Beyond the Apocalypse

Chapter 1126: New Totems

The Primordial God of Bloodshed and Battle showed a wide smile when he heard Vlad’s decision.

The help of the True Depravita of Wrath and the other sovereigns would be invaluable. Though Odinvaldr could not reveal all the details yet, their participation would change the course of events in ways even the other Primordial Gods had not foreseen.

However, before he could celebrate their agreement, Vlad continued speaking.

"However, before we move, we need to secure our people," he said firmly. "And for that, we will need your help."

A complicated expression appeared on Odinvaldr’s face. It had been a very long time since someone had dared to negotiate terms with a Primordial God.

Still, he simply nodded.

"I am listening."

"You have great control over the power of the Universe Will and the Universe Matrix," Vlad said, his voice calm but determined. "You already demonstrated that when you transformed the First Layer of Hell."

Odinvaldr did not interrupt.

"We want you to do the same with the other layers," Vlad continued. "While you are doing that, our forces will continue marching through Hell. Our goal is the complete conquest of the entire realm."

The True Depravita of Wrath’s eyes shone with fierce determination.

"That way we can move our families, friends, and civilians to a place that will remain safe while we are gone. Without that certainty, we cannot leave them behind. Too many powers in this universe have already targeted their lives."

Odinvaldr studied the group in silence.

He understood their motivation. In fact, he respected it.

Protecting one’s people was a duty no true leader could abandon.

However, after a moment, he slowly shook his head.

"I cannot do that."

The words caused the sovereigns’ expressions to darken slightly.

"Transforming the First Layer of Hell was already extremely dangerous," Odinvaldr explained. "That realm is fundamentally aligned with Darkness. Altering its laws breaks several cosmic taboos."

He sighed quietly.

"When I return to the Primordial Divine Realm, I will certainly pay a price for what I have already done."

The chamber grew silent.

"And even if I were willing to ignore those consequences," he continued, "this vessel I am currently using has limited power. At most, I could transform two more layers of Hell and still retain enough strength to return home—and bring you with me."

A deep frown appeared on Vlad’s face.

The other sovereigns also looked troubled. Things were clearly not going to be as simple as they had hoped.

For several seconds they exchanged glances, silently analyzing their options.

Finally, Vlad spoke again.

"Then we need your help transforming two more layers," he said. "That will be enough for us to relocate all of our people into Hell and guarantee their safety."

Odinvaldr considered the proposal carefully.

After a moment, he sighed again and nodded.

"I will probably face serious trouble for this," he admitted. "But those bastards already hate me anyway."

A faint smirk appeared on his face.

"So what difference does it make? I will do it."

The tension in the room eased slightly.

But Odinvaldr was not finished.

"However," he added, glancing at the sovereigns, "I would like something in return."

Vlad frowned slightly.

"What is it?"

"I want to spread my Totems among your forces."

That request immediately made the True Depravita of Wrath’s expression darken.

The Totems of the Viking Race were incredibly powerful. If warriors across the Six Sun Alliance could use them, their strength would increase dramatically.

But Vlad also remembered how those same Totems had once been used to corrupt a large portion of Valhalla.

As expected, Odinvaldr quickly noticed the hesitation in his eyes.

A flash of shame crossed the Primordial God’s face.

"The schemes of Eternal Puppeteer caught me completely by surprise," he admitted. "His power and manipulation deceived even me. He managed to use my own Totems to spread corruption throughout Valhalla."

His voice hardened.

"For that failure... I will never forgive myself."

Vlad could understand that feeling all too well. After all, Eternal Puppeteer had also tricked him—manipulating him into killing the creature and opening the gateway that allowed the Master to arrive.

However, Odinvaldr continued.

"I have spent a great deal of time improving the Totems since then," he explained. "The new versions only affect the body and the energy pool. They will not interact with the soul."

His gaze became firm.

"That means there is no risk of corruption or mental manipulation."

He paused briefly.

"Of course, this also means they will not strengthen the soul directly. Your warriors will still need other systems of cultivation to improve their souls and spiritual foundations."

Odinvaldr glanced at Vlad and Overlord.

"But your alliance already possesses such systems."

The two leaders exchanged a quick look.

There were indeed advantages to this approach.

"For an alliance focused on constant warfare and rapid advancement," Odinvaldr continued, "this system will be extremely effective. Your warriors will grow much faster."

His eyes shone with confidence.

"And I do not even require their faith. This will be a purely transactional arrangement."

That final point sealed the deal.

The benefits were enormous, while the risks were minimal.

The sovereigns exchanged brief telepathic messages among themselves. After several seconds, they all nodded.

"Very well," Vlad said. "We accept."

"Excellent," Odinvaldr replied.

"I will contact your armies and offer the Totems to any warriors who wish to receive them."

Then he continued.

"In the meantime, you should decide which two layers of Hell you want me to transform next."

His eyes gleamed slightly.

"The deeper the layer, the stronger its foundation. However, the effort required will be the same for me regardless."

He then added one final warning.

"Choose carefully."

"Because we only have one year before we must depart."

The eyes of the sovereigns widened as they heard that, and a sense of urgency immediately assailed them. One year might sound like a lot, but it would go in the blink of an eye.

They had already reached the Sixth Layer of Hell, but the best place to defend was the Ninth.