Chapter 782: Brain of Thot
The Emperor displayed a faint, approving smile as he observed the unwavering determination and fierce confidence burning within the eyes of the True Depravita of Wrath.
"All the information you require will be provided soon," he assured Vlad, his voice resonating with solemn authority. "We shall also grant you the means to safely teleport into the world that is targeted for invasion."
At this moment, the Emperor, known widely as the White Death, paused thoughtfully, his expression growing even graver as he emphasized his next words carefully. "However, you must remember clearly: this initial stage of the war demands absolute secrecy. Should you fail, we will immediately deny any involvement with your actions, branding you as traitors who have acted independently and unlawfully against our own allies. Do you understand the severity of this?"
Indeed, the primary reason the Emperor chose to depend on Vlad and his people for this mission was precisely to maintain plausible deniability in the event of failure. To be abandoned and condemned was undeniably harsh, but in matters of war, it was a common practice—an expected consequence of high-stakes operations.
This wasn’t merely a skirmish or a small-scale conflict; it was an expansive war that had the potential to influence not just the fate of Graceia, but thousands of worlds under its dominion. If left uncontrolled, the consequences would be catastrophic, claiming trillions of innocent lives.
Vlad nodded firmly, his eyes burning resolutely as he replied without hesitation, "I fully comprehend the risks, Your Majesty, and willingly accept them."
Vlad’s choice was neither reckless nor impulsive. His conviction stemmed from deep confidence in the formidable strength of the Xaos Kingdom. He genuinely believed they had the capability to achieve victory in this perilous task.
Moreover, he recognized the immense rewards awaiting those who dared to shoulder such monumental risks. Victory in this secretive war could elevate the Xaos Kingdom swiftly to supremacy within just a few years, especially if they successfully dismantled the influential Zanis Association.
Should that outcome be realized, Vlad could secure a glorious and powerful future for his people, ensuring Terra’s lasting safety and prosperity. Temporary danger and hardship were justified prices for securing enduring glory, unmatched strength, and everlasting peace.
The Emperor, satisfied by Vlad’s resolve, nodded approvingly once more. "Very good. Maximo will guide you to the Imperial Treasury. There, he will bestow upon you the promised Divine Treasure designed for your soul."
At this moment, Alexandro briefly paused, turning his gaze toward the hooded figure standing silently by his side. Only after this enigmatic entity gave an almost imperceptible nod did the Emperor continue, his tone authoritative yet subtly respectful, "Additionally, each of your companions will be permitted to select one top-tier Divine Treasure of their choosing."
Freya, Ouroboros, Jormungandr, and Fafnir could not conceal their excitement at this news, wide smiles spreading eagerly across their faces. Even powerful Lords could benefit immensely from Divine Treasures. The chance to select such rare artifacts was indeed a priceless boon.
Vlad, too, felt genuine enthusiasm at the significant boost to his strongest warriors’ capabilities, although he found his attention repeatedly drawn toward the mysterious hooded figure beside the Emperor.
Curiosity gnawed at his thoughts, making him wonder who this hidden individual could possibly be, and why their judgment and opinion seemed to hold such considerable weight with someone as powerful as the White Death himself.
"Alright," Maximo interjected suddenly, breaking Vlad’s momentary contemplation. "Follow me now, youngsters."
Recognizing there was no time left to linger in idle speculation, Vlad swiftly fell into step alongside his allies, following Maximo out of the Emperor’s throne room.
Soon, only Alexandro and the enigmatic figure remained within the vast, echoing hall. After a moment of contemplative silence, the White Death’s expression hardened slightly.
"Are you certain that sending them into that particular world is the correct decision?" Alexandro questioned with evident concern. "Our analysis indicates that whoever goes there is destined to perish."
The hooded figure answered softly, his voice carefully cloaked to mask both age and gender, an aura of inscrutable mystery surrounding every syllable. "Your assessment is accurate. Normally, even our greatest warriors and geniuses would inevitably fail in this task. However, there is something unique about that young man—Vlad. I sense a powerful current of destiny swirling around him. If anyone can accomplish the impossible, it will undoubtedly be him."
Alexandro silently weighed these words, studying the hooded figure closely. Finally, he gave a decisive nod, displaying a rare moment of genuine trust. "Your instincts have never failed me before. If you believe they can succeed, I shall trust your judgment without hesitation. Should they triumph, the blow dealt to the Zanius family would be so devastating that we would essentially claim victory in half of this war."
