Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 615: Thunderous explosion in the distance

Chapter 615: Thunderous explosion in the distance

Vlad stood before the three radiant orbs and compared the possibilities of Atlas Ascension and Gaia’s Nurture. Each of these Legendary Techniques held immeasurable power, potentially granting him the means to challenge beings on the Legendary level as a Sage tier life form. The temptation of achieving such might was overwhelming. Nevertheless, a persistent flicker of curiosity kept drawing his gaze back to the first Soul World.

He was fully aware that choosing Voidborn Embodiment might be unwise. After all, if the Dino Warriors—once an extraordinary civilization—had never mastered its complete form. Countless geniuses must have attempted it, each presumably failing or suffering dire consequences. Not to mention, the partial fragments that survived were flawed. Objectively, it paled compared to the stability and promise of the other two.

Yet, despite these ominous warnings, Vlad felt an irresistible tug at his heart. A small voice echoed in his mind, urging him forward, whispering that Voidborn Embodiment would prove itself worthy in ways he could only imagine. That quiet insistence both unsettled and fascinated him.

Finally, he let out a sharp exhale as though letting go of caution itself.

"Ah, whatever," he muttered. "I always make the sensible, logical choice. This time, I’ll take a gamble."

A fierce determination flickered across the face of the Depravita of Wrath. He strode up to the first Soul World and placed his hand upon it. With a shout that reverberated through the starry space, he proclaimed, "I choose Voidborn Embodiment!"

Immediately, an otherworldly surge coursed through his arm. Soul World energy flowed straight into his Soul Dimension. Within moments, he sensed a new spiritual seed form, settling in the ceiling of his Soul Dimension close to the Void Severance seed he had acquired earlier.

Vlad glanced at the back of his hand, watching the small glowing number "1" fade away, indicating he had used his right to pick a Legendary Technique. He realized that, by most accounts, this might be the wrong decision. Yet the grin on his face broadened.

"If I succeed in drawing out its full power," he reasoned, "the gains will be unimaginable. If I fail, at least I tried."

With those words, he turned away from the orb and stepped onto the glowing platform at the center of the chamber. Spatial power instantly enveloped him, and in a flash, he was whisked away to the first level of the Dino Warriors’ ancient library.

He arrived to find Agamenon, Zalasar, Hadriana, and the twins waiting there. Judging by their ragged breathing and the wounds that marred their bodies, it was apparent they had only recently concluded their own trials. As soon as they spotted Vlad, the platform shimmered again, depositing a small, yellow cat with a wide grin on its face.

Vlad noticed the uneasy, curious looks on the others. They seemed surprised that neither he nor Jormungandr appeared seriously injured.

Agamenon took it upon himself to speak first. Instead of beating around the bush, going straight to the heart of the matter and made the question in Everobyd’s mind. "Brother Vlad, Master Jormungandr—did you truly suffer no injuries during your combat trials?"

Given that everyone present guarded their secrets carefully, Vlad and Jormungandr might have chosen to remain silent, which Agamenon and the others would respect.

However, the Depravitas exchanged a knowing glance, deciding that sharing a little information would do no harm. Vlad finally shrugged. "Oh, we suffered plenty of wounds. But once we defeated the Dino Warrior in the trial leading to Legendary Level, its energy washed over us and healed the worst of the damage."

Agamenon’s eyes went wide. "You overcame the Legendary Combat Trial?"

Zalasar, Hadriana, and the twins appeared stunned. They, too, had attempted to reach Legendary Level. Unfortunately, the Legendary Dino Warrior was too much for them, and all had been unceremoniously expelled from the white dome, nursing terrible injuries. To hear that Vlad and Jormungandr emerged victorious was incredible.

Vlad chuckled, the sound tinged with amusement. "No, we didn’t face a Legendary-tier Dino Warrior. To unlock the Legendary Level, we only fought a Peak Sage Tier combat trial."

At first, the group seemed confused. Then enlightenment dawned. They remembered that the Depravitas were still in the Guardian rank. It appeared that the difficulty scaling in this ancient system had adjusted to their official cultivation levels.

Agamenon and the others couldn’t help feeling a twinge of envy—how convenient to fight only a Peak Sage Tier challenge to gain access to Legendary techniques. Yet, they did not speak any grievances aloud. After all, none of them were sure they could have bested a Peak Sage Dino Warrior back when they were still Guardians.

In the end, the Depravitas joined the others, tending to minor scrapes and bruises while waiting for Ourobuors and Fafnir. The atmosphere was a mix of relief and weariness. Healing salves were applied; magical recovery spells flickered in and out of existence.

Luckily, their wait was brief. Less than ten minutes later, Ourobuors and Fafnir materialized on the platform in quick succession. Though both sported various cuts and contusions, they showed evidence of partial healing—further proof that they, too, had managed to advance to the Legendary Level.

Their reappearance only heightened the astonishment among Agamenon, Zalasar, Hadriana, and the twins: all the Depravitas had laid claim to Legendary Techniques. In contrast, the best the others had achieved were Peak Sage Tier techniques.

A bitter sigh escaped the group’s lips. Even so, open resentment was out of the question. They all came from powerful backgrounds, aristocratic families, and venerable organizations. Acquiring a Legendary Technique would be far from simple for them, but it was not impossible, provided they continued to display talent and earn sufficient merit.

For the moment, they focused on recovery. Agamenon, Zalasar, and the twins wanted to replenish their stamina and heal their wounds thoroughly before plunging into any new challenges. Their auras gradually steadied, though the fatigue from repeated trials still weighed heavily on them.

Just as they were beginning to settle, a sudden, thunderous explosion ruptured the stillness in the distance. The very walls of the library’s grand halls trembled, sending a faint vibration through the floor.