Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 533: Leaving Terra (V)

Chapter 533: Leaving Terra (V)

Vlad smiled, relieved that the logistical and manpower issues had been addressed, before turning his gaze toward the golden giant who stood nearby.

As he looked at Anglius, Vlad could not help recalling the first time he had met the man. It was only a few days after the world had spiraled into apocalyptic chaos. Even then, Anglius—no more than a Mortal Warrior without any special weaponry—had stood proudly upon a wall beside his fellow soldiers, facing down a charging horde of demons. He possessed neither grand powers nor legendary artifacts, yet he served as an unwavering pillar of morale for his people.

Now, that same mortal warrior had evolved into one of the most formidable leaders in the Xaos Kingdom, literally a colossal golden giant as tall as a building. Vlad exhaled softly, reflecting on just how much both men—and the entire world—had changed since those early days.

"Grand Marshal Anglius," Vlad began, his voice solemn. "While I am away, you will serve as the Regent of the Xaos Kingdom. Your word will carry my authority, and you shall have absolute control over the kingdom and its military."

The golden giant’s eyes widened in surprise as he heard Vlad’s decree. It was an incredible amount of responsibility but also an extraordinary honor. Without the slightest hesitation, Anglius bowed low, the giant form bending with practiced grace.

"I will not disappoint you, my King," came Anglius’s resounding voice. "I will ensure that the Xaos Kingdom expands to every corner of the world before you return."

His determination and resolve radiated through the metallic timbre of his words. The other high-ranking officers and advisors nodded in approval. Anglius had become a master strategist and an awe-inspiring war commander. He was respected by soldiers and revered by civilians—no one doubted his fitness for this immense responsibility.

Well, almost no one. If there were one individual who could rival Anglius in capability, it would be Overlord, the A.I. Chip Clone.

Vlad was fully aware that Overlord possessed a computational brilliance that exceeded even the golden giant’s. However, Vlad also understood how dangerous it would be to let Overlord rule unchecked. If the A.I. Chip Clone commanded the kingdom without oversight, Vlad had no doubt that upon his return, he would find an overwhelming empire—but one devoid of the individual freedoms and diversity of thought that currently characterized the Xaos Kingdom.

Overlord would view efficiency and logical compliance as paramount, potentially suppressing any form of cultural variance.

Thus, Vlad had no intention of risking the soul of his civilization for short-term efficiency. Overlord was an indispensable asset, but Anglius was human and shared Vlad’s vision for a kingdom that balanced strength with personal freedom. Vlad wanted a society that upheld individuality, not one that functioned as a mere extension of the A.I. Chip’s cold logic.

Overlord, for his part, stood impassively. While the rest of the assembled leaders congratulated Anglius on his new title, Overlord maintained a neutral bearing. He experienced neither envy nor anger at being passed over for the regency—such emotions were beyond his fundamental nature. Yet, deep within his mechanical mind, he registered Vlad’s reasoning and adapted in response.

Suddenly, Overlord heard a firm voice echoing in his consciousness.

"Until I return, Anglius will serve as Prime Master. Your directive is to assist him, protect him, and follow his commands to the best of your capabilities."

Overlord swiveled his head to glance at Vlad. He offered a slight bow in a smoothly coordinated gesture, indicating his understanding. Then, his gaze shifted back to Anglius. His focus was now sharpened with the express purpose of safeguarding the Regent. From this moment on, he would be Anglius’s most reliable enforcer.

"Are there any more questions or doubts you wish to voice?" Vlad asked, addressing everyone gathered.

Once the core matters of leadership and organization were settled, the higher-ups spoke up, posing their concerns and seeking clarifications. A torrent of questions arose, ranging from economic stability to border defenses to diplomatic relations with conquered territories. Vlad handled each inquiry methodically, drawing on his own insight as well as the data stored within his A.I. Chip.

After nearly three hours, all pressing doubts had been addressed. Confident now that the kingdom’s affairs would remain in capable hands, Vlad nodded and moved on to the next stage of his plan.

"Excellent," he said, a note of satisfaction in his voice. "I, Jormugandr, and Ouroboros will now fly to Amerik, Enland, and Austra. Although I doubt we’ll find any major threats remaining on those continents, it’s better to be safe than sorry. We will conduct a final survey before leaving Terra."

He then turned to the Depravita of Envy. "Fafnir, I want you to accompany Overlord to the obsidian obelisk and ensure he gains access to the Thiamat Units. We cannot afford any oversights there. Once we depart for the Doomsday World, it may be years before we can return. After you’ve finished that task, meet up with us again. We’ll depart from this mountain range."

The fiery dragon nodded in assent, exchanging a brief glance with Overlord. Both seemed ready to act immediately. Satisfied, Vlad glanced across the assembly, raising his voice to address all who remained.

"Carry on with your duties as you have thus far. I’m counting on each of you to push our kingdom to new heights while I’m away. Impress me when I return. Dismissed."

"Hail the Xaos King!" came the thunderous response, a unanimous shout that reverberated through the mountains. In perfect synchrony, they all bowed their heads out of respect before dispersing.

Meanwhile, Vlad turned to the Sky Seed Depravitas. They nodded to him, then took to the sky in a blur of motion, soaring off to survey the distant continents at supersonic speeds. Fafnir and Overlord also rose into the air, heading toward the Monsoon Continent, where the obsidian obelisk was located, ready to begin the process of granting Overlord partial control.

Over the next few weeks, Vlad, Jormugandr, and Ouroboros conducted detailed reconnaissance in Amerik, Enland, and Austra. Their keen senses, combined with the analytical power of their respective A.I. Chips, scanned for any lurking dangers that might prove too formidable for Terra’s defenders once the Depravitas departed. Fortunately, they found no real threats comparable to Oceanis’s challenges.

Once this extensive surveillance concluded, Vlad and his two close allies returned to the mountain range that served as their rendezvous point. There, they rejoined Fafnir, who had already completed his tasks with Overlord and confirmed that the production of Thiamat Units would continue unhindered.

The Depravita of Wrath looked over his three companions—Jormugandr, Ouroboros, and Fafnir—sensing the quiet readiness that emanated from all of them. They had made their final preparations, settled their responsibilities, and steeled themselves for what lay ahead. Satisfied, he raised his head and shouted into the open sky:

"Plane Will, we are ready!"

The moment those words left his lips, the heavens turned a brilliant, shimmering gold, as though ignited by an otherworldly flame. A wave of overwhelming pressure descended upon the mountain, causing the air to thrum with cosmic power. Before any of the Depravitas could so much as blink, a massive golden pillar of light burst down from the sky, engulfing them in its radiance.

In the space of a heartbeat, Vlad and the three Depravitas vanished, leaving behind only the fading echoes of that golden luminescence.

---

End of Book 6. Leaving the cradle