Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 356: Lupine Fury Runic Set

Chapter 356: Lupine Fury Runic Set

The Soul Reaper Rune was the most intricate of all the runes, requiring immense concentration. Vlad’s hand moved with meticulous care, each stroke weaving complex layers of magic.

By the time Vlad completed the last rune, his hands were trembling slightly from the exertion. He took a deep breath, steadying himself as the A.I. Chip confirmed the success of the engraving.

"It’s done," he said softly.

Amara opened her eyes, a faint glow of violet flickering within them. She sat up slowly, feeling immense power coursing through her veins—a silent, shadowy strength that resonated with her very being.

"Thank you, my King," she spoke with sharpness and determination, her voice carrying immense gratitude.

Vlad gave a small nod. "Go on. Tell the others they can leave. I’m sure Overlord has areas where you can be of use."

Amara bowed deeply before exiting the laboratory without a sound. A moment later, she and the other Royal Guards had left the underground level.

Left alone, Vlad allowed himself to lean against the table, exhaustion washing over him. The process had been more taxing than any previous engravings, but the result was worth it.

Vlad allowed himself some rest, knowing that the next Runic Set would be even more demanding than the Nightmare Shadow Runic Set. Once his hands finally stopped trembling and the stress on his mind faded, he focused on his A.I. Chip and sent a message.

"Enter."

Immediately after the message was sent, Ouroboros entered the room. The Depravita of Greed stood in his fiendish werewolf form—his battle form—a state he chose to adopt at all times to become more familiar with it until it became instinctive.

Vlad’s eyes were sharp as he gazed at Ouroboros, noting that his vitality was already at the Guardian Tier. This meant he would be able to contain the power of a Peak Rank 3 Runic Set.

"Get on the table," Vlad commanded.

Ouroboros nodded and followed the instruction, his eyes keen as he awaited the runic pen. Though he had been just a regular dog less than three years ago, the loss of Cazan, the brutality of the world, and rigorous military training had honed his mind and will sharper than any blade. He understood the responsibilities that weighed on him, which was why his gaze was so intense now.

’A.I. Chip, display the Lupine Fury Runic Set,’ Vlad instructed in his mind.

[Beep! Task assigned.]

As soon as Vlad gave the command, the robotic voice of the A.I. Chip echoed in his mind. A myriad of runic lines appeared over the Depravita of Greed, some so intricate and complicated that they seemed impossible to engrave. But Vlad showed no hesitation as he began his work.

He did not waste time and started with the core rune, Lycanthropic Apex Sigil, placing the tip of the runic pen on Ouroboros’s chest. This rune would perfectly sync with the Depravita’s werewolf constitution, granting overwhelming power, enhanced reflexes, and the ability to harness the feral strength of the wolf.

Vlad’s hand moved with precision, each stroke deliberate and exact. The rune’s complex patterns formed an intricate web pulsed with latent energy.

Next, Vlad inscribed the Runes of Primal Speed along Ouroboros’s legs and arms. These runes would boost his speed to levels beyond normal sight, enabling rapid movement, dodging, and lightning-fast strikes.

The Depravita’s muscles twitched slightly as the runes were engraved. He was not immune to the pain, but none of that mattered in the face of greater power.

Moving on, Vlad etched the Maw of the Alpha Rune around Ouroboros’s jawline. This rune granted immense biting power, turning his maw into a weapon capable of easily tearing through armor and flesh, improving the already powerful bite of the Depravita of Greed.

As the rune settled, Ouroboros felt a fierce strength in his jaws that briefly washed away the pain. He clenched his teeth experimentally, sensing the formidable power now at his command.

Vlad then inscribed the Enduring Predator Rune across Ouroboros’s back. This rune enhanced his endurance to an incredible degree, allowing him to shrug off pain, injuries, and fatigue while maintaining peak performance. The patterns were robust and interlocking, extremely complex even for Rank 3 runes.

Next, Vlad focused on the Savage Claw Frenzy Rune, etching it onto Ouroboros’s forearms. When activated, this rune would allow him to focus all his power on his claws, unleashing a rapid barrage of strikes on any target within range.

Proceeding to the Unbreakable Hide Rune, Vlad began inscribing it along Ouroboros’s torso and limbs. This rune transformed the Depravita’s skin and fur into a near-impenetrable hide, granting immense resistance to physical and magical attacks. The designs mimicked overlapping scales or armor plates, providing protection and flexibility.

As the rune integrated, Ouroboros felt an invisible shield envelop him. His skin hardened subtly yet remained supple enough for unrestricted movement.

Finally, Vlad etched the Bloodhunt Rune onto Ouroboros’s forehead. This rune granted heightened awareness and increased power and speed when engaging wounded enemies. The delicate lines required precise placement to align with his sensory nerves.

Upon completion, Ouroboros’s senses sharpened exponentially. Sounds were clearer, scents more distinct, and his perception of the environment became incredibly acute. Even though his A.I. Chip would warn him of every danger, it was always better for his senses to react to them, as it would improve his reflexes by eliminating any delay.

Once the last line was completed, Vlad stepped back, taking a deep breath. The strain of engraving such a complex Runic Set was immense, but satisfaction filled him as the A.I. Chip confirmed the flawless execution.

"It’s done," Vlad announced softly.

Ouroboros opened his eyes, a fierce glow emanating from them. He stood up from the table, flexing his muscles as he felt the runes integrate with his being. A surge of power coursed through him heightened every sense.

"Thank you," Ouroboros said, his voice a low growl yet filled with gratitude.

"Go to Overlord. You have a job to do," Vlad spoke in a sharp voice.

The Depravita of Greed bowed his head slightly before turning to leave the laboratory.