Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 184: Vlad vs Bjorn

Chapter 184: Vlad vs Bjorn

"As I was saying, women think with their hearts just as men think with their dicks." Bjorn spoke in a completely serious tone, yet Vlad and Jormungandr nearly fell over at the absurdity of his statement.

"What are you even saying?" Freya grew angrier, yet she was also confused, not understanding his point.

"My lady, you are young, and it would not be strange if your heart were conquered by a pretty face, just like a charming woman would easily influence a man." Bjorn’s voice carried a severe tone, diminishing the anger in some of the people around with his sincere expression as he continued.

"Princess, you are the leader we chose to follow into this New Plane because of your power and will. An alliance is important and shows great wisdom." The young Viking paused before turning his eyes toward Vlad, open defiance in them. "But if that man is to lead us into battle one day, we must test him so that when the time comes, we can follow him without fear or hesitation."

Vlad couldn’t help but look at the young Viking with new respect. The man was harsh and wild, no doubt, and too hasty for his own good, but he was also astute and clearly good with words when he took a moment to think about them.

Freya frowned as she heard Bjorn’s words and saw that the rest of the Vikings silently agreed. Although she was a great leader in battle, she was not skilled in handling such situations and was confused about how to proceed. She wanted to honor her soldiers but did not want to offend her allies.

"If you are fine with it, I will accept his challenge." Vlad showed a small smile toward Freya, making it clear he would not go over her head, and respected her decision. He then focused on Bjorn. "You speak thoughtfully and act openly, so I am willing to honor your request. I hope our future path is smooth and glorious."

Freya turned toward Vlad and showed a complicated smile as she saw how easily the young man handled this problem, maintaining the dignity and respect of both sides. She sighed for a moment before nodding.

"Haha, good. You are respectful and wise. Let’s see if your fists back your willpower!" Bjorn shouted as he walked forward, stamping on the ground with such force that his feet imprinted on it, then extended his left arm.

Vlad smiled as he walked forward, standing before the man. He planted his feet on the ground with so much strength that they embedded themselves into it before extending his left arm.

The Depravita and Viking stood in front of each other in a mirror position, locking themselves in close proximity by grabbing each other by the forearm. Immediately, the clash began as the duo tightened their grip with all their strength.

Vlad’s eyes narrowed as he was surprised by the resilience in the Viking’s forearm, given that his current grip strength could shatter metal without a problem. He was not alone in his surprise; Bjorn also marveled at the Depravita’s muscles and skin, which felt like they were made of magical steel, capable of enduring immense pressure.

The duo stood like that for a minute before Bjorn raised his right arm and clenched his fist. On the other hand, Vlad took a deep breath and clenched all the muscles in his body, using his core strength to brace himself for the incoming blow.

"¡Boom!"

A small kinetic explosion occurred when Bjorn’s fist landed, demonstrating the power behind the punch. Vlad clenched his teeth and easily endured the pain, but a flash of surprise appeared as the blow made his ears ring despite his body already being at the High Champion Tier.

After that blow, Bjorn lowered his fist, clenched his teeth, and locked eyes with Vlad, showing no fear or hesitation as he prepared to take a punch.

With all his strength, Vlad raised his right arm, clenched his fist, and delivered a blow straight to Bjorn’s face. If he had held back, it would have been considered a great humiliation for the viking, so he used his full power.

Bjorn’s eyes widened as the strength behind the punch made everything blurry for a second. He felt his mind disconnect, but his entire body tensed, making him stand firm without taking a single step back.

The Viking took a few seconds to regain his focus, and without hesitation, he clenched his fist and sent another punch with all his strength that made Vlad’s ears ring.

"¡Boom!" "¡Boom!" "¡Boom!" "¡Boom!"

Everyone else remained silent as they watched the Depravita and viking exchange blows. While this might seem brutal and unsophisticated, this fighting style was not only a test of physical strength but also mental resilience, embodying the cultural values of toughness, perseverance, and martial honor that were so important for the Viking race.

After the fifth round, Vlad’s eyes narrowed as he saw how Bjorn was starting to lose focus. The man had taken damage, but his will kept him standing.

"Great will." Vlad’s voice was full of respect as he sent one final blow.

That was the last thing Bjorn heard before Vlad sent an uppercut. The blow barely touched his chin, yet the next second, everything went dark, and he fell to the ground, incapable of moving.

Confusion appeared on some faces as that last blow barely touched Bjorn, yet he fell like a tree. Those with great martial experience saw that it was an uppercut, and by barely hitting the chin, it made the viking’s brain shake inside his skull. Bjorn’s fall was not a matter of will but physiology, as the brain could not keep him standing.

Vlad couldn’t help but smile as he saw that the viking kept a tight grip on his forearm, even on the ground. Hypocrites disguised as allies he could do without, but those who defied him openly were the kind he respected.