The hooded figure acknowledged the Emperor’s trust with a respectful bow. Without another word, he turned gracefully and vanished seamlessly into a stream of shadow, leaving the Emperor alone in contemplative silence.
Now solitary, the White Death closed his eyes, exhaling slowly. Gradually, his immense aura began to expand, flooding the chamber and generating a pressure so intense it could shatter the bones of even Legendary beings. His energy sharpened dramatically, transforming into a blade-like force, signaling his readiness for an impending battle—a confrontation he understood could determine life or death within mere nanoseconds.
As Emperor, he was no stranger to risk; if he commanded others into the jaws of danger with such calm authority, it was only because he himself stood willing to face even greater peril, unafraid to stake his very life.
Unaware of this silent exchange behind closed doors, Vlad silently followed Maximo until they finally arrived at a colossal hall. The moment Vlad and his Depravita companions stepped inside, their eyes widened in awe. Instantly, their hearts felt overwhelmed by the incredible purity of the divine energy filling the space, washing over them and pushing their minds into a profound state of serenity and peace.
Divine Treasures were piled throughout the chamber in unimaginable quantities, each radiating power and sanctity. Their combined energies saturated the air, creating an atmosphere dense with divine might.
Vlad quickly regained his composure, maintaining focus as he continued to follow Maximo deeper into the hall. They soon reached a glass case positioned prominently atop a raised pedestal. Within it rested an object of breathtaking wonder—a translucent brain formed from the essence of a cosmic nebula. It shimmered with a ceaseless, mesmerizing light, pulsating gently as though it was alive and evolving endlessly.
Vlad stared at this remarkable treasure in silent awe.
"This is the Brain of Thot," Marshal Maximo said with reverence, holding up a small crystalline orb that pulsed with faint silver light. "Once fused with your brain, it will enhance your cognitive capacity, the endurance of your spirit, and the strength of your soul force."
His tone left no doubt about the artifact’s value. This was not just a rare treasure—it was a Divine Treasure, the kind of relic most cultivators never even glimpsed in their lifetimes.
Vlad’s eyes narrowed as he listened to the description, then turned toward the Marshal.
"Fused?" he asked calmly. "As in... it becomes one with me?"
The True Depravita of Wrath wasn’t afraid of fusion. At their level of cultivation, integrating treasures, elemental cores, or divine relics into one’s body and soul was not only common—it was often essential. Still, what surprised him was the permanence of this offering. A fused Divine Treasure would no longer be a separate entity. It would cease to be a gift that could be returned or passed on. It would become his, irreversibly.
Maximo met Vlad’s gaze and offered a small, approving smile.
"The treasure will be yours—and yours alone."
He paused for a moment, then added in a more solemn tone, "But you must also understand why the Emperor is entrusting you with something so rare."
Vlad’s expression darkened slightly, but not out of fear—out of clarity. He understood what Maximo was implying. The dangers ahead would be vast, possibly unlike anything he’d ever faced. He would be marching into the heart of enemy territory, carrying the hopes of an empire on his back.
But his resolve remained unshaken.
He had already chosen his path. There was no room for fear or hesitation now.
Seeing the unwavering determination in the True Depravita’s eyes, the Marshal finally opened the sealed container and presented the Divine Treasure to him. Vlad accepted it with quiet respect, storing it safely within his dimensional ring. He would undergo the fusion ritual later—at the right time, in full preparation.
Meanwhile, the other Depravitas had been watching the exchange closely. Soon, Maximo opened the vault further, revealing several other Divine Treasures, each pulsing with unique energy signatures. One by one, the Depravitas stepped forward and selected the relics that best aligned with their abilities, personalities, and combat styles. These artifacts would soon amplify their strength to new levels, and they all understood the weight that came with such power.
Once the distribution was complete, Maximo turned and led them out of the hall.
At the gate, he stopped and nodded to them all.
"Everything is in motion now," he announced. "The information related to your mission will be transmitted shortly. Our forces will begin mobilizing to your target world. Secret teleportation formations are already under construction to support your invasion. And the tools you’ll need to sever the world’s connection to the rest of the universe—those are on the way as well."
Vlad and the others nodded in silent acknowledgment. No more words were needed.
The war had begun, and they each had their role to play.
Without delay, the Depravitas turned and departed the floating citadel, marching toward the Interstellar Teleportation Formation back to Terra.