Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 675: Goal: True Depravita (II)

Chapter 675: Goal: True Depravita (II)

Jormungandr was perfectly aware of the immense power Vlad would gain upon evolving into a True Depravita. However, he also understood that such a path was fraught with significant dangers and challenges.

The journey toward becoming a True Depravita was incredibly demanding, requiring precise preparation and mastery of several intricate steps.

First, Vlad’s body and soul needed to be fully saturated by the radiation emanating from the Depravita Sky Seed. Every fiber of his being had to become infused with this intense energy, thoroughly preparing him for the metamorphosis from a mortal body of flesh and blood into a form composed entirely of solidified psychic force.

Second, Vlad had to achieve a profound and intimate understanding of the essence underlying his Depravita nature—his core sin. For any True Depravita, thoroughly grasping and internalizing their Core Sin was essential.

This understanding acted as a stabilizing anchor, ensuring the Depravita’s psychic energies and aura remained coherent. Failure to fully comprehend one’s Core Sin risked reducing the individual into a mindless creature, controlled entirely by raw impulses, stripped of intelligence and reason.

Finally—and perhaps most crucially—was the condition of the Depravita Sky Seed itself.

To trigger the evolution, the Sky Seed had to contain enough accumulated energy to provoke gravitational collapse, effectively initiating the transformation of the body and the elevation of the soul. Yet, if insufficient energy was gathered, or if Vlad’s soul lacked the necessary stability and resilience, the process would fail catastrophically. Vlad’s body would implode violently from within, destroying him utterly.

Jormungandr could sense clearly that the radiation from the Sky Seed was already spreading steadily through Vlad’s soul. Moreover, the nature of Wrath, which Vlad embodied, was relatively straightforward and especially suited to comprehension on the battlefield, meaning these two crucial steps wouldn’t pose significant issues for Vlad.

However, the final step—gathering enough energy—posed an entirely different level of difficulty. Vlad was nowhere near prepared, and any attempt to force the process prematurely would be tremendously dangerous.

Yet, as the small yellow cat carefully observed the young man’s eyes, he saw an unshakable determination burning there—a determination to push ahead regardless of the risks.

Jormungandr stared quietly at Vlad for a few seconds, carefully assessing the resolve in his partner’s expression before finally speaking. His voice rang with conviction, loyalty, and seriousness, leaving no room for misunderstanding. "I know there is nothing I could possibly say to change your mind, so instead, I will help you."

Hearing this, Vlad’s lips curled into a genuine smile. He felt neither doubt nor fear, but he knew perfectly well that he didn’t have everything completely figured out. Every bit of assistance he could receive was precious, and he greatly appreciated Jormungandr’s unwavering support.

"I have been working on a potion designed specifically to enhance and accelerate the growth of your Depravita Seed," Jormungandr explained, his tone measured yet optimistic. "Its main component harnesses the chaotic energy of The Darkness itself. Naturally, it’s a risky method, but if my calculations are correct, this potion could provide you with all the energy necessary to trigger your evolution within a year."

Vlad’s eyes widened in astonishment and caution. Though his Depravita constitution provided a certain level of immunity to the destructive nature of chaotic energies, directly funneling raw Darkness energy into his Depravita Seed posed considerable danger.

Nevertheless, after just a moment of thought, Vlad’s eyes narrowed sharply with renewed determination. He nodded resolutely and asked without hesitation, "What do you need from me?"

"I have gathered most of the supporting components needed for the potion," Jormungandr answered calmly, "but the crucial ingredient—pure chaotic energy of The Darkness itself—is exceedingly rare in its natural form. Fortunately, it can be extracted directly from the hearts and brains of Sage-level Vorometallicae, whose bloodlines and souls have been deeply corrupted by The Darkness’ Laws."

A cold, ruthless smile formed upon Vlad’s lips at Jormungandr’s revelation. Hunting and killing Voroe Sages was already part of his duties on the battlefield, so this would align perfectly with his current mission.

Vlad and Jormungandr exchanged knowing nods, recognizing the synergy of their goals and methods.

With a shared understanding, both closed their eyes and entered deep meditation. They calmed their minds and hearts, deliberately pushing aside distracting thoughts, even those centered on Freya.

After several hours, they finally managed to move the beautiful and fierce image of the Viking princess temporarily to the back of their consciousness.

They would never truly forget her, of course, but to gain the power necessary to save her, they had to dedicate every ounce of concentration and effort to the tasks immediately before them.

Without wasting another second, Vlad promptly set up his runic crafting equipment and poured his entire soul into perfecting the Demon Cage Runic Formation. Possessing the power of a Legendary Demonic Soul would be incredibly advantageous, providing him immense combat support and strategic leverage to secure future alliances and favors.

Meanwhile, Jormungandr worked meticulously on refining the potion, carefully ensuring no reaction escaped his acute analysis.

The duo worked tirelessly, fully committed as though their lives depended on it—which, in fact, they truly did. Vlad knew, regardless of whether he achieved True Depravita status, he would march boldly into Valhalla when the time arrived.

They rested only minimally, just enough to maintain their bodies and minds in peak condition. Every available minute was consumed by training and meticulous improvement.

This relentless routine continued uninterrupted until, one day, a glaring red light flooded their quarters, immediately followed by the blaring sound of alarms echoing urgently across the entire stronghold.

It was the unmistakable signal for another imminent Voroe assault.

Though this disruption temporarily pulled Vlad and Jormungandr from their intense preparations, the battlefield itself offered the necessary conditions for their goals—harvesting the hearts and brains of Sage-level Voroe and pushing their physical limits to even greater heights. Without hesitation, they quickly prepared for battle.

...

The warriors of Graecia, standing on the stronghold walls, wore solemn and hardened expressions as they observed the approaching Voroe army.

It was a massive horde, their numbers sprawling outward in a seemingly endless tide. Their formations were tighter and far more disciplined this time, a clear sign that they’d learned from previous failures.

At the vanguard marched colossal Voroe, massive beasts wielding enormous shields that dwarfed even the largest humans, designed explicitly to withstand powerful ranged assaults.