Solar Blood Masters

Raphael approached the terminal with his team. He extended his finger and sent a sliver of energy onto the terminal's surface. Instantly, it flared to life.

A holographic screen materialized.

Upon it were intricate diagrams and empty spaces waiting to be filled.

"Insert your invitation pass here."

He carefully slipped his gold-plated pass into the designated slot, and as soon as it was secured, a confirmation sound that resembled a bell chimed.

"Registered – Raphael, Golden Bull Thork – Nightmare Calamity 2nd Layer.

Territory – Black Wind."

His information was displayed for a few seconds before vanishing.

"Next."

Beside him, Lu Jade, in his smaller form, extended his tail and tapped the terminal with a soft hiss, "Ok… ok… it's registering… Yessss! It's done!"

Qi Fenwei and Thienika followed suit, their registrations also confirmed without a hitch.

The terminal then displayed the team's details:

…

Team Name: ( Empty )

Leader: Qi Fenwei

Members:

Lu Jade (Saint Ruler 5th Layer)

Thienika (Calamity 1st Layer)

Qi Fenwei (Nightmare Calamity 5th Layer)

Raphael (Nightmare Calamity 1st Layer)

…

"We need a name for our team." QI Fenwei remarked casually. "Choose something that inspires fear! That'll intimidate those insects into surrendering their points!"

"Hmm… a name…?" Raphael wracked his brain, but nothing surfaced. This pressure to think, he'd never encountered it, nor did he enjoy it, not one bit!

"How about… 'The Emerald Serpents'?" Lu Jade suggested.

He was met with scoffs and laughter, even Thienika had her wrinkled face contorted.

"No, little serpent, surely there's something more fitting."

"Hmm… I've got it!" Raphael then gave them a name that encapsulated his aspirations to conquer and his team's unique blend of fearsome individuals.

"We'll call ourselves: The Breath Takers!"

"The Breath Takers?" QI Fenwei smiled, she liked it.

Lu Jade quickly input their team name into the terminal, and with a final click.

"Registered: The Breath Takers."

Raphael then noticed a commotion behind him on the platform. He saw a familiar figure, a colossal Bull Mountain Demon, fuming as those contestants nearby gave him a wide berth.

Gastaroid.

"That idiot… he still hasn't found a team."

He glanced at his companions. "We've still got one spot left, what do you say?"

Before he could finish his sentence, Lu Jade hissed urgently, "Big Brother! Reconsider! That beast is a TRAITOR! Surely you remember those treacherous acts of his? He'll abandon us at the first sign of danger, or devour our souls when we're asleep! Please, I beg you.

DO… NOT… invite… that… demon!"

"Too late, little buddy. It's already decided."

Raphael had made up his mind. Those fears, they wouldn't hold back his ambitions to win, "GASTAROID! You wanna join our team? We've got one spot left."

Qi Fenwei and Thienika shook their heads. This bull was truly insane. They'd watched those scenes, witnessed Gastaroid's brutality. However, their disapproval was a mere whisper in the chaotic webs of destiny's calling, for those who dared to play against fate's game…

They were either blessed with unimaginable fortune… or crushed beneath its indifferent heel.

"Hmph! Damn BULL, what sort of tricks are you up to this time?"

Gastaroid glared at Raphael. His horns pulsated with molten energy as his massive form approached with the stoic arrogance of one who knew his worth.

"There's no trick. I just think you're SUPER STRONG, and you'd be a great addition to our team, really."

His words were a blend of honesty and desperation, for wasn't there a saying amongst those powerful creatures,

"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer?"

Gastaroid scoffed, then looked around him. He was in a bubble alone while everyone else had already formed teams.

"These WEAK bastards… they fear me, rightly so. But…" He glanced at the timer, those numbers ticked down menacingly.

"Twenty… Nineteen…"

"Damn!"

He had to make a choice.

"MUWAHAHAHA! Very well. I'LL join your little team. But don't think we're friends. The moment I see my chance… I'LL crush you all. YOUR souls will be fuel for my ascendency! This… I VOW!"

His laughter had Lu Jade recoiling in fright as he hissed, "He is not even hiding his intentions! We're doomed!"

"Settle down, Little Lu, we've faced greater dangers together." Raphael nudged his friend reassuringly, however, his thoughts mirrored those concerns.

