Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 149: Improving the Chief Counselor and Grand Marshal

Chapter 149: Improving the Chief Counselor and Grand Marshal

Vlad stared at the duo, using his A.I. Chip to analyze them and identify the best possible Runic Set for each. A strange silence permeated the room as no one knew what to do with the young man gazing intently at Grand Marshal Anglius and Chief Counselor Aloz. Seeing his focus, no one dared to interrupt him.

Luckily, it did not take long for the robotic voice of the A.I. Chip to echo inside his mind.

[Beep! Task completed

Target 1: Constitution can endure a Champion Tier Runic Set.

Best possible Runic Set: Rank 2 Runic Set Infernal Marathon.

The Infernal Marathon Set is designed to focus all its power on enhancing the user’s endurance and speed. Utilizing Champion Tier Demonic Blood, the set imbues the wearer with increased physical endurance and agility, making them faster and more resilient in combat.

Runes: Rune of Demonic Vitality (Inscribed on the chest), Rune of Hellish Stamina (Inscribed on the arms), Rune of Infernal Regeneration (Inscribed on the back), and Rune of Demonic Speed (Inscribed on the legs).

Target 2: Constitution can endure a Mortal Tier Runic Set.

Best possible Runic Set: Rank 1 Runic Set Infernal Mind.

The Infernal Mind Runic Set is designed to enhance both vitality and mental power. Utilizing Champion Tier Demonic Blood provides the wearer with increased physical endurance and the ability to maintain a secondary consciousness that can function while the primary mind rests.

Runes: Rune of Demonic Vitality (Inscribed on the chest), Rune of Mental Clarity (Inscribed on the forehead), Rune of Dual Consciousness (Inscribed on the spine), and Rune of Demonic Fortitude (Inscribed on the back).]

A large smile appeared on Vlad’s face as he saw those Runic Sets. Grand Marshal Anglius needed speed and stamina to lead his soldiers into battle while ensuring his survival, while Chief Counselor Aloz needed vitality to reinforce his old body and a secondary consciousness that could allow his mind to rest from time to time so he would not fall to exhaustion.

"I will now inscribe Runic Sets on both. Anglius, it will improve your stamina and speed. Aloz, it will enhance your vitality and mental capabilities," Vlad informed the duo of his plans while taking his runic pen and materials from his space ring. "Anglius, take off your armor and uncover your chest and legs. Aloz, you only need to remove the upper part of your clothes."

Grand Marshal Anglius and Chief Counselor Aloz immediately showed wide smiles. Runic Sets were no secret in the Xaos Kingdom, as they were the weapons inscribed in the bodies of the Royal Guards that allowed Level 3 and 4 Mortals to kill Champions!

The duo did not hesitate and immediately removed their clothes before adopting a meditative position on the ground. Grand Marshal Anglius’ chest was massive and bulging, thanks to his Gift, which had infused energy into his bones and muscles.

As for Chief Counselor Aloz, his body did not match his age, with a decent amount of muscle and firmness showing that the man kept good care of his body. Of course, the Level System had also done its work, helping the man’s vitality to rise.

Vlad turned his focus to Jormungandr, and the small yellow cat did not hesitate before jumping out of Freya’s shoulder and helping the young man with the preparation of the materials.

Freya remained silent, her eyes full of interest. Rune Masters were usually very secretive with their work, not allowing anyone to see it for fear they could steal their techniques, but it was clear that was not the case with Vlad.

The truth was the young man did not see those techniques as precious and trusted the people in this room, so if they wanted to see his work, they could go ahead.

It did not take long for Vlad and Jormungandr to finish preparing the materials for the first Runic Set and then store it in the runic pen.

He walked toward Aloz, and a sharp light appeared on his face. "This will be painful. You should make your best effort not to move."

The old man did not say a word, but his eyes were full of focus, making it clear he was ready, before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

Vlad nodded to the old man’s focus and began to work. The runic pen moved with such mastery and finesse, that it was nothing short of artistic mastercraft.

Chief Counselor Aloz clenched his teeth and fists with all his strength as the pain was immense, especially when the runic lines began to extend through his spine. However, he did not move a single muscle, maintaining his body firm and enduring in silence.

Freya could not take her eyes off the body of the old man. She was fascinated by the runes, especially ones so complex and impressive as the ones being carved into the forehead and spine. Anything related to the mind and mental fortitude was always impressive.

It did not take long for cold sweat to run down the body of Chief Counselor Aloz due to the agony. Luckily for him, since it was a Rank 1 Runic Set, it did not take long for Vlad to complete it, and in less than thirty minutes all the runes were engraved.

"We are done."

Only after hearing those words did Chief Counselor Aloz dare to relax his body, and it took him several seconds to regulate his breathing. He then looked at his body and could not help but feel odd as he saw the tattoos that covered his face, chest, and back.

As someone who had always craved a political career since youth, Aloz had never allowed himself to mark his flesh. It was vain and would harm no one, but in the world of politics, a little thing could easily blow up out of proportion.

However, all those thoughts vanished from the old man’s mind as he channeled his Magic on the runes, wonder and shock appeared on his face.

A sense of vitality flooded him which washed away all the physical exhaustion that had accumulated over his body for the past month. Things grew even weirder as his energy reached the runes on his forehead and spine.

Chief Counselor Aloz felt how a secondary consciousness began to arise in his mind. He could use it to improve his cognitive abilities or develop a new train of thought. However, that was not all, as the old man felt he could allow his main consciousness to rest, partially enter sleep, and still function with his secondary consciousness!

Aloz could not help but smile as he imagined all he could do with this new power. "I can easily work day and night without stopping. Amazing!"

Vlad nearly burst into laughter as he heard the words of the old man. The first idea that came to his mind as he now harnessed the power of the Runic Set was to use it to work non-stop.

"Make sure to pay attention to your training. If you manage to reach Level 6, you could live for 130 or even 150 years without a problem." Vlad could not afford such a useful and hardworking man to die in fifteen or twenty years, so his voice was sharp as he uttered those words.

Chief Counselor Aloz smiled as he bowed toward Vlad. Although training did not draw his interest, he had always understood the importance of a sharp mind and powerful body, so he would not neglect it.

After making sure the old man understood his words, Vlad turned his focus toward Grand Marshal Anglius. Once again, with Jormungandr’s help, Vlad prepared the materials, charging them into the runic pen.

Vlad stared at the middle-aged man, and after this one nodded, he began the engraving of the runes. Thanks to the massive body of Grand Marshal Anglius, the work was much easier and faster.

Just like Chief Counselor Aloz, Grand Marshal Anglius maintained utter silence and made sure not to move a single muscle while the runic pen engraved those runic lines on his body. It was agonizing, but if an old man was able to endure it, how could the middle-aged soldier who had experienced the battlefield allow himself to show any less composure?

The process took several hours but went without a problem, and by the time Vlad had finished, Grand Marshal Anglius’ body was covered in runes.

Grand Marshal Anglius relaxed once the job was done, and his entire body trembled for a moment as the pain had been immense. However, he was already used to those thanks to his wounds of war, so he was able to recover almost immediately.

The next second, the middle-aged man did not resist the temptation and channeled his Force into the runes. Immediately, a sense of raging vitality assaulted him, making him feel he could run at full power for days without any problem, and his massive body could now sprint at a shocking speed.