Chapter 43. Humans and Vampires
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Chapter 43. Humans and Vampires
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One thing Sora guessed right.
The Ripple technique, which corresponds to vampires, indeed possesses abilities comparable to those of vampires.
Because at their core, they are both abilities that manipulate life energy.
In other words, as long as there is sufficient life energy.
Then the various absurd recovery abilities that vampires possess are equally applicable to Ripple warriors!
Just like JOJO, who initially encountered the Ripple and could recover from a broken arm, which would normally take one or two months to slowly heal and possibly two to three years of observation to ensure complete recovery.
He healed instantly, to the extent that he could immediately engage in intense activity, as if he had never been injured!
Of course, if the life energy is insufficient, even vampires would find their normally instantaneous healing abilities taking several seconds, and even then, they might not fully recover.
Here lies the problem.
Whether it is the life energy needed to restore JOJO's neck vertebrae, or the life energy required to reattach Zeppeli's body that was cut in half. Do JOJO and his friends have it at this stage?
Yes!
Zeppeli happened to know a method that not only could heal JOJO's injuries but also mature the somewhat inexperienced JOJO!
-- I see, Master Tonpetty.
-- Is this the prophecy you wanted to tell me?
-- To liberate the young lion imprisoned by chains, to lead him into the future, I will burn my wounds and face a cruel death soon after.
-- But you were still wrong, Master Tonpetty...
"I won't forgive you, Tarkus!"
Amid Tarkus's horror, JOJO, tearing off the collar from his neck with brute force, appeared before Tarkus with golden Ripple energy surging skyward, filled with anger.
This is a classic use of cinematic language.
By changing perspectives and comparing facial expressions between characters.
It creates an extraordinary sense of oppression from one character.
Previously, it was Tarkus who had this oppressive presence.
Now, JOJO has it as well!
But this time, the one being oppressed has shifted from JOJO and his friends to Tarkus.
Without courage, will, or determination, Tarkus brought this sense of oppression to an unprecedented height!
"Your twisted spirit and hideous madness, it seems you have completely sold your soul to DIO!"
JOJO calmly threw a punch.
Tarkus's resilient body, like butter being sliced by a hot knife, offered no resistance at all as JOJO's Ripple-infused hand knife severed his arm.
As he declared.
"Tarkus, I won't let you leave even a single bone in this world! I will completely annihilate your evil soul, forever sinking it into the darkness of history!!"
This is the current JOJO.
When he says he will kill you.
He will do it openly and directly!
No matter what underhanded tricks Tarkus tries to play.
Nothing can stop JOJO, surrounded by the Ripple and filled with the life energy transmitted by Zeppeli, from pummeling Tarkus's body and incinerating it with the Ripple!
Logically speaking.
The audience who saw this scene should be happy.
The protagonist comes back to life and defeats a previously invincible enemy.
In most works, this is a classic plot development.
For example, in "Dragon Ball," Goku transforms into a Super Saiyan after witnessing Krillin's death, a scene that remains iconic.
And under Kamikaze Studio's direction.
Although "Phantom Blood" doesn't have the same overwhelming power level as Super Saiyans.
The way a work presents its impact and the shock it aims to deliver to its audience isn't limited to planet-destroying scenes.
Pucci, having many iconic scenes from his previous life for reference.
Directly chose the scene from "Fate/Zero" where Saber first unleashes her Holy Sword for this moment!
Zeppeli's legacy (Diarmuid's chivalry);
The towering golden Ripple pillar (Noble Phantasm release);
The BGM that starts quietly and then roars, mirroring the shift from Zeppeli's death scene (the BGM of "The Sword of Promised Victory");
Accompanied by Speedwagon, the best narrator (Taiga: "This sword is...");
And Tarkus, who ends up completely obliterated (similar to the sea monster's fate);
...All these perfectly fitting, soul-stirring images combined to produce a performance and shock value that could qualify for top ten classic scenes even in Pucci's previous life!
Not to mention now, with the full dive device bringing this scene to life?!
That feeling is indescribable!
But, Zeppeli died...
His body was cut in half, and he transferred all his remaining life force to JOJO.
After shining this brilliant light.
Zeppeli, as foretold, faced a cruel death.
"Why, why did it have to end this way..."
Holding Zeppeli's body, now incredibly aged from losing all life force, JOJO cried: "If you're not here... if you're not here, what are we supposed to do!?"
"JOJO, you... big idiot..."
"Is this the time to be sad?" Zeppeli spat blood, gasping: "Now you..... cough, cough, hurry up and go... defeat DIO, destroy the Stone Mask... bleh!!"
"Mr. Zeppeli!?"
"I am content with my fate." Zeppeli reassured them not to worry: "I got married when I was young, but I abandoned my family for the Stone Mask."
"Even so, I am still content with my fate."
-- That's right. Master Tonpetty, your prophecy was wrong.
-- This is not a cruel death, but...
"Because in the end, I passed everything on to you, JOJO. You are my hope..."
Living a short life to the fullest, leaving achievements for the next generation to inherit, growing slowly over time... this is humanity.
Completely different from vampires, who steal others' lives to grow quickly!
So this was never a cruel fate.
But a hopeful future that he chose!
"Hmph, it feels like having both a best friend and a son..."
Zeppeli smiled contentedly: "After this, I will always live on in your life..."
-- Will A. Zeppeli, dead.