Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 648: New Darkness Devouring Runic Formation (I)

Chapter 648: New Darkness Devouring Runic Formation (I)

Vlad had invested immense effort into refining the Darkness Devouring Runic Formation, but despite his determination, he found himself stuck.

The existing formation could absorb the chaotic power of The Darkness, yet it was fundamentally flawed: it couldn’t expel or contain that energy indefinitely.

This meant that even if the formation temporarily extracted chaotic energies embedded within someone’s body, those destructive forces would inevitably rush back like an unstoppable tidal wave, inflicting catastrophic damage.

Until now, Vlad had struggled tirelessly to find a solution to this seemingly insurmountable issue. However, his recent breakthroughs with the Demon Weapon Runic Formation and his newfound understanding of demon soul manipulation sparked an innovative idea in his mind.

Taking a deep breath and pushing his mental focus to its utmost limits, Vlad took a fresh parchment and began to meticulously engrave a brand-new runic diagram. His hand moved steadily and deliberately, carving each line with extreme precision, ensuring every detail was flawless before proceeding further.

After completing the intricate design, Vlad reached into his spatial ring and carefully retrieved another Guardian-Tier demon soul. With precise control born from extensive experience, Vlad guided the demon soul into the parchment, fusing it directly into the heart of the runic formation.

The process was extraordinarily delicate, requiring absolute concentration, but thanks to his previous successful experiments, the soul’s integration proceeded smoothly without complications.

Upon completing the fusion, Vlad activated the A.I. Chip to thoroughly analyze every aspect of the newly created formation. Silence filled the room as he waited patiently until the robotic voice finally resonated clearly in his mind:

[Beep! New Darkness Devouring Runic Formation completed. Probability of success: 87%.]

A sharp gleam instantly lit Vlad’s eyes when he heard the result. Ideally, a theoretical success rate of 100% would be perfect, but achieving such absolute certainty in rune-crafting was practically impossible.

An 87% likelihood was already remarkably high and promising enough to warrant immediate field testing.

"It is finally time for the practical experiment," Vlad whispered decisively, his voice filled with determination.

Theoretical calculations and simulations could only carry him so far. To truly understand if the formation would work effectively, he needed to test it on living subjects who were actually afflicted by the chaotic power.

"Luckily, it’s already time for another run," he noted, carefully storing the newly-crafted parchment within his spatial ring.

Without further delay, Vlad left his residence and swiftly made his way toward Marshal Maximo’s castle. As always, Marshal Maximo stood outside, waiting patiently with a welcoming smile.

Every visit from Vlad symbolized another powerful warrior of the Golden Sky Fortress gaining freedom from the debilitating corruption of The Darkness, so it was no surprise that the Marshal felt such genuine joy each time Vlad arrived.

After exchanging polite nods, Vlad and Marshal Maximo walked together into the castle. Yet, as they moved toward the chamber illuminated by the sacred golden light, Vlad suddenly cast a sharp glance toward the Marshal.

Marshal Maximo instantly noticed Vlad’s intention and halted his steps. With a mere wave of his hand, a profound shift rippled through their surroundings. Vlad immediately sensed it, feeling the Laws around them subtly rearrange themselves, creating a secure environment where no one could eavesdrop.

"So much power, controlled with just a casual gesture," Vlad marveled inwardly, momentarily awed by Maximo’s effortless command over the Laws. Quickly regaining his composure, he spoke in a solemn tone.

"I have completed the new Darkness Devouring Runic Formation."

Marshal Maximo’s eyes instantly widened, and his powerful frame trembled slightly from excitement. The significance of Vlad’s statement extended far beyond the Golden Sky Fortress.

This improved formation wasn’t merely valuable locally; it represented a revolutionary advancement for the entire Graecia Empire, potentially offering a widespread alternative to the scarce Sky Dew.

Previously, Vlad had been the only one capable of personally forging such formations, severely restricting their usage and distribution.

If Vlad had truly developed a version that others could replicate, it could profoundly change the balance of power in the empire’s ongoing struggle against The Darkness. Despite the excitement surging within him, Marshal Maximo maintained remarkable self-control, silently waiting for Vlad to continue.

Understanding the Marshal’s eager anticipation, Vlad elaborated, his voice carrying measured caution: "I believe the new formation has at least an 85% chance of success. However, if it fails, the consequences would be catastrophic, potentially killing the recipient."

Marshal Maximo’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully, immediately grasping the difficult position Vlad faced. The formation urgently required testing, yet Vlad was understandably reluctant to gamble with the lives of the fortress’s most valuable warriors.

Fortunately, Marshal Maximo already had a solution prepared. With a cold, confident smile, he gestured for Vlad to follow him. "I have exactly what you need. Let’s move forward."

The Marshal led Vlad into the chamber illuminated by the golden glow of Alexandros’ Sacred Flame. Once inside, Maximo motioned for Vlad to wait as he vanished momentarily into a shadowy corner of the room.

Seconds later, he reemerged, dragging a large, rugged man whose neck bore a deep wound corrupted heavily by chaotic energy. The wound itself wasn’t extremely deep, but due to its sensitive location near vital channels, the corruption posed a significant danger.

Without the slightest hesitation or ceremony, Marshal Maximo threw the injured man onto the stone table at the room’s center. Turning to Vlad, he spoke in a firm, unwavering voice: "Engrave the formation onto this man. Should your experiment fail and result in his death, there is no need for concern."

Though somewhat startled by the Marshal’s directness, Vlad had come to deeply trust the seasoned warrior’s judgment and understood there must be good reason behind his words.

Consequently, no hesitation or misplaced sympathy troubled Vlad’s mind as he retrieved the parchment containing the newly developed formation. He carefully fused it onto the unconscious man’s flesh, executing each step with extreme precision and skill.

Within minutes, Vlad completed the process. Turning his gaze toward Marshal Maximo, Vlad awaited the man’s confirming nod before beginning to channel his energy directly into the formation.

Absolute silence enveloped the chamber as Vlad and Marshal Maximo watched with unwavering attention, their expressions tense yet hopeful. Both understood the magnitude of this critical moment—if Vlad’s new formation succeeded, a powerful new weapon would emerge in the fight against The Darkness.