Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 661: Korok Mountains

Chapter 661: Korok Mountains

The creeping sense of dread among the gathered Sages had a clear origin—the mere mention of the Eclipse Battlefield. This battlefield was notoriously known as a Legendary-Tier combat zone, a realm of danger reserved primarily for beings at or near the Legendary rank.

While some Half-Step Legends braved such terrifying places to push themselves to the limit and trigger their evolution, regular Sages who dared venture there rarely survived more than a day or two.

The pressure of overwhelming battles and the intense Law fluctuations were simply too great. In such a place, even the strongest of this group would be hard-pressed to guarantee their survival, much less ordinary Sages.

Unfortunately for these men and women, the Marshal’s command was absolute. Once someone became part of the Golden Sky Fortress, they had pledged their loyalty to the military hierarchy, leaving no room for debate or refusal. Marshal Maximo’s gaze swept across the assembled Sages, and a hint of disappointment flashed momentarily in his eyes as he observed the widespread fear among his warriors.

"If they enter the battlefield in this mental state, they wouldn’t even suffice as cannon fodder," the Marshal thought, shaking his head imperceptibly. He quickly shifted his gaze towards another group within the hall, and his expression softened slightly. "At least not all of them are so easily frightened."

Standing steadfast and unyielding among the crowd were Vlad, Agamenon, and Janus. Unlike most others, the trio displayed no fear or hesitation.

They were realistic enough to understand that stepping onto a Legendary-Tier battlefield was dangerous, but fear would serve them no purpose. They stood composed and clear-minded, aware that maintaining their wits was the best way to survive the deadly trials that awaited.

Fortunately for everyone present, the Marshal swiftly clarified the details of their true mission, calming their anxious hearts. He began speaking clearly, his voice resonating powerfully throughout the hall.

"You were summoned here due to your capabilities. You will be deployed to the Korokor Mountains, where you will rendezvous with reinforcements sent by the Atlantik Stronghold."

Immediately, palpable waves of relief surged throughout the hall, visibly easing the tension among the gathered warriors. Even Vlad, Janus, and Agamenon, who had managed to keep calm, felt reassured upon hearing the true destination. They were brave warriors, but bravery alone was not enough to make them willingly dive into a fight with less than a twenty percent chance of survival.

Allowing them a brief moment to absorb and process the news, Marshal Maximo continued, his tone firm yet reassuring.

"The Korokor Mountains are strategically vital. They act as a critical checkpoint along the path to the Void Heart Fortress. While my main forces march forward and engage the enemy directly, the Vorometallicae will inevitably attempt to flank and cut off our supply lines. If successful, such a maneuver would trap us in enemy territory, forcing us to fight simultaneously on two fronts. This scenario must be prevented at all costs. Your task will be to secure this checkpoint and eliminate any enemy incursion."

The gathered Sages adopted solemn, determined expressions. They understood the importance of the Marshal’s words and the strategic significance of this mission.

Although Marshal Maximo’s elite warriors and Legends had vast reserves stored within spatial treasures, a protracted siege against a powerful enemy stronghold could easily last months, perhaps even years.

Without stable supply lines, they would quickly become vulnerable. Potions and healing supplies needed continuous replenishment, damaged weapons and armor required swift replacement, and precious energy crystals and treasures were essential to sustain the formation arrays and war artifacts.

Should their supply line be severed, Maximo’s forces would gradually be drained of strength and resources, isolated deep within enemy territory. Their mission, therefore, was of critical strategic importance. It was a responsibility that each Sage present understood clearly, filling their hearts with resolve.

Marshal Maximo’s voice thundered confidently, further inspiring his troops. "Be courageous, fight with honor, and I assure you that the power and fame you gain shall accompany your names for generations to come!"

His commanding words resounded throughout the room, igniting determination in every heart present.

With that declaration, Marshal Maximo swiftly turned and departed, leaving Elder Damian to address the remaining matters. The gathered warriors maintained their disciplined silence, all eyes now respectfully shifting toward the old Elder, awaiting his instructions.

Elder Damian observed the assembled warriors calmly, ensuring he had their complete attention before speaking in his characteristically authoritative yet controlled voice, which allowed no room for questioning:

"You will all march toward the Korokor Mountains exactly seven days from now, where you will report to General Tiberius. He will be your commanding officer during this crucial mission. Each one of you may select four warriors to accompany you. You are the first group to be dispatched, so no other warriors are currently assigned to this operation. You are therefore free to choose your comrades without restriction."

Smiles of relief and satisfaction appeared on many faces, as each Sage immediately began mentally reviewing candidates to join them. Having trusted friends and reliable subordinates by their side would undoubtedly improve their chances of success and survival in the challenging battles ahead.

Vlad, too, felt pleased with this arrangement. To him, fighting alongside his fellow Sky Seed Depravitas was undoubtedly the best scenario.

Elder Damian waved his hand, and five parchments materialized, floating neatly before him.

"Form orderly lines and engrave your names along with the warriors who will accompany you," Elder Damian commanded succinctly.

Immediately, the gathered warriors complied, arranging themselves quickly into five disciplined lines to complete the selection process. As Vlad stood waiting patiently, Janus turned toward him, speaking in a friendly yet slightly cautious tone.

"Vlad, you’re planning to select only Jormungandr, Fafnir, and Ouroboros, correct?"

Vlad nodded softly. Aside from his trusted Sky Seed Depravita comrades, he didn’t feel confident enough to include anyone else in such a high-stakes mission.

"Excellent! Then, could you perhaps include one of my warriors as your fourth selection?" Janus requested with a polite smile.

Janus possessed a large entourage, and four slots simply weren’t enough to accommodate all of his most trusted people. Vlad considered briefly, understanding Janus’s dilemma. He saw no harm in lending assistance to someone who had proven a reliable ally, and therefore quickly agreed.