Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 361: Balance in all things

Chapter 361: Balance in all things

Vlad’s eyes narrowed as the word "God-King" echoed in the chamber. It was a title he was still coming to terms with, but Jormungandr’s advice lingered in his mind. He would neither enforce it nor deny it—allow the people to believe what they wished while being careful with his words and ideals.

Without losing his composure or betraying any emotion, Vlad allowed the power of the A.I. Chip to flood the body of the man standing before him. Ned felt nothing, unaware that all the information regarding his body and spirit was being meticulously scanned.

In less than ten seconds, the A.I. Chip had finished the scan, and the robotic voice soon echoed in Vlad’s mind.

[Beep! Scanning target.

Target scanned successfully.

...

Name: Ned

Race: Human

Level (Energy): 10

Level (Body): 10

Class: Warrior / Demon Soul Master

Lineage: Hell Soldier (Champion Tier)

...

Stats:

Strength: 17.4

Agility: 9.6

Vitality: 18.2

Energy Pool (Force): 4.1

...

Note: Target’s Soul Dimension has reached its limit. He can no longer improve in the Level System.]

Vlad’s eyes narrowed further at the last part. It wasn’t unusual for a Soul Dimension to limit someone’s growth, but that typically happened at significant bottlenecks, such as the transition between different states of existence, like Mortal to Champion. For Ned to be locked at Level 10 meant his natural potential had likely capped at Level 5.

’He must have used Origin Force to improve his Soul Dimension one level at a time and then advanced through cultivation,’ Vlad mused silently. He nodded in approval, recognizing that such a path must have required incredible determination, dedication, and a massive toll in battle, likely against hordes of aliens.

However, it also meant that the man would likely never achieve Level 16, as the amount of Origin Force required to rise to that tier was staggering, even for someone like Vlad. Yet, this limitation made Ned the perfect candidate for what was to come next.

"Rise, soldier of the Xaos Kingdom," Vlad commanded in a sharp, authoritative tone.

Ned immediately stood tall, his eyes focused on Vlad, Jormungandr, and the old man beside them. Though curiosity flickered in his gaze, he did not dare to ask questions, choosing instead to wait patiently for what was to come.

The silence didn’t last long. Using the hologram of an old man, Overlord spoke to the middle-aged soldier.

"First Lieutenant Ned, I assume you are aware of the threat we face to the south," Overlord began, his tone sharp and commanding.

Ned’s eyes immediately sharpened, and a solemn expression appeared on his face. While his rank in the army wasn’t the highest, it was significant enough for him to know about the alien force that had invaded the Monsoon Continent and was threatening to spread into the Asani Continent.

More importantly, he knew that even the elites of the Golden Wave Legion could only hold the line, barely keeping the alien threat at bay.

"I am aware of the Dark Hunger, Overlord," Ned responded without hesitation.

The holographic manifestation of Overlord nodded, then continued, "We are in the process of creating soldiers who will become the ultimate weapons against the aliens, and we offer you the chance to become the first of them."

Ned’s eyes widened slightly at the offer, and a surge of excitement and anticipation coursed through his veins. He was no stranger to his limitations and understood the difficulties of crossing the threshold between Levels 10 and 11, even with the advantages of his demon soul and bloodline.

If there was a path to power that would allow him to play a significant role in the war against the Leviathans, he was more than willing to take it.

Before he could respond, Overlord continued, his tone more somber. "What we offer you is power, but it does not come without severe drawbacks. The changes we will make to your body will be so profound that your Soul Dimension will no longer be able to adapt. You will not be able to continue rising in Level through normal cultivation. In essence, you will gain immense power, but it will come at the cost of your future growth."

Vlad’s gaze grew even sharper as he listened to Overlord’s explanation. The universe enforced balance in all things, and any significant deviation came with consequences. Becoming a Lord of Horror would grant Ned overwhelming power—enough to face the Leviathans as a mere Level 10 warrior—but it would cost him his future.

While the middle-aged man could still train and enhance himself through Origin Force and his demon soul, those avenues had their limits. Origin Force was finite, and his demon soul required the Level System to unlock its full potential. Overlord’s words were no exaggeration—Ned would sacrifice his future growth for the strength he would gain now.

For most, such a decision would require deep contemplation, but for Ned, the choice was clear. His eyes shone with fierce resolve and unwavering determination. "I have reached the limit of my potential. If there is a way to grow stronger and serve the Xaos Kingdom, I will take it," he declared, his voice firm and filled with purpose. After a brief pause, a glint of meaning appeared in his eyes. "A soldier doesn’t think of tomorrow—only the here and now."

Vlad studied the man for a moment, respect growing for his resolve. "Your willingness to sacrifice for the kingdom is admirable," he finally said. "But understand, this will be a painful process. It may change you in ways you cannot imagine, and there is no guarantee of success."

Ned met Vlad’s gaze, his voice steady. "Pain is nothing new to me, my King. I am prepared."

Jormungandr, who had been watching silently, tilted his head slightly, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "He has the heart of a true warrior," the small yellow cat said telepathically through the A.I. Chip to Vlad.

Vlad gave a slight nod of agreement. "He does," he replied. Turning back to Ned, he issued his command. "Prepare yourself, soldier. Step into the energy pool."