Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 552: Becoming a Baron (I)

Chapter 552: Becoming a Baron (I)

Agamenon understood how vital knowledge was in a militarized world. Even if he found himself in a battle that did not directly involve Legends, he was keenly aware that the overall situation on the battlefield could shift without warning. The ramifications of his personal clashes could ripple outward and affect others in ways he might not anticipate. As a result, he decided to speak up immediately, making sure to clarify every aspect of the recent confrontation.

"We were traveling without problems," he began, "until we reached a narrow passage that was shielded by two mountain ranges not far from the fortress. Master Zalasar sensed something odd in the area, so he activated a treasure. The resulting power destroyed both mountain ranges and, in the process, killed thousands of Vorometallicae, thus uncovering their planned ambush."

Marshal Maximo turned toward the black-armored man and gave a subtle nod of approval. Many of the Legends present mimicked this gesture, an acknowledgment of Zalasar’s decisive action and his willingness to expend a presumably precious treasure.

They all understood that such an item would not have been cheap or easy to use without strong justification. Only a man utterly confident in his instincts—and in the necessity of immediate action—would dare make a choice like that. His behavior exemplified the type of warrior who managed to survive in a place as brutal as the Land of the Three Calamities.

Zalasar maintained his calm demeanor, though a sense of pride surfaced in his eyes. Agamenon, seeing this, did not linger on the point. He continued his explanation promptly, wanting to keep the narrative consistent and fully transparent in front of the Marshal.

"Master Zalasar then led our forces against the remaining Vorometallicae," Agamenon said. "He engaged in a ferocious battle, taking on the first Voroe Sage himself. Because of the sensitivity of my identity and mission, I stayed hidden inside one of the caravans. Everything seemed to be going well, and we were close to achieving victory when, right at the climax of the fight, a second Voroe Sage appeared and attacked Master Zalasar from behind."

A sharp and somber light flickered in Marshal Maximo’s gaze, as well as in the eyes of the other Legends in the room. They exchanged solemn glances in silence. This reaction took Agamenon by surprise. While the sudden emergence of a second Voroe Sage was undoubtedly troubling, he did not expect it to provoke such a profound response from people of such high status. Even so, Maximo gave no explanation for his or the others’ demeanor; instead, he simply signaled for Agamenon to continue speaking.

Taking a measured breath, Agamenon complied. "When I detected the presence of the second Voroe Sage," he went on, "I prepared to act, even though it might expose my identity. However, the attack happened too suddenly, and I would not have made it in time. Luckily, at that precise moment, friends arrived to save us—right when we needed them most."

He paused, looking toward Vlad, Jormungandr, Fafnir, and Ouroboros. His expression reflected both relief and gratitude. "They saved Master Zalasar from that sneak attack. Then Brother Vlad managed to tackle one of the Voroe Sages alone, while Ouroboros helped Master Zalasar handle the other. Master Jormungandr and Fafnir used their powers and spells to assist the rest of our troops, ultimately dispatching hundreds of Voroe, including many of their Guardians."

Marshal Maximo shifted his gaze to Vlad and his group, scanning them intently. Before he could ask a question, Agamenon kept talking, evidently wanting to clarify the strangers’ origins right away.

"They are from a small, recently discovered plane dominated by the human race," Agamenon explained. "They also carry a special Soul Bloodline known as Depravitas."

He made this statement to avoid any confusion or suspicion that might arise regarding these newcomers who had so suddenly entered the fray. Vlad turned to Agamenon, offering a slight smile before nodding gently in gratitude. While Vlad could have explained his origin on his own, it meant far more that Agamenon vouched for them in front of the Marshal. This signaled a certain level of mutual trust, especially since Vlad’s group had little background or recognized status in this land.

Maximo, taking in Agamenon’s words, then glanced at Zalasar. He seemed to weigh the younger man’s explanation. Zalasar, having lived in this Doomsday World for decades, possessed keen instincts and was not easily deceived. Upon noticing the Marshal’s scrutiny, Zalasar nodded, confirming the truth of Agamenon’s account. With that reassurance, the sharpness in the Marshal’s eyes receded somewhat. He returned his focus to the Sky Seed Depravitas standing before him.

"I will not ask about your home plane or your specific abilities," Maximo said, his powerful voice echoing in the large chamber. "I understand the need for privacy in those matters. However, if you wish to become part of the Golden Sky Fortress, you must agree to disclose every move you make in the Land of the Three Calamities."

Vlad, Jormungandr, Ouroboros, and Fafnir all nodded in acknowledgment. They recognized the unspoken truth behind Maximo’s words. The Golden Sky Fortress was not a mere city; it was, in fact, a colossal military base, with Marshal Maximo as its supreme commander. Everyone there served in some manner as soldiers, and soldiers could not withhold vital information from their higher-ups. The chain of command was a matter of life and death in a place as merciless as this domain, and secrets could spell disaster for everyone if kept in the dark.

Maximo’s eyes glowed with a powerful light, suggesting he could see through any facade. He stared at Vlad. "What led you and your group to that ambush? Was it merely coincidence?"

His question hung in the air, filled with an inquisitive, almost piercing intensity. Agamenon and Zalasar exchanged glances, suddenly realizing that they themselves had not considered what might have drawn Vlad’s group to the battlefield. In their minds, it had been a logical assumption that these strangers had seen—or at least sensed—the destruction of two mountain ranges. Such a cataclysmic display would be visible or noticeable from far away, possibly prompting any brave or curious souls to investigate.

Yet Maximo’s question suggested deeper suspicion. Perhaps it was something in his experience—some intuition honed by countless battles—that told him this was not a mere case of happenstance.

Vlad, noticing the Marshal’s probing gaze, steeled himself. Lying, he realized, would not be easy. Even if he might succeed with the help of an A.I. Chip, he ultimately decided against deception. Vlad and his companions had risked their lives aiding Zalasar and the others; there was no sense in undoing that goodwill now.

Feeling the inquisitive energy from the Marshal, Vlad glanced at Jormungandr.