Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 315: Unknown threat

Chapter 315: Unknown threat

"Wait!" Vlad’s command cut through the air like a blade, and instantly, the warriors of the Xaos Kingdom halted. Their eyes sharpened as they scanned their surroundings, energy coiled and ready to strike.

The forces of the Turkin Kingdom were not bound by Vlad’s authority, but King Viserin, sensing the urgency, raised his hand, signaling for his men to stop and remain alert. He knew the young man did not act without reason, and his sharp eyes reflected quiet inquisitiveness as he tried to understand what was happening.

Before Vlad could explain, Jormungandr and Ouroboros exchanged glances, their sharp eyes darkening as their A.I. Chips detected the anomaly. The small yellow cat and the towering demonic werewolf exchanged a somber look, understanding the severity of the situation without needing words.

"Is there an enemy nearby?" Freya approached Vlad, voicing the question on everyone’s mind.

Vlad shook his head, his gaze cutting through the surrounding trees as he spoke in a grim tone. "No, other than vegetation, there’s nothing around us."

Freya, the Royal Guards, and the Turkin soldiers exchanged confused glances. The absence of life was unsettling, but it wasn’t new to them. They had noticed the eerie silence upon entering the forest but didn’t understand the weight of Vlad’s concern.

Unlike the others, Viserin’s mind was sharp enough to grasp the underlying message in Vlad’s words. His eyes narrowed as a sudden realization dawned on him. His voice was steady as he asked, "When you say no life, are you also referring to... insects, larvae, other types of fauna?"

The moment Viserin asked that question, the gravity of the situation became clear. A cold chill swept through the group as they realized the full extent of what Vlad had meant.

Powerful entities could drive away beasts and even Monsters, as those creatures tend to avoid predators far stronger than themselves. However, insects and other small organisms were different—they lacked the intelligence to sense danger and typically responded only to changes in their environment.

The trees around them indicated that the environment was not inhospitable, yet no insects buzzed in the air, no birds sang, and not a single small creature stirred. Something far more sinister was at play if even the smallest forms of life were absent.

Vlad’s nod confirmed their fears, his voice heavy with the weight of his discovery. "Not only is there no life, but there is absolutely no zoobiotic or heterotrophic biomass left in this place."

He paused, allowing the significance of his words to sink in before continuing. "Whatever killed everything here took the remains with it. It’s likely the same force that drove the Monsters to flee from the Monsoon Continent and cross the mountain range in a panic."

A somber aura settled over the group. The scope of the danger they faced was becoming more apparent by the second. The idea of something powerful enough to strip the land of all life—and take the remains—was chilling. Worse yet, they had no idea what kind of entity they were dealing with.

No other human forces or angels would care about the remains of insects. While demonic hordes were known for consuming life forms, they focused on creatures that provided them with energy—beasts, humans, or Monsters. They wouldn’t bother with insects, and even if they did consume them, they would leave some remains behind.

Vlad’s focus heightened as he considered their next move. Retreat wasn’t an option. They needed to understand what they were up against. Avoiding the problem wouldn’t make it disappear; it would only grow larger and more dangerous as time passed.

The Depravita of Wrath’s gaze swept across Jormungandr, Ouroboros, Freya, and the Royal Guards. All of them stood ready, their determination unwavering. Vlad nodded in acknowledgment before turning his attention to the soldiers of the Turkin Kingdom. Despite the shock and unease caused by the unknown threat, he saw no fear in their eyes—only resolve. Viserin had brought warriors, not cowards. However, willpower alone might not be enough.

Without a word, Vlad stepped forward and summoned a majestic halberd from his space ring. It was the weapon he had taken from Aola during their battle, a powerful and durable artifact capable of shattering even his Rank 2 swords. It was easy to master the weapon thanks to the A.I. Chip that implanted all the knowledge and muscle memory needed to wield it at a grandmaster level.

Channeling his energy into the halberd, Vlad unleashed a wave of red lightning, carving a massive arc through the air. In an instant, several trees were reduced to smoldering ash.

Viserin’s eyes widened in surprise at the display of power, but Vlad’s voice rang out again before he could speak. "That is just a fragment of my strength, yet I still feel no confidence in this expedition."

He turned to face Viserin and the soldiers of the Turkin Kingdom, his eyes hard and unyielding. "I see the courage of your men, but this journey will be extremely dangerous. If you wish to return, we will share any knowledge we gain. There is no shame in understanding your limits."

Viserin was taken aback by Vlad’s blunt assessment, his fists clenching. He had fought tirelessly since the apocalypse began, saving countless lives and earning the title of World King Candidate. Being told to turn back due to lack of strength was a blow to his pride, but he knew Vlad was right. Will alone could only take them so far.

Taking a deep breath, Viserin calmed his mind and looked at his soldiers. What he saw in their faces was not fear but determination. Each man was ready to lay down his life if necessary. They understood the consequences of this mission for their home.

"I understand the dangers, but we cannot leave," Viserin replied firmly, turning back to Vlad. "If whatever caused this destruction sets its sights on the north, my kingdom will be the first to fall. I will not leave until I understand what threat my people may face."