Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 492: Dealing with humans

Chapter 492: Dealing with humans

Vlad felt the World King Candidate’s Mark on his forehead burst with power, deepening his connection to the World Will. Although that surge of energy was remarkable, what truly filled his heart with relief and delight was witnessing King Viserin’s wholehearted decision to join the Xaos Kingdom. No bloodshed or conflict needed to arise in the future between these two countries. For just a moment, Vlad allowed himself a hint of satisfaction—he had fought too long and hard to watch yet another war spark because of politics or pride.

Before he could relish the sense of peace, however, Overlord’s voice cut through the air. "Since Viserin and the Turkin Kingdom have agreed to join the Xaos King," he said, "some changes should be set in place."

Drawn out of his quiet introspection, Vlad turned to face the A.I. Chip Clone. He simply nodded, knowing that when it came to logistics, diplomacy, and governmental organization, Overlord was the undisputed expert. Vlad himself, though skilled in leading men on the battlefield, recognized that building a stable, unified realm required Overlord’s exacting and pragmatic mind.

"Just like we did with the Azure Empire," Overlord explained in that calm, calculating tone, "the Turkin Kingdom should transform into a State of the Xaos Kingdom."

King Viserin’s eyes narrowed. Although he trusted Vlad deeply—after all, the young man had proven himself time and again as a hero, willing to pay the ultimate price to protect his people—Overlord was a different matter. The A.I. Chip Clone might be highly capable, but he was also dangerous and pragmatic enough to treat human lives as numerical assets when necessary.

So Viserin spoke his mind. "What would that entail, exactly?" he asked, voice measured. Trust in Vlad was one thing; trusting Overlord was another.

Overlord fixed his gaze on the Turkin King and nodded respectfully as though acknowledging the validity of Viserin’s concern. "The border between our countries will vanish," he said. "There will be no restrictions on the movement of citizens or troops. The laws and rules of the Xaos Civilization will extend to the Turkin State, and our militaries will combine into a single force. As for internal governance and resource management, there will be no changes—you and your current administration will continue to rule the Turkin lands."

Viserin listened intently, measuring each word. The idea that the newly named "Turkin State" would be subject to the Xaos Kingdom but still retain control over its lands and resources interested him. He recognized that such a governmental structure might carry potential complications, but it would offer fairness and mitigate any backlash from those who feared being merely conquered. He also saw the pragmatic benefits: if the people of the Turkin lands still recognized their own leaders, they would be less likely to resist the broader unification process.

Finally, Viserin allowed a small smile. "I accept the terms."

Vlad echoed that smile. Everything had been settled without conflict—a relief, given how much strife they had already endured. "Excellent," the Xaos King declared. "Then, from now on, you shall bear the title ’Turkin Duke,’ Governor of the Turkin State."

"Congratulations, Duke. Welcome to the Xaos Kingdom," Grand Marshal Anglius chimed in, offering a nod and a respectful, friendly grin.

"It is good to have new friends," Jormungandr added, a glint of quiet satisfaction in his feline eyes.

"Well deserved," Ouroborus said, clapping a hand on Viserin’s shoulder. Though once they had been from different kingdoms, nothing forged comradeship like standing side by side in the fires of the Leviathan War.

The tense atmosphere from just moments ago dissolved, replaced by an undercurrent of joyful relief. Viserin felt gratitude welling up, not only because he had joined something more significant than his own small monarchy, but also because he had done so with his pride intact—there was no compulsion at play, only agreement for the greater good. Although being "Duke" instead of "King" might look like a demotion on paper, it was, in truth, a step forward into the strongest force in the plane, soon to rule all of Terra.

"Thanks, everybody," the Turkin Duke said softly.

Yet the moment of camaraderie did not last too long. The group’s eyes glinted with awareness that a more difficult question still lingered. Viserin’s personal acceptance solved the immediate concern of how to handle the Turkin Kingdom, but what about the rest of the human forces scattered across Terra who might refuse to join them? Would they also capitulate, or would some dig in their heels?

"Regarding our approach to the other human forces across Terra," Overlord said suddenly, bringing their attention back to the wider challenge, "I think it should be quite straightforward."

Every head turned to the Divine Avatar. They all respected Overlord’s intelligence and guidance, but none forgot that he was ruthless when needed. The Leviathans’ near-invincible threat had forced them to accept many measures that, in gentler times, might have been considered too cruel. Now, the question was how Overlord intended to handle any obstinate humans or other forces who might refuse to submit.

Overlord allowed a moment’s pause, gauging the solemn expressions on the faces of Vlad, Jormungandr, Ouroborus, Anglius, Viserin, Freya, and Theodor. "The Xaos Kingdom can offer the people of Terra a standard of living far better than anything else out there," he said, "perhaps even surpassing what existed before Terra’s apocalypse. Joining us is the only rational path, one that benefits the population as a whole."

Vlad nodded, acknowledging Overlord’s logic. It was undeniable that if the choice were purely about improving lives—ensuring security, healthcare, education, stable livelihoods, and opportunities for personal growth—any populace would be wise to choose membership in the Xaos Kingdom. But Vlad understood well that those in power did not always act for the betterment of their people.

"The problem," Vlad said, "is that the ones controlling these organizations or forces across Terra might refuse, even if it’s best for their people. They might value their own authority above the common good, and they’d start a fight before giving up control."

Jormgundr, Anglius, and the others gave small nods, reflecting a collective understanding that not everyone was as selfless as Viserin. Some would sooner doom their subjects than surrender an ounce of personal power. This behavior was not new. Even in the pre-apocalyptic era, there were plenty of examples of politicians or leaders who sacrificed the well-being of their nations for personal gain. Overlord perceived the complicated expressions. Yet his unflinching stance remained.