Warhammer: Lord of the Endless Monster Horde [196]

The strongest cosmic phantom beast, the Cosmic Great Water Buffalo, would never hand itself over to a subordinate.

"That's no problem, my great master. My power shall be yours to wield.

But I am different from the other cosmic phantom beasts; to bear my power, your current strength is not enough.

However, I can seal a portion of my power within your body. However much your body can handle, that's how much I'll let you use. When you can truly control me, I'll fully possess you and make you a true user of the Steel-Breaking Bull Fist," the Cosmic Great Water Buffalo said.

There was no choice. As the strongest cosmic phantom beast, its possession requirements were extremely demanding.

The host's physical fitness must meet the standard. The master's body was not there yet; he could only use a small fraction of the beast's power. He'd have to reach the super lifeform level first.

"If I only get part of your power, can I still perform the Steel-Breaking Bull Fist?" Rhodes asked.

The main thing was being able to learn the technique; Rhodes didn't expect to unleash a universe-destroying move yet.

Gaining a skill with growth potential was already a great boon, and besides, the Steel-Breaking Bull Fist looked incredibly cool!

"Master, you can combine your power with mine to unleash the full might of this technique.

However, you'll need to practice the basic cosmic phantom beast fist forms to boost its power.

Otherwise, you won't even be able to strike the basic pose. Even if I give you power, you can't use the move," said the Cosmic Great Water Buffalo.

Steel-Breaking Bull Fist was the hardest, strongest technique in the universe.

So learning the cosmic phantom beast fist was quite necessary.

"I understand! Let's do it! Give me your power," Rhodes nodded, satisfied.

"I'm transferring my power now, master, don't resist."

A surge of crimson energy emerged from the great book of cosmic phantom beast fist, entering Rhodes' body and forming a crimson mark of the Great Water Buffalo on his skin.

Basic forms of the cosmic phantom beast fist, along with the charging technique for Steel-Breaking Bull Fist, appeared in Rhodes' mind.

This energy not only taught Rhodes the Steel-Breaking Bull Fist but also further enhanced his physical abilities.

At this stage, Rhodes' situation was similar to that of the Little Taurus—only able to release a single big move.

He couldn't use the other fist techniques at all. But cosmic phantom beasts offered more than just a single big move.

For example, they could unleash elemental attacks, self-heal, assist allies, boost attack speed, and increase overall strength.

After receiving part of the Great Water Buffalo's power, Rhodes immediately struck a pose and bumped his fists together.

He began to move, and a crimson energy shaped like a giant red bull's head formed before him.

"Steel-Breaking Bull Fist!"

With the roar of a wild bull, a slab-like crimson energy shot forward, obliterating everything in its path and leaving a deep dent in the training room's door.

The room's durability was impressive—this was the weakest version of the Steel-Breaking Bull Fist, yet it nearly blasted through the training chamber.

The move was extremely powerful, much more useful than Behemoth's yellow lightning or Gomora's ultra-shockwave.

The ultra-shockwave required some charging time—this move just needed the right pose to fire.

And it didn't drain much stamina—far less than the ultra-shockwave. Plus, it just looked awesome!

"Master, your physical strength is already very high. Among those with the same build, you're the strongest I've seen.

I look forward to you becoming a super lifeform. Once you grow giant, you'll be able to wield my full power," said the Great Water Buffalo.

The Water Buffalo sensed that their new master would one day become the ultimate lifeform—perhaps even surpassing that.

"I won't let you down, Cosmic Great Water Buffalo!" Rhodes replied.

"Now, master, bring your wife over!

My companions will possess her and grant her a corresponding cosmic phantom beast fist," said the Water Buffalo.

Of all the cosmic phantom beasts, only the Cosmic Frost Leopard had a gentle temperament.

So, after some discussion, they decided to let the Frost Leopard become the Master's wife's phantom beast.

