Chapter 786: Building the Interstellar Teleportation Formation
Mirena, Frank, Roman, Clasius, and Amara couldn’t help but widen their eyes and clench their fists as they heard Vlad’s words.
The power of the Depravitas was already well-known throughout the Xaos Kingdom. These were beings capable of transcending their rank in battle, wielding unique and often fearsome abilities. Their regenerative powers alone were legendary—True Depravitas could survive even having their hearts pierced, regrowing vital organs at a speed visible to the naked eye.
But as the Royal Guard absorbed the idea of undergoing such a transformation, their minds drifted to the memory of the Lords of Horror.
Those warriors had once been hailed as living weapons, battle-hardened masters, and heroes of the Leviathan War. Their images had been carved into monuments, revered by every man, woman, and child in the kingdom. Yet, the cost of their transformation had been steep.
Though they had gained immense power, the consequences were just as terrifying. Their ability to cultivate naturally had vanished, their emotions dulled to near non-existence. They had become more machine than man—soldiers in the shape of heroes.
Of course, in those days, Terra had been in existential danger. Hundreds of thousands had died in that war. Sacrificing one’s emotions and future had seemed a small price to pay to protect the world. But things were different now.
The threat they faced was real, but not immediate. The kingdom was no longer on the edge of annihilation. The idea of willingly sacrificing their future and their ego was not a light decision for any of them.
That said, if Vlad commanded it, they would obey. Their loyalty was absolute. Yet, their inner turmoil was not lost on Vlad.
A small, knowing smile appeared on his face as he gestured toward Overlord, the AI Chip Clone, to continue.
"Your evolution will not be like that of the Lords of Horror," Overlord said calmly, his voice echoing with both reassurance and authority. "Back then, our knowledge and capabilities were limited. The imbalance between body and soul led to irreversible damage. But that is no longer the case. Today, we have the means to preserve your mind, ego, and long-term growth."
He paused.
"Or at least, not too much will be lost."
The Royal Guards arched eyebrows at that. Their brief joy was tempered with renewed seriousness. Overlord, however, didn’t leave them in suspense.
"The genetic blueprint for your transformation will be based on our Prime Master’s own genome—specifically, the aspect of Wrath. That emotional essence will imprint itself onto your DNA. You may feel it rise during battle, influencing your instincts and judgment. But if you learn to master it through willpower, it can be your greatest weapon rather than a weakness."
The unease melted from the Royal Guards’ expressions. Wrath was no stranger to them. They had wielded it before—controlled it, refined it. If that would be the price for transcending their humanity, then it was one they were more than willing to pay.
Seeing the renewed determination burning in their eyes, Vlad nodded to Overlord.
"Send them to the Energy Core. An incarnation of me will be waiting there to guide them through the first step of their evolution."
With solemn expressions and hands clasped over their hearts, Mirena, Frank, Roman, Clasius, and Amara bowed deeply before turning and walking away, each step filled with silent resolve. They were ready to transcend the limits of humanity. They would evolve, not just for themselves—but to become the paragons of the Xaos Kingdom.
As soon as the Royal Guards had disappeared from sight, Vlad’s demeanor changed. His eyes sharpened, and his tone turned grave.
"Repeat the chances of success in their transformation."
Overlord, ever calm, turned to face Vlad.
"Thanks to their soul force, mental stability, and advanced cultivation, the probability of success stands at 80%," he said. "Once their genomes have adapted, and we follow through with the enhancement of their bodies through rune etching and alchemical grafting, they will carry the potential of Sky Seed-tier Depravitas."
Vlad remained silent for a moment. Eighty percent was a promising figure—but that also meant a one-in-five chance of failure. And failure in such procedures was never clean or painless.
"Is the contingency plan in case of rejection or overload in place?" Vlad asked.
Overlord nodded without hesitation. "Yes, Prime Master. Every safety measure has been taken."
Satisfied, Vlad turned his gaze to the sky.
"Just in time."
