In front of five hundred people standing beside a massive metal drum filled with the blood of unknown beasts and substances that no one recognized, but with much anticipation to enter it.
This was the final stage of the training for the newcomers, and what they were about to do was called the "strengthening through a blood ritual." The blood within the metal drums would fortify their bones, muscles, cleanse their bodies, enhance their senses, and increase their battle aura to levels they could never have dreamed of achieving before.
Rumors had it that if they were lucky and their talent was good, they could become a Sword Saint or even a King. But there was also the possibility of reaching the realm of a Sword Emperor, something only known to the members of Uruk.
This was a method of Gilgamesh, who had done it once with the blood of divine beasts—perhaps a dragon would work, but bringing all that blood in perfect condition was very costly, and what was more complicated was that it was time-consuming. Therefore, they chose to buy blood from different beasts, and these requests were accepted by adventurers in rural areas of the Asura Kingdom.
So today, as they were about to graduate after one month of intensive training, they all understood that their training methods were forbidden and unique to the Uruk Tower. Now, they would finally meet their lord, who owned the Uruk Tower and was considered an incredibly powerful being.
When the moment arrived, Gilgamesh appeared before them, and they all froze. They had never thought that the fourth prince had been behind all of this, but at the same time, they were glad, for they were following someone considered the Sword's Son.
"Many of you know what you have beside you, but for those who still have doubts, I will tell you clearly," Gilgamesh walked in front of these five hundred people and said, "This is a blood ritual; it has nothing to do with magic but everything to do with your bodies, as you will undergo a transformation where your body will be enhanced while you observe the vitality of the blood and the precious objects contained in this liquid."
"Don't forget, the longer you stay within this precious substance, the stronger you will become. If you manage to endure until all the effects are absorbed into your body, you could even become at the very least a being considered a Sword King."
Everyone listened to Gilgamesh's words with a great smile on their faces; they couldn't wait to immerse their bodies in that immense torment to gain much more power.
"As all of you are brave warriors, I will accompany you in this trial, and I hope you don't lose to a child," Gilgamesh said jokingly, causing a burst of laughter.
"When you're ready, fully immerse your body in the disgusting blood and accept the power into your bodies!" Gilgamesh said as he removed the top part of his clothing and immersed himself in the blood.
Since the lids of the metal drums were opened, the threads of medicinal fragrances wafted from the liquid into the surroundings. This fragrance, like alcohol and the smell of blood, was enough to let them know that the component of this liquid was extremely valuable.
For this blood ritual, the main method was boiling. The special medicines that Gilgamesh listed were unique in the process. The magical plants that he had only in his treasury were something only he could do with a one hundred percent success rate, so as long as it was his warriors using this method, he didn't mind.
There were different systems he had created for the preparation of this blood ritual—blood from powerful beasts, nourishing medicines, magical stones, and the condition for transformation.
"I'll leave the rest to you, Elaine; I'll begin," Gilgamesh said before entering the metal drum.
When everyone entered the drums, the blood began to boil, and this discomfort quickly turned into pain. They felt as if the metal drums were set in waves of flames that fueled the boiling of the liquid in which they were submerged.
Finally, after a minute within the liquid, it began to emit a unique fragrance. This fragrance was an odor that didn't smell entirely bad, like unsweetened candy.
"First, it's the veins, muscles, and body tissues... Then, the organs, and the battle aura undergoes a unique cleansing."
Boom!
At that moment, a powerful burst was heard in each of the metal drums, and the battle aura surrounded the bodies of those undergoing the transformation. Each one enduring this metamorphosis clenched their teeth tightly, avoiding emitting any screams of pain.
The essence of blood was divided into various factors, but everything would become one when the mixture was perfect for the human body. These blood rituals were common in Gilgamesh's armies; that's why they were able to stand up to the chants of the gods back then.
Like when crystal is molded, gold is purified from impurities, and wine is delicately prepared, all these factors were similar when refining a warrior's body. All those wounds and punishment inflicted on the muscles would return as if a wolf were biting every part of the bodies of those inside the metal drum.
In the end, the liquid began to merge with the bodies of all those receiving this power. Within that liquid, it emitted a powerful aura of all kinds.
Elaine, who was on the side, said, "The best score was thirty minutes, the least was twenty-eight. Everyone is willing to die after knowing that they could become a Sword King, but not everyone is willing to endure the pain to attain that power. This method is a shortcut, but they will receive the pain of a blow to their bodies."
"That looks incredibly painful. Will it also be done with the group of women who are being trained?" A girl who was behind Elaine shuddered a bit; it was fortunate that she had been chosen for trade.
"They won't die; it's good for their bodies, and besides, the strength they can gain is unparalleled among those on the outside. To be honest, I would do it too if I were weak," Elaine was amazed by this group; it seemed that everyone fully accepted the effects of the blood ritual.
"It seems that many Sword Kings will be born today to serve Uruk. This is incredible."