Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 718: Runes and potions

Chapter 718: Runes and potions

"Speak your mind."

Marshal Maximo’s voice was calm, but his eyes burned with intensity. He had come to know Vlad well during this war—both the sharpness of his mind and the terrifying precision of his martial strength. If Vlad had something to say, it was worth listening to.

"If we can delay the incursion for just seven days," Vlad began, "I’ll be able to engrave the Legendary Demon Cage Runic Formation onto every warrior present here."

The tent fell completely silent.

Then, as his words settled in, dozens of eyes widened in disbelief. Even the High Legends could not entirely contain the wave of excitement and hunger that coursed through them.

The Demon Soul Hunter Strengthening System was already well-known within the Golden Sky Fortress, but to have a Legendary Demon Cage engraved on them? That was another matter entirely.

Even if a warrior didn’t possess a perfectly compatible Demon Soul, the cage alone could be used to temporarily summon the demon into combat—effectively turning it into a powerful meat shield or secondary attacker. In a clash of such magnitude, even a few seconds of distraction could mean life or death.

To say it was useful was an understatement. It could easily save countless lives.

Every pair of eyes slowly turned toward Marshal Maximo, silently begging for his response.

Maximo was already thrilled by the idea. His mind raced with calculations. After a few moments of measured thought, he gave a sharp nod.

"We can delay for seven days. It’ll cut things dangerously close in terms of supplies, and it will give the Vorometallicae in the rear time to regroup," he admitted. "But if what you say is true, it will be worth the risk. I approve."

Smiles broke across the faces of every Legendary warrior in the room. Hope surged through them again—stronger than before. And the good news wasn’t finished yet.

"If we truly have seven days," Jormungandr said, stepping forward, "then I’ll be able to brew a batch of Legendary Xaos Berserker Potions for everyone here."

Instantly, all attention shifted to the small yellow cat. The very idea shocked the room. Their eyes widened further as realization dawned: not only was Jormungandr a formidable combatant, but he was also a Legendary Alchemist.

"I can create a potion that will fully restore your energy pool," he explained, "and temporarily supercharge your vitality. Even if you receive a fatal wound, you’ll be able to keep fighting for ten hours."

He paused, letting that sink in, before adding, "Of course, when the effect ends... a normal Legend might fall into a coma. High Legends will likely be bed-bound for several days—possibly weeks."

The drawbacks were indeed terrifying—but no more so than the battle ahead. The potion might break their bodies afterward, but it would let them live through the chaos. That was all that mattered.

Jormungandr grinned, proud of what he could offer. "All I need are the hearts of fifteen Legendary Vorometallicae, and I’ll have enough material to brew one for everyone present."

Such materials were rare and precious—but Marshal Maximo didn’t hesitate for a second. He nodded at once.

"Done."

With the logistics decided, Maximo’s heart swelled with renewed hope. This was more than just two powerful allies joining the battle—this was an entire arsenal of life-saving boons. Their odds of victory were no longer remote—they were rising.

"Vlad," Maximo said firmly, "you’ll take my personal tent to perform the engravings. I’ll send all the materials you need—high-grade energy sources too to help you fight off the drain and exhaustion. Start with those who already have suitable Legendary Demon Souls. The rest will follow in a structured order."

Vlad nodded without hesitation, as did the other Legends, suppressing their eagerness beneath a disciplined calm. There was no time for chaos—only order would ensure everyone was prepared.

"As for you," Maximo said, turning to Jormungandr, "the treasury is in the eastern corner of the camp. Go there and take whatever you need. I don’t care about the cost. I only care that each of us gets one of those potions."

Jormungandr gave a deep, respectful bow. He understood the gravity of the responsibility placed on him, and he was fully prepared to deliver.

Maximo smiled as he watched the little cat’s unwavering confidence. Then, he took a deep breath and turned back to the room.

"Well then," he said, voice like steel, "we all have our jobs. In seven days, we attack. And this war ends—with us standing victorious on the soil that once belonged to the Vorometallicae for hundreds of thousands of years."

The Legends and generals in the tent all nodded as one. Their eyes were sharp, their faces grim yet determined. Then they turned and moved, scattering to their duties. Vlad went to begin the engravings. Jormungandr to the alchemy station. The rest went to train, prepare, and steel themselves for the bloodbath to come.

Vlad entered Maximo’s tent and paused, letting a quiet smile rise to his lips.

"Just as I expected."

The tent was bare—no luxury, no unnecessary comforts. Just a table, a cot, and a battle map. A fitting space for a man who lived on the frontlines, whose only rest came in brief hours stolen from war, who slept only when exhaustion became unbearable.

Vlad didn’t waste time.

He unpacked his legendary runic pen and began preparing the materials. Moments later, a group of soldiers entered the room, carefully carrying a large chest filled with golden ores. When Vlad focused on them, his eyes widened.

"Origin Force!"

It wasn’t pure, but even diluted, it held incredible value.

"This won’t refine my body like the raw essence would," Vlad muttered to himself, "but it will perfectly restore my vitality and energy pool. Better than anything else we’ve got."

A wide grin spread across his face as he turned toward the entrance of the tent, where the first group of Legends had already begun lining up.

"Come in," he called, his voice filled with steady resolve.