Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 532: Leaving Terra (IV)

Chapter 532: Leaving Terra (IV)

Immediately, the eyes of all present widened in shock as Vlad’s words sank in. None among them had ever heard of—let alone seen—a Doomsday World before. Yet, according to Vlad’s description, it seemed to be an even more dangerous place than the infamous Monsoon Continent that had been during the Leviathan War.

If it was truly a realm where alien Legends roamed the skies at will, then the threat of catastrophic destruction was constant. Even if one did not become the direct target of these powerful beings, it would be easy to end up as collateral damage. After all, a Legend’s power could match or surpass that of a nuclear weapon.

Vlad scanned the circle of soldiers and officers, noting the shock and worry on their faces. Their distress was understandable; every member of the Xaos Kingdom’s upper echelon knew what it meant to face monsters and nightmares that ordinary warriors could scarcely imagine. Still, the notion of a world teeming with ancient, alien Legends far exceeded their past experiences.

"It will be dangerous, that is true," he acknowledged, his voice firm yet calm, "but it will also allow me to break my limitations and continue to increase my power. So when we eventually reach the Higher Dimension, we will not be a small plane that others can bully. We will be a force that strikes terror into anyone foolish enough to challenge us."

Determination and a formidable, warlike intent radiated from Vlad’s body as he spoke those words. Everyone present felt the weight of his conviction. This was no idle boast but the iron resolve of a man who had weathered the Leviathan War and emerged stronger for it.

Soldiers and generals alike—those who heard the Depravita of Wrath’s bold proclamation—clenched their fists in unison. A surging willpower began to emanate from their hearts, a testament to their willingness to follow him even into the jaws of the unknown.

A small, approving smile crept onto Vlad’s face as he sensed their courage. He saw no fear-induced hesitation; instead, he found the very resolve that made the Xaos Kingdom a relentless force on the battlefield. Satisfied, he turned his attention to the three Depravitas at his side.

"The Plane Will will send me into the Doomsday World," he declared, "and the three of you may come with me if you so desire. The dangers we will face there will be overwhelming, so if you choose to remain in Terra, I will respect that decision."

Jormugandr and Ouroboros exchanged glances before their eyes instantly lit up with the flames of battle-lust. In truth, both had sensed their power stagnating. Unlike Vlad, they lacked a clear path forward and had begun to accept that plateau. Now, however, an opportunity for growth had presented itself, and there was no way they would let it slip away.

Vlad was unsurprised by their reactions. He knew Jormugandr and Ouroboros would seize any chance to grow stronger, no matter the risk. However, his gaze lingered on the newest Depravita—Fafnir.

Fafnir’s eyes glowed with a meaningful light as he contemplated Vlad’s offer. Though he possessed vast knowledge and profound wisdom, he was still a young soul, not more than two years old, and he was exploring his path in the world. Glancing around at the gathering, Fafnir’s solemn gaze seemed to pierce the very air. After a few contemplative seconds, he spoke in a low, resonant voice.

"I have witnessed the unification of human forces and their drive for a brighter future—the forging of alliances," he began. "Now, seeing a realm steeped in constant bloodshed, where the true nature of war is laid bare, may prove beneficial for my growth."

With that, Fafnir turned to Vlad and offered a small, respectful nod. A chorus of relieved sighs swept through the rest of the Xaos Kingdom’s higher-ups. If all three Depravitas stood together, their chances of surviving the Doomsday World grew immeasurably.

As for Terra, many had initially worried about losing these three incredible powers. But reflecting on what they had achieved over the course of the conquest of Oceanis, they reminded themselves that the kingdom’s standing army had grown stronger and more sophisticated. Even without the super powerhouses Sky Seed Depravitas, they believed they could handle whatever threats might arise on their homeworld. Moreover, they still had Overlord—whose power rivaled a Depravita’s.

A subtle sigh of relief escaped Vlad’s lips. He had hoped Fafnir would join him. While he had gradually come to trust the Depravita of Envy, he could not deny the fundamental reality of Fafnir’s origins, which were tied to an extremely destructive alien race.

If Vlad left Terra and Fafnir stayed behind, there was always a possibility that misunderstandings or internal strife could arise, especially in Vlad’s absence. Even Overlord, powerful as he was, might not be able to subdue the fiery dragon if things escalated. Keeping them together was simply the wisest course of action for now.

Thoughts of the Divine Avatar and the Depravita of Envy momentarily crossed Vlad’s mind. He glanced at Overlord, then at the imposing, flame-wreathed dragon that was Fafnir.

"Fafnir," he said, his tone steady yet thoughtful, "since you’ll be leaving with me, is there a way for you to grant Overlord some measure of control over the obsidian obelisk’s functions?"

The Thiamat Race forces had become an integral asset to the Xaos Kingdom. Vast amounts of biomass, harvested from monster carcasses and the bodies of heretics, were sent to the Moonson Continent. This living army had been instrumental in swiftly securing the kingdom’s hold over Oceanis and would be critical in future expansions. If Fafnir left without granting someone else access to the obelisk, production would grind to a halt, potentially slowing the kingdom’s progress.

Fafnir considered Vlad’s request for a few moments, his eyes flickering with the faint shimmer of internal calculations—likely assisted by his A.I. Chip. Then he inclined his head in a slight nod.

"I can allow Overlord’s A.I. Chip to connect with the one inside the obsidian obelisk. While he won’t be able to design entirely new units, he could manage the biomass flow, ensuring the continued production of Amphinius Killers and Water Draconoids."