Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 640: Taking diferent paths

Chapter 640: Taking diferent paths

It did not take long for Vlad to reach his residence, where Jormungandr, Ouroboros, and Fafnir were already patiently waiting for him. The Sky Seed Depravitas’ eyes glowed with curiosity, eager to hear about his conversation with Marshal Maximo.

Vlad wasted no time, sharing with the trio the fact he could not leave the fortress for the time being before swiftly recounting every detail he had learned regarding Sage Abilities, ensuring nothing crucial was omitted. "What would your plans be for the next few months?" Vlad was curious what the trio would do now that they would have to separate.

"I will remain here, in the fortress," Jormungandr began, his small, feline form brimming with excitement. "I wish to immediately delve into my experiments with the dino egg."

The Depravita of Gluttony’s eyes glowed fervently, reflecting his intense enthusiasm for the potential creation forged from the life force and souls of a Legendary Angel and a Legendary Demon. For Jormungandr, the sheer possibility of success was thrilling beyond measure.

Ouroboros stepped forward next, his posture radiating confidence and intensity. "I plan to march into the Great Swamp," the white werewolf declared firmly. "There is constant conflict between powerful Sages there, and recently, strange, poisonous life forms have emerged from its depths. These creatures possess abundant flesh and blood energy, and consuming them would significantly accelerate my growth."

The Depravita of Greed’s eyes flickered with fierce determination and unmistakable killing intent as he spoke. He saw in those creatures the chance to push his body into the Legendary Realm.

The Great Swamp differed notably from the Howling Chasm, as it had no restrictions against Legendary beings. This lack of safeguards meant it was an exceedingly dangerous place. Nevertheless, Ouroboros was ready and fearless despite the considerable risk involved.

"I will accompany you," Fafnir quickly interjected, his powerful voice resonating with determination. "I must improve my abilities as well. I feel that there is still a lot of potential in the ability I took from that Legendary Angel, and I want to exploit it fully. "

Ouroboros glanced at the dragon of light fire and gave an approving nod. Vlad also smiled at the two of them, pleased by their decisiveness.

"Good. Together, your chances of survival will be greatly improved," Vlad reassured, though a moment later, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. "However, be extremely careful. I advise altering your appearance. I am the Zanis Family’s primary target, but if they fail to reach me directly, they might seek you out instead."

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Ouroboros and Fafnir both nodded solemnly. Seconds later, their bodies and armor began to tremble, initiating a rapid yet thorough transformation.

Due to Ouroboros’s natural shapeshifting capabilities as a Depravita of Greed and the Leviathan inheritance that Fafnir possessed, disguising themselves was nearly effortless. Their armor similarly posed no challenge, as Jormungandr had already imbued all their equipment with versatile disguise enchantments.

After mere moments, Ouroboros morphed into a majestic golden lion, while Fafnir transformed into an imposing, muscular lizardman.

Vlad scrutinized their new forms carefully, and after a few seconds, he nodded approvingly. "Excellent," he affirmed. "With these disguises, nobody should recognize you."

Satisfied, Ouroboros and Fafnir swiftly reverted to their original appearances, smiling confidently. They knew very well that if Vlad’s keen perception could break their cover, there was virtually no chance anyone else would see through their disguises.

With their security measures settled, Vlad shifted his attention to a different matter altogether. Gazing thoughtfully at his spatial ring, he declared, "Now, we must decide what to do with the wealth we acquired from the secret plane."

Immediately afterward, Vlad retrieved a small, dazzling orb pulsing with pure lightning energy. He handed it to Jormungandr. "This should be particularly useful to you, given your affinity for lightning."

Accepting it gratefully, Jormungandr nodded, recognizing the orb as the artifact they had obtained from the chest of the Giant Element.

In return, the small yellow cat quickly withdrew a bag filled with mysterious pills, each radiating potent, compressed energy. "These pills were likely made from powerful beasts, heavily condensed. Ouroboros, they might significantly aid your growth."

Grateful, Ouroboros received the bag with a respectful nod. Soon after, the Sky Seed Depravitas exchanged other useful resources they had obtained. It didn’t take long, as the genuinely helpful treasures were relatively few compared to the rest.

Eventually, they faced the remaining statues, ancient pillars, obscure treasures, and old potions they had acquired from the fallen civilization.

Vlad spoke thoughtfully, "We could immediately sell these items to the Military Logistics Center for quick credits, but I believe that’s not the best option. Instead, we should auction them. People might pay extravagant sums simply to boast about owning relics from a vanished civilization."

Jormungandr, Ouroboros, and Fafnir immediately nodded in agreement, recognizing the wisdom behind Vlad’s suggestion. Since none of them urgently needed money, leveraging others’ vanity and curiosity made perfect sense.

Vlad, Ouroboros, and Fafnir entrusted their spatial rings filled with treasures to Jormungandr, who accepted the responsibility of managing the auction.

With everything settled and their future clearly outlined, the companions nodded at each other. Moments later, the small yellow cat, the white werewolf, and the dragon of light-fire departed from Vlad’s residence, leaving him alone in thoughtful silence.

Vlad took a deep, calming breath and lay on the ground, eyes gazing contemplatively at the ceiling. From this point onward, his mind would focus only on three things.

Firstly, he intended to further refine and specialize the Demon Cage Runic Formation. Its improvement would significantly strengthen his overall battle capabilities, not to mention that it would provide him with the wealth he needed.

Secondly, Vlad would diligently adjust and perfect the Darkness Devouring Runic Formation.

Finally, and perhaps most crucially, Vlad would carefully nurture his awakening Sage Ability. However, he would not excessively interfere or overanalyze its growth. Instead, Vlad planned a singular, subconscious projection.

"Space Domain."

This concept alone would serve as his gentle guiding beacon, free from any restrictive constraints.

Vlad intentionally chose this broad yet pointed focus to ensure his Sage Ability developed naturally, uninhibited by limitations. It was just enough to steer his awakening toward the profound and enigmatic Law of Space without inadvertently narrowing its vast potential.