"If he tries anything… I'll crush him!" He'd tasted a sliver of that Bull Mountain Demon's true strength.

This was a gamble indeed.

Gastaroid strode forward and presented his invitation.

"The Breath Takers? Hmph." He snorted. "What a ridiculous name!"

He then slipped his pass into the terminal and with a final click.

"Registered: Gastaroid, Bull Mountain Demon - Nightmare Calamity 8th Layer."

…

"Welcome back, mighty contenders!" Muburt addressed the audience.

It was time for the first stage!

The holographic screens showcasing the platforms vanished. And in their place, a large map materialized.

"This is…? A map?"

Raphael's question was answered by Muburt with a sly smile.

"It's not simply an map, BULL! It's the representation of the Great Divine Tribulation's HEART. Within its depths reside the challenges we've crafted to appease the ancient decrees of the Void Emperor. And each stage shall test your limits!"

He pointed towards the map, "The first stage is called… 'Desolate Sands'."

"Desolate Sand?" The name alone had a few participants shivering, for it was a realm known for its harsh conditions, unforgiving terrain, and those ancient, monstrous beasts that lurked beneath the dunes.

"And because there are 4500 contenders present, this first round, you will be facing each other as… Territories!"

This revelation was met with gasps! It was truly a twist they hadn't anticipated.

"Territories?"

"That's not fair! We came here to compete individually, not as…"

"Silence!" Muburt's thunderous command had their complaints fading. "This is a TEST of unity, of loyalty, of that unspoken pact that binds those who share the same desires, ambitions, and those flames that burn within, for we in Yama Yaguai are not meant to live in isolation forever, are we?"

Then with a gesture that had his banner swirling, Muburt showcased a specific image, an oval shape with black, red, and blue colors.

"Desolate Sands is the breeding ground for Kepfu, a species known for its potent essences that can enhance Solar Consciousness. Hidden within these sands are countless Kepfu Eggs. Your mission is to amass as many as you can within the allotted time period."

He paused for a moment as the crowd buzzed.

"But that's not all! To better identify your team members, and to prevent accidental slaughter within your territory, a color coded flag will be displayed above each of you."

He stamped his staff against the platform.

BOOM!

And with a dazzling burst of light, 4500 spectral banners materialized. Each one bearing the insignia of its corresponding territory:

Black Wind – black

Ho Eastern – red

Yunyin – pink

Desolate Huang – brown

Jingling Ocean – blue

Kongming Mountain - yellow

Undying Valley – purple

Subterranean Gorge – orange

Skydom - white

Above Raphael's head, a magnificent black banner now swayed proudly.

"That's… mine?" He whispered in awe. It had a faint silver glow, the essence of Qi Hawk.

Muburt continued. "Each territory will be judged by the TOTAL number of Kepfu eggs collected, however, there's a twist! You are free to act as you please while amassing the eggs! Betrayal? Deception? Annihilation? Those options are yours to command! Embrace those primal instincts that have brought you to this very moment! Make them your strengths.

And at the end of this stage… any territory with LESS than ONE HUNDRED members remaining… well, they will be eliminated from the Great Divine Tribulation!

The timer has already begun! Those THREE HOURS ahead will be a exemplification of those who truly DESIRE to stand above all others!"

"MUWAHAHA! Music to my ears." Gastaroid smashed his fists together. His molten eyes were blazing!

"KILL!"

"DESTROY!"

"BLOOD! I crave BLOOD!"

The audience roared. They were eager for a good show, one worthy of their Emperor's decree!

Muburt stamped his staff.

BOOM!

And then, in a flash of golden light…

All 4,500 participants vanished.

…

A massive, globular object materialized in the center of the arena. It was a transparent sphere. It radiated with a vibrant mix of colors.

As the sphere spun slowly, hundreds of smaller screens began emerging from its surface, each showcasing the deserted landscape of the 'Desolate Sands' stage.

"Behold! From these screens, we watch as destinies are rewritten! As alliances are forged! And as those with weak hearts are devoured!"

The audience watched with a mixture of excitement, apprehension, and bloodthirsty anticipation, for they knew what was about to unfold.

Within those sandy realms, pure violence was about to begin!