Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 520: If you join the Xaos Kingdom

Chapter 520: If you join the Xaos Kingdom

Torin wasted no time with unnecessary thoughts. His sharp gaze swept over the ranks of his soldiers, and he called out with a commanding voice that echoed across the courtyard.

"Zaron. Norton. Korn. Step forward."

At his summons, three men broke formation and strode confidently to their king. Each was tall and powerfully built, their muscular frames radiating an aura of strength. Their eyes gleamed with fierce determination and the unmistakable fire of seasoned warriors—men who had seen countless battles and lived to tell the tale.

"My King!" they shouted in unison, bowing deeply to Torin. Their unwavering loyalty was evident in their movements, as was their singular focus. None of them even glanced at Vlad, though the Xaos King’s presence loomed large above them.

Vlad watched the trio with a faint smile. Their devotion to Torin was undeniable, a commendable quality. Loyalty of this kind was not given freely; it was earned through trust, respect, and shared trials. That made it all the more valuable.

Without a word, with a flick of his fingers, Vlad sent the parchments toward Zaron, Norton, and Korn, hovering just within reach.

The three warriors glanced at their king. Torin gave a firm nod, his expression as resolute as ever. Taking his signal, the men grasped the parchments and channeled their energy into them.

What happened next left the entire Strong Hammer Kingdom awestruck.

Massive forms began to manifest before the trio, their shapes taking on tangible form in bursts of dark energy. The first was a colossal vulture with wings ablaze in brilliant, abyssal flames. The second was an eagle encased in bone armor, its hollow eyes glowing faintly with spectral light. The last was a titanic bear, its six wings spread wide, exuding an overwhelming aura of menace.

These were not mere demon souls—they were Abyssal spirits. Vlad had personally defeated them and extracted their essence, sealing them within the parchments as powerful tools.

The onlookers could hardly breathe. The demon souls were enormous, each towering over ten meters in height, and the raw energy radiating from them was oppressive. Torin himself stared at the monstrous entities, a mixture of awe and resignation in his gaze. No matter how many times the Xaos Kingdom revealed its capabilities, their displays of power were no less staggering.

Releasing a small sigh, Torin shook his head before turning his attention back to the trio. "Go," he ordered, his voice steady.

Zaron, Norton, and Korn bowed deeply to their king once more before leaping onto the backs of their respective demon souls. In a synchronized motion, the Abyssal spirits beat their wings, rising into the sky with an ear-splitting roar. Within seconds, they were speeding toward the horizon, leaving trails of dark energy in their wake.

Though the Strong Hammer Kingdom had struggled to expand its borders, its people were well aware of the settlements scattered throughout Ocenis. According to Vlad, the Xaos Kingdom controlled the entire outer ring, which meant the trio’s destination didn’t matter—they would find one of the integrated settlements regardless. Even so, the journey would take time, and Vlad was not one to squander a single moment.

The Xaos King ascended higher into the sky, hovering several hundred meters above the ground. Crossing his legs midair, he assumed a meditative posture, allowing his energy to flow freely through his body and soul. Lightning and fire began to course through his form, crackling and flickering like a living storm. His presence was otherworldly and serene, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy swirling around him.

Torin, meanwhile, returned to the walls, standing shoulder to shoulder with his soldiers. His back was straight, and his demeanor exuded unwavering strength. The negotiations with Vlad were ongoing, and nothing had been decided yet. Until then, they would remain vigilant, their formations unbroken.

Though their loyalty to their king was unshakable, the strain of the day’s events began to show. The Strong Hammer’s soldiers were not machines, and the mental and physical toll was evident in their weary expressions.

In stark contrast, the thirty thousand Xaos soldiers stood immobile, their discipline and precision unyielding. Their sharp gazes were fixed on the Strong Hammer forces, assessing every movement with an intensity that left no doubt about their readiness for battle. These were veterans of the Leviathan War, individuals who had marched into the Monsoon Continent and fought in the ultimate battle of Terra. For them, standing in formation was a blessing, a moment to gather themselves in relative peace.

As the first rays of sunlight pierced the horizon the next day, Vlad opened his eyes. His keen gaze turned eastward, locking onto the faint shapes of three massive figures approaching in the distance. The demonic souls were unmistakable, their dark, towering forms cutting through the morning light. As they drew closer, Zaron, Norton, and Korn could be seen perched on their backs.

The expressions on the three warriors’ faces were clear to all—wide grins of amazement and awe. As they neared, their eyes instinctively turned to Vlad. Though their loyalty to Torin remained steadfast, the reverence and admiration they felt for the Xaos King were clear.

The trio landed near the walls, dismounting the demon souls with practiced ease. Bowing deeply to Torin, they awaited his command.

"Rise," Torin said, his voice calm but eager. "Tell me what you saw."

The three men exchanged brief glances before Zaron stepped forward. His voice was steady, but the awe in his tone was unmistakable.

"My King," he began, "I went to a city that, according to our last scouting reports, was on the brink of collapse. But now it stands strong, its walls covered in magical matrices far more advanced than our own. The people within are healthy and energetic, their bodies brimming with vitality."

Norton was next, his deep voice resonating with excitement. "The settlement I visited was no different. The streets were spotless—no debris anywhere. The buildings had been rebuilt and reinforced, and I saw children running through the streets, laughing and playing as they chewed on cubes of Monster’s meat."

Finally, Korn spoke, his words filled with conviction. "The city I visited was a model of order and peace. I saw natives of Ocenis training with weapons that were clearly advanced, honing their skills while clad in imposing armor."