Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 659: Legendary body

Chapter 659: Legendary body

"It seems that the two of you have made significant improvements in your cultivations."

Wide smiles appeared on the faces of the Depravitas as they heard Vlad’s words, pride visible in their expressions.

"I have reached Level 19 and officially become a Sage, awakening my Sage Ability," Fafnir responded, his eyes radiating confidence as the powerful aura of his newly awakened soul force emanated clearly from him.

Vlad showed a satisfied smile, nodding appreciatively. Although pleased, he wasn’t particularly surprised by this revelation. After all, the Depravita of Envy had been lingering at Level 18 for quite some time now, and breaking into Level 19 was just a matter of opportunity and accumulated effort.

However, the next announcement came as a genuine shock to him.

"I am still stuck at Level 18," Ouroboros began, his voice steady, "but I’ve managed to push my physical body into the Legendary Realm."

The white werewolf wore a broad, proud grin as he uttered these words.

Vlad couldn’t help but stare at Ouroboros, shock and admiration clearly visible in his expression.

Ouroboros had always possessed the fastest physical cultivation among the Depravitas, largely due to his unique racial ability, which allowed him to assimilate the life force and energies of defeated prey directly into his own flesh and blood.

Yet, even Vlad knew that such an ability had its limits. Typically, one’s cultivation base placed strict boundaries on how far one could push their body’s evolution.

Although Vlad had always believed that Ouroboros would eventually achieve a Legendary-level physical body, he had anticipated that this breakthrough would only come after Ouroboros ascended to the Sage Tier—not while he remained at the Guardian Tier.

Seeing the shock and confusion in Vlad’s eyes, Ouroboros quickly explained, a hint of embarrassment creeping into his voice.

"I managed to make my breakthrough by consuming the body of a Legendary-level creature."

Vlad’s eyes widened even further, skepticism filling his voice as he immediately asked, "Did you kill a Legend?"

At this, both Depravitas exchanged complicated glances before simultaneously shaking their heads—and then nodding, indicating the situation was more nuanced.

"It’s complicated," Fafnir quickly clarified. "We didn’t exactly kill a Legend ourselves. Instead, we came across a fierce battle between a human Legend and a Legendary Swamp Golem. The human warrior managed to severely injure the golem, but just before delivering the finishing blow, the poisonous energies accumulated during their brutal fight reached a critical point. The Legend was forced to temporarily withdraw from the battlefield to recover."

Fafnir paused momentarily, allowing Ouroboros to pick up where he left off. The werewolf continued, his voice filled with mild embarrassment but still carrying a tone of pride.

"Seeing the opportunity, we quickly stepped in and delivered the final blow to the severely wounded Swamp Golem. We immediately took its corpse and fled the scene. Less than ten minutes later, we heard furious explosions from afar, indicating that the human Legend had returned. Needless to say, he was extremely angry that someone had stolen the prey he’d worked so hard to defeat."

Listening to their story, Vlad couldn’t suppress a small, knowing smile as he gently shook his head. The duo’s behavior wasn’t exactly honorable, and if the Legend discovered the truth, he’d certainly be justified in demanding compensation. However, Vlad didn’t reprimand them; he knew well enough that, in their shoes, he’d have done precisely the same.

"Well," Vlad finally said, smiling warmly at his friends, "I’m just glad the two of you are safe and made such substantial progress."

After acknowledging their growth, Vlad’s eyes shifted to the light-fire dragon, curiosity sparking within him as he posed his next question.

"By the way, Fafnir, what kind of Sage Ability did you awaken?"

Typically, details about one’s Sage Ability were a closely guarded secret, never revealed casually. But between the Depravitas, there were no such boundaries—trust had long been deeply established.

Without hesitation, Fafnir explained proudly, "It’s called ’Point Mass.’ Essentially, it’s an amplification technique that allows me to alter my body’s physical size and density. When I shrink myself, my density drastically increases. Currently, I can reduce my size by half, doubling my strength and endurance without losing any speed or agility. In fact, it significantly enhances my overall combat prowess."

Upon hearing this, Vlad couldn’t help but break into a broader, approving smile. He had initially worried that due to Fafnir’s lack of a specialized bloodline or external guidance, his Sage Ability might lack sufficient power or potential. However, ’Point Mass’ was perfect.

Even though it didn’t directly grant insight into a particular Law, as Vlad’s own Astral Singularity Body did, this powerful physical enhancement technique would undoubtedly remain useful even after Fafnir ascended to the ranks of powerful Legends.

"Excellent," Vlad praised warmly. "Also, there’s something you both should know. You should visit Elder Damian at Marshal Maximo’s castle soon. I’ve finalized my deal with the Empire regarding the Darkness Devouring Runic Formation, and as part of our agreement, you each have the right to select a Half-Step Legendary Tier Bloodline of your choosing. You should claim it whenever possible."

Ouroboros and Fafnir exchanged excited looks, their eyes shining brightly at Vlad’s words. After months spent battling relentlessly in the Great Swamp, a Half-Step Legendary Bloodline would significantly boost their potential, greatly enhancing their future power and growth.

But before leaving to claim these generous rewards, the duo had other important business to discuss.

"Master," Ouroboros began respectfully, "we managed to secure these Demon Souls during our time in the Great Swamp. We require your assistance in engraving new Demon Cages for us."

As he spoke, Ouroboros and Fafnir simultaneously produced two dark orbs from their spatial rings.

Vlad carefully examined the orbs, his eyes immediately narrowing as he sensed the exceptionally potent soul force contained within each sphere. Clearly, these were not ordinary Sage-tier Demon Souls; in fact, their aura indicated they’d nearly reached the threshold of the Half-Step Legendary Tier.

Though Vlad briefly wondered how they’d obtained such powerful Demon Souls, he quickly dismissed any curiosity. In chaotic battlefields teeming with Legends, countless shadowy transactions were constantly occurring.

Without further delay, Vlad nodded resolutely toward the two Depravitas, directing them to reveal their chests. Using his refined skills and newfound cultivation strength, Vlad expertly engraved powerful Runic Formations directly onto their bodies, binding the potent Demon Souls within.