Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 704: Divine Treasures

Chapter 704: Divine Treasures

"Amazing! The new arms are as strong as the original and fuse perfectly with my Skin of Wrath!" Vlad exclaimed, flexing his newly formed limbs with evident satisfaction.

Typically, additional extremities were not always advantageous, as they often failed to integrate properly with an individual’s mind and body, causing awkwardness and diminishing overall combat effectiveness. Otherwise, every ambitious warrior would have long sought the assistance of powerful mages and alchemists to augment themselves with extra appendages.

Yet Vlad’s case was entirely different. The arms emerging seamlessly from his chest were not mere conjurations or temporary energy constructs but true extensions of his existing muscles, nerves, bones, and flesh, fully integrated into his body by the profound power of the Legendary Demon Soul.

The Depravita of Wrath’s new physical form radiated overwhelming demonic might, emanating a presence that was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Merely clenching his fists flooded him with the exhilarating sensation of immense power—enough strength coursed through his veins to crush mountains effortlessly.

Thrilled though he was by these remarkable transformations, Vlad’s work was far from complete. His chest and most of his upper arms now bore intricate runic formations, leaving only his hands and forearms free for further enhancements.

With unwavering determination, Vlad took a fresh batch of carefully prepared materials, meticulously blending the runic agents and applying them to his legendary runic pen. Pausing briefly to focus his mind, he pressed the pen’s tip gently against the back of his palm, beginning a new engraving with flawless precision.

The runic formation Vlad etched onto his hands was not a new invention. Indeed, it was a variation of his old, reliable formation—the Mark of Cain. However, this particular iteration was notably different from its predecessors.

Not only had it been upgraded to the Legendary Tier, but Vlad had deliberately removed every non-destructive element from its intricate design.

Although this stripped the formation of its previously granted physical enhancements and its powerful ability to drain vitality from opponents, this modification was necessary. It was the only way to ensure compatibility with the Legendary Demon Cage runic formation already imprinted on his body.

As Vlad completed the final rune on his hand, a fierce, blood-red glow suddenly erupted from his palm. The intensity was so profound that even the air around him trembled violently, as though invisible blades sliced through space itself.

Vlad observed the enhanced formation with genuine awe and excitement, recognizing that by eliminating its non-combat aspects, the destructive capabilities of the Mark of Cain had drastically increased. Now, every punch or blade strike delivered by his hands would carry a precise and devastating severing force, magnifying even minor wounds into catastrophic injuries.

Satisfied with his meticulous work and confident in his increased destructive prowess, Vlad withdrew his additional arms back into his torso with a grin of anticipation. "Now, let’s go inspect those Divine Treasures," he muttered eagerly, stepping away from the workspace.

Although the Legendary Demon Soul and the Divine Treasures had arrived simultaneously, the latter had been securely stored within the residence of General Tiberius.

Despite Jormungandr’s significant influence in the Korokor Stronghold, the treasures remained accessible exclusively to the highest-ranking leader. Only Vlad held the ring responsible for maintaining the stronghold’s powerful runic formations and magical matrices so the small yellow cat could not access the protected treasures.

Quietly departing his residence, Vlad swiftly traversed the fortified corridors, ascending to the highest tower within mere minutes. Using his authorization, Vlad effortlessly accessed the heavily guarded chamber, and soon stood before a vast assortment of valuable items.

The room brimmed with cultivation resources, potions, magical artifacts, and other precious items, regularly allocated to frontline soldiers. Yet, amidst the abundance of valuable materials, three exceptionally majestic treasures at the far end of the room immediately captivated his attention, each radiating a magnificent aura of power.

The first was a necklace crafted from large, sharp teeth. At first glance, it appeared primitive, almost barbaric, yet Vlad quickly perceived the hidden power residing within each tooth, far surpassing even the might of his previous legendary sword. Beside it lay a pair of glittering, bright pink crystals. Initially unassuming, the crystals revealed an explosive, overwhelming potential when Vlad gently probed them with his psychic power, sending a shiver of astonishment through his body.

Lastly, a dark, crooked crown rested solemnly on a pedestal. Vlad instinctively frowned upon seeing it. The crown emanated an extraordinarily ancient aura, its worn surface cracked and aged by countless eons, yet the energy it radiated remained unwaveringly stable, showing not even the slightest fluctuation. Intrigued, Vlad approached each item carefully, meticulously examining the descriptions that accompanied them.

As he read about their extraordinary powers, Vlad’s face lit up with uncontainable excitement. A wide grin formed as he considered the necklace and crystals, their abilities perfectly complementing his existing combat style. Yet, awe filled his gaze when he refocused on the dark crown, a treasure clearly imbued with mysterious, profound power beyond anything he had encountered before.

Without hesitation, Vlad eagerly took the necklace, carefully placing it around his neck. The moment it touched his skin, he felt a powerful, primal force coursing through him, significantly enhancing his presence and aura. Next, Vlad grasped the two crystalline gems, bringing them closer to his hands. As if drawn magnetically, the gems shot forward abruptly, merging seamlessly with the back of his hands, embedding themselves painlessly beneath his skin, becoming inseparable parts of his body.

Finally, with cautious reverence, Vlad grasped the crooked crown and set it atop his head. Instantly, an extraordinary transformation overtook him. His entire figure glowed brilliantly as the immense powers of the three Divine Treasures converged within him, intertwining flawlessly with his own essence.

One significant advantage Divine Treasures had over Legendary Treasures was their independent reservoirs of energy. Unlike legendary items, which relied heavily on their user’s own energy reserves, Divine Treasures sustained themselves autonomously. However, this autonomy was not without its dangers.

Wielding Divine Treasures demanded an extraordinarily powerful soul; otherwise, their immense energies could easily overwhelm a weaker mind, shattering it completely.

Vlad faced no such concerns. Though not yet officially a Legend, his soul strength already surpassed many who bore that rank. He effortlessly controlled the immense influx of energy, integrating it seamlessly into his being without any resistance.