Beyond the Apocalypse-Chapter 572: Bloodroar

"These are some of the great heroes of the Golden Sky Fortress—men and women from different races and backgrounds who fought with immense determination and will, bearing deep wounds from their clashes against the Vorometallicae Race."

Marshal Maximo’s voice interrupted Vlad’s train of thought, drawing his attention back to the wounded warriors. A deep and solemn expression settled on the Marshal’s face, his every feature radiating an overwhelming sense of responsibility and respect. The Depravita of Wrath could see as clearly as day that Maximo considered the healing and safety of these people to be one of his most important duties.

Vlad did not offer any commentary, as he did not personally know these warriors. However, his eyes glowed with admiration. No matter who they were or where they came from, anyone willing to pay the ultimate price to protect their home was a hero in his eyes.

Maximo nodded in silent approval as he noted the reverence in Vlad’s gaze. Then, in a solemn voice, he said, "Prepare your materials and be ready to work as quickly as possible. While the flames slow the advance of the chaotic energy of The Darkness, their wounds remain critical. Once I remove them from the healing poods, their condition will begin to deteriorate rapidly."

Vlad’s expression turned serious. He gave a sharp nod before sinking into a meditative position, gathering his materials with focused precision. As before, he mixed the necessary ingredients with a flaming surge of Depravita Aura before placing them into his legendary runic pen. However, even after this step was complete, he did not immediately rise. Instead, he closed his eyes and steadied his breathing, honing his mind for the intricate work ahead.

Marshal Maximo did not rush him. He understood that clear and sharp focus was required for such delicate runic craftsmanship. For nearly fifteen minutes, Vlad remained motionless, deep in concentration. Then, at last, he opened his eyes and gave the Marshal a sharp nod.

Without hesitation, Maximo strode toward one of the larger metal pods, its surface glowing faintly from the magic matrices etched into its frame. With controlled strength, he opened the pod and lifted out a massive ogre, nearly seven meters tall, before carefully placing him on an operating table in the middle of the room.

The ogre was a formidable sight. His towering, brawny physique was covered in green skin stretched over battle-hardened muscles. His broad chest and thick arms radiated sheer strength, every inch of his body forged for combat. Veins pulsed beneath his skin, emphasizing his raw physical power, while the countless scars decorating his body told the stories of brutal battles and hard-fought victories. His bulging shoulders and thick, sinewy neck supported his massive frame, making him look like an unstoppable force on the battlefield.

But at the center of his chest was a grievous wound, seemingly made by massive claws. The wound was so deep that one could almost see his heart. Tendrils of chaotic energy from The Darkness spread through the wound, creeping dangerously close to the vital organ. If he were removed from the chamber without intervention, there was a high chance he would succumb to the corruption within hours.

Maximo’s voice carried an air of personal concern as he spoke. "His name is Bloodroar. He is a good friend—and a fierce warrior. Sometimes too fierce for his own good." His expression was complicated, revealing a mix of admiration and worry.

Vlad took a deep breath as he examined the ogre. Despite the horrific wound that would have been fatal for most beings, Bloodroar still clung to life. Even in his unconscious state, a powerful aura radiated from his body, giving the impression that he could rise at any moment, ready to charge into battle once more.

Of course, Vlad did not allow himself to be distracted. His eyes sharpened like a blade as he raised his legendary runic pen and began his work. His hand moved with astonishing speed, yet every stroke displayed flawless dexterity. The runic lines spread out, forming a complex network of symbols around the wound, surrounding the chaotic energy of the Darkness.

The process took ten intense minutes. By the time Vlad carved the final line, exhaustion weighed on both his body and mind. Yet even as fatigue threatened to overtake him, he scrutinized the formation carefully, ensuring its flawless execution before turning to Maximo and giving him a confirming nod.

Without hesitation, the Marshal placed his hand over the Darkness-Devouring Runic Formation and channeled his energy into the runes. The moment his power flowed through them, the formation ignited, its runes set ablaze with an ethereal fire that spread over Bloodroar’s wounds.

A strained groan escaped the ogre’s lips as waves of pain assaulted him, even in his unconscious state. His muscles twitched, his fingers clenched into fists. But both Vlad and Maximo smiled slightly, for the true battle was happening beneath the surface—the flames of the runic formation were consuming the chaotic energy, slowly purging it from the ogre’s body.

The purification lasted just over thirty seconds, but even in that short span, the impact was significant. The fire only managed to burn away a fraction of the chaotic energy—about a tenth of the corruption. However, Marshal Maximo was more than satisfied. Though much remained, the most dangerous portion—the corruption closest to Bloodroar’s heart—had been pushed back. His immediate survival was now assured.

Healing him completely would take time, but there was no rush. They would take it one step at a time, repeating the process until all traces of the Darkness were eliminated.

Maximo turned to Vlad with a wide smile. "Good job, young man. Your Darkness-Devouring Runic Formation is truly remarkable."

He carefully lifted Bloodroar’s body and placed him back into the healing pod, sealing the chamber once more. The golden liquid resumed its flow around the ogre, further aiding his slow but steady recovery.

As they exited the chamber together, Maximo spoke again. "I will see you again in two days."

The Marshal gestured for Vlad to exit the residence. With a final glance back at the chamber, Vlad turned and left, heading to his residence as his body and mind needed rest.

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