Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 314: Into the Monsoon Continent

Chapter 314: Into the Monsoon Continent

The mountain range separating the Asani Continent, home to Constantine Country, from the untamed lands of the Monsoon Continent was a sight to behold.

It rose like a jagged spine cutting through the earth, its peaks piercing the sky as though they sought to touch the heavens themselves. With its treacherous cliffs and deep ravines, this imposing range had long been a nearly dangerous natural barrier. Winding paths, known only to the most seasoned travelers, snaked through the mountains, making it one of the most risky and crucial landmarks in the region. For centuries, it had stood as a formidable obstacle, keeping the two continents isolated from each other.

At the peak of this majestic range stood a group of fifty warriors, as unyielding as the mountains themselves. Their large, powerful bodies seemed carved from stone, emanating strength and readiness for whatever lay ahead.

Leading them was none other than King Viserin, who gazed down at the valley below, his expression grave. Just days ago, the valley had teemed with monstrous life—creatures that surged upward, crossing the mountain peaks and descending into the lands of the Turkin Kingdom. Now, only an eerie silence remained.

Although the packs of monsters had been a problem, Viserin was even more troubled now by the absence of any signs of those creatures. He could not help but wonder what had caused the sudden stillness.

"My King, how much longer should we wait?" The silence was broken by one of the warriors, his voice low but carrying the weight of thunder. Karton, a massive man with long black hair and a single, piercing eye, stood beside Viserin. His face, marred by scars, only enhanced his fearsome appearance.

Before Viserin could reply, General Zamas, standing nearby, interjected. "According to their message, they are expected to arrive at noon. We haven’t reached that hour yet, Karton. Be patient."

Karton turned toward Zamas, frustration evident in his expression. "Why should we wait for them? We can handle whatever we might encounter," he said, his chest swelling with pride. "Besides, I doubt this man is as powerful as you say, Zamas. None of you even saw him fight."

Zamas glanced at Karton, sighing softly. He understood the warrior’s arrogance—it was an attitude he had once shared. Like Karton, Zamas had believed the Turkin Kingdom’s power to be unrivaled, but reality had proven otherwise. The strength Vlad and his forces wielded was something extraordinary, not easily understood by those who had not witnessed it firsthand.

Unfortunately, Karton had been assigned to the southern borders during the initial meeting with the Xaos Kingdom, securing the Turkin Kingdom’s borders. He hadn’t been present to see the Xaos Kingdom’s incredible display of power.

"Enough. We will wait," Viserin’s firm and resolute voice cut through the tension. His command silenced any further objections from Karton or the others. The King sensed danger looming over the expedition and knew they would need Vlad’s power on their side.

Fortunately, they didn’t have to wait long. The sharp screech of a demonic bird echoed across the sky, drawing the group’s attention upward. A massive, fiery-winged creature soared toward them at terrifying speed, its flames casting a sinister glow over the mountain peak. Some soldiers tensed, startled by the sight of such a creature, and instinctively raised their guard, their energy flaring as they prepared for an attack.

"Relax," Zamas barked, calming the men. "That’s one of the Xaos Kingdom’s demon summons."

Though reassured, the soldiers remained on edge, their curiosity piqued. They had heard stories of the Xaos Kingdom’s ability to summon and control demonic entities, but seeing it first hand was something else entirely.

As the bird neared, it vanished into thin air. In the next moment, nine figures descended from the sky, landing with a thunderous impact. Small craters formed beneath their feet, but they stood unscathed, moving forward with a calm, deliberate stride. Their presence was commanding, drawing the attention of every soldier present.

The generals of the Turkin Kingdom found their gazes inevitably drawn to Freya, her striking beauty almost otherworldly. But even more awe-inspiring was the towering, nearly three-meter-tall demonic werewolf—Ouroboros. His primal strength radiated from him, exuding an aura so intense that it left even the most seasoned warriors uneasy.

Vlad moved forward, his steps measured and unhurried, until he stood before Viserin. A small smile touched his lips as he extended his hand. "It’s been a while. I’m glad to see you’re well."

Viserin clasped Vlad’s hand firmly, nodding in return. "Everything has been going well, thanks to your assistance," he replied courteously. Their words were polite, but there was an undercurrent of mutual respect between the two leaders.

As their conversation ended, Vlad’s gaze shifted toward the soldiers of the Turkin Kingdom. A slight frown creased his brow. While they were clearly capable and well-trained, this expedition was not a military campaign. Its purpose was to gather intelligence quietly and engage in combat only when necessary. A large group like this could easily become a hindrance, attracting unwanted attention in unfamiliar terrain.

Noticing Vlad’s concern, Viserin quickly addressed it. "These men aren’t just soldiers—they’re expert hunters. They know how to move silently and cover their tracks flawlessly. They’ll do well in the terrain ahead."

Vlad’s eyes narrowed as he considered the King’s words. After a brief moment, he nodded. "Very well. If everything is ready, we should move. I want to reach the first town before nightfall."

Without further delay, Viserin signaled his men, and the group began their descent from the mountain range. Vlad and his companions followed closely, the two groups moving in tandem but maintaining a respectful distance. The path was steep and winding, the jagged rocks eventually giving way to dense forests as they moved lower.

The air grew cooler as they traveled, the towering trees casting long shadows over the path, all the soldiers alert and ready to act. Immediately, a solemn light appeared in Vlad’s eyes as his A.I. Chip detected something disturbing.