Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 557: Soul Hunters

Chapter 557: Soul Hunters

Vlad did not doubt that following Damian’s plan would indeed grant him all sorts of wealth and treasures, and his cultivation level might even rise significantly in the process.

However, the Depravita of Wrath had journeyed to a Doomsday World to enhance his power by facing dangers that would repeatedly push him to break through his limits, thereby increasing both his potential and his overall might. Even if he managed to reach the final Level of the Sage Tier by staying in the fortress, he would end up as merely average at best.

That might be enough to rule a small plane, but it would hardly be sufficient to stand among Legends or to expand his influence in any meaningful way. After all, a flower born and raised inside a greenhouse could never compare to one that had defied all odds and thrived in the chaos of a battlefield.

With sharp eyes, Vlad looked at the old man and spoke in a calm but firm voice. "I came to the Land of the Three Calamities to improve my power and talent, not to be confined in a classroom."

Damian’s eyes narrowed at those words. Though he was not easily ruffled, he clearly intended to argue further, trying to present the plan from another angle. But Vlad was not finished.

"Besides," Vlad continued, his voice calm and unyielding, "I’m confident that if my perception grows, and if I deepen my understanding of the Vorometallicae and The Darkness, I will eventually be able to create a runic formation that anyone can use."

This statement was like a razor-sharp blade slicing through all of Damian’s possible objections. In effect, Vlad was declaring that by venturing out into the battlefield—by facing genuine threats—he could further hone his skills. Eventually, he could develop a runic formation that would be widely accessible to anyone with sufficient skill. Such a promise rendered any argument to keep him locked inside the fortress considerably weaker.

Damian could not help but frown as he regarded the young man. On the one hand, it was difficult to deny the value of Vlad’s plan. On the other hand, the number of individuals who died each day in a Doomsday World was staggering. There was a significant chance that Vlad would lose his life long before he perfected that new runic formation. Even so, before Damian could press his concerns, Marshal Maximo’s voice echoed through the chamber.

"Then there is nothing else to say. If you believe you can develop such a runic formation by pushing yourself beyond your limits on the battlefield, that is precisely what you should do."

His voice carried a commanding authority, one that allowed no room for challenge or dissent. Damian’s eyes tightened momentarily, but he knew that while the Marshal weighed his advice carefully, once he decided on a course of action, that decision was final. Seeing there was no point in further debate, the old man fell silent.

Marshal Maximo nodded, satisfied that Damian had accepted the outcome. Then he raised his arm, a subtle motion that drew everyone’s attention. "I suppose this achievement is enough to fulfill the remaining requirements for the Baron title, yes?"

Though Damian’s plans had been undermined by Vlad’s logic, the old man remained a pragmatist. He cast aside any personal displeasure he might have felt and responded without hesitation. "That’s correct, my Lord. Healing you directly strengthens the Golden Sky Fortress. Accordingly, Vlad’s Virtuous Merits are more than enough for a Baron title, and the same goes for his companions. I will head out and make the proper arrangements."

With those words, Elder Damian faded into the shadows, disappearing from the hall. Maximo allowed himself a small smile at the old man’s efficiency. Then, the Marshal turned his attention back to Vlad.

"Don’t be too harsh on him," Maximo said in a lighter tone. "When it comes to defending our homeland, he can be a bit overzealous."

Vlad exhaled and shook his head. "I can understand that feeling. Lord Damian showed no genuine animosity toward me or my people, so there’s no reason for me to harbor a grudge over minor matters."

Marshal Maximo’s smile widened upon hearing this gracious response. He nodded approvingly at Vlad, then regarded the entire group—Vlad, Jormungandr, Ouroboros, and Fafnir—and spoke again. "Since you clearly wish to join the battlefield, I will now grant you and your friends the position of Soul Hunters."

At those words, Vlad’s eyes narrowed. He had never heard of such a rank before, and by the looks of shock and awe on Agamenon’s and Zalasar’s faces, he gathered it was no trivial designation. Fortunately, Maximo did not leave him in suspense.

"Soul Hunters are officially part of the Golden Sky Fortress’s military force, holding the rank of Brigadier General," the Marshal explained. "However, apart from me, you don’t need to answer to anyone’s orders. In special circumstances, you can even take command of a battalion if the situation demands it."

Vlad’s eyes widened at the level of freedom encompassed by the Soul Hunter role. It sounded like it came with considerable authority. Maximo was not done yet.

"You may enter and leave the Golden Sky Fortress at will," he continued, "and you can trade anything you acquire during your battles at the military exchange office. There, you’ll receive much more favorable rates than you would selling to private individuals. Furthermore, you’ll gain additional military merits for every member of The Darkness you slay."

Those revelations brought broad smiles to the faces of Vlad, Jormungandr, Ouroboros, and Fafnir. The Soul Hunter position seemed to provide all the benefits of joining the army without the usual restrictions or bureaucracy. For individuals like them—who craved both battle and freedom—it was perfect.

Marshal Maximo allowed the group a moment to revel in their good fortune before delivering one last caveat. "There is just one thing I ask in return: once every two days, you must engrave a Darkness Devouring Runic Formation on some of the people in the fortress."