Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 637: Trouble

Chapter 637: Trouble

Vlad turned to the elderly man with a broad smile, genuine excitement flickering in his crimson eyes. "Master Tyron, if you’re interested, I could use your help to further refine and enhance the new version of the Demon Cage Runic Formation. Would you be willing to join me?"

Tyron displayed extraordinary insight, coming up with a novel usage that even Vlad, the creator himself, hadn’t foreseen.

Such ingenuity was rare, and Vlad knew how valuable it would be to have such discerning eyes assisting him. Moreover, modifying and optimizing intricate runic diagrams was a challenging endeavor, even for him. Having the expertise of a Peak Sage Runic Master by his side would undoubtedly smooth the process considerably.

"Of course! It would be my pleasure," Tyron immediately responded without hesitation, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

It was obvious to all present that Vlad was an extraordinary talent in the realm of runic crafting. For Tyron, collaborating with someone as gifted as Vlad could finally provide him the spark he needed to surpass his longstanding limitations and step into a new realm of mastery.

Janus observed this exchange with amusement, turning toward his cousin Agamemnon with a teasing smirk. "Haha, cousin, it seems that your man just stole away my Runic Master!"

Agamemnon responded by puffing out his chest proudly, an expression of exaggerated pride on his face as he bragged playfully, "What can I say? My eyes for discovering talent are unmatched."

Vlad overheard their banter but only shook his head softly, smiling in amusement.

In truth, he had come to deeply respect Agamemnon. Throughout their adventures, the young man had repeatedly demonstrated unwavering honor, standing bravely by his comrades even in the face of overwhelming danger.

If Agamemnon wished to jest about his talent-scouting skills, Vlad was more than willing to indulge him, as he was truly worthy of respect and friendship.

After their extended journey, a golden skyline finally appeared before the group, producing relieved and joyful expressions from everyone as they approached the familiar shape of the Golden Sky Fortress.

"Young man, follow me. We need to speak with the Marshal," Spartacus commanded sternly, his voice offering no room for argument or delay. His firm and authoritative gaze briefly settled on Vlad before turning to the rest of the group. "All of you, head directly to the gates."

With that, Spartacus immediately soared higher into the sky, Vlad following closely behind as they penetrated deeper into the fortress.

Watching the swordsman’s confident flight, Agamemnon and Janus were momentarily stunned. Flying directly across the Golden Sky Fortress, bypassing protocol and restriction, was something that even an Imperial Prince like Janus could not do easily. Yet Spartacus appeared entirely unconcerned, moving freely as if rules simply didn’t apply to him.

Concern quickly filled Janus’s gaze as he murmured to himself, voicing a doubt that lingered in many minds, "Will Vlad be alright?"

Janus’s unease was understandable; after all, Vlad had directly slain Decimus Zanis. Even though Spartacus intervened, eliminating the Legend who came afterward, the powerful Zanis Family was known for never letting such offenses go unanswered.

"There’s no need to worry about Brother Vlad," Agamemnon confidently reassured Janus. "He’ll be perfectly fine."

"Boss will be alright," echoed Jormungandr confidently, the small yellow cat displaying unwavering confidence in Vlad’s safety.

The rest of the Sages cast curious and slightly puzzled glances at the pair, uncertain about the source of their confidence. Yet, seeing the steadfastness in the eyes of the Solaris Family scion and the little feline companion, they relaxed slightly. They nodded, putting aside their worries for the moment as they headed obediently toward the fortress gates.

Meanwhile, Vlad and Spartacus swiftly arrived at the massive central castle within the fortress—the Marshal’s Castle. Without delay, the duo entered, proceeding directly to the throne room, where Marshal Maximo and several other Legends were awaiting them.

Marshal Maximo’s gaze immediately landed on Vlad, shaking his head slowly in mild exasperation. A soft sigh escaped his lips, his voice carrying a mixture of frustration.

"I know you’re wild, young man, but did you really have to kill that brat from the Zanis Family?" Maximo’s tone became slightly more serious as he continued. "Decimus’s father is a powerful Legend with considerable influence in the Zanis Association. I’m certain he won’t take his son’s death lightly."

Vlad responded with an awkward, apologetic smile, bowing his head slightly. Although he had no personal regret about ending Decimus’s life, he wasn’t foolish enough to appear arrogant at this moment. He knew well that he would need Marshal Maximo’s assistance to navigate the coming storm—namely, the vengeful wrath of the Zanis Family.

Internally, Vlad marveled at how quickly Marshal Maximo had learned of everything that transpired. It was either proof that the Marshal’s intelligence network was truly extraordinary or Spartacus had already informed him beforehand during their journey back. Either way, the situation had already been exposed, leaving no choice but to face it directly.

Marshal Maximo then shifted his sharp gaze toward Spartacus, eyes filled with accusation mixed with resignation. "As for you," Maximo began, his voice stern yet tinged with faint exasperation, "you were supposed to protect the boy discreetly from the shadows. Removing an arm from the Zanis Family’s Legend would have been punishment enough. Did you really have to go so far as killing him outright?"

Vlad’s eyes narrowed slightly as realization struck him—Spartacus had indeed been tasked by Maximo as a hidden protector during the expedition. The Marshal had never fully intended to leave him without protection in the dangerous Doomsday World.

In response to Maximo’s accusation, Spartacus shrugged nonchalantly, his voice calm and indifferent as he replied, "I gave him three seconds to vanish from my sight. It wasn’t my fault he was simply too slow."

The moment Spartacus finished his carefree explanation, laughter erupted spontaneously from several other Legends gathered within the throne room. Their hearty chuckles reverberated around the walls, clearly amused by Spartacus’s blunt and unapologetic response.

One of them loudly teased Maximo, his voice brimming with laughter, "Hahaha! See, Maximo? Didn’t I tell you that assigning this battle maniac as a guard would inevitably come back to bite you?"

Marshal Maximo was momentarily speechless, raising a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, shaking his head in resignation. A helpless sigh escaped him as he dispersed the laughter with a wave of his hand.

"You two," he finally muttered with exaggerated helplessness, "truly bring a lot of trouble.

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