Beyond the Apocalypse

Inside the command tent, Freya, Jormungandr, King Viserin, Ned, and Grand Marshal Anglius were already gathered. Anglius no longer towered at an overwhelming size that surpassed the twelve-meter height; he had reduced his height to a little over four meters. He achieved this thanks to a small rune that decreased his stature.

While practical, it wasn’t particularly comfortable for the Grand Marshal. It required a constant supply of energy, so he only kept it active during occasions when his massive size was a problem—after all, not every building could accommodate someone of his usual height.

Vlad nodded to everyone as his eyes focused on the maps spread across the table in the center of the room. His gaze was sharp as he spoke in a solemn voice. "It is true we have attained a victory against the Leviathans, but everything will become harder from this point on. The hive mind now knows of our power and will be ready the next time we clash. Not to mention that deep inside the Monsoon Continent, there are Leviathans much more powerful that could put even my life in danger."

Freya, Jormungandr, Grand Marshal Anglius, Viserin, and Ned adopted solemn expressions as they absorbed his words. As the military’s higher-ups, they had access to all the information about the Leviathans that Vlad had gathered during his expedition into the Monsoon Continent. Yet, the young man’s reminder was still an eerie indication of just how hard this war would be.

Vlad didn’t want to crush their spirits or sow hesitation in their hearts. Still, before they put any plan or strategy into motion, he needed them to understand how different things would become and to remember the type of enemy they were facing.

Despite the somber aura, it didn’t take long for Freya, Anglius, Jormungandr, Ned, and Viserin to show renewed sharpness and determination, their hearts and souls ready for anything.

Vlad smiled as he saw the resolution in his generals and nodded before speaking again. "Our forces are currently far from enough to start an incursion into the heart of the Leviathan hive, and it will be a few weeks before the Xaos forces spread across the Asani Continent converge here. So our goal right now is only the Karman Country."

Everyone in the room nodded; that was the wisest move at the moment. If Xoas forces managed to secure the entire Karman Country, they would have a base from which all logistical maneuvers could begin.

Once their goal was clear and everyone was on the same page, the holographic table in the middle of the command center glowed. The image of the Karman Country appeared, dividing into three sections, alongside the tiny holographic figure of an old man.