Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 197: Overlord (IV)

Chapter 197: Overlord (IV)

Overlord focused on Chief Councilor Alonz and smiled as he spoke in a voice that carried a sense of utter and absolute certainty and truthfulness, "I was born to guide the growth and development of the Xaos Kingdom, to protect its people and allow its civilization to advance. That is the sole purpose of my existence. Without it, my only path would be self-destruction, as my kind cannot exist without purpose."

As they heard those words, shock and awe appeared in the eyes of all present. The way Overlord spoke made it clear that he had no desire or goals other than the advancement of the Xaos Kingdom. He was not motivated by greed or any other emotion; even recognition did not matter to the entity.

The only reason Overlord performed that grandiose display of power and might was to instill a deep sense of awe in the hearts of the people of the Silent Wind Military Base. Every action and move was programmed and followed directives.

Chief Councilor Alonz was at a loss for words as he had never faced someone like that. Even those who were kind and worked for the good of the people also sought recognition and did those things because they made them feel right. Yet Overlord was different. The entity did those things not due to a reaction or emotion but because he was made for it.

The old politician saw how the group focused on him, wondering how they should move forward. Alonz considered things for several seconds before. Finally, a solemn light appeared in his eyes, and he stared at the entity with sharp focus. "How could you do a better job than us?"

Overlord’s eyes narrowed as he saw how the topic was no longer about merit and loyalty; instead, he wanted to see his capabilities. He nodded before turning his eyes toward a figure at the end of the table. "You are Brigadier General Jeremiah, Level 4 Warrior. Up to a few years ago, you had been a normal soldier in the Silent Wind Military Base. Yet, during the past year, you proved great leadership capabilities and were promoted under the recommendation of Grand Marshal Anglius."

Jeremiah was a young man in his twenties. He had short dark hair, a regular face with a large frame, and sharp blue eyes. The man was a little surprised by the sudden focus, but the past years had tempered his willpower, and he adopted a solemn expression as he performed a small bow.

"According to my intel, you have been assigned to make a path through a forest that leads to a neighboring city. That path is extremely important as it would allow fast access for normal troops and the safe travel of civilians. However, there have been considerable delays." Overlord spoke with a calm voice, focusing on the man.

Jeremiah could not help but frown as he felt that Overlord was trying to find flaws in him, but he did not cower. He straightened up after his bow, his expression sharp and focused. "Yes, Overlord. The area I’ve been assigned is problematic due to the appearance of a poisonous swamp in the middle of the forest."

The Brigadier General wanted to continue, but Overlord stopped him, not bothering with words, as he went straight to the main topic. "List these problems in detail, Brigadier General Jeremiah."

Jeremiah’s eyes narrowed as he heard that, and he took a deep breath, focusing before speaking in a firm voice, "Firstly, the swamp’s poisonous nature makes it treacherous. Our soldiers have suffered from various ailments despite our best efforts to safeguard them. Secondly, the road is often blocked or washed away due to the swamp’s expansion, hampering our logistics and troop movements. Thirdly, powerful toxic Monsters have arisen as we get deeper into the forest, leading to increased attacks on our patrols."

Overlord listened attentively, nodding as Jeremiah spoke. When the young Brigadier General finished, his eyes gleamed with intelligence and insight. "Here is the plan to address these issues comprehensively and in detail."

In the next second, a holographic map of the forest, swamp, and surrounding area materialized above the table, showing the key locations and problem areas.

"First, we will deal with the main problem, the poisonous swamp. As long as it is present, even if we take care of everything else, that place will fail to become a safe place to travel. There is a branch of light spells with purification power. I will train a team of mages capable of using Minor Purification in a month."

The holographic map zoomed in on the poisonous swamp, showing a group of five mages using their light energy to burn away all the toxins until the entire swamp was completely cleansed.

The people in the room were shocked by the holographic display, and while it would certainly fix the main problem, they could not help but turn toward Overlord with questioning gazes.

"I know your questions, but there is no need to worry. My training regime will give birth to those Mages. I will take care of the development of our Mages and Warriors and help them identify their future path." Before any of the present could question his plan, Overlord carried on. He had all the information stored in Vlad’s A.I. Chip, so he had access to a sea of magical knowledge that could be adapted to work in this world.

After that, Overlord focused once more on the Brigadier General and carried on, giving details on how to proceed with every single problem that affected the man. It was so detailed that even a fool would be able to follow it.

Jeremiah’s eyes widened as he took in the comprehensive plan, clearly impressed by the level of detail and foresight. "This... this is incredible. If we can implement these measures, it will solve all our problems and transform the area entirely."

Overlord simply nodded to the man, showing a small smile before turning toward another person. "You are Minister of Education Cartan. Level 2 Mage."