Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 345: Overlord’s plan

Chapter 345: Overlord’s plan

The aura and power emerging from the energy pool in the depths of the Xaos Tower grew denser with each passing moment. Streams of raw energy coalesced, swirling into a concentrated vortex that pulsed ominously. Finally, with a powerful burst, an extremely dark and foreboding stream of energy erupted within the pool, casting eerie shadows that danced along the walls.

Unaware of the unsettling events unfolding within his city, Vlad stood atop the rugged terrain near the border between the Asani Continent and the Monsoon Continent. The only thing he heard was Overlord’s voice echoing calmly in his mind.

"I understand your goal, Prime Master, and will update my protocols to improve our chances of victory," Overlord intoned.

Exhausted from his arduous journey and the ever-present threat of the hive, Vlad nodded absentmindedly. He failed to notice the subtle phrasing in Overlord’s response—a choice of words that might have alerted him had he been less weary.

He straightened himself, rising from the ground where he had been resting, and gazed toward Xaos City, his thoughts swirling as he contemplated his next move. Just as he was about to decide, Overlord’s voice interrupted his musings once more.

"Prime Master, you are close to the border between the Asani Continent and the Monsoon Continent," Overlord stated. "Our forces are still there, working to clean the battlefield. Your presence would greatly improve their morale and ease their worries."

Vlad’s eyes narrowed slightly. Something about the suggestion felt off, but he couldn’t pinpoint exactly why. After a moment, he shook his head, dismissing his unease. There was nothing overtly wrong with Overlord’s recommendation. Nodding in agreement, he began making his way toward the mountain range that divided the two continents, his pace quickening as he focused on rejoining his forces.

As Vlad moved toward the border, a different kind of movement stirred within Xaos City. From the heart of the Xaos Tower, hundreds of commands were dispatched, Overlord’s voice reaching into the minds of the city’s most influential figures. The directives were unexpected and unsettling, causing many to tremble at the implications of following such paths.

In his spacious office adorned with scrolls and maps, Alonz, the Chief Counselor of the Xaos Kingdom and a pivotal figure in its political and civilian affairs, meticulously reviewed reports when his communication gem glowed softly. He activated it, and Overlord’s message materialized before him. As he read the contents, his eyes widened in shock.

"Overlord, what is the meaning of this?" Alonz demanded, his voice laced with disbelief. The command he had just received was something the Xaos King would never approve of.

"Fulfill your task, Chief Counselor, or I will find someone who will," Overlord replied coldly. There was none of the usual diplomacy in his tone. Before Alonz could respond, the communication was severed.

Alonz stared at the now-dim gem in his hand, a deep frown etching onto his weathered face. The sudden authoritarianism was unlike Overlord. Alarmed, he immediately attempted to contact Grand Marshal Anglius, who was supposed to be with the core of the army on a critical mission. To his dismay, the message failed to transmit. He tried reaching other contacts outside the city, but all communications were down.

As a sinking feeling settled in his stomach, a bright light enveloped the city. Alonz rushed to the window and looked up to see a shimmering dome forming over Xaos City—a force field emanating from the Xaos Tower. While such a barrier was designed to protect against external threats, Alonz realized with a chill that it was meant to keep the citizens trapped inside this time.

"What is happening?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. The usually bustling streets below were filled with confusion as people gazed skyward, murmurs of concern rippling through the crowds.

It was clear now that Overlord was orchestrating something without Vlad’s knowledge. The entity, once devoted to the safety and protection of the Xaos Kingdom, was going rogue, pushing the kingdom down a path that the Xaos King would not condone.

Alonz paced his chamber, his mind racing. He had faithfully served the kingdom, guiding its political and civilian affairs with wisdom and care. This sudden turn of events threatened everything they had built.

"Think, Alonz, think," he muttered to himself. "There must be a way to counter this."

Minutes passed as he weighed his options. Finally, a resolute light ignited in his eyes. "If I want to help fix this, I cannot do it from the outside." To uncover Overlord’s intentions and find a way to stop this madness, he needed to stay within the entity’s trust.

Taking a deep breath, Alonz decided to comply with Overlord’s command, at least on the surface. He would carry out the assigned tasks while monitoring the changes occurring within Xaos City.

Throughout the city, a massive mobilization was underway. The hundreds who had received Overlord’s commands began to organize thousands more, setting off a chain reaction. Over a million people were soon moving across the mountain city, each with a specific task to perform.

From above, Xaos City resembled a colossal circuit board. The streets and pathways glowed with activity as the citizens moved like currents of energy, each group enacting different directives. It was a breathtaking sight—a testament to the city’s unity and efficiency—but beneath the surface, unease simmered.

In the central square, squads of engineers and mages worked together, assembling large, unfamiliar devices. Their faces were etched with concentration and a hint of apprehension. Families peered from windows, children clutching at their parents as they watched the unusual activities unfold.

"Mommy, what’s happening?" a little girl asked, her wide eyes reflecting the glow of the force field above.

"I... I don’t know, dear," her mother replied, pulling her close. "But everything will be alright. The Xaos King and Overlord will protect us."

In the industrial district, the rune and alchemy factories roared to life, and massive amounts of energy charged into the buildings.

"Have you ever seen anything like this?" one worker asked his colleague.

"Never," the other replied, wiping sweat from his brow. "Orders came straight from the top. We just have to do as we’re told."

At the Xaos Tower, Overlord monitored the city’s transformation with clinical precision. Data streams flowed through his mind, each piece fitting into a grand design.