Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 561: Back to the battlefield (I)

Chapter 561: Back to the battlefield (I)

As Vlad channeled his senses into the crystal, a surge of data coursed through his mind: guidelines for exchanging military credits, methods for converting them into other treasures, and a comprehensive list of resources available through the fortress’s military shop. He even discovered a catalog of missions that he and his companions could accept.

The crystal’s archive also featured detailed maps of the Golden Sky Fortress, recommended routes for navigating the surrounding territory, and threat levels for known Vorometallicae strongholds. In addition, there was a less-detailed global map, providing broader information such as general danger levels across various regions—though with far less precision than the localized fortress data.

Oliver, the quartermaster, gave the group a moment to digest these resources before speaking up again. "You can also use the crystal to communicate with the Golden Sky Fortress or with one another. However, the range is not unlimited. You’ll be able to send messages back to the fortress so long as you remain within fifty thousand kilometers of it. As for inter-party communication, each crystal has a range of about fifty thousand meters."

A flicker of surprise crossed Vlad’s face. Given the medieval nature of some of the Greacia Empire’s technology, he had initially assumed they might lack sophisticated communication methods. Yet it seemed foolish, in hindsight, to think that a massive empire spanning an entire world would not have devised ways to coordinate across large distances. His reaction shifted to a wry smile, reflecting both his newfound respect for the fortress’s infrastructure and a certain amusement at his earlier assumption.

After exchanging grateful nods with Oliver, Vlad and the other Sky Seed Depravitas bowed briefly and departed the logistics center, with Agamenon following close behind.

Once outside, Agamenon turned to the group, curiosity bright in his eyes. "So, what are you and your friends planning to do now?" he asked. "It’s clear you prefer to jump into things head-first."

Vlad’s gaze grew contemplative as he glanced at Jormungandr, Ouroboros, and Fafnir. Each looked back at him, and he could tell they all reached the same conclusion. The past several days had been a whirlwind—from near anonymity to earning the rank of Soul Hunters in the Golden Sky Fortress. Their new equipment spurred a natural desire to test themselves on the battlefield.

"We’re heading out to fight," Vlad said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "We want to try out these new weapons and armor in a real combat situation."

Agamenon nodded in understanding. "If that’s the case, I’ll be seeing you soon, then. I need to join Master Zalasar and our troops. Before I go, we should bind our communication crystals so we can stay in touch."

He withdrew his crystal, and the four Depravitas mirrored his action. Each extended a small pulse of energy, syncing the devices so they could easily connect in the future. Once completed, faint runic patterns glimmered on the crystals, affirming the link.

"Oh, before I forget..." Vlad blurted as they prepared to part ways. He waved a hand, summoning a sparkling magic crystal from his space ring and tossing it to Agamenon.

The young noble deftly caught it and then focused his consciousness on its contents. Immediately, he recognized a runic diagram that radiated demonic power—a Rank 3 formation that, if employed wisely, could bolster even a Sage-tier combatant! It did not take him long to realize this was part of the Inferno Comet Runic Set that Vlad had previously used.

Agamenon had earlier asked to purchase the diagram, and they had tentatively struck a deal, but much had changed since then. Vlad was now both a Baron and a Soul Hunter. If he’d wanted to cancel the sale or demand a higher price, Agamenon would have little choice but to concede. Instead, it seemed Vlad was a man of his word.

"You offered me fifty percent above the standard market rate, right?" Vlad asked with a friendly smile. "You can pay me by transferring the military credits to my account here in the fortress."

Agamenon exhaled in relief, giving a slow nod. Now that he could examine the runic diagram more closely, he was willing to pay even more if necessary. And the surprises were not over yet. Jormungandr stepped forward, producing another crystal that contained an alchemical recipe for potions and bombs.

"Remember that my price is seventy-five percent above the standard rate, boy," Jormungandr said, his small yellow-cat face contorting into a self-assured grin. "And I want military credits as well."

Despite the mildly arrogant tone, Agamenon only chuckled. He knew how valuable these items were; bringing them back to his family would undoubtedly raise his standing and earn him recognition from his elders. These were the kinds of treasures that transcended ordinary markets.

"I’ll make sure to transfer the credits before the day ends," he reassured them, tightening his grip on the crystals. "Thank you—and be careful out there."

With those parting words, Agamenon bowed slightly to Vlad and his companions, then departed to rejoin Zalasar. The group responded with respectful nods, watching him go. Once he was out of sight, the Sky Seed Depravitas turned to one another, and their eyes steeled with renewed determination.

No one had to voice their thoughts; they all recognized the significance of this moment. The battlefield they chose to move into was a place where even Sages could perish on a daily basis. It was a theater of constant warfare where only the strong and cunning survived.

"Well," Fafnir remarked, flexing the gauntlet that had been tailored to his draconic hands. "Shall we head out?"

Ouroboros nodded, his claws scraping lightly against the armored plates that covered his arms. "I can’t wait to see how our new gear performs against real enemies."

Jormungandr pawed at the ground, his feline form practically buzzing with anticipation. The small orb he had received glowed softly around his neck, connected via a light chain. "We’ve faced monstrous beings before," he noted, recalling their battles against Voroe Sages and other abominations. "But this place... it’s on another level."

Vlad took a breath, letting it out slowly. "All the more reason to stay sharp," he said, gripping his new sword’s hilt.