Overlord followed Vlad’s eyes and saw a plump man in elaborate mage robes descending through the clouds. His aura was powerful—undeniably that of a Legend. Behind him flew a group of ten Sages, each emanating impressive spiritual force.
Under normal circumstances, Vlad would’ve reacted with suspicion—possibly even hostility—to such an assembly appearing so close to Xaos City. But this was no invasion.
These were their allies.
They were the envoys of the Imperial Magic Academy, arriving to construct the Interstellar Teleportation Formation that would connect Terra with the Graecia Empire’s homeworld—a vital step in the coming campaign.
"Focus on the evolution of the Royal Guard," Vlad ordered. "I’ll handle our guests."
And with that, he vanished from the control room in a flash of energy.
In less than three seconds, Vlad appeared in the sky, several kilometers above Xaos City, directly in front of the floating envoy.
The mage in front—short, round, and beaming with good-natured pomp—clasped his hands and bowed deeply.
"I humbly salute the Hero of Wrath, the Viking Slayer, and King of Terra—Vlad Xaos," he said with genuine reverence. "I am August, Senior Envoy of the Imperial Magic Academy."
The Sages behind him followed suit, each one performing respectful bows.
Vlad’s stern features softened slightly. He recognized the ceremony not as flattery, but as sincere respect from those who understood power and what it took to wield it with purpose.
According to Vlad’s knowledge, the mages from the Imperial Magic Academy—especially those specializing in the construction of Interstellar Teleportation Formations—were known to be among the most arrogant individuals in the Graecia Empire. And, to some extent, they had earned the right to be.
The craft they practiced was arcane and elusive, requiring decades of rigorous training just to grasp the fundamentals. Only a handful of individuals across the empire could even begin to understand, let alone master, the complexities of constructing such formations.
However, this particular group showed nothing but reverence the moment they laid eyes on the Xaos King.
And the reason for that was easy to understand.
Vlad’s background—and more importantly, the tales of his feats—not only from the Doomsday World but also from Valhalla, had already begun to circulate throughout Graecia. He was no longer just the King of a rising world. He was a symbol—a warrior king who had defied fate and carved his own legend across planes.
He had been the first human in history to charge into the Voidheart Fortress as a living champion, a feat that bordered on myth. Then, in an unprecedented campaign, he had entered Valhalla, slaughtered a Superior Legend of the Viking race, and rescued his Queen from the heart of enemy territory.
In Graecia, wisdom and skill were honored, but power still reigned supreme. It was an empire forged in war, upheld by strength, and ruled by those who stood at the summit of martial progress. These envoys understood that better than anyone.
If they knew that Earl Octavio had reached the Half-Step Lord tier before Vlad defeated him, they might have fallen to their knees out of sheer awe.
A subtle smile curved Vlad’s lips as he gazed at the group. Their expressions were filled with respect—not out of fear, but genuine admiration. He nodded and gestured for them to rise.
"It is a pleasure to receive you in my kingdom," Vlad said with composure and grace. "Please, come with me."
Vlad was not one to demand humility from others unless necessary. He believed in reciprocating respect when it was shown, and this group had conducted themselves with dignity. He turned, motioning for them to follow, and led the delegation toward the heart of Xaos City.
The streets bustled with life as they passed. Citizens stepped aside, offering reverent bows and quiet greetings. The presence of the legendary Xaos King walking side by side with powerful mages from Graecia was a sight that left many in awe.
They approached the towering monolith at the center of the city—The Xaos Tower. The people from Graecia could not help but marvel at the arcane engineering and architecture of the tower. Its spires pulsing with Divine Power, its walls inscribed with shifting runes powered by an amazing energy pool.
The construction of the Interstellar Teleportation Formation would require an astronomical amount of energy, more than most worlds could produce. But Terra had evolved, and the Xaos Tower stood as its greatest conduit—its beating heart. It was the only structure on the planet capable of supporting such a formation.
And it was now ready to link Terra to the Graecia Empire, not only opening the key for comerce, but also granting it a new layer of protection.