Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 486: I need a name

Chapter 486: I need a name

"Will you help me discover my path?"

Vlad felt an unbidden smile tugging at his lips the moment he heard that question. Hovering in the strange dimension, he studied the newborn entity with an appraising eye. It was neither good nor evil—just a raw existence formed from the union of Leviathan’s essence and a shard of his own soul. With the proper guidance, it might become something extraordinary, not merely another machine of death and destruction, but a being free to choose its destiny.

"I would gladly help you figure out the path forward," Vlad said. "First of all, since a piece of my soul fused with you, you should have access to the A.I. Chip right now, am I right?"

A moment of silence passed. Then, the entity’s voice emerged, still echoing through the dimension. "Yes, I have. What is this thing?"

Vlad’s smile brightened. Indeed, it would have been burdensome to teach this new entity everything about life, people, and choices on his own, but with the A.I. Chip’s assistance, the journey would be much smoother.

"Ask the chip to integrate its common knowledge into your mind," he advised. "That way, you’ll learn about people and the myriad life forms in the world—what makes them tick and what drives them forward."

"I will." A single, concise reply arrived.

No sooner had the words been spoken than a low hum reverberated around them. Clearly, waves upon waves of information were being implanted into the entity’s fledgling soul. It didn’t take long for the new being to speak up again, this time carrying a much more mature tone.

"I understand much more now. The world, the people, everything is so odd and weird."

At that, Vlad couldn’t help but let out a good-humored laugh. "Hahahaha, yes, we are," he said. The Depravita was amused at how naturally confusion arose when one tried to wrap their mind around humankind. Still, he forced himself not to become distracted. A sharp gleam appeared in his eyes the next second.

"You should learn about your current race," he noted, "seeing as you’re a Depravita now."

A tangible sense of wonder and curiosity coursed through the dimension as Vlad uttered those words, making it clear just how intrigued the entity was by the prospect of discovering its nature.

"Please continue. I want to learn more about the life form that surpasses their nature," the entity said.

Vlad nodded. "A Depravita is an entity born of chaos, destruction, and negative psychic energy. Our nature and origin are tied to sin and the dark emotions of the world. It’s through this nature that we can empower ourselves, absorbing the world’s darkness and fueling our souls and bodies. However, never make the mistake of thinking that’s all we are."

A sharper, more commanding light flickered in Vlad’s gaze as he pressed on. "A True Depravita is someone capable not only of dominating those dark and evil emotions but rising above them. We accept sin as our origin, but we don’t bow to it. We transcend our nature, choosing our own path. We can become heroes or monsters, but it’ll be our decision—no one else’s!"

Subtle tremors rippled across the dimension, making it evident how deeply these words affected the newborn Depravita. Vlad’s tone never wavered, continuing to educate the creature in front of him.

"We begin our path by feeding on the dark emotions of the world—negative psychic energy. Once that is dense enough, we form a Depravita Sky in our souls, allowing the radiation to nurture our Depravita Constitution and push us forward, shedding our old flesh and bones in favor of something greater. After the Depravita Sky has consumed enough energy and negative psychic force, it’ll give birth to a Depravita Seed, transforming us into Sky Seed Depravitas, edging us one step closer to our True Depravita Body—a body forged of negative emotion and psychic energy, capable of all manner of wonders and abilities. An immortal body that can keep fighting even after its brain and heart are destroyed."

As he described each step in detail, Vlad observed the entity’s reaction, wanting to be sure it fully grasped what the Depravita Path entailed.

"Now for your own path," he continued. "You have taken my envy through the Seven Sins Ritual and have become the Depravita of Envy."

The dimension seemed to hold its breath at these words. Then, with audible displeasure, the newly born Depravita asked, "Envy? Isn’t that an evil, nasty emotion that everyone looks down on? Something that lives in the hearts of the weak and powerless?"

Though the entity’s dissatisfaction was clear, Vlad showed no sign of panic. "It’s true that envy is often seen as a dark and nasty emotion—one that can poison you if left unchecked. But remember: we’re Depravitas. We can see that envy as the rest of the world does—pure malice—or we can see it as something else, an emotion that can inspire self-improvement and growth. Your envy can channel the feeling of wanting something others have into constructive action, fueling reflection on your own strengths and weaknesses. You can admire others’ successes, all while coexisting with contentment in your own path."

A broad grin spread across Vlad’s face as he added, "The only thing that limits your path is your desire and your choice. You’re the Depravita of Envy, so you can do whatever the fuck you want!"

He watched as the entity’s soul seemed to expand with the possibility. Clearly, it was absorbing every word, analyzing each concept, until, at last, a realization sparked in its mind.

"I need a name!"

In that final utterance, Vlad sensed a definitive sign that the Depravita of Envy had embraced the idea of individuality. It could no longer remain nameless—drifting between existence and functionless identity. By seeking a name, it was making the first big stride toward forging an identity that rose beyond primal Leviathan instincts.

In the stillness of this strange dimension—one that might once have belonged to the Leviathan Race’s Hive Mind—Vlad exhaled a soundless breath of relief. Though physically battered, though existing as but a soul, he had found a chance to reshape the creature that had been born from a piece of his own spirit. Perhaps it was destiny, or perhaps it was merely the random outcome of destructive war and ancient ritual.

"A name..." Vlad repeated, his voice contemplative.