Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 355: Gravity Pulse and Nightmare Shadow Runic Sets

Chapter 355: Gravity Pulse and Nightmare Shadow Runic Sets

Vlad took three hours to wash away the accumulated exhaustion from crafting the last three Runic Sets before opening the door to the rune laboratory. "Clasius, come inside."

The Royal Guard immediately marched into the laboratory, his eyes sharp as he bowed to Vlad. Like his companions, Clasius’s appearance had changed due to the power of the demonic soul flowing through his body and soul dimension.

The first time Clasius appeared on Vlad’s radar, he was a typical musclehead—bald and with a large, bulky frame. Yet now, his physique was much more slender, his muscles extremely well-proportioned, and radiant silver hair covered his head. His entire aura was that of a seasoned leader of soldiers, ready to march into the flames of war without hesitation or doubt.

"Get on the table," Vlad instructed.

Clasius nodded immediately, removing his armor and remaining in his underwear as he lay on the table. Vlad took a deep breath, his eyes sharp as he raised his runic pen and sent a mental command. ’A.I. Chip, assist in engraving the Gravity Forge Runic Set.’

The Gravity Forge Runic Set was designed to work in tandem with Clasius’s Gift, allowing him to become practically weightless or strike with the weight of a mountain.

[Beep! Task assigned.]

Immediately, the robotic voice of the A.I. Chip echoed in his mind, and thousands of holographic runic lines appeared in Vlad’s vision, hovering above Clasius’s skin. Vlad nodded, his focus sharpening as he began the intricate work.

He started with the core rune, Gravitas Sigil, carefully placing the tip of the runic pen over Clasius’s chest. This rune would allow the Royal Guard to manipulate gravity to a certain extent, allowing him to increase or decrease the gravitational forces around him or on specific objects.

Vlad’s hand moved meticulously, each stroke calculated to ensure the perfect energy flow. The lines glowed as they settled into Clasius’s skin, the magic integrating seamlessly with his body. The Royal Guard clenched his teeth as the tip of the runic pen felt like a scalpel cutting into his flesh.

Next, Vlad inscribed the runes of the Weightless Strike along Clasius’s arms. These runes would lighten the weight of his weapon, allowing for lightning-fast strikes that were both swift and precise. The patterns flowed elegantly from shoulder to wrist, intertwining with the natural lines of his musculature.

Clasius’s muscles twitched slightly under the sensation, but he remained perfectly still, his discipline unwavering. The pain was intense, like a searing heat coursing through his limbs, but he embraced it, knowing the power it would grant him.

Moving on, Vlad etched the Runes of the Anchor along Clasius’s legs. This rune would increase the gravitational force around his body or in a designated area, rooting the Royal Guard firmly to the ground or weighing down enemies. The symbols spiraled down his thighs and calves, intricate and complex.

Beads of sweat formed on Vlad’s forehead as he worked. The concentration required was immense, but he couldn’t afford any mistakes. The A.I. Chip provided constant feedback, ensuring each line was flawless.

Finally, Vlad inscribed the Gravity Pulse Rune at the center of Clasius’s back. This rune would release a sudden pulse of gravity, creating a concussive wave that could knock back or disorient enemies.

Vlad took a deep breath as he finished the last runic line, a broad smile spreading across his face as the A.I. Chip confirmed the flawless engraving. "We’re done."

Clasius finally relaxed, his body loosening. The pain had been horrible, but a wide smile crept onto his face as he clenched his fists, feeling the immense power within him—the power to crush buildings.

"Thank you, my King," the Royal Guard said, performing a deep bow toward Vlad before silently leaving the laboratory.

Vlad didn’t need much rest, so after a few minutes, he opened the door and called out again. "Amara."

The young woman immediately crossed the threshold, her footsteps making no sound. It wasn’t that she was trying to be stealthy; her training as an assassin had reached such a high level that such actions had become instinctive.

The power of the demon soul had transformed Amara’s appearance. Her skin was as white as porcelain, and her hair was black as night. Her eyes were now dark, with her pupils a deep violet. No matter from which angle you looked at her, she was strikingly beautiful, but none of that registered for Vlad, whose eyes only saw her body as a parchment—an ideal surface to place the runes.

With a single gesture from Vlad, Amara removed her armor, remaining in her undergarments, before getting onto the table. Unlike the rest of the Royal Guards, Amara did not possess a Gift, but her constitution was special, allowing her to endure more runes than others with the same level of vitality and energy.

Given her uniqueness, Vlad had prepared a unique Runic Set for her—one more powerful than the sets given to the other Royal Guards. She needed this if she was to keep up with those blessed by Gifts.

’A.I. Chip, display the Nightmare Shadow Runic Set,’ Vlad commanded mentally.

[Beep! Task assigned.]

The robotic voice of the A.I. Chip echoed inside Vlad’s mind, and in the next second, a myriad of runic lines appeared in his view—over twenty percent more than those of the other Royal Guards. Vlad took a deep breath, pushing his mind and focus to the limit as he placed the runic pen on Amara’s skin.

He began with the core rune, Phantom of Dusk, inscribed over her heart. This rune perfected the young woman’s ability to merge with shadows, making her nearly impossible to detect by sight and magic.

Vlad’s strokes were delicate yet deliberate, weaving intricate patterns that seemed to absorb the light around them. The rune required absolute precision, as it would form the foundation of Amara’s enhanced abilities.

Amara felt a cool sensation spreading from the rune, a whisper of darkness enveloping her senses. She closed her eyes, embracing the newfound connection to the shadows.

Next, Vlad engraved the Runes of Dark Execution along her arms. These runes increased the lethality of attacks performed from within shadows or after emerging from stealth, dealing devastating damage to vital points—perfect for an assassin.

The symbols resembled flowing shadows, merging seamlessly with her pale skin. A sharp pain coursed through Amara as the pen moved, but she remained still, her training suppressing any reaction. She knew the importance of maintaining focus during the procedure.

Vlad then inscribed the Void Step Rune on the soles of her feet. This rune would grant her the ability to instantaneously teleport between shadows, even across long distances—an extremely useful tool on the battlefield.

The patterns were complex, requiring absolute precision to ensure safe and accurate teleportation. Vlad’s hands moved steadily, guided by the A.I. Chip’s precise calculations. Due to the dangers of space manipulation, any error could have dire consequences, but fortunately, everything went smoothly.

Moving upward, Vlad etched the Death’s Shroud Rune across her back. This rune would cloak the Royal Guard in a thick, tangible aura of shadow, acting as armor and camouflage.

The design was elaborate, resembling a dark cloak enveloping her form. Each line pulsed with latent energy, ready to activate at her command.

Next, Vlad worked on the Shadow Sever Rune, inscribing it along her fingers and forearms. This rune would allow her to extend her weapons or limbs through shadows, enabling attacks from impossible angles or distances, making her an unpredictable and deadly force on the battlefield.

Finally, Vlad etched the Soul Reaper Rune over her abdomen. This rune was unique and overwhelming in power. Channeling it would execute a finisher that pulls the spirit of a dying or incapacitated enemy into the Royal Guard’s weapon, storing their energy for later use or converting it into a deadly shadow explosion.