarded. If you have deceived me...]"
With that ominous proclamation, the god strode past the kneeling chieftain toward the cave's exit.
Relieved, the Lionman Chieftain sighed internally.
Perhaps I will even receive a divine reward. Those unlucky godlings will be devoured soon enough. How tragic... As his thoughts wandered, an explosion shook the cave.
Boom!
A furious roar followed, shaking the walls.
"Who are you?!"
Blood-red light shot back into the cave, slamming into the wall with tremendous force. Embedded in the stone was the blood god, battered like a ragdoll.
"What insolence! Did I hear you were looking for me? Excellent—I've come to repay your kindness."
A calm but chilling voice drifted into the cave.
Emerging from the entrance was a figure, not tall but exuding an overwhelming presence.
"Bastard! You attacked me? I will tear out your guts, crush your skull, and drink your brain!"
The enraged blood god roared and lunged at the intruder. However, it was all for nothing. Ryou's fingers moved swiftly through the air, sketching out complex, glowing blue runes. Though his agility was rated at only four stars, it far surpassed the limits of ordinary mortals—even beyond those of heroic spirits—reaching a speed ten times faster than sound. His finger left countless afterimages as he moved.
In less than a second, he inscribed several thousand characters of ancient primordial runes into the air. If a group of web novel authors were to witness this godlike display of typing efficiency, they would probably drool in admiration. As Ryou completed the final stroke, the runes glowed brighter, releasing a terrifying surge of energy. With his comprehension of primordial runes now at 70%, their ancient, mysterious power began to reveal its full potential:
Dragon's Strength: Increasing physical might tenfold.
Child of the Gale: Enhancing speed tenfold.
Molten Fury: Imbuing attacks with devastating fire attributes.
Eternal Scorch: Inflicting sustained damage over time.
Elemental Covenant: Granting immunity to most elemental harm.
One by one, these overwhelming buffs took effect, making Ryou—already formidable—practically invincible. But he wasn't satisfied yet. With a thought, the energy gems embedded in Apocalypse emitted a radiant golden light. A tidal wave of energy surged into Ryou's body, but he remained unfazed. His six-star durability allowed him to withstand the immense energy influx effortlessly. The energy transformed within him. Part of it strengthened his body, pushing it toward an unprecedented peak, while the rest turned into a dark red energy radiating boundless hatred and wrath.
As the beastly god lunged toward him, Ryou raised his power to its zenith and unleashed a single punch.
"Die!"
The air in front of his fist splintered, leaving translucent cracks accompanied by the sound of shattering glass. A void-like black hole, the size of a human head, appeared in midair. Ryou's fist had punched through space itself. In an instant, his fist emerged from the spatial rift directly before the beastly god.
Boom!
The blood-formed deity exploded violently, scattering blood-red fragments like shooting stars. This supreme deity of the Warbeast was obliterated with a single punch. An ominous red fist shadow slammed into the cave wall, causing a massive tremor. A giant, mountain-like crater formed, and the force pierced through the ceiling. The heavy, lead-colored clouds above cracked open, and a beam of sunlight streamed through the gap, illuminating the land below.
"So weak. Always boasting about annihilating nations. Where did that confidence even come from?"
Ryou muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. He had prepared extensively, yet his opponent fell so easily.
If I'd known it'd be this pathetic... I wouldn't have wasted all those buffs, he grumbled internally.
"Hmm? What's this?"
Ryou noticed a shimmering, multicolored orb of light floating in the air where the god had perished. Curious, he reached out and grasped it. [—Acquired Divine Essence (Cannot be used by the current host)].
"Wait, what?"
Ryou blinked.
"You drop something I can't use? Are you kidding me, system?"
Sighing, he stashed the essence in his storage space. Even if it was just a collectible, it was still a treasure dropped by a deity.
Turning his attention to the surroundings, Ryou noticed the sea of bones covering the cave floor—most of them human. His expression darkened.
"Hmm?"
His gaze shifted to the lion-headed chieftain, frozen in terror, and the chained fox maiden. The moment Ryou's eyes landed on him, the lion-headed chieftain shivered uncontrollably. The invincible beast god had been obliterated in a single blow by this man.
'What kind of death god is this?!'
Instinctively, the chieftain tried to grovel.
"I—"
Before he could finish, Ryou casually swatted at him.
Splat!
The chieftain became a bloody smear on the ground. Ryou then approached the fox maiden. As he raised his hand, a soft, mellifluous voice stopped him.
"Please wait."
Her voice was like a sweet breeze caressing the skin, making it hard to resist. The fox maiden lifted her head, revealing an otherworldly beauty that momentarily left even Ryou, who was used to such sights, slightly stunned. Golden hair shimmered brilliantly despite the grimy surroundings, and her crimson eyes gleamed like perfect rubies, holding a galaxy of stars within. Her face seemed sculpted by a master artisan, flawless in every detail. Her lips curved into a seductive smile, her gaze teasing yet intent. Hidden deep in her eyes was a faint trace of triumph. Even the ruthless beast god had been unable to resist her allure, sparing her life and keeping her as a prized possession.
The fox maiden brimmed with confidence—her charm was her ultimate weapon, irresistible even to the mightiest beings.
"I humbly offer myself to serve you, my lord. I beg for your mercy."