Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 385: Into the lava

Chapter 385: Into the lava

The demon-winged soul flashed through Karman Country at an astounding speed, carrying Vlad, Jormungandr, and Freya on its back. The wind whipped around them, but Freya focused on her companions. Vlad and Jormungandr were in deep meditation; their eyes closed, faces serene yet intense. She could clearly feel their energies fluctuating, waves of strange soul force emanating from them in rhythmic pulses.

It became apparent to Freya that this sudden change was the reason behind their decision to end the ambushes and return so abruptly. Although curiosity burned within her, she knew this was not the time for questions. It took all the young man and small yellow cat had to control their energy and spirit. The aura surrounding them was volatile, a mix of power and something else she couldn’t quite place.

After fifteen grueling hours of flying at full speed, the demonic soul approached Kuro Mountain. The landscape below shifted from rolling plains to jagged foothills and finally to the towering presence of the mountain itself. The place had changed drastically; just a few months ago, it was an inactive volcano, silent and unremarkable. Now, it had transformed into something awe-inspiring and formidable.

The volcano had reawakened, its summit spewing smoke and ash that spiraled into the sky. The heat radiating from the mountain was so intense that the very air around it shimmered and warped. The sky above twisted into swirling patterns of crimson and gold as if the heavens themselves were reacting to the searing temperatures. These were not ordinary flames but infused with the myriad of energies unleashed upon the world after the apocalypse. The atmosphere crackled with raw power, and lightning danced erratically among the darkened clouds, illuminating the landscape in brief, fiery flashes.

Freya’s eyes narrowed as she took in the sight. She immediately understood that Kuro Mountain was situated at a nexus point where powerful energy flows intersected beneath the ground. That must be the reason why Overlord placed such importance on it. The volcano was a strategic location and a source of immense elemental power that could be harnessed.

As they drew closer, her focus shifted from the volcano’s summit to its surroundings. A massive military camp bustling with activity was spread out around the base of the mountain. Thousands upon thousands of soldiers moved with purpose.

At the forefront were fifty thousand men with rugged appearances and powerful builds—the Turkin Soldiers. Clad in sturdy armor and wielding weapons that had seen countless battles, they moved like a well-oiled machine. The soldiers were constantly on the move around the base of the mountain, fortifying defenses and constructing barriers. Using their combined strength, they hauled massive stones into place while others inscribed runes into the ground, channeling magic to enhance the terrain. The earth responded to their efforts, forming walls and trenches that would serve as the first line of defense against any assault.

Higher up the slopes were over seven thousand men clad in resplendent golden armor—the Golden Wave Legion. Led by towering golden giants who stood head and shoulders above even the tallest of men, their presence was both intimidating and inspiring. Each soldier radiated a golden energy that shimmered around them like a halo.

Overlord had clearly diverted the full power of the Golden Legion to Kuro Mountain. While this could leave the narrow passage unguarded, it was a calculated risk. Thanks to Vlad, Jormungandr, and Freya destroying the Karman Bridge, the Leviathans would now be forced to pass through this mountain if they hoped to mount an effective offensive on the northern part of the country.

Freya’s eyes scanned the Golden Wave Legion, noting the enhancements in their equipment. She felt their heightened power and understood it stemmed from their new armaments. It was evident that more powerful armor and weapons had been forged in Xaos City, and the new equipment had finally reached the front lines. This was excellent news for the soldiers, as it would enable them to engage the enemy with greater strength and resilience.

But that was not all. Freya’s attention was drawn to another group moving across the slopes of Kuro Mountain. She recognized them immediately—the Shadowstrike Legion, the elite force she had once led during the siege of the Azarin Empire. A thrilling smile spread across her face. The presence of the Shadowstrike Legion meant that the situation on the western border had been brought under control, allowing these forces to be redirected southward.

Though they numbered only a few hundred soldiers, the Shadowstrike Legion was composed entirely of elites. Most were capable of facing even weak High Champions, and among them were the 19 Bloodline Soldiers. Each of these warriors was a High Champion whose battle prowess equaled that of Grand Marshal Anglius. Clad in specialized armor adapted to their unique abilities, they moved with lethal grace.

"With this, our chances of success are much higher," Freya thought, feeling a weight lift from her heart. The might of the Leviathan hive was incredible, and this time, they would not have the advantage of a choke point to diminish the strength of their numbers. But with such formidable forces gathered, there was hope.

Before she could dwell further on her thoughts, Vlad and Jormungandr opened their eyes simultaneously. A silent understanding passed between them. The demonic soul beneath them surged forward, dashing toward the volcano’s zenith at full speed. As they neared the molten peak, the demonic soul returned to Jormungandr’s Demon Cage, dissipating into wisps of dark energy. Without hesitation, the duo leaped toward the sea of lava below.

Freya’s eyes widened in shock. She carefully landed on the rim of the volcano and watched as Vlad and the small yellow cat were enveloped in demonic and devilish flames before vanishing beneath the bubbling surface of the lava. Even with their protective flames providing some heat resistance, the lava inside Kuro Mountain was not ordinary.

Before worry could take hold, Overlord’s voice echoed from her communication gem. "Prime Master and Lord Jormungandr will be fine. They require massive energy and overwhelming pressure for their bodies and souls to undergo the next evolution in their path."

Freya’s eyes glowed with understanding. Vlad and Jormungandr would emerge from this trial much more powerful after they completed their evolution. It was great news, but it also meant that until they finished, they would not be able to assist in the imminent clash.

"Ahh, you cannot gain something without giving something in return," the Viking princess sighed, a hint of annoyance in her expression. But she quickly pushed aside any distractions, refocusing her mind on the tasks at hand.

"The hive should arrive in a week. What can I do?" she asked, determination evident in her voice.

Overlord responded immediately. "Help with the construction of the outer ring. Use your strength to carve deep foundations, and then channel your energy into the magic matrices engraved within it."

"Yes!" Freya affirmed. She glanced once more at the seething lava, silently wishing Vlad and Jormungandr success in their transformation. Then, turning on her heel, she descended the volcano to join the preparations. There was much to do, and time was of the essence.