Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 432: My time to evolve

Chapter 432: My time to evolve

"Time to start the offensive."

A murderous aura arose in the eyes of the Depravitas and the Viking princess as Vlad uttered those words. They had been reacting to the Leviathan Race’s moves for too long already. It was time to be proactive, to begin their march across the Monsoon Continent, and reach the obelisk—the core of the Leviathan race—to end this war once and for all.

Without wasting any more time, Vlad, Jormungandr, Freya, and Ouroboros began to move forward. They were still within the borders of Kylen Country, but the frontier to Karman Country was very close. It did not take long for the group to leave Leviathan territory. Once they crossed the border, they were able to unleash the full might of their physical power and energy, moving at supersonic speed toward Kuro Mountain.

The landscape blurred around them as they dashed forward, the wind whipping against their faces. Trees and hills passed in an instant, mere flashes in their peripheral vision. Along the way, the only sound they could hear was the rush of air and the distant echoes of nature. While that would normally be comforting and peaceful, Vlad and the others knew that this tranquility was deceptive.

The silence was a stark reminder of the Leviathan Race having laid waste to every single form of fauna in the region. The forests were eerily quiet, devoid of birdsong or the rustling of animals. If they failed, all of Terra would fall into the same peaceful silence as all organic life would be consumed by the Leviathans. Those thoughts cast grim expressions on the faces of the Depravitas and the Viking princess.

After roughly two hours of relentless running, the massive silhouette of Kuro Mountain appeared once more on the horizon. They had left only a couple of days ago, yet the fortress seemed even more formidable than before. The walls were restored to their full glory, and intricate magic matrices covered the terrain, their arcane symbols glowing faintly in the dimming light. It was clear that the forces that remained behind did not waste their time and had fully fortified their stronghold.

As they approached, the Depravitas and the Viking princess did not conceal their presence. The moment they neared Kuro Mountain, soldiers on the walls and battlements turned toward the group. Eyes full of hope and anticipation watched them, whispers spreading rapidly among the ranks.

"They’ve returned!"

"Did they succeed?"

Vlad could feel the weight of their expectations. He walked confidently toward the heart of Kuro Mountain, his companions flanking him. The crowd parted before them, soldiers standing at attention, their gazes fixed upon them. Vlad raised his fists high above his head, commanding immediate attention.

"We have destroyed the biomass shipment of the Leviathan Race and laid waste to its elite forces on the shores of Kylen Country!" he declared, his voice ringing out powerfully.

For a moment, there was stunned silence. Then, a wave of exhilaration swept through the crowd. Cheers erupted, echoing across Kuro Mountain as the soldiers celebrated the news. Some raised their weapons skyward. The oppressive weight of fear and uncertainty seemed to lift, replaced by a burgeoning sense of hope.

Everybody understood that preventing the Leviathans from obtaining that biomass meant fewer enemies, and killing their elite forces meant less threat in the future.

Vlad was perfectly aware of how important morale was. The soldiers needed to know that victory was possible if he wanted them to push themselves beyond their limits. He allowed them a few moments to revel in the triumph before raising his hand once more. Immediately, silence fell across the courtyard, no one daring to utter a single word.

"Celebrate this victory," Vlad began, his tone firm. "It is yours as much as it is mine. Allow your bodies and souls the rest they need, but be ready. Soon, we march into the heart of the Monsoon Continent."

He paused, letting his words sink in. The gravity of the upcoming challenge was clear, but so was his confidence in their ability to face it.

The eyes of the Depravita of Wrath glowed with cold determination and killing intent as he clenched his fists. "We march to death and victory!" he proclaimed.

A chorus of voices responded in unison. "To death and victory!" The soldiers’ eyes shone with resolve as they clenched their fists, a fiery determination igniting within their hearts. Bloodshed and sacrifice lay ahead, but so did the possibility of triumph.

Vlad smiled as he walked forward. His eyes sharpened as he focused on Grand Marshal Anglius, Major General Theodoro, Ned, and the Royal Guards.

The group understood the meaning in Vlad’s eyes and began to make their way toward the command center. They had landed a heavy blow on the Leviathan Race, but things were far from over. They needed to capitalize on their momentum if they wanted a chance at ultimate success.

Vlad, Jormungandr, and Freya were also heading toward the command center when they noticed Ouroboros lagging behind. The fiendish werewolf had a pensive expression on his face.

"Everything fine?" Vlad asked, concern evident in his tone.

Ouroboros looked up, meeting Vlad’s gaze. For a moment, he didn’t answer, his eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions. Then, a meaningful light appeared in his eyes as he glanced at the young man with a wide smile. "My time to evolve has come," he announced.

Vlad and Jormungandr exchanged glances before grinning widely. They immediately understood the significance of his words. Ouroboros’ Depravita Sky had finally grown powerful enough to evolve into a Depravita Seed, just like theirs. There was no doubt this was the result of the last battle; after all, the Depravita of Greed had killed many powerful Leviathans, and the Origin Force of all of them had given his Depravita Sky the push it needed.

"This is fantastic news!" Freya exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.

Vlad placed a hand on Ouroboros’ shoulder. "We couldn’t be happier for you," he said earnestly. "Awakening the Depravita Seed will grant you incredible powers and evolve your Life Level to the Sage Tier!"