Below in the testing field, the two injured Gillian were completely immobilized under Sombravida's spiritual pressure, allowing the Hollows to observe the results safely.
Despite the explosion, both Gillian slowly rose to their feet and resumed wandering.
Their injuries were clearly non-critical.
Each had three to four spikes embedded deep into their bodies. The punctures penetrated muscle and mask fragments, yet none were fatal. Aside from moderate bleeding, the damage was minimal.
Sombravida sighed.
"It's a failure."
He gestured for the Gillian to be disposed of.
The Problem
"My lord… what exactly are you trying to create?" Jekain asked.
He understood this was a trap, but not its intended effect.
Sombravida answered calmly:
"I'm designing a weapon that can function without our control yet still damage the enemy."
"After embedding spikes into Borut's larval bombs, explosive efficiency dropped significantly."
"Only seven or eight of the original spikes remain functional after detonation."
"That is far below expectations."
Tactical Objective
Sombravida's goal was not simple destruction.
Borut's bombs were already capable of killing Gillian.
That was not enough.
Sombravida wanted:
a wide damage radius
mass incapacitation
battlefield denial
swarm disruption
"One detonation should not kill one Gillian," Sombravida muttered.
"It should disable eight… ten… or more."
"If a swarm cannot advance, their numbers become meaningless."
Originally he had attempted shrapnel dispersion.
The results were inadequate.
The Engineering Challenge
"How can I maintain explosive force while preventing spike destruction…"
Jekain scratched his scaled chin.
"You want the explosion to launch the spikes… like the tension traps you taught us?"
Sombravida nodded.
"Yes."
"Except Gillian and Adjuchas require far greater force."
"In the past we relied on tensile strength. Now we rely on explosive propulsion."
Jekain thought.
"What if we confine the blast force… and release only thrust?"
Sombravida's eyes flickered.
"I considered directional containment."
He tore a piece of wood from a nearby tree and began carving.
Within a minute he produced a cylindrical mold.
It featured:
a central explosive chamber
a separated spike compartment
reinforced base mass
outer sleeve for containment
directional pressure channel
It resembled a primitive landmine.
Sombravida exhaled.
"The material cannot withstand explosive force."
"The spikes burn or deform."
"And construction is too slow."
He tossed it aside.
Solution: Muld
Jekain picked up the mold.
"My king… we can make this."
"Do you remember Muld?"
Sombravida paused.
"The rock-type Adjuchas building the fortress?"
"Yes."
"His ability allows him to alter mineral density using reiatsu."
Sombravida's eyes sharpened.
"That would solve structural failure."
"Bring him."
The Mold Specialist
Half an hour later, Muld arrived — a colossal Hollow over ten meters tall. As usual, he projected a smaller stone avatar to communicate.
"My lord."
Sombravida tossed him the mold.
"Recreate this."
Muld examined it briefly.
He placed one hand upon the ground.
Reiatsu flowed.
Sand compacted.
Stone condensed.
Within seconds, a replica mold formed.
Sombravida nodded.
"Excellent."
Controlled Detonation Trials
Four molds were produced at different density levels.
Borut inserted larval bombs.
Hendron loaded spike clusters.
Gillian were placed nearby.
Moments later—
BOOM
Explosions rippled across the test field.
Two groups of Gillian quickly stood back up.
Two groups collapsed and remained down.
Sombravida inspected each zone carefully.
Results Analysis
Low-density molds:
explosion dispersed force outward
spikes destroyed
minimal penetration
Higher-density molds:
explosion force contained
spike propulsion increased
successful penetration
Sombravida nodded.
"The effective density lies between these values."
Nearby Gillian were pinned with dozens of spikes.
Nel studied the fallen targets.
"The spikes pierce effectively, but range is limited."
"What if we scale the test?"
Jekain was equally interested.
Sombravida nodded.
"We expand."
Expanded Testing
Forty to fifty Gillian were summoned.
New mines were deployed.
Explosions echoed.
Gillian collapsed across multiple zones.
Sombravida observed from elevated ground.
Within a 100-meter radius:
✔ effective incapacitation
✔ mobility loss
✔ formation disruption
Beyond 150 meters:
✖ reduced lethality
✖ harassment only
Sombravida folded his arms.
"The effect is limited… but operational."
"If range were greater, we could deny entire battlefields."
Nel's Insight
"Lord Sombravida," Nel said thoughtfully.
"What if we poison the needles?"
Sombravida froze.
Then his eyes widened.
"…That's it."
In his previous life, explosives relied on blast force.
This was Hueco Mundo.
Biological warfare carried no moral restraint.
Poison amplification could multiply effectiveness.
Sombravida laughed.
"Excellent, Nel."
She tilted her head.
"…Did I say something special?"
Venom Integration
"Jekain, bring a venom-type Hollow."
"A neurotoxin preferred."
Soon, a pufferfish-like Adjuchas arrived.
"Delipes greets Your Majesty."
"My toxin causes progressive paralysis. Effective on Gillian. Adjuchas experience temporary paralysis only."
"Good enough," Sombravida replied.
Poison Mine Construction
A new mold was created:
enlarged spike chamber
venom infusion layer
sealed dispersal cavity
central larval explosive core
Construction time: ~2 minutes.
Exceptional efficiency.
The device was buried ahead of an approaching Gillian cluster.
Borut severed control.
The larva entered dormancy.
Detonation
The Gillian approached.
The cylinder burst upward.
BOOM
A thunderous explosion erupted.
A dense purple toxic cloud expanded outward, carried by the reiatsu shockwave.
Sombravida's eyes gleamed.
"The blast aerosolized the toxin…"
Results
Two minutes later:
✔ Gillian near center — dead from poisoned spike penetration
✔ mid-range Gillian — paralyzed, collapsed
✔ outer ring — convulsing from inhalation
✔ distant Gillian — disoriented and halted
The advancing swarm faltered.
Formation collapsed.
Fear spread.
Sombravida felt exhilaration surge through him.
This was not merely a weapon.
It was battlefield control.
He declared:
"Void Beast Thunder… successful."
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