Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 619: Janus vs Decimus

Chapter 619: Janus vs Decimus

Decimus’s eyes widened in shock as he saw the incredible technique unleashed by the white werewolf through his Runic Set. Ouroboros had not only managed to stop his deadly strike but had also blasted his dagger hand upward, completely disrupting his battle stance and leaving him dangerously exposed.

In a battle of such high caliber, even the slightest opening was extremely dangerous—and indeed, that vulnerability was immediately exploited.

At that critical instant, another figure surged into the battlefield, moving with breathtaking speed and ferocity. Dark energy crackled violently around the newcomer’s sword, radiating a terrifying and oppressive aura.

This attacker was none other than the Depravita of Wrath, whose eyes burned with unrestrained killing intent. Without hesitation, Vlad swung his blade downward, channeling all his strength and momentum into a single devastating strike aimed directly at Decimus’ chest.

The sword cut deeply into Decimus’s torso, tearing through both shadow and flesh, causing blood to erupt violently from the wound. The force of the strike sent Decimus hurtling through the air, trailing streams of blood as he crashed into a distant building.

"BOOOOOOOMMM!"

A deafening explosion erupted as Decimus collided with the stone structure, shattering it into rubble. The battlefield momentarily froze, shocked into silence by the sheer brutality and decisiveness of Vlad’s assault.

Valeria and her companions stared, horrified and stunned, as their powerful ally vanished beneath the collapsing debris. On the other side, expressions of triumph flashed across the faces of Jormungandr, Sugar, Norman, and Tyron.

Vlad and Ouroboros exchanged quick glances, their eyes still filled with intense vigilance and murderous intent as they focused on the smoking ruin where Decimus had landed.

Vlad’s strike had been exceedingly powerful—not only carrying the terrifying strength granted by the Mark of Cain but also greatly enhanced by the violent surge of his Depravita Aura. Yet, both warriors knew that someone like Decimus wouldn’t die so easily.

Their instincts proved accurate. Barely a few seconds later, the rubble exploded outward as Decimus emerged, staggering but still very much alive.

A deep, gaping wound ran across his chest, bleeding heavily and clearly weakening him. Vlad’s lips curled into a faint smile, sensing the Mark of Cain siphoning off Decimus’s energy and vitality, further bolstering his own strength. Yet this satisfaction quickly faded, replaced by wary seriousness.

Decimus’s face twisted into a savage expression of rage and frustration. With a furious gesture, he quickly retrieved a small red potion from his spatial ring and downed it in a single gulp. Immediately, overwhelming waves of vibrant life energy surged within him, rapidly mending his wounds at a rate visible even to the naked eye.

Vlad watched, his expression complex and faintly ironic. Many times in the past, he himself had shocked his enemies by employing healing potions at critical moments. Now, he finally understood how frustrating it was to see such a desperate reversal from the other side.

Vlad and Ouroboros were not particularly surprised, though. Given the immense wealth of the Zanis Family, it was only natural that Decimus would have access to exceptional healing treasures. Without hesitation, both Depravitas assumed battle stances, preparing for the fight to resume at any second.

Decimus, meanwhile, felt his rage intensify to new heights. The potion he had just consumed was among his greatest trump cards—potent enough even to save the life of a Legendary-tier cultivator—yet he had been forced to waste it here. His killing intent surged uncontrollably. However, before he could retaliate, another imminent danger made his eyes widen again.

Instantly, he raised his dagger, unleashing an eruption of flaming shadows around himself. Just as he did, a powerful beam of milky-white energy slammed into him, pushing him backward hundreds of meters before finally dispersing.

Decimus trembled as his arms strained to endure the powerful attack. Looking towards its origin, his expression turned grim: the attacker was none other than Imperial Prince Janus.

Everyone’s attention instantly shifted to Janus. The prince stood at the edge of the battlefield, his body covered in numerous fresh wounds, clearly indicating that he had just overcome some perilous trap or trial.

Despite his battered appearance, Janus’s eyes burned with an uncharacteristic coldness and a ruthlessness that none had ever witnessed before. Without hesitation, he pointed his short sword decisively at Decimus.

"Kill," he commanded in a voice filled with chilling determination, stunning everyone present. This was the first time any of them had seen the usually calm, rational, and peace-seeking prince exhibit such intense bloodlust.

Without a moment’s delay, Janus launched forward, his short sword blazing with milky-white energy radiating an overwhelming destructive force.

Decimus’ eyes narrowed dangerously, meeting the prince’s deadly intent with his own fierce resolve. Although the Imperial Family was undeniably the highest authority in Graecia, the Zanis Family wielded immense wealth and a vast network of power. Decimus felt no hesitation in killing even an Imperial Prince if it meant ensuring his survival.

Sword and dagger collided violently, unleashing an enormous explosion of black shadows and white light.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!"

The explosive clash triggered a chaotic resurgence of violence across the battlefield, reigniting every ongoing struggle with renewed savagery.

Sugar resumed his fierce battle against Valeria, swinging his massive war hammers with incredible strength. The two-headed ogre capitalized on Valeria’s injuries, forcing the arrogant noblewoman to retreat, slowly cornering her.

Nearby, Norman, Tyron, and Jormungandr unleashed an explosive assault upon Valeria’s four Sage subordinates. Each blow was delivered with merciless precision, driving their enemies steadily toward defeat. Their combined efforts quickly overwhelmed the remaining foes, whose desperate resistance was crumbling under the relentless pressure.

Meanwhile, Vlad and Ouroboros turned their attention away from the immediate combat, gazing instead into the distance. Their expressions hardened as they saw another group rapidly approaching, led by two formidable figures. One was a massive warrior nearly four meters tall, muscles bulging beneath glowing runes. Beside him stood another figure whose flesh seemed to be made of gold, shimmered brilliantly beneath the chaotic battlefield light.

"Scipius and Cato," Vlad muttered grimly, recognizing the leaders instantly. "They’re here—and they’ve brought reinforcements."

Understanding the danger, Vlad and Ouroboros swiftly made their decision, flashing forward to intercept the new arrivals. They knew better than to confront the entire enemy force alone; instead, their goal was to stall Scipius and Cato themselves, buying time for Agamenon and the others to reach the battlefield.