Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 714: General Tiberius’ awakening

Chapter 714: General Tiberius’ awakening

The tip of the legendary runic pen felt like a blade carving through flesh, piercing every nerve on his tiny body. Yet, Jormungandr remained firm and resolute, restraining himself from any involuntary twitching that could disturb the engraving.

Hours passed by in agonizing slowness, each moment filled with pain as Vlad meticulously completed the Legendary Demon Cage upon the small yellow cat’s body.

Finally, the runic engraving was finished. Although Jormungandr’s face appeared pale, and drenched in sweat due to the ordeal, a wide and triumphant smile illuminated his features.

The pain was intense, but it paled in comparison to the immense power now flowing within him, emanating from the formation etched deeply into his flesh.

Vlad, satisfied with his work, handed the ornate box containing the Legendary Demon Soul to Jormungandr without delay.

The Depravita of Gluttony eagerly accepted, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as he opened the box, revealing the potent soul inside. Immediately, the Legendary Demon Soul surged, attempting to escape its containment. However, Jormungandr swiftly restrained it with his vastly expanded Legendary energy pool, carefully positioning it over the core of the newly formed Demon Cage.

Delicate yet powerful tendrils of energy emerged from the engraved formation, intertwining seamlessly around the struggling demon soul. After a brief yet fierce struggle, the soul fused harmoniously with Jormungandr’s body.

A powerful burst of lightning and fire suddenly exploded outward, originating from the small feline’s body. The resulting shockwave smashed violently into the walls of Vlad’s residence, deepening existing cracks and creating new ones.

Despite this unintended destruction, Jormungandr erupted into joyous laughter, marveling at the tremendous surge of strength that coursed through every fiber of his being.

"Hahaha, amazing! Truly incredible!" The small yellow cat exulted, stretching and flexing as he acclimated to the immense demonic power flooding his veins.

Vlad, however, gazed around the cracked and battered walls of his once-peaceful residence with a resigned sigh. "Well, I suppose it lasted long enough," he remarked dryly, shrugging with weary acceptance.

Shaking his head, Vlad refocused quickly. "Let’s go," he urged Jormungandr gently but firmly, directing their attention towards more pressing matters.

Jormungandr immediately nodded, his expression sobering at Vlad’s prompt, and followed without hesitation. The duo swiftly departed Vlad’s tattered residence, heading directly towards the Depravita of Gluttony’s dwelling.

In contrast to Vlad’s modest home, Jormungandr’s residence was enormous, equipped with an expansive courtyard perfectly suited for a creature of much larger size.

The reason became clear as Vlad observed Fang, the massive winged T-Rex lounging comfortably outside. Fang’s eyes narrowed sharply, a fierce aura of intimidation radiating from him as he detected the approach of others. Upon recognizing Jormungandr, however, Fang’s imposing demeanor softened immediately into an affectionate smile.

Though the T-Rex’s teeth and mouth were stained dark with the blood of the Vorometallciae he’d been feasting upon, Jormungandr seemed entirely at ease, responding with a warm grin.

Vlad, observing the grisly yet strangely endearing display, simply shrugged internally. He had grown accustomed to Fang’s peculiarities, including the dinosaur’s impressive swallowing talent, similar to Ouroboros’s yet uniquely capable of consuming even metallic bodies like those of the Vorometallicae.

Vlad chose to focus on the positive—Fang’s strength was undeniably growing, and his loyalty to Jormungandr was unwavering.

Leaving Fang to his gruesome feast, Vlad followed Jormungandr deeper into the residence. Inside, Vlad’s eyes widened in mild astonishment at the organized chaos before him.

Potions, alchemical instruments, and myriad strange components lay scattered across every available surface. At the far end stood a large, metallic healing pod similar to those in Marshal Maximo’s castle. However, instead of the typical restorative liquids, this pod crackled intensely with luminous lightning plasma.

Floating serenely within this brilliant plasma was the body of General Tiberius, his current condition a stark and miraculous contrast to the charred, nearly lifeless figure Vlad remembered.

Pulsating currents of lightning coursed rhythmically through the general’s body, visibly repairing damaged tissues and enhancing his natural regenerative processes.

Extending his psychic perception, Vlad thoroughly assessed General Tiberius’s condition. Though faint traces of severe internal injuries remained, the general’s recovery was remarkable.

Vlad silently acknowledged Jormungandr’s extraordinary healing skills; Tiberius would indeed soon be able to wield power equivalent to Legendary-level combatants.

Exchanging a meaningful glance, Vlad and Jormungandr settled into meditative positions next to the plasma pod, calmly awaiting General Tiberius’s awakening. The subtle fluctuations in the general’s brainwaves steadily strengthened, indicating consciousness would soon return.

As expected, less than half an hour later, Tiberius’s eyelids fluttered briefly before opening suddenly.

Initially, confusion and momentary panic flashed in his eyes as he found himself submerged in brilliant lightning plasma. However, displaying the remarkable discipline and composure befitting his rank, Tiberius rapidly regained his mental equilibrium, assessing his body methodically.

Observing this impressive display of mental fortitude, Vlad couldn’t help but smile approvingly. "Clearly, months of unconsciousness have not dulled his sharpness," he whispered softly to Jormungandr, who nodded knowingly in agreement.

Jormungandr promptly opened the healing pod, allowing General Tiberius to rise from the plasma.

The general emerged slightly disoriented but quickly recognized both Vlad and Jormungandr, faces etched clearly into his memory from past battles. Nonetheless, his eyes widened in evident astonishment as he sensed the immense power radiating from the duo.

"How long have I been unconscious?" Tiberius asked urgently, voice steady yet filled with restrained tension. "And what’s the current state of the Korokor Stronghold?"

Hundreds of pressing questions doubtlessly raced through his disciplined mind, but these two stood above all others.

"General, you’ve been unconscious for just under five months," Vlad responded calmly, stepping forward to greet him formally. "As for the Korokor Stronghold’s condition, allow me to explain."

Vlad patiently and thoroughly detailed every significant event that had transpired since Tiberius’ incapacitation. His voice remained steady and clear, leaving no crucial detail unaddressed—outlining both triumphs and setbacks, the evolution of himself and Jormungandr, and their recent victories against the Vorometallicae forces.

General Tiberius listened attentively, expression grave but thoughtful as he absorbed each word. The atmosphere grew charged with determination and purpose.