Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 647: Demon Weapon Runic Formation is complete

Chapter 647: Demon Weapon Runic Formation is complete

Vlad left the residence and returned roughly five minutes later, holding a crystal orb filled with dense, dark spiritual energy.

Although merchants were selling demon souls only a few meters from his home, the soul integrity of their goods was pitifully low. It took Vlad considerable time before he managed to locate a merchant who possessed a Guardian-Tier demon soul stable enough to be reliably used.

Vlad exchanged a meaningful glance with Tyron. Both Runic Masters nodded simultaneously, fully understanding the significance of what was about to transpire.

The Depravita carefully placed the crystal orb containing the demon soul directly above the sword, while Tyron began channeling his energy into the newly inscribed runic formation.

Immediately, brilliant runic lines spread rapidly across the weapon’s surface, glowing intensely. A series of ethereal tendrils suddenly emerged from the engraved formation, shattering the crystal orb and rapidly wrapping around the demon soul within.

With deliberate yet forceful movements, the tendrils drew the demon soul deep into the sword’s heart.

An intense silence overtook the room as Vlad and Tyron held their breaths, neither daring to speak or even blink, worried that the slightest distraction might interrupt this crucial process.

Vlad activated the full analytic capability of the A.I. Chip, carefully examining every millimeter of the runic formation’s reactions.

Eventually, the glowing runic formation dimmed, signaling the end of the fusion. Seconds later, the previously ordinary weapon began undergoing a dramatic transformation.

The sword—formerly a basic long sword with no distinguishing characteristics aside from durability—began to exude a chilling aura. A sheet of ice swiftly materialized along its entire length, turning the once mundane blade into a magnificent ice-bound weapon.

Before Vlad or Tyron could speak, the weapon suddenly released an explosive pulse of freezing energy.

"BOOM!"

A wave of intense cold burst forth, swiftly coating the entire room in a thin, shimmering layer of frost.

"Yes!"

"Success!"

Vlad and Tyron shouted in unison, overwhelmed by excitement and joy at seeing their labor bear fruit. The new powers and abilities granted to the weapon by the demon soul had clearly become permanent, capable of activating instantly with a mere thought.

Grabbing the transformed sword eagerly, Vlad channeled a small amount of energy into it. Immediately, the weapon vibrated, responding to his intent.

He swung the sword decisively, unleashing a sharp arc of icy energy that struck the walls with force, leaving behind shallow, frost-coated cracks.

"Haha, excellent!" Vlad laughed loudly, feeling proud and satisfied. "Even though we used only a standard Guardian-Tier demon soul, the unleashed ice force is powerful enough to significantly hinder an enemy at the peak of that tier!"

Visions of the potential market flooded Vlad’s mind, but he quickly restrained his excitement, knowing he had something crucial to address first. He turned toward the elderly Runic Master, his expression sincere and grateful.

"Elder Tyron, this achievement is largely thanks to your assistance. Without your wisdom and expertise, I wouldn’t have been able to modify the Demon Cage Runic Formation so quickly," Vlad stated earnestly. "I plan to sell this runic diagram and will offer you a percentage of my profits as a commission."

Elder Tyron smiled warmly, clearly touched by Vlad’s genuine offer. However, to Vlad’s surprise, the old master gently shook his head, declining the proposal outright.

"That will not be necessary," Elder Tyron replied calmly, his voice steady yet filled with warmth.

Vlad’s expression grew puzzled. He hadn’t anticipated the elder would reject such a lucrative offer. For a fleeting moment, Vlad even suspected the possibility that Tyron might attempt to market the formation independently.

However, he quickly dismissed that suspicion, realizing it would only lead to unnecessary conflict—something the experienced elder clearly understood as well.

"You are free to use the Demon Soul Weapon Runic Formation however you see fit," Elder Tyron clarified, noticing Vlad’s confusion. "I’ve already gained something far more valuable than mere money."

A profound light began emanating from the old Runic Master’s eyes, growing brighter and more intense with each passing second. Vlad immediately sensed an extraordinary shift occurring within Tyron’s aura.

"I shall personally use this Runic Formation and share its benefits with my friends, but I won’t pursue commercial profit," Tyron explained earnestly. "Leaving that opportunity entirely to you is my way of expressing sincere gratitude for this unique experience."

Vlad instantly understood the profound implication behind Tyron’s words. Elder Tyron’s energy continued to rise, clearly indicating he had found enlightenment—a breakthrough in cultivation directly resulting from their collaborative runic experimentation.

"They say there are countless ways to cultivate," Vlad mused inwardly, intrigued and inspired by the elder’s breakthrough. "Most warriors push through their bottlenecks with fierce battles, but who said Rune Crafting can’t be a path of cultivation as well?"

Elder Tyron briefly placed a reassuring hand on Vlad’s shoulder. "I must take my leave now, young man. May fortune and insight continue to guide your path."

Without further delay, the old master exited Vlad’s residence, clearly eager to enter an extended period of secluded cultivation to consolidate his newfound insights.

Left alone, Vlad briefly considered what his next steps should be. Yet before he could finalize any plans, an overwhelming wave of exhaustion suddenly enveloped him, causing his knees to weaken and forcing him onto the ground.

Having completed this crucial milestone, all the accumulated fatigue Vlad had suppressed for weeks surged forth simultaneously, nearly pushing him into unconsciousness.

Realizing his condition, Vlad surrendered to sleep, allowing himself the rest he desperately required. Nearly ten hours passed before he finally opened his eyes again, now fully refreshed. Energy surged anew within him, revitalizing both his body and mind.

"The Demon Weapon Runic Formation is finally complete," Vlad murmured confidently. "Upgrading the diagram to the Sage Tier will still require effort, but it shouldn’t pose a major challenge now."

Yet, even as confidence filled his expression, Vlad’s eyes narrowed solemnly when he turned toward the private room. Within it lay his greatest challenge yet.

"That, however," Vlad continued quietly to himself, "will be considerably more demanding."

Slowly, he entered the room, stepping carefully around the numerous scattered parchments that littered the floor. Approaching the primary worktable, he gazed intensely at the single parchment lying prominently atop it, clearly representing his most ambitious project.

"I’m so close," Vlad whispered thoughtfully, a determined gleam entering his eyes, "yet something still eludes me."