"Master, do you also plan to find hosts for my other beast companions?" asked the Water Buffalo.

"Leave the other slots open for now. I haven't decided on suitable candidates yet," Rhodes replied.

Titus would probably inherit one, the rest would be decided later. For now, only Elena would evolve into a super lifeform.

Rhodes didn't plan to hand out cosmic phantom beasts for free—only his people would have them.

"We understand, master."

Rhodes nodded and left the training room, finding Elena chatting with a group of Battle Sisters in the ship's midsection.

"Incredible, you—you're the Primarch's lover?"

"Is the Primarch good to you?"

"How did you meet? Was it by the Emperor's guidance?"

"Lord Rhodes treats me very well—we met on the battlefield," Elena nodded, explaining how she and Rhodes met amidst the carnage of the Tyranid horde.

"Elena is my beloved! There's no doubt about that," Rhodes said as he approached.

"Ahem! Praise the Emperor! The great gene-Primarch."

The Battle Sisters bowed slightly to Rhodes.

Having a sister from the medicae convent become the Primarch's partner was a good thing.

Although, this love would likely end in tragedy—Battle Sisters' lifespans weren't long; even with life extension, they rarely exceeded a thousand years.

"Lord Rhodes!" Elena bowed to him.

"Elena, come with me. Sisters, please excuse us for now.

Feel free to explore the second and third decks," Rhodes said, nodding to the Battle Sisters before taking Elena away. She could only smile back at her fellow Sisters.

"Lord Rhodes, what's so urgent?" Elena asked.

"I have something good for you. Soon, you'll become a super lifeform—one not much weaker than a gene-Primarch," Rhodes replied with a smile.

At last, he could raise Elena's life level.

"Me? A super lifeform? Lord Rhodes, are you sure?" Elena asked in shock.

She knew what a super lifeform meant—by Rhodes' explanation if you looked at raw physical strength, even gene-Primarchs couldn't compare.

Gene-Primarchs were only spiritually stronger—their bodies were no match for monsters, and ordinary monsters weren't as strong as super lifeforms.

"This time I got unimaginable benefits, and you were the first person I thought of.

I'll have you sign a contract with a cosmic phantom beast—their power will make you a super lifeform," Rhodes explained.

Elena had already been strengthened—she'd used Rhodes' human enhancement drugs and bone-strengthening serum.

Her physique was already at the level of a proto–Space Marine, but it was still too weak.

For their future happiness, Rhodes had to raise her to super lifeform status—then they'd never have to worry again.

"But, Lord Rhodes, if this cosmic phantom beast is so powerful, isn't it a waste to give such a precious spot to me?

Shouldn't you keep it for yourself?" Elena protested, feeling it was too precious for her.

"I already have my cosmic phantom beast, and you're my woman!

So you get priority. When you become a super lifeform, your lifespan will greatly increase.

You'll have self-defense, and maybe even help me in battle," Rhodes said.

It was time for Elena to step out of her decorative role.

"If I can fight alongside you, Lord Rhodes, then I am willing," Elena said firmly.

Elena followed Rhodes to the training room, where a gigantic book lay.

"Lord Rhodes, is this the cosmic phantom beast you were talking about?" It looked just like a giant book, but the bull carved on it was truly awe-inspiring.

"Yes, this contains a martial art called the Cosmic Phantom Beast Fist.

Once you receive your beast, you'll need to learn this technique.

Go ahead, don't be afraid—take your cosmic phantom beast. I've already arranged it," Rhodes said, patting her shoulder.

Elena nodded, took a deep breath, and approached the great book, placing her hand on its page.

She began to communicate with the cosmic phantom beasts.

"Hello, cosmic phantom beasts, my name is Elena."

"Don't be afraid, little one. I can sense your kindness.

We'll be partners from now on. My name is Cosmic Frost Leopard," a gentle voice whispered in her ear.

A huge azure leopard emerged from the book and slowly entered Elena's body.