Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 253: Invasion on Radiance City

Chapter 253: Invasion on Radiance City

Vlad silently nodded as he received the reports through his communication gem and used his A.I. Chip to maintain an accurate analysis of the state of the battlefield, adjusting commands and ensuring that the forces advanced in an orderly manner. They were outside of Overlord’s range, so the tactical interface that guided the squads and kept everything in flawless motion relied on the A.I. Chips of the three Depravitas.

A sharp light appeared in his eyes as he watched the white fog cover the town before him. The civilians were instantly knocked down, and the soldiers that managed to endure its power tried to release their crystal eagles but were swiftly neutralized.

There was no mercy or pity in Vlad’s eyes. He did not delude himself into thinking that all the soldiers of the Azarin Empire were evil and corrupt, but this was war, and they could not be left alive. Leaving people behind to watch over prisoners would put the assault in danger and give the enemy a chance to learn about their campaign.

Some could enjoy the facade that the world was righteous and that justice would always prevail, but Vlad knew that was not the truth. Sometimes good people die simply because they were on the wrong side of a clash. He was someone who could endure that reality so others could live in ignorant bliss.

After the town was pacified, Vlad could not help but gaze at the shattered crystal eagles on the ground. He was impressed by the new communication system deployed by the Azarin Empire, which showed an impressive level of ingenuity.

"Learning from the past and adapting to the future. It seems that the Azarin Empire has some smart people." Vlad was not someone who dismissed the achievements of his enemies just because they were his enemies. You could hate and loathe an enemy during a war, but you should never disrespect or underestimate them, as that would be a great mistake that could cost you dearly.

Vlad already knew that people would begin asking questions after the towns went silent, and while he could fake the reports, that would carry its own problems. If the person receiving them was stupid, then there would be no issue, but if they were smart enough, they would notice the subtle differences, which would be the same as telling everybody that the towns had been occupied.

It was better to keep silent, letting them remain unaware of what was happening, and sow confusion once they sent patrols. Every step of the path was already in motion, and several contingencies were in place so nothing would go wrong.

Vlad did not waste more time with the broken crystal eagles. He and his company began to work, constructing a small tower two and a half meters tall. It was made of obsidian metal, a new magic material capable of enhancing frequencies and signals.

Although Vlad could use his, Jormungandr’s, and Ouroboros’ A.I. Chips to handle the logistics of the war, they needed all their power for future battles. That was why they had placed several amplifying towers along the road, extending Overlord’s range.

Once the obsidian tower was completed, a small smile appeared on Vlad’s face as he heard Overlord’s ancient voice in his mind. "Thanks to Prime Master, my range has extended toward Radiance City. According to the data, 63% of the towns in Radiance City are already neutralized, and there has been no news of our campaign reaching the capital."

Overlord did not waste time and immediately began to assess the situation, communicating with all the company leaders and adjusting their formations, exponentially enhancing their efficiency as they continued their advance.

---

In the heart of Radiance City, the capital of the Azarin Empire, tension hung thick in the air. The city’s imposing towers and grandiose architecture seemed to loom over its inhabitants, casting long shadows.

In the Ministry of Defense, Rober Bataron sat at his desk, his fingers drumming thoughtfully on the polished wood. The room was spacious and well-appointed, filled with maps, charts, and reports that documented the empire’s military might. Yet, despite the grandeur, a deep frown etched its way across Rober’s brow as he studied a map of the Azarin Empire spread out before him.

Rober had risen to the position of Minister of Defense after the previous general, Golkon, was dismissed for negligence. In his short tenure, he had already made significant improvements to the empire’s military capabilities, earning the praise of his superiors. His introduction of the crystal eagles communication network had been a particular success, enhancing the speed and reliability of reports across the empire.

But now, that same network was causing him great concern.

"Why have so many towns gone silent?" Rober muttered to himself, his voice tinged with frustration and confusion. Every garrison in the Azarin Empire was required to report weekly, ensuring the well-being of the people and the propagation of faith. Yet, several towns had failed to send their reports, their communications eerily silent.

At first, Rober had dismissed it as negligence on the part of a few soldier companies. But as more and more towns fell silent, his unease deepened. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the map, searching for the answer to his questions.

’This doesn’t make sense,’ Rober thought, rubbing his temples. ’Are we facing a threat I can’t see?’

Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Rober dispatched several patrols to investigate the state of the silent towns. He braced himself for the worst, expecting news of catastrophic massacres or, perhaps, for the patrols not to return at all. In either case, he would have his answer.

Yet, the patrols returned, reporting that nothing was amiss and that the town’s soldiers were just incompetent. The towns appeared normal, with no signs of conflict or disturbance.

Rober’s shock was immense. "How can this be?" he wondered aloud upon hearing the reports, a knot of anxiety tightening in his chest. "Something doesn’t add up."

Refusing to accept the reports at face value, Rober took it upon himself to interrogate the patrol members personally. He watched them closely, noting their mannerisms, their words, their eyes.

It was during these interrogations that he began to notice subtle inconsistencies. A hesitation here, a repeated phrase there—clues that hinted at something deeper.

"Could it be...altered memories!?" Rober’s thoughts raced as he pieced together the evidence. The very idea was chilling. Someone, or something, was tampering with the minds of his soldiers, manipulating them to hide the truth.

"Who could possess such power?" Robert pondered, his mind flickering to the rumors of the person who terrorized the town of Radiance City half a year ago.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Rober knew he had to act swiftly and decisively. The Azarin Empire was under threat, and the enemy was more cunning than he had anticipated.

Rober stood from his desk, a steely resolve settling over him. He would not allow the empire to be blindsided. It was time to dig deeper, to uncover the truth lurking beneath the surface, and to prepare for the battle that was surely coming.

With determination in his heart, Rober Bataron set about rallying his forces and tightening the empire’s defenses, ready to face whatever danger lay ahead.

Determined to uncover the truth and protect the Azarin Empire, Rober Bataron moved swiftly to rally a force capable of responding to the mysterious silence spreading across the towns. However, mobilizing an army within the empire’s bureaucratic machinery was no simple task. The intricate web of regulations, permissions, and protocols presented significant obstacles.

Rober’s authority as the Minister of Defense afforded him certain privileges, but he was all too aware of the political landscape that defined the empire. Every decision and every movement of troops had to be justified, documented and approved through a labyrinthine system of red tape. Nevertheless, Rober’s determination and influence cut through the bureaucracy like a blade, driving the preparations forward with urgency.

Days passed, each one filled with endless meetings, negotiations, and directives. Rober’s relentless efforts began to bear fruit. Slowly but surely, the military machine of the Azarin Empire stirred to life. Orders were sent, and soldiers were summoned. Armories were opened, and weapons were distributed.

Within a remarkably short time, Rober had assembled a formidable force. Nearly a thousand Mortal Tier soldiers stood ready, each equipped with the standard arms and armor of the empire. Among them were several dozen Champion Tier soldiers, their presence lending additional strength and credibility to the fledgling army.

As Rober surveyed the assembled troops, a sense of pride and satisfaction filled him. These soldiers represented the best of the Azarin Empire, soldiers with true top-tier training and not just some random person who was declared a soldier to inflate the number of the military.

Standing before the soldiers, Rober addressed them with a commanding presence. "Soldiers of the Azarin Empire," he began, his voice strong and clear, "we face a threat unlike any we have encountered before. Towns have fallen silent, and our communications are compromised. It is our duty to uncover the truth and protect our