The Darkness Devouring Runic Formation began to glow, pulsing more intensely with each passing second. Tendrils of chaotic energy from The Darkness were swiftly drawn into the formation under the tense watch of Vlad and Marshal Maximo.
Both men’s gazes remained fixed as the dangerous energy poured continuously into the runes and was subsequently transferred into the sealed demon soul embedded within.
Each moment felt stretched into eternity as the chaotic energy continued its relentless flow, gradually becoming fully absorbed into the parchment. But the process was far from finished.
Now, the energy had to be thoroughly stabilized and safely contained; otherwise, removing the formation would trigger a catastrophic backlash, likely killing the subject.
Vlad and Marshal Maximo held their breaths, hearts pounding nervously as they watched the parchment tremble ominously. Suddenly, a sinister, ghostly face emerged over the formation—a dark and anguished apparition releasing an agonized, piercing howl.
Marshal Maximo’s eyes narrowed in surprise, and even Vlad felt a cold shiver ripple down his spine. Neither had anticipated this strange manifestation, although Vlad quickly realized it resulted from the interaction between the demon soul and the chaotic energy of The Darkness.
Disturbing as it was, this terrifying spectacle counted for very little, since what happened next was amazing. Seconds later, the formation stabilized, perfectly containing all the chaotic energy without any leakage.
A broad, satisfied smile spread across Vlad’s face as he immediately stepped forward, carefully removing the parchment. It had turned utterly black, etched now with a tormented visage twisted in endless rage, seemingly struggling to escape.
Although eerie, Vlad paid little attention to the grotesque appearance of the parchment and instead focused closely on the subject’s condition.
[Beep! Target condition is stable. 82% of chaotic energy retrieved. The power of the New Darkness Devouring Runic Formation equals approximately 27% of the formation crafted with the host’s Depravita Aura.]
Vlad’s excitement and sense of accomplishment reached their peak upon hearing this report. The experiment had succeeded flawlessly.
Though this new formation only possessed about a quarter of the power compared to the one created with his own Depravita Aura, it remained extremely valuable—especially in cases where the chaotic energy had not penetrated deeply into an individual’s flesh and bones.
A weak moan interrupted Vlad’s exhilaration, prompting him to glance down and realize that the test subject had regained consciousness.
Marshal Maximo’s face, which moments ago had radiated satisfaction, suddenly grew colder than the deepest void between the stars. The Marshal stepped forward calmly, meeting the barely conscious man’s gaze with icy severity.
"General Zander, you’re finally awake," Marshal Maximo declared sharply, his tone unforgiving. "Excellent. For your crimes of desertion, cowardice, and betrayal, I sentence you to immediate execution."
The wounded general had scarcely regained his awareness when the Marshal’s merciless sentence struck him. Before Zander could open his mouth in defense or protest, Marshal Maximo raised his hand and delivered a seemingly casual tap to the man’s forehead.
This single, light motion instantly ended General Zander’s life. Blood seeped quietly from his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth as the man’s eyes lost their light, staring blankly into nothingness.
Shock and awe filled Vlad’s expression as he witnessed Marshal Maximo’s deadly strike.
"A single gentle tap destroyed the brain instantly, leaving the rest of the body unharmed," Vlad marveled inwardly. "This isn’t just raw strength; such precise control borders on divine skill."
Marshal Maximo’s cold voice broke Vlad’s reverie. "This coward fled from the battlefield, leaving hundreds of our brothers and sisters behind to die. Normally, I would have executed him immediately. However, Elder Damian suggested keeping him alive temporarily, in case you needed a guinea pig."
Vlad nodded in solemn agreement. In his view, a traitor who abandoned comrades to save himself deserved no mercy; death was almost too lenient a punishment.
No longer concerned with the deceased traitor, Vlad allowed a slight smile to return to his face. He turned toward the Marshal and proposed, "Shall we begin negotiating the terms now? The sooner we finalize them, the sooner your Rune Masters can start mass-producing this formation."
Marshal Maximo returned Vlad’s smile with amusement, shaking his head knowingly. "Nice try, brat. There’s absolutely no chance I’ll get myself involved in any kind of business discussion with you. Let’s go find Elder Damian; he’ll handle these matters properly."
Vlad sighed inwardly, realizing he’d lost an opportunity. He had hoped to discuss terms directly with Marshal Maximo, whose straightforward nature might allow Vlad to secure more favorable adjustments to their arrangement.
However, the Marshal clearly understood his limitations and wisely deferred to Elder Damian—someone Vlad recognized as nearly impossible to outmaneuver.
Before leaving the chamber, Vlad paused momentarily, turning toward Marshal Maximo with a respectful request: "Marshal, may I keep General Zander’s body?"
Marshal Maximo hesitated briefly, considering Vlad’s unusual request. The corpse of a Peak Sage cultivator, particularly one who had pushed his physical body toward the Legendary Realm, held significant value. Nonetheless, given his current good mood and Vlad’s contributions, Marshal Maximo nodded agreeably, allowing Vlad to claim the corpse without further objections.
Without delay, Vlad swiftly stored General Zander’s remains inside his spatial ring. Following this, he quickly performed another Darkness Devouring Runic Formation—this time using his original method enhanced by the Depravita Aura—on a true hero resting within the chamber, efficiently purging the chaotic energy from the warrior’s body.
Upon finishing his duties, Vlad accompanied Marshal Maximo out of the chamber and proceeded directly toward Elder Damian’s office. The elder was absorbed in meticulous paperwork, but the instant he sensed their approach, he halted all activity, looking up at them with a knowing smile.
"You finally succeeded," Elder Damian remarked calmly, eyes twinkling with a mix of satisfaction and amusement.
Vlad didn’t know whether to laugh or sigh. The elder’s profound insight and sharp wit had instantly discerned their reason for visiting, once again reminding Vlad of Damian’s formidable intellect and experience.
Elder Damian gestured politely toward the chairs opposite his desk. "Please sit. Let’s discuss the terms clearly and efficiently."