Born in Blood-Chapter 557: Boss Fight

Liam made his way towards the Red Line, curious as to what Gorock would think seeing him now.

Despite two years passing, Liam’s aura had no significant difference. Maybe it had to do with inscribing so much, but he looked resplendent and wise.

He had also gotten rid of the bright glow of his Ravenous Heart, so it wasn’t an obvious weak point for foes to focus.

’He won’t hold back anymore.’

Liam knew the Prince of Cruelty was largely holding back. In fact, the only reason the Rank 5 scythe had been unsheathed was because the vampire didn’t want to expose his true power.

But not only had Liam insulted him several times, he also made an utter fool out of him at the end of their battle.

He wouldn’t be surprised if the vampire went all out this time.

’But so will I.’

’His greatest strength is his anti-regeneration. As long as I avoid being hit by any major attacks, I’ll be fine.’

For a moment, Liam had questioned whether or not he should reach the fifth Rank of the body, then fight Gorock.

However, he dismissed this. Even if he killed a thousand Rank 4 creatures and consumed them, their blood potency was not high enough to give him a push to Rank 5.

...But the vampire, on the other hand, had centuries to purify and cleanse his blood. Heck, even devouring half of him would probably be sufficient for an advancement.

But... if he were to sink his teeth into the vampire’s Nexus?

That might just strengthen Liam’s blood manipulation even more!

***

When Liam arrived at the borders of Gorock’s Quadrant, he was surprised to see a change.

Thousands of piranhas, vastly more vicious-looking than the ones Liam had fought two years ago, swam in swarms around the border.

Their teeth were sharper, their exoskeletons thicker, their fins and tails wider and more streamlined for faster speed.

He couldn’t even peek through the thick wall they formed.

’He’s learned from last time. Clever. Even cleverer, he thinks I’m dumb enough to enter the same way I did last time.’

There was no doubt in Liam’s mind that the Quadrant floor was filled with traps by now, or at least formations... which he hadn’t seen, but still.

It was not wise to underestimate an aged vampire. They had years to learn from their mistakes and perfect their cunning.

So... what was Liam’s plan of entry?

Guns blazing.

Liam unleashed the Dusk Blades, which materialized in his grasp, the chains of which coiled around his arms like a writhing snake.

The Dusks laughed maniacally, their voice even deeper than before.

The Dusk Blades’ new form was, strangely enough, pleasing to look at.

...If you were a connoisseur of thrilling violence, grotesque brutality, unrelenting ruthlessness and unforgiving mercy.

The pair of atrocious weapons looked vile and sadistic, their dark visage contrasting sharply with the bloody markings on its surface.

It gave off an aura analogous to nails dragging over a dry chalkboard.

Starting with the hilt, Liam curved the bottom of the obsidian grip to form a fang–like form, the tip of which was small, but sharp. This allowed for faster swings, and even doubled as a hidden edge if used right.

In fact, if it was thrown into a crowd of enemies, it could very well take a foe’s eye with it.

Linked around this obscure edge were the chains, which now had a self-extending quality that Liam had pioneered. Combining his shadows with blood gave the links a mercurial quality, allowing it to stretch or retract on command.

Now, they didn’t resemble metal bonds, rather organic veins that throbbed... as though transporting blood.

As for the blades themselves, they had grown lengthier by an entire handspan, making room for a series of terrifying demonic teeth that grimly adorned their edges.

Not to mention, their sharpness almost rivaled that of the Black Blade, if only their purpose was the same.

No... this sharpness lacked that sort of mercy.

Across the ghoulish edge itself shimmered a scarlet lining of blood — brighter than a ruby — continuing from its tip, and extending past its hilt, before reaching the vein-like chains.

This almost insignificant detail of the weapons was, in reality, its greatest feature.

Swinging both the Dusks by the reins, Liam took aim at the towering wall of piranhas, then threw both blades right in the center of them all.

WRSHHHHH!

They tore through the water, instantly cleaving through the piranhas ranks, utterly ignoring their defenses.

Then, they slowly charged into a bright red color, like the sun as it rose at dusk.

BOOOOOOOM!

Two openings had formed.

Kicking the waters behind him, Liam blurred through the openings and arrived at the other side.

The piranhas were incapacitated, but quickly took notice of Liam as he slowed down.

However, just like last time, they didn’t attack straight away.

Liam inspected his surroundings.

It was more or less the same, if one looked past the strange symbols riddled all across on the ground.

It was as Liam thought.

Gorock was anticipating his return.

"I’m baaaack!" Liam said loudly. "No greeting this time?"

CREAAAAK.

The gate opened, and—

WHOOSH!

CLINNNNNNNNNG!

The attack came in the blink of an eye. Liam blocked the blow with both his Dusk Blades, forcing back the living scythe.

Gorock’s thirst for revenge was unquenched throughout these two years, it seemed. His eyes were wide with joy at Liam’s return.

With his free hand, Gorock made a flicking gesture an inch away from Liam’s face.

SHIIIING!

Liam barely dodged by the skin of his teeth. He witnessed the attack flash past, his eyes widening.

An arc of blood faster than a bullet, sharper than a sword and thinner than a strand of hair.

...And it nearly took half of his face with it.

’Okay... maybe I shouldn’t piss off everyone I meet.’

The Prince of Cruelty made a series of flicking gestures, sending wild arcs of blood flying in all directions.

Thankfully, to Liam’s sharp sight, they were easily dodgeable, if not downright annoying.

’What is this, a boss fight?!’

Gorock was silent. He didn’t intend to speak at all. In fact, all of his focus was set on one little thing.

Killing the human that called him a pompous mosquito.