Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 495: Problem with numbers

Chapter 495: Problem with numbers

The area around the obsidian obelisk fell utterly still as Overlord’s comprehensive plan took hold in every mind. That unexpected hush spoke volumes about the seriousness of what had just been outlined. The Demon Soul Master initiative promised extraordinary empowerment for all citizens of the Xaos Kingdom, giving them the chance to reshape their capabilities from the ground up.

Meanwhile, the introduction of angelic bloodlines and the potential for Divine Force enhancement offered far-reaching military advantages, improving everything from individual soldiers to the Kingdom’s most potent weapons of mass destruction.

In a striking counterbalance, the measured approach to Monsters would help preserve Terra’s delicate ecological equilibrium, mitigating the risk of environmental collapse. It was a threefold scheme, both sweeping and bold.

In that charged silence, Vlad’s aura burst forth, a tangible wave of energy that redirected every gaze toward him. Standing with steady resolve, he addressed the group. "This path is ambitious, and it will demand caution and discipline. We must remember that every step—sealing demon souls, capturing angels, and managing Monsters—carries inherent risks. Yet, if we succeed, the Xaos Civilization will ascend to heights unimaginable."

A quiet wave of agreement radiated through those gathered. Jormungandr, Ouroborous, Grand Marshal Anglius, Major General Theodoro, Duke Viserin, and other high-ranking figures who had shouldered tremendous burdens during the recent, all-consuming war, each nodded in unison, silently committing themselves to this new vision.

The Xaos Civilization had long withstood existential threats, emerging not merely intact but consistently stronger. Now, in the wake of defeating a race that once threatened to devour Terra entirely, they found themselves poised on the brink of even more dramatic progress. Watching them, Vlad felt a broad smile touch his face. In his mind’s eye, he could glimpse how unimaginably strong the Kingdom and all of Terra might become once Overlord’s plan was fully implemented.

Of course, the path ahead remained difficult. Still, compared with the massive intercontinental war against the Leviathan Race, this would be a piece of cake. Vlad allowed a slight chuckle at the notion, realizing just how strong they had become, to the point that facing the entire world felt easy.

"We will call the next campaign across Terra the Threefold Path for Demons, Angels, and Monsters," Vlad announced, letting his voice ring clear. He paused a moment to let the term sink in before continuing, "As for our approach to other human forces, that will be considered an entirely different subject because we cannot allow our troops—or other human organizations in Terra—to think we view them simply as tools for our own growth."

His words echoed around the circle, drawing affirmative nods from Overlord himself. Diplomacy was crucial if they hoped to integrate additional human factions without sparking unnecessary bloodshed. For a truly unified Terra, the Xaos Kingdom needed something deeper than brute strength; it required respect, mutual benefit, and tactful negotiation.

Overlord, evidently pleased with the course of action, allowed a faint, satisfied expression to flicker across his face. The plan, it seemed, would proceed with a careful blend of Overlord’s strategic cunning and Vlad’s principle of respectful coexistence.

"Since we have our vision completed and our path set," Overlord said in his typically measured tone, "I think it is time to speak logistics."

A soft sigh escaped Vlad. The thrill of ambitious plans and ideals could stir hearts, but the mundane work of implementing that strategy was considerably less invigorating. In truth, he could see the same half-weary acceptance on the faces of the Kingdom’s other leaders. Great excitement stemmed from imagining what might be, but to reach that future, they had to manage resources, schedules, manpower, and a thousand minor details. It was undeniably tiresome but equally important.

"We have already established that our military might should have no rival across the entire world," Overlord continued calmly. "Human forces pose no threat, and even aliens would be little more than a nuisance in the worst circumstances. However, there is one crucial limitation we face: numbers."

Those present exchanged knowing glances. The Xaos Kingdom prided itself on fielding elite troops—even foot soldiers were superbly trained and equipped with advanced weapons and armor. Yet there were only a few hundred thousand of them in total. Even if other armies couldn’t match the Xoas Kingdom’s might, spreading that relatively small force over the length and breadth of four other continents on Terra would require years, if not decades, to accomplish.

Overlord’s gaze swept across the assembled faces, reading the acceptance of that limitation before pressing on. "Fortunately, the Xaos Kingdom has just gained the assistance of a race capable of expanding our numbers exponentially."

There was a certain gravity in Overlord’s pronouncement as he turned toward Fafnir. The massive fire dragon had been listening in silence. His mind, evidently, was full of introspection as he tried to gauge how the Xaos Kingdom’s hierarchy handled alliances and potential conflicts. When he noticed Overlord’s attention shift onto him, his eyes narrowed as though anticipating what was about to be asked.

"You want the help of the Levi—" Fafnir began, but he hastily corrected himself, "—the help of the Thiamatos Race?"

Overlord inclined his head in acknowledgment, his voice carrying a degree of certainty that made it sound self-evident. "You are part of the Xaos Kingdom now. It is only logical that you assist us in our quest to bring our civilization’s light to the entire world."

Vlad’s eyes narrowed slightly, recognizing how invaluable Fafnir’s help could be, especially in alleviating the Kingdom’s manpower shortfall. Yet Vlad also respected Fafnir’s independence—he wanted the Depravita of Envy to make his own decisions freely.

Fafnir locked eyes with Overlord for a moment, then gave a soft nod. "I will help you," the dragon rumbled, "but currently, the obsidian obelisk has barely enough biomass to produce more than a thousand drones."

Much of the available biomass had been spent constructing Fafnir’s own body and reconstructing Vlad’s damaged form. Overlord acknowledged that shortage with a pensive expression, glancing into the distance where countless soldiers had perished.