Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 319: Drones

Chapter 319: Drones

Vlad and Jormungandr initiated a tactical retreat, swiftly leaving the city and entering the dense forest. They moved with calculated precision, using the trees and foliage to conceal their figures and hinder their pursuers.

As they navigated through the underbrush, Vlad swung his halberd with purpose, felling large trees behind them. The crashing trunks created natural barricades, obstructing the narrow pathways and slowing the creatures’ advance.

Jormungandr, flying just above the treetops, unleashed a series of fireballs and lightning arcs. Instead of random blasts, he targeted specific points where the creatures were most concentrated. His flames ignited the dry foliage, creating walls of fire that forced the swarm to divert their path. The lightning strikes were aimed at the larger clusters, causing surges that momentarily disrupted their coordination.

Despite their efforts, the creatures displayed an uncanny intelligence. They adapted quickly, navigating around obstacles with ease. Their movements were eerily synchronized, each acting as part of a cohesive whole. They flowed through the forest like a relentless tide, attempting to encircle Vlad and Jormungandr.

"They’re persistent," Jormungandr noted, his eyes flickering with concern. "It’s as if they anticipate our moves." Even as he spoke, he continued to unleash waves of fire and lightning.

"Keep moving!" Vlad commanded, his voice steady. "We can’t let them surround us." The lightning and fire around his body exploded with immense power.

They pressed deeper into the forest, the canopy above growing thicker and the shadows darker. The air was filled with the sounds of snapping branches and the distant chittering of the swarm.

Suddenly and without warning, the swarm halted. Vlad and Jormungandr paused, exchanging puzzled glances. The sudden cessation of pursuit was both a relief and a cause for concern.

"They’ve stopped," Jormungandr observed cautiously. His energy was still surging, but the constant barrage of spells had left him tired.

Vlad nodded, his grip tightening on his halberd. "But why?" He did not believe that fear played a role in the decision-making of these monsters.

The question in the minds of the two Depravitas was soon answered. With a mixture of awe and horror, they watched as the creatures turned on their own fallen and wounded.

The injured and dead were consumed without hesitation. The wounded offered no resistance, allowing themselves to be devoured by their kin. The process was methodical and efficient, leaving nothing behind—not even remnants of exoskeletons or a drop of their black blood.

The sight sent a chill down their spines. Streams of Origin Force began to flow toward Vlad and Jormungandr, a sign from the Plane Will acknowledging their kills. But the usual satisfaction that came with absorbing energy was overshadowed by the macabre display before them.

"What are they doing?" Jormungandr whispered, his voice barely audible. Even though he was the Depravita of Gluttony, the hunger these creatures unleashed left a feeling of horror in his mind.

As he saw their moves and remembered the actions of these creatures in the previous town and forest, an answer came to the young man’s mind.

"They’re reclaiming their own biomass," Vlad replied grimly. "Ensuring nothing goes to waste."

As they continued to watch, the swarm began to retreat, moving back toward the city. Their departure was as swift as their advance, disappearing into the shadows with surprising speed.

Vlad stared at the creatures and could not help but take a deep, cold breath. There was no hesitation or doubt in their actions despite being thousands. They moved like a single entity incapable of hesitation or doubt.

"They’re relentless, absolute, fearless," Vlad murmured. "And decisive enough to consume their wounded and retreat when victory isn’t certain."

His words hung heavy in the air. The creatures’ actions demonstrated not just survival instinct but a cold, calculated strategy. They were unlike any enemy they had faced before—a predator that seemed born out of a nightmare.

Jormungandr landed beside Vlad, his fiery wings folding against his back. "This isn’t just a mindless swarm. They’re operating with purpose, but I don’t understand what their ultimate goal could be."

Vlad’s eyes hardened as he focused his thoughts. "A.I. Chip, report."

Throughout the entire encounter, Vlad’s A.I. Chip had been analyzing the creatures. Now, it provided a detailed assessment:

[Beep! Analysis complete. Entities exhibit strong physical resilience despite their small size. Lifespans appear short, optimized for rapid deployment and consumption, with a complete lack of reproductive organs. Neural structures are highly specialized, facilitating instantaneous communication and coordination among individuals.

No detectable use of Force, Magic, or other known energy types. Behavioral patterns suggest a hive-mind operation, functioning as drones designed for specific tasks.]

Vlad frowned as he processed the information. "Drones... disposable units sent out to consume and gather resources. And when faced with enemies, killing machines with the sole purpose to kill and collect the remains."

Jormungandr’s expression mirrored Vlad’s concern. "If these are just the expendable ones, what does that say about the main entity controlling them?"

Vlad stared into the distance where the swarm had vanished. "If they act as a hive, and these are the drones, then what are the warriors?" The question made the young man and the small yellow cat look at each other solemnly.

"We’re dealing with something far more dangerous than we anticipated." Now that Vlad had seen a fragment of the entity they were facing, he was beginning to understand just how much danger they were in.

He felt a heavy weight settle on his shoulders. The creatures weren’t just a threat because of their numbers or their consuming nature—they were part of a more significant, more insidious force. No demon, angel, or even the plots of gods had made him feel this pressured before.

"We need to regroup with the others and determine our next move," Vlad decided. "And we must proceed with extreme caution."

The small yellow cat nodded toward Vlad before landing on his shoulder. He began focusing on recovering his lost energy, knowing that the danger was just starting and he needed to recover as soon as possible.

As they made their way back through the forest, Vlad couldn’t shake the unease gnawing at him. What were these things, where did they come from, and who—or what—controlled them?