Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 715: General Tiberius’ power up

Chapter 715: General Tiberius’ power up

"I must thank you. You have done a great job—and saved this old man from the shame of losing the stronghold."

General Tiberius clasped his hands together and performed a deep, formal bow toward Vlad. Despite being a celebrated general of the Graecia Empire, a master of millions of soldiers, there wasn’t a shred of hesitation in his actions.

Tiberius did not bow to thank Vlad for saving his life, but for protecting the battlefield—the very heart and symbol of their people’s survival.

A complicated expression surfaced on Vlad’s face as he witnessed the general’s humility. Yet he knew better than to try to stop him; doing so would only be an insult. Instead, Vlad respectfully returned the bow.

"I simply did what you would have done in my place," Vlad replied earnestly.

After a few moments, both men straightened, professionalism settling between them. Sensing that they were now up to speed, Vlad adopted a solemn expression, his tone becoming more serious as he continued.

"Spartacus will arrive soon," Vlad said. "He’s gathering the strongest Sages and Half-Step Legends to bring them to the frontline. Our supply lines have been severely compromised, so Marshal Maximo has decided to stake everything on one final assault. The goal is clear—to break into the Void Heart Fortress and seize control of it from within."

A sharp glint appeared in the eyes of both General Tiberius and Jormungandr as they heard those words. Both understood the logic behind such a bold maneuver—and they accepted it. In fact, they encouraged it.

Yet they were also seasoned enough to recognize the tremendous risks involved. Breaching the Void Heart Fortress would be difficult. Conquering it outright would be even harder. But if they succeeded, the enemy’s rear attacks and severed supply lines would no longer matter.

"There are still three days before Spartacus arrives," Vlad continued, his voice low but powerful. His gaze shifted meaningfully toward General Tiberius. "General, by any chance, do you possess a Demon Soul that could be adapted to your battle style?"

General Tiberius’s eyes narrowed slightly at the question, instantly understanding the deeper implication behind it. He glanced at the faint runic glow embedded into the bodies of both Vlad and Jormungandr.

The Demon Soul Hunter Strengthening System had become widespread throughout the Golden Sky Fortress by now; Tiberius was well aware of its power.

Regretfully, he shook his head. "No. I have not yet acquired one."

"I see," Vlad mused, nodding thoughtfully. "In that case, I suggest we take another path. I can engrave a different Legendary Runic Set onto your body—the Mark of Cain. It will significantly enhance your sundering power, boost your strength and endurance, and allow you to siphon vitality from the enemies you strike."

Rather than forcing a Legendary Demon Soul onto the general that might not suit him, Vlad chose the full Mark of Cain Runic Set—a proven tool of battle enhancement. It was the smarter option.

General Tiberius appeared surprised for a heartbeat before a wide smile stretched across his weathered face. He clenched his fists, feeling renewed purpose surging through his veins. He was far from his peak, but the addition of a Legendary Runic Set would restore much of his former battlefield prowess.

"I would greatly appreciate your help," the general said with a firm nod.

"No problem," Vlad replied, returning the smile. "After all, the stronger you are, the better our chances of victory."

Jormungandr, seeing that everything was proceeding smoothly, excused himself with a small nod. He moved toward a quiet corner of the vast chamber and immediately began meditating.

The small yellow cat had only just reached the Legendary Realm, and it was paramount that he establish subtle control over his massive new energy pool if he hoped to survive the imminent battle at the Void Heart Fortress.

Yet that wasn’t the only thing he was working on.

Jormungandr also consumed a dark plasma potion designed to nurture his Depravita Seed. He knew he wouldn’t be able to evolve his body to the Legendary Tier quickly enough, but there remained a slim chance he could stimulate his Depravita Seed into evolving into a Depravita Star—thus becoming the True Depravita of Gluttony.

The chances were slim, but the reward was immense enough to be worth the risk.

Meanwhile, Vlad wasted no time. He quickly pulled out his runic components and began preparing the materials needed for the Legendary engraving.

Given that his residence was ruined earlier by Jormungandr’s explosive breakthrough, they were now using the spacious and sturdier halls of the yellow cat’s home.

General Tiberius, following the procedure calmly, removed his armor and clothing, remaining only in his undergarments. A solemn expression settled over his face as he moved his internal energy, carefully testing his current limits. Although not at full strength, he remained a force to be reckoned with.

Within minutes, Vlad completed the necessary preparations. Taking the legendary runic pen, he pressed its tip against General Tiberius’s chest and began the complex work of engraving the Mark of Cain.

What General Tiberius experienced could hardly be called pain—it was agony. Every stroke of the runic pen felt like a blazing sword carving into his flesh, scraping across his nerves and energy pathways. Each line pushed his body to the brink of collapse.

But General Tiberius did not move.

Not a single muscle twitched.

His will was iron, his focus absolute. His cold, disciplined eyes betrayed not even a flicker of weakness as he endured every excruciating moment without complaint.

Vlad’s own expression was as sharp as a sword. His hand was steady and unyielding as he carefully carved each stroke with precision and expertise. For nearly five hours, he worked without pause, engraving the full set onto the battle-hardened general’s body.

Finally, the last rune was sealed.

General Tiberius staggered slightly, his body pale from the immense strain. Even for a man like him, the pain of receiving an entire Legendary Runic Set at once was overwhelming. Yet, after a few heavy breaths, a brilliant smile broke across his face.

His energy circulated through the newly embedded Mark of Cain, and he felt it: the immense might surging through his limbs.

"Hahaha! Excellent!" General Tiberius roared, clenching his fists tightly. "I can now exert almost the same battle strength as before my injuries!"

For a moment, the stoic general’s joy could not be contained. Excitement and battle-thirst burned bright in his eyes.