Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 638: Sage Abiliy (I)

Chapter 638: Sage Abiliy (I)

After a moment, Marshal Maximo shook his head, exhaling slowly as he fixed his stern gaze upon Spartacus.

"You will march into the Eclipse Battlefield tomorrow," Marshal Maximo stated clearly, his voice carrying an unmistakable authority. "You’ll be part of the vanguard unit under Commander Romulo."

Spartacus nodded solemnly, his expression unchanged and entirely calm as if he had anticipated this order long ago. His composure contrasted sharply with Vlad’s immediate reaction; the young man’s eyes widened, and a deep sense of apprehension filled them.

The Eclipse Battlefield was infamous. It was a distant war zone located far beyond the familiar reaches of the Golden Sky Fortress, a hostile environment where even Legends frequently fell. The battlefield’s conditions were notoriously brutal and unforgiving, rife with dangers capable of annihilating even the strongest warriors. It was a place that represented the epitome of risk, where survival itself was uncertain.

Vlad felt an overwhelming pang of guilt swell within his chest. He instinctively lowered his head in shame, convinced that Spartacus was being sent into exile because of the trouble caused by protecting him. The sense of responsibility weighed heavily on his conscience. However, Vlad soon clenched his fists, lifting his head once more. Determination filled his gaze as he turned toward the legendary swordsman.

"I will repay my debt to you," Vlad declared resolutely, his voice ringing with sincerity. "Within the next three years, I promise to forge your Demon Cage."

Spartacus’ gaze settled calmly on Vlad, observing the unwavering resolve blazing in the young man’s eyes. A rare and subtle smile crept onto the swordsman’s lips, reflecting approval and acknowledgment.

Marshal Maximo’s own expression softened as he saw Vlad’s earnestness. He didn’t fully understand what this ’Demon Cage’ exactly entailed, but it was clear to him that the young Depravita was determined to repay his debt. His already favorable opinion of Vlad continued to improve, recognizing not only the boy’s exceptional talent but also his commendable character.

"Very good, young man," Maximo responded, amusement twinkling faintly in his eyes. "However, I believe you’ve misunderstood the situation slightly. I’m not sending Spartacus to the Eclipse Battlefield to protect him from the Zanis Family. Rather, it’s quite the opposite."

Vlad tilted his head, confusion evident on his face. "Marshal, I don’t understand. Why would sending him to such a dangerous battlefield be protecting him from conflict?"

Before Maximo could clarify further, a beautiful woman with radiant blue hair stepped forward. She was the same Legend who had mocked the Marshal earlier. Her clear voice carried gently across the hall, providing the explanation Vlad sought.

"You see, young man," she began, her tone patient yet lightly teasing, "if Spartacus stays here, the Zanis Family will certainly send people to demand an explanation—or worse, retribution—for their loss. And knowing Spartacus, he would likely kill all who dared challenge him. Sending him to the battlefield prevents unnecessary escalation here."

Vlad’s eyes brightened with understanding as the woman’s words clarified everything. His heart felt lighter immediately, relieved to know that Spartacus was not being unfairly punished. The woman continued, reassuring Vlad further, "Besides, while the Eclipse Battlefield is undeniably dangerous, a master of the Law of Space like Spartacus is incredibly difficult to kill. You needn’t worry overly about his safety."

Understanding finally dawned fully in Vlad’s mind, and he quickly bowed respectfully toward the blue-haired woman, deeply grateful for her explanation. Yet, as he rose again, determination flashed fiercely in his eyes. He turned back to Spartacus, his voice filled with unwavering conviction.

"My promise still stands," Vlad reaffirmed firmly. "I will repay my debt regardless of the circumstances."

All the Legends in the throne room exchanged approving glances, nodding slightly. Vlad clearly had the option to back away from his commitment, yet he had chosen to remain steadfast, demonstrating his strong integrity and honoring his word. Such character was rare among the younger generation, further solidifying the Legends’ good impression of him.

Maximo’s expression then turned sharper and more serious as he addressed Vlad directly. "As for you," the Marshal warned sternly, "you’ve already drawn enough trouble. You’ve gained valuable experience and proven your strength, but now Legends will be actively hunting you. Allowing you to wander freely across the Doomsday World would be reckless on my part. Therefore, from now on, you’ll remain confined to the fortress until further notice."

Though Vlad felt somewhat disappointed by the restriction, he understood the necessity behind Maximo’s orders. Decimus’s father would undoubtedly seek revenge, and a Legendary assassin was a genuine threat he could not take lightly. Traveling around the Doomsday World without sufficient protection would be suicidal. Moreover, if he constantly relied on Legendary protection, it would negate the entire purpose of venturing out to test and temper his skills through danger.

Fortunately, confinement within the Golden Sky Fortress was far from detrimental. Vlad had already gained ample combat experience to understand his current limits and potential. With a Peak Sage-tier demon soul now residing within his heart, his cultivation speed would accelerate greatly. Besides, he intended to delve deeply into studying his Runic Formations, significantly improving the Demon Cage and devising a mass-production method for the Darkness Devouring Runic Formation.

"I understand clearly, Marshal," Vlad respectfully replied, nodding solemnly. "I promise I won’t leave the fortress without your explicit permission."

Marshal Maximo smiled approvingly, genuinely satisfied by Vlad’s mature response. He appreciated the youth’s clear-headedness in accepting the situation without unnecessary stubbornness or complaint, qualities that separated him from many other hot-blooded youths who frequently caused more trouble than they resolved.

"Good," Maximo said warmly, relaxing visibly. "Then you are dismissed."

Before leaving, however, Vlad immediately raised his hand, interrupting respectfully, "Marshal, before I go, may I ask one final question about Sage Abilities?"

Maximo paused briefly, then nodded, intrigued by Vlad’s seriousness. "Speak. What do you wish to know?"

Vlad’s gaze sharpened with intensity. He voiced the question he’d long contemplated, knowing its significance for his future cultivation. "Exactly how is a Sage Ability determined, and is there a way to influence its awakening?"

Maximo smiled knowingly, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes. Glancing around, he noticed several Legends grinning ruefully or chuckling softly at the depth behind Vlad’s question. They, too, had once pondered the mysteries of their own Sage Abilities.

Taking a deep breath, Maximo’s voice turned solemn, carrying the weight of profound knowledge. "Your Sage Ability is connected directly to cosmic laws that forged the Level Strength System—forces so ancient and powerful that even we Legends struggle to comprehend their mysteries fully. However, it’s generally understood that your innate desires, willpower, and inherent qualities—including your bloodline, your Gifts, your racial traits—play decisive roles in shaping the nature of your Sage Ability."