Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 196: Overlord (III)

Chapter 196: Overlord (III)

"Excellent!" Vlad’s smile widened as he realized how capable Overlord was. The more responsibilities Overlord could handle, the more it would ease Vlad’s burden.

’Now I will have more time to focus on the things only I can achieve,’ With a contented smile, Vlad threw himself onto the ground and fell asleep.

He knew many people would be curious about what was happening and seek information, but he didn’t worry. Overlord should be able to manage those problems if it would be the brain of the entire kingdom.

Jormungandr saw Vlad fall asleep and, after one final glance at the energy pool containing the core of Overlord’s code, curled up on the young man’s chest and closed his eyes, falling asleep as well.

Of course, the Overlord continued working even after Vlad and Jormungandr fell asleep. Its job was to guide the kingdom and alleviate the duo’s pressure, so it immediately carried on.

"All civil officers above the Senior Level and all military members above the Colonel Rank report to the third-floor situation room of the Xaos Tower within an hour." Overlord’s voice echoed once more across the Silent Wind Military Base. While it could have contacted those people silently through communication gems, it made the announcement aloud, asserting its authority for everyone to hear.

Chief Councilor Aloz and Grand Marshal Anglius were deep in a discussion about kingdom matters when the Overlord’s voice cut through the air.

Both men glanced at each other before silently nodding and walking toward the Xaos Tower. Overlord had declared itself to be the Xaos King’s will, and since Vlad had not refuted the statement, they had to accept it as true and obey its command.

It did not take long for Chief Councilor Aloz and Grand Marshal Anglius to reach the third level of the Xaos Tower, and within ten minutes, another fourteen people joined them. Although Overlord had given an hour, none dared to delay and incur the anger of this mysterious entity.

Once everyone gathered, streams of white light appeared in the room, and a figure soon materialized. It was an old man with long white hair, a white beard, a kind smile, and eyes that seemed to draw people in.

The figure was a virtual image generated by Overlord, but it was so realistic that unless people touched him, none could tell the difference.

Overlord looked at the people in the room and smiled kindly before waving his hand. "Please, take a seat. We have much to discuss, and there is never enough time." After uttering those words, he took the main seat reserved for Vlad, the King.

The eyes of those present narrowed as they understood that this was another display of authority by this mysterious entity. All eyes then turned toward Chief Councilor Aloz and Grand Marshal Anglius.

The duo stared at each other, and after a silent exchange, they also sat, followed by the rest of the people. Everyone remained quiet, gazing at the old man, yet they could not perceive anything. He made them feel as if they were watching a painting, only seeing what they wanted to see.

"Allow me to introduce myself again. I am Overlord, and from now on, I am in control of all internal and external affairs. I will take control and supervise all governmental, logistical, and military efforts of the Xaos Kingdom." The old man spoke with a calm voice as if those words were not significant, yet they had a shocking impact on the people in the room.

Grand Marshal Anglius frowned and clenched his fists, finding the idea of giving control of his forces to an unknown entity preposterous. Yet, before reacting, he noticed a signal from Chief Councilor Aloz. Ultimately, the middle-aged man took a deep breath and remained silent, allowing the seasoned politician to take the lead.

Chief Councilor Aloz glanced at the old figure. He had met many people during his career as a politician, but he never felt such a void as he gazed at this person. Everybody would show some indication, some sign of their state through their physical body, even if it was very small, and not even the Xaos King was an exception. Yet, the only thing he saw in this man was a smile that did not falter and microexpressions that did not change even in the slightest.

Ultimately, Chief Councilor Aloz accepted he could not break through this person’s facade and chose to speak, immediately going to the topic: "If the Xaos King were to command us to hand over the top authority to you, then we would accept as we are his subjects. However, he has not given the order, so why should we believe or obey your words?"

Overlord watched as all eyes focused on him, seemingly questioning his every move and word, yet his face showed not even the slightest change as he concentrated on Chief Councilor Aloz with a smile. "My origin can be found in the soul of the Xaos King. I can be considered an extension of his existence, so I dare call myself the Xaos King’s Will."

After that revelation, which shocked everybody in the room, the Overlord took his eyes off Chief Councilor Aloz and glanced at everyone present. "As for what entitles me to my position, my intelligence is the highest that can be, and I can find logical solutions to all your troubles, capable of improving the efficiency of all branches of the kingdom exponentially."

Some of the people in the room couldn’t help but frown. They had worked tirelessly and repeatedly proved their worth, yet this entity claimed it could outperform them all.

Some wanted to challenge his words, but Chief Councilor Aloz took the reins. The old politician was not a fool and knew that if someone challenged this entity, they would only embarrass themselves.

"I will not question your abilities, as the Xaos King would never let anyone incompetent hold a position of power. However, there is more than just intelligence for a task; there is loyalty, something we have all repeatedly proved." Instead of challenging Overlord’s intelligence, Chief Councilor Aloz questioned the merit and loyalty of the entity, something all of them had demonstrated through their efficient and tireless efforts.