Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 357: Inferno Storm Runic Set

Chapter 357: Inferno Storm Runic Set

As soon as the Depravita of Greed left, Vlad collapsed. His breathing was rough, and it was hard for him to even stand. The Peak Rank 3 Runic Set had truly pushed him to the absolute limit of his abilities.

However, Vlad wasn’t alone for long. Shortly after Ouroboros departed, Jormungandr entered the runic laboratory. The small yellow cat entered without being called, but Vlad didn’t mind. If there was one being around whom he didn’t need to maintain an air of absolute composure and power, it was Jormungandr.

Vlad glanced at the small yellow cat with a faint smile as he continued resting. Then, he heard Jormungandr’s voice through the A.I. Chip.

"What do you plan to do about the new religion?" the cat asked.

Vlad’s eyes narrowed upon hearing those words. While the clash with Overlord could wait until after the war with the Leviathans, he would have to handle the repercussions of his new status as a God-King much sooner. It was only a matter of time before the religion spread to the soldiers, and they began to see him as a deity.

Various thoughts crossed the mind of the Depravita of Wrath, but he could only sigh in the end. "Ahhh, I don’t know what to do. I’m not perfect; I make mistakes. I need people by my side who can see my flaws and help me correct them. But if I’m considered a god, they’ll be blinded by faith and obey all my commands as if they were divine decrees, even if they have better ideas themselves."

A deep frown appeared on Vlad’s face as he contemplated the consequences of accepting godhood. But rejecting it wasn’t a much better plan either. "If I refuse godhood and declare I’m just a person, it will lead to confusion, and that’s not something I can allow my soldiers to experience—not while we’re in a war that will determine the fate of the entire world."

The small yellow cat observed Vlad’s dilemma and remained silent for a long time before finally speaking. "Then say nothing."

Vlad’s eyes widened at those words. He stared at Jormungandr, focusing on his gaze as he listened carefully.

"Either option would lead to problems, so choose neither," the cat continued. "You are a king, and if your choice is silence, no one can dispute it. Your status as a god will spread among the soldiers, but as long as you don’t enforce it, the fog of faith won’t cloud their minds. You must be careful with your words and how you speak to the generals. Offer ideas and goals instead of orders and commands. That will allow them to interpret your intentions and offer their own ideas, even if they differ from yours, without feeling they’re defying your will."

Vlad was astonished by Jormungandr’s profound insights into human psychology. The small yellow cat’s grasp of human nature was truly remarkable. "I suppose it’s true what they say," Vlad mused. "Those who observe from the outside often have the clearest perspective." It was precisely because Jormungandr wasn’t human that he could perceive the intricacies of humanity with such clarity.

With a silent nod, Vlad acknowledged the wisdom of the small yellow cat and continued resting for over an hour before finally rising. His strength, energy, and focus were at their peak again, and he was ready to forge Jormungandr’s new Runic Set.

The small yellow cat positioned himself at the center of the table, his eyes sharp as he awaited the touch of the runic pen.

"A.I. Chip, display the Inferno Storm Runic Set," Vlad commanded.

[Beep! Task assigned.]

As soon as Vlad gave the command, the robotic voice of the A.I. Chip echoed in his mind, and runic lines appeared over the body of the small yellow cat.

The Inferno Storm Runic Set was an extremely powerful Peak Rank 3 Runic Set designed to enhance the raw power and effectiveness of fire- and lightning-based spells. Rather than generating new offensive attacks or granting abilities, this set amplified the user’s existing magical talents, making each spell more destructive, faster, and harder to resist. This set was ideal for someone like Jormungandr, who could develop a myriad of attacks and spells thanks to his unique Depravita constitution and A.I. Chip.

Vlad took a deep breath, steadying his hand as he began engraving. His eyes traced over the intricate web of runes projected onto Jormungandr’s form, each symbol crucial to enhancing the cat’s immense power.

He started by engraving the core rune, Elemental Conduit Sigil, and gently placing the tip of the runic pen on Jormungandr’s forehead. This rune would transform the Depravita of Gluttony into a perfect conduit for fire and lightning magic, enhancing the potency of all spells channeled through him.

Vlad’s hand moved with meticulous precision, each stroke weaving complex layers of magic. The lines glowed softly before sinking into Jormungandr’s fur, integrating seamlessly with his essence. The small cat remained utterly still, his eyes closed as he felt the energy begin to flow through him.

Next, Vlad inscribed the Runes of Inferno Surge along Jormungandr’s spine. These runes would boost the heat and intensity of fire spells, making them burn hotter and spread faster, overwhelming enemies with sheer destructive power.

The patterns resembled swirling flames, each line amplifying the destructive potential. Vlad focused intensely; any error could have catastrophic consequences given the volatile energy being handled and how close they were to the nervous system of the small yellow cat. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, but his hand remained steady.

Moving on, he etched the Stormcaller’s Amplification Rune along Jormungandr’s legs. This rune would increase the power and voltage of lightning spells, allowing them to arc farther, strike with more force, and chain between multiple enemies.

The symbols crackled with latent energy, mimicking the unpredictable nature of lightning. As Vlad completed the rune, a faint electric charge filled the air.

He then inscribed the Mana Furnace Rune on Jormungandr’s chest. This rune would convert excess mana into raw elemental energy, ensuring that the fire and lightning spells the small yellow cat cast were always at their maximum strength. Of course, such a rune would place a huge demand on the Depravita of Gluttony’s energy pool, but that would not be a problem for him due to his Depravita racial ability.