Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 101: A.I. Tower

Chapter 101: A.I. Tower

Although Vlad’s words might have sounded arrogant and conceited, he wasn’t just speaking without reason. His understanding of the new world and the dimension they were entering was already extensive.

While Terra could be considered vast, with several continents and billions of people, the truth was that any High Lord of Heaven or Duke from Abyss controlled much more territory than it.

Vlad’s unwavering determination to unify the entire world before Terra fully arrived in the higher dimension and lost its protection was palpable. He understood that the forces that Heaven and Abyss could send were limited for now, but once that limitation was lifted, a single powerful incursion could bring several million Mortal warriors.

’Actually, a single Legend could be enough to decimate us. A few dozen thousand soldiers would be enough to take control of the world by that point.’ A complicated expression appeared on Vlad’s face as he understood how weak they were.

"I assume you have already considered an answer for that problem." Jormungandr noticed the young man’s expression but was sure that Vlad would have a solution, no matter the problem.

Vlad saw the devotion in the small yellow cat’s eyes and couldn’t help but smile as determination and vigor returned to his eyes. "Hahaha, of course. I have two ways to improve our power and have already taken steps toward them."

Vlad took a memory tablet from his space ring and sent it toward Jormungandr, who immediately analyzed it. His eyes widened as he saw the information. "A Wizard Tower?"

"Yes, they were very mainstream in the universe of my Second Past Life. It was an extremely useful tool, capable of great individual defensive and offensive power or able to act as the secondary energy pool of a powerful life form. It could also enhance the energy density in the vicinity, improving the cultivation speed of all those around it." A scholarly aura appeared around Vlad as he gave a textbook description of a Wizard Tower.

Jormungandr was impressed but couldn’t help but frown as he analyzed it in detail. While the Wizard Tower was helpful and would certainly improve a city’s power exponentially, it was not really an expansion tool and would not help them extend their reach.

Vlad noticed the small cat’s confusion and explained his vision of the tower. "Of course, what I seek is not a normal Wizard Tower but something slightly different. The main use of the tower will not be energy gathering or military power, but its ability to hold a copy of the A.I. Chip. Through the tower, the chip’s clone will gain the ability to establish control over all my terrain and forces, acting as the logistic center of the Xaos Kingdom."

Before, Jormungandr was just surprised, but as he heard the tower’s true purpose, his eyes widened, and a sense of thrill and excitement appeared on his little face. He had already experienced the might of the A.I. Chip, and there was no better tool to control a kingdom than it.

The chip was not biased and acted based only on assigned tasks. With a single order from Vlad, the kingdom would become a flawless meritocracy, helping those with talent and hard work rise while maintaining order among the population and leading the military troops through the different and dangerous terrains of the post-apocalyptic world.

"Anglius and Alonz already have their tasks. While the next mission will focus on saving lives, the main goal is also gathering resources for the tower. Once we have them, the entire power of the base, including the civilians, will begin its construction." Vlad’s eyes flashed with eagerness as he spoke of the A.I. Tower.

Of course, while the A.I. Tower would be the key to his logistics and government, that did not mean people would be useless. They would act as its hands and also provide feedback. After all, the A.I. Chip was intelligent beyond measure but lacked imagination and innovation. Ultimately, it would become a symbiotic relationship between the tower and the people, making the Xaos Kingdom grow immensely fast.

"What is the second plan?" Jormungandr’s eyes were glowing with excitement. The A.I. Chip Tower was impressive, and he was eager to know Vlad’s second idea.

"Bloodlines, many, many bloodlines." Vlad did not leave the little yellow cat waiting, and immediately Jormungandr’s excitement grew exponentially along with an incredible hunger.

The small yellow cat knew how important bloodlines were, even for someone like him. While his Depravita Racial Heritage granted him a body and energy pool several times stronger than a normal Mage, equal to a Guardian Tier Bloodline, a bloodline would also grant him access to Bloodline Abilities.

"Is there a place in Terra where we can obtain bloodlines?" Jormungandr could not contain his excitement, but Vlad immediately poured cold water over the cat’s thrill.

"Hahaha, calm down, you rascal. Bloodlines do not form out of nowhere, and Terra is a New Plane without any history of powerful life forms. While some powerful Monsters could develop bloodlines, we could only run with our current power if we were to face one at that level." Vlad released a small laugh as he saw the face of the small cat freeze.

Jormungandr only sneered when he saw Vlad’s smile, but his interest was piqued, so he did not resist and asked, "Then how do you expect to obtain bloodlines?"

"Easy. While bloodlines might be scarce in Terra, there are places where they are practically overflowing with them, such as Abyss and Heaven."

"Abyss and Heaven? Boss, are you planning to negotiate with them?" Jormungandr was confused and frowned as he understood the consequences of meddling with aliens, especially for someone marked by the Plane Will.

"Of course not. Angels and demons invaded Terra, and we must kill all of them, but they also have enemies in the higher dimension, and like they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend." A meaningful light appeared in Vlad’s eyes as he uttered those words, and it seemed as if the gears of his mind were generating a very scary plan.