Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 664: To war

Chapter 664: To war

Vlad only smiled softly as he silenced the gasps and saw the stunned looks of those who had mocked him moments earlier.

Although the number of waves of Depravita Aura his Depravita Seed could generate hadn’t increased, the strength and purity of each wave had significantly improved with his recent evolution into the Sage Realm. That alone proved sufficient to fully activate the Legendary Armor.

"Unfortunately, I can only keep the Kun Peng Divine Armor fully active for one hour per wave of Depravita Aura. I must ensure that every second counts in battle," Vlad thought, carefully assessing his newfound strength and limitations.

With that consideration in mind, Vlad quickly resumed browsing the available treasures at the Military Logistic Center. His eyes soon locked onto a powerful Half-Step Legendary sword.

Lord of the Sea.

The blade had a dark sapphire hue with silver accents, resembling the deep and endless ocean. Not only did the sword offer devastating attack power capable of magnifying the potency of any energy infused into it, but it also possessed a unique gravitational domain.

This domain could surround Vlad’s enemies, significantly restricting their movements—much like being trapped in the deepest, darkest depths of the ocean.

Satisfied with his choice, Vlad swiftly completed the purchase. After acquiring the Lord of the Sea, Vlad used his remaining credits to stock up on powerful energy-restoration potions and selected a formidable defensive treasure shaped like a shining cross.

Its protective abilities would provide an additional layer of security, granting him increased survivability during critical battles.

"Alright, let’s go," Vlad finally spoke, signaling Janus and Agamenon to follow as he walked out of the bustling building.

The two nodded gently, their gazes lingering on Vlad’s confident figure. They couldn’t help but wonder just how many hidden abilities and secrets their friend possessed.

Once outside, the three men exchanged meaningful glances before Janus broke the brief silence. "Let’s meet again when the departure day arrives. Until then, let’s make sure we’re ready."

Agamenon and Vlad nodded solemnly in response. With that, each turned toward their respective residences, walking away in quiet contemplation.

...

For the following days, Vlad chose not to return to the Howling Chasm for further battle experience. He had already gained a tremendous amount of practical combat experience there, and his control over the Law of Space had seen significant advancement.

While he remained far from achieving the supreme state required to fully embody the Voidborn Embodiment Cultivation Technique, his mastery over the Severing Domain and Teleportation Domain had reached Peak Sage Tier, even without relying on his Sphere of Spatial Domain.

"I should focus on my runic skills now. The war won’t end swiftly, and if I can forge the Legendary Tier Demon Cages, my survival odds and battlefield effectiveness will rise exponentially," Vlad silently resolved, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

With his clear goal set, Vlad fully immersed himself in his work. His eyes burned with determination and profound concentration as he relentlessly refined his Runic Mastery. He repeatedly improved his Demon Cage diagrams, each iteration bringing him closer to perfection.

Throughout this intense process, Vlad leaned heavily on the computational and analytical capabilities of his A.I. Chip. The Chip guided him through minor yet crucial adjustments, allowing Vlad to direct his complete attention toward solving larger, more intricate problems, dramatically accelerating his pace of progress.

The imminent danger and tension associated with the upcoming war further drove Vlad, enhancing his focus and significantly boosting his productivity.

In those seven intense days of non-stop dedication, Vlad experienced growth surpassing what he’d accomplished in several months. Yet, despite the staggering improvements, exhaustion inevitably caught up with him by the end of the week.

Dark bags appeared under Vlad’s eyes, his mind feeling sluggish from sustained fatigue. Even for a cultivator at the Sage level, a full week without rest took its toll. Nonetheless, Vlad disregarded the tiredness and stepped out of his residence, prepared to move forward.

Awaiting him outside were three familiar companions—a small yellow cat, a towering white werewolf, and a dragon shrouded in blazing light-fire. Jormungandr had been staying within the fortress all this time, so he was well aware of the Marshal’s summons. Meanwhile, Fafnir and Ouroboros had been quickly informed by their superiors in the Great Swamp, prompting their swift return.

Vlad smiled warmly upon seeing his fellow Sky Seed Depravitas. He nodded appreciatively, sensing the potent bloodline energy coursing through their veins.

However, what truly captured Vlad’s attention was the visibly fatigued yellow cat, whose face seemed even more exhausted than his own. Yet, beneath Jormungandr’s tired exterior radiated a newfound strength—an overwhelming surge of soul force and powerful energy pressure.

"So, you’ve become a Sage as well," Vlad noted with satisfaction.

Although Jormungandr had not left the fortress nor experienced the intense life-or-death pressure of the battlefield, his Depravita Racial Ability continuously allowed him to channel and accumulate energy from his surroundings. Thus, Vlad was hardly surprised by the feline’s breakthrough.

"Indeed," Jormungandr replied, stretching leisurely, his eyes glowing with quiet pride. "It happened just in time. My Sage Ability proved particularly useful for my recent experiments."

Vlad, Ouroboros, and Fafnir narrowed their eyes curiously at that enigmatic remark. The truth was, each of the Sky Seed Depravitas had immense curiosity about Jormungandr’s experiments involving the remarkable Dino Egg. If the creature within managed to successfully hatch, it would undoubtedly be an extraordinarily powerful being.

Unfortunately for the intrigued trio, Jormungandr simply offered a cryptic smile and provided no further elaboration. Vlad merely shrugged, knowing the feline liked his secrets and surprises.

"Fine, let’s leave it as a future surprise," Vlad conceded, turning toward the street leading to the gathering point.

Upon reaching the designated plaza, they saw Janus, Agamenon, and their carefully assembled teams already waiting. Agamenon had the same four individuals who accompanied him previously to the Dino People’s secret plane, and Janus’s entourage also included familiar faces Vlad recognized.

Sugar, the two-headed ogre, stepped forward with a respectful bow to Vlad, openly expressing sincere gratitude for being given a spot in Vlad’s group. Vlad smiled warmly, returning the respectful gesture with a slight nod.

After everyone exchanged brief greetings and settled into formation, Vlad took a step forward, his eyes sharp with determination.

"To war," he commanded firmly.

The gathered warriors nodded simultaneously, their gazes equally resolute and brimming with unshakable confidence.