Beyond the Apocalypse-Chapter 577: The Mark of Cain (IV)

Vlad’s eyes were bloodshot as he continued carving the intricate runic lines, each stroke forged with unyielding focus and immense power. He could feel the pressure intensify with every new symbol he etched onto his skin. As the network of runes expanded beyond his hands, branching out to connect with previously inscribed runes, they intertwined with flawless precision, merging together both their individual powers and the underlying energy circuits.

By the time the blazing runes reached his legs, a thin stream of blood began to trickle from Vlad’s nose, a clear sign that the mental exertion was testing even his Sage Tier physique beyond its normal limits. Yet, Vlad did not falter. There was no moment of hesitation—his hand remained firm until the very last line was carved.

Finally, the entire runic set began to glow with a dark red radiance. A suffocating force spread across his body, the ground beneath him fracturing under the sheer pressure. Even the air within the chamber crackled with heat as if ignited by the surge of energy. In that moment, a new force awakened deep within Vlad’s being, one unlike anything he had ever experienced before.

The Mark of Cain was no longer just a set of external runes—it had become an inseparable part of him. His aura flared violently, energy coiling around him in undulating waves. Vlad’s blood felt like it was boiling, and his muscles vibrated with raw power. A fierce hunger for battle burned hot within his heart, compelling him to test this newfound might.

Despite feeling on the verge of collapse from the intense strain and exhaustion, Vlad’s curiosity proved even stronger. Summoning the A.I. Chip embedded within his mind, he commanded. "A.I. Chip, scan me."

It took only seconds for the chip’s robotic voice to echo in his thoughts:

[Beep! Scanning the Host....

Name: Vlad Xaos

Race: Human/Depravita

Class: Warrior/Demon Soul Master

...

Level (Energy): 15 → 17

Level (Body): 20

Level (Demon Soul Master): High Champion Tier

Lineage: Thunder Lord (Guardian Tier)

Life Level: Sage Tier

...

Stats:

Strength: 1900.2 → 2345.2

Agility: 924.5 → 1156.5

Vitality: 2500.2 → 2942.1

Energy Pool (Force): 45.4 → 100.2

...

Racial Skills:

Heart of Wrath

Burning Eyes of Fury

Bloodline Ability: Lightning Forged Charge

...

Gift: Samsara Typhoon

...

Depravita Aura: 3/3 Waves

...

Note: Host’s flesh has been altered with a unique component similar to the one found in the flesh of the Leviathan King, exponentially enhancing endurance and resilience to physical and spell-based damage.]

A triumphant smile spread across Vlad’s face as he read the updated information. The numbers felt surreal. He had managed to ascend incredibly quickly in less than five months since entering the Doomsday World, and even now, he could feel his strength continuing to climb. Not only had he reached Level 17, but he was already closing in on Level 18. That meant Level 19—and his evolution into a full Sage—was not all that far away.

However, Vlad was careful not to get drunk on his accomplishments. He knew far too well the importance of foundation. Within the complex system of power cultivation, a sturdy base was vital, not only to ensure better potential but also because the stronger one’s foundations and abilities, the more formidable the Sage Ability awakened at the final stage would be.

As for his physical body, though it hadn’t officially risen in level, it had improved greatly and was very close to Level 21. Yet something nagged at the back of Vlad’s mind: the strength of his Demon Soul Master Path and his bloodline. By all rights, his runic expertise was sufficient to seal a Guardian Tier soul inside a carefully prepared parchment and to evolve the Demon Soul Cage enough to withstand that power. His Sage Tier soul force also posed no hindrance. What stood in his way was the simple lack of a demon soul.

Of course, Vlad had considered the feasibility of using the soul of Vorometallicae, but it was simply not possible. Demonic souls were perfect for sealing inside a body precisely because of their nature: demons were, at their core, souls transformed into flesh by the Abyss. This gave them an extreme affinity for possession. Devils were similarly compatible, but beyond those two fiendish categories, options became scarce. Unless Vlad found dwellers of Hell or the Abyss here in the Land of the Three Calamities, his Demon Soul Master Path would remain stuck where it was.

His Thunder Lord Bloodline posed a different kind of challenge. It remained potent enough to be of assistance, but without Origin Force, evolving it would be more costly than it was worth at the moment. In theory, he could purchase a new bloodline from the Logistic Military Center, as such things were available—but to be truly effective, it would need to be a Sage Tier bloodline, which cost a fortune. Such an endeavor would be just as expensive as all the resources he had poured into forging the Mark of Cain Runic Set.

Vlad exhaled a weary sigh as he thought about finances yet again.

"Money, money, money. My life keeps revolving around it," he murmured, a rueful smile creeping onto his lips. No matter how powerful he became, there always seemed to be a need for more resources, more military credits, more of everything. Yet that was how cultivation in the Doomsday World went: every leap in power had its price, whether in coin or in blood.

With that, he let himself collapse to the ground, finally surrendering to his fatigue. Exhaustion took him in an instant, and he fell into a dreamless sleep.

When Vlad awoke, he felt a lingering soreness in his muscles, but the dominating sensation was one of renewed determination. After quickly refreshing himself, he left his residence in the military compound’s middle ring and headed inward toward the imposing castle where the Marshal, Maximo, resided. This pattern had become so consistent that Maximo was already waiting at the entrance, his arms crossed over his broad chest.

Though the Marshal’s expression remained guarded, his gaze flickered with interest the moment he noticed the newly formed runes etched into Vlad’s skin. He could sense that the Mark of Cain Runic Set pulsed with formidable energy, though it had not yet reached the Legendary Realm. Still, Maximo merely nodded in quiet acknowledgment before leading Vlad into the castle’s main chamber.

Inside, Vlad was directed to another patient in critical condition. With painstaking care, Vlad engraved and activated a fresh Darkness Devouring Runic Formation. Soon, a portion of the chaotic energy receded.

Seeing the success, Vlad offered a courteous bow to the Marshal and excused himself. He was ready to march into the Howling Chasm and test the Mark of Cain Runic Set.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