Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 494: Dealing with angels and Monsters

Chapter 494: Dealing with angels and Monsters

The eyes of everyone in the hall widened in a shared moment of enlightenment and awe as Overlord finished describing his grand vision for strengthening the Xaos Civilization. Though some details sounded extreme—like placing a demon’s soul inside a small child—that was only due to ignorance and the lack of a proper understanding of what a Demon Soul Master was.

After all, the Demon Soul Master System of Streght had already undergone extensive testing, with millions of people employing demon souls safely. Never once had a demon soul corrupted its host’s mind or produced any adverse effect, so it was considered completely safe. Of course, things could change if the soul belonged to Guardian or Sage Tier demons, as being at that level had all sorts of abilities that could work even after they die, but normal people would just receive Mortal Tier soul, an entity that even alive did not really have much wisdom to begin with.

Vlad stood off to one side, a swirl of astonishment and anticipation running through him as he envisioned what might happen if every man, woman, and child under his rule became a Demon Soul Master. A civilization did not advance solely from the progress of a single brilliant leader; it flourished when the entire population stepped toward improvement. If every factory worker, clerk, soldier, and civil servant possessed a demon soul, they would gain the physical energy and stamina to work longer hours and endure more significant challenges without succumbing to fatigue. Factories could operate more effectively. Administrative offices might run more smoothly. Government services could expedite the flow of resources, fueling an economic and bureaucratic surge.

Of course, there would also be great benefits for the people. Demon souls would raise each individual’s bodily strength and energy capacity, potentially enabling many to reach the peak of the Mortal Realm or even cross into Level 6. Even if they weren’t soldiers, ascending to Champion Tier meant a longer life span, better health, and physical resilience that would enhance their day-to-day well-being. In simple terms, Overlord’s plan seemed flawless—perfect for the Xaos Civilization as a whole.

Yet Vlad was keenly aware of the herculean effort it would require to transform every person into a Demon Soul Master. For that to happen, tens of millions of demon souls needed to be sealed. Overlord’s plan entailed a far more difficult and hazardous task than merely killing demons. Some present shifted uneasily, reflecting on how demon subjugation was already fraught with danger.

Vlad noticed those expressions, but he knew the value of this path, and he spoke with calm, unwavering certainty, fully prepared for the extra work.

"It will be hard," The Xaos King acknowledged, "but the long-term benefit we stand to gain is undeniable. Henceforth, when we confront demons, we must do everything in our power to seal their souls, not merely eliminate them. Of course, the safety of our soldiers remains paramount above all."

Grand Marshal Anglius offered a respectful nod, and Major General Theodoro, Duke Viserin, and other high-ranking figures followed suit. They recognized the enormous boon for the Kingdom and resolved to commit the resources necessary. This move could usher in a new epoch of progress for every human living under the Xaos Kingdom.

Having solidified the matter of demon souls, Overlord proceeded to the next critical point. "As for angels of Heaven," he continued, "they, too, can serve a purpose. Capturing them alive would greatly assist us, as I’m able to extract their bloodlines, multiply that genetic material using Divine Force, and then provide it to our soldiers. This would reduce our reliance on Hell-based bloodlines."

Vlad’s face brightened at the prospect. Bloodlines had always been a formidable asset, but the number of criminals on death row was nowhere near sufficient to meet the army’s needs, and Vlad refused to sacrifice innocents to the Legendary Devil. If Overlord’s Genetic Coder Path was advanced enough to harvest and reproduce angelic bloodlines, it introduced a novel approach with immense potential.

But Overlord’s ambitions extended beyond mere bloodlines. "I also have a use for the angels’ souls," he said next. "Due to their intricate link with Heaven and the God Path, angelic souls contain traces of divine power. I can consume that essence to nourish my God Soul, improving my control and use of Divine Force."

A sharp glint crossed Vlad’s eyes at that revelation. Increasing Overlord’s strength benefited the Xaos Civilization, but Overlord himself was sometimes a wildcard. Still, Vlad weighed the clear advantage. After a few moments’ thought, he addressed the room in a solemn tone.

"Capturing angels alive is much more difficult than subduing demons. Overlord’s path will grealty help the kingdom, but they also carry great risk. Does anyone here have an issue with that plan?"

The leading members of the Xaos Kingdom paused to weigh their reservations. In the end, they all gave subtle nods. No one contested that further capturing angels could cost lives, but the payoffs—introducing angelic bloodlines into the Kingdom and amplifying Overlord’s Divine Force abilities—seemed equally significant.

A flush of excitement passed through Overlord’s gaze, though it dissipated instantly as he reverted to his collected, strategic mindset.

"Now for Monsters," Overlord said at last. "I believe complete annihilation would be an error. Certainly, we should eliminate those that threaten our people’s survival or cause massive casualties, but those at the Mortal and even Champion Tiers can remain."

Vlad and the others absorbed the meaning behind Overlord’s statement. They all listened closely, analyzing every nuance the A.I. Chip Clone presented. "Animals are part of our ecosystem and help it thrive," Overlord explained. "If we wiped them out, we’d likely skew the environment so dramatically that only abominations—like Leviathans or demons—would find it hospitable. My suggestion is to keep Monsters that aren’t genuinely dangerous in designated areas so they can exist in a symbiotic relationship with humanity."

Nodding quietly, Vlad mulled over the hidden dangers of leaving certain Monsters alive. Strict oversight would be necessary to ensure they didn’t wander into populated regions. Yet the ecosystem was also crucial to Terra’s balance. They had to be mindful. If a handful of foolish adventurers ventured into Monster territory and got themselves killed, that was an individual choice with known risks, so bad luck.