Beyond the Apocalypse-Chapter 596: Dino Golems

The Sky Seed Depravitas and the rest of Janus and Agamenon’s team marched at full speed through the abandoned streets, heading toward the next ring of the city. None of them dared to fly, unsure of what kind of restrictions might be in place. Given that the defensive systems had thus far not targeted them—thanks to their entrance through the main gates—they were considered mere "visitors" for now. Any act that would require special authorization could trigger the city’s security measures, turning the entire ancient fortress into a deathtrap.

Besides, running at full speed was not a problem for these elite warriors. Their physical prowess and magical enhancements allowed them to move at thousands of kilometers per hour.

As they advanced, Vlad found his attention caught by the strange buildings they passed. He noticed signs, plaques, and inscriptions engraved on walls and broken pillars, all written in a language he could not yet interpret. It was presumably the original tongue of the Land of the Three Calamities’ inhabitants. Under normal circumstances, Vlad might have used his soul force and mental abilities to decipher the script manually, but he simply did not have time to spare.

Fortunately, his A.I. Chip constantly scanned these inscriptions, analyzing each character and symbol. Bit by bit, the ancient language was deciphered and uploaded into his mind. The other three Sky Seed Depravitas were doing the same. If they could interpret the signs, they might avoid accidental triggers or dangerous ambushes deeper into the city.

Thanks to their speed and unwavering resolve, the group soon arrived at a massive gate leading into the ancient metropolis’s inner ring. At first glance, they could see this gate was even more imposing than the previous one.

Once again, the engraved figure of a humanoid dinosaur dominated the door’s surface. This particular carving looked significantly more intimidating, with thick horns and rippling musculature. Even Janus, who had seen countless wonders, paused to take a steadying breath. The faint aura emanating from the carving suggested it belonged to an immensely powerful creature whose presence still lingered in the very stone despite the passage of time.

However, neither the teams nor the Sky Seed Depravitas allowed these imposing images to distract them for long. They refocused on the task at hand, and both Vlad and Tyron moved forward.

An intricate network of runic lines emerged when they channeled their energies into the metallic surface. Vlad and Tyron’s expressions grew solemn—they immediately realized that this formation was nearly three times more complex than the one on the outer gates. They exchanged determined nods and set to work, weaving their energy into each curve and sigil of the formation.

For several intense minutes, the rest of the team could only watch in silence as the two Runic Masters concentrated. Occasional furrowed brows and worried glances were directed back at the outer ring, where everyone feared that Valeria, Scipius, and Cato might catch up at any moment.

The advantage Janus and Agamenon’s group currently held was not insurmountable, and since Vlad and Tyron had weakened the runic formation on the outer gate when they opened it, it would not be difficult for Valeria’s group to push through.

Although fully absorbed in their delicate task, Vlad and Tyron noticed the apprehension in their allies’ expressions. They responded only with cold, knowing smiles as they continued unraveling the complex runic arrays.

Meanwhile, outside the city’s outer walls...

Valeria, Scipius, and Cato had finally arrived at one of the gates leading into the city, the same that Janus and Agamenon used. Their faces were drawn tight with frustration and anger, convinced that Janus and Agamenon’s teams were already busy harvesting the city’s wealth.

"Hurry up!" Valeria snapped at her own Runic Master, her voice thick with impatience. The Runic Masters from all three of their teams stepped forward, channeling mystic energy into the gate.

At first, the Runic Masters allowed themselves small smiles. They could sense the weakened formation. Opening it seemed like it would be a simple task.

They were half done disabling the defenses when, suddenly, their eyes widened in horror. A second, hidden layer of runes lit up, golden lines spreading across the gate’s surface. In an instant, the entire gate flared with energy. A piercing, mechanical alarm echoed through the area, and a cold, robotic voice announced.

"Intruder! Intruder!"

The engraved dinosaur-like figures embedded in the walls shuddered, glowing fiercely. Within seconds, two massive metallic monsters tore themselves free from the stone— humanoid dinosaur golems radiating deadly energy.

Caught off-guard, Varonic Decimus, Scipius, and Cato gaped at the sight of the metallic monstrosities. They had barely begun to comprehend the threat when the golems attacked with shocking ferocity.

"Damn it!" Veronica shouted, her expression contorted with a mix of rage and dread. She threw a blistering glare at the Runic Masters.

Veronica’s energy exploded in a shimmering display of arcane power. Around her, the members of the three teams also launched their most potent attacks, striving to bring the metal golems down. The golems, however, proved frighteningly resilient, able to endure direct strikes that would normally cripple or kill a Sage.

Their defenses were nearly equivalent to that of a Legend, making them exceptionally hard to destroy. Despite the 27 Sages who fought them, the battle raged on for nearly ten minutes. Only after a series of combined attacks—melding different magical elements and martial techniques—did the monstrous guardians finally collapse, their metallic bodies shattering into countless fragments.

Yet, there was no celebration among Valeria, Scipius, and Cato’s forces. Once the last piece of metal clanged to the ground, they realized the gate was no longer just sealed—it had fused into the walls, becoming an impenetrable barrier.

Valeria’s fury was palpable as she glared at the trembling Runic Masters who had attempted to open the gate.

"Useless geezer! What did you do?" she snarled, her voice laced with rage and the threat of violent retribution.

The old Runic Master recoiled, as did the other two by his side, all feeling the sharp edge of Valeria’s killing intent. They knew the logic all too well: If they could not open the gates or prove their worth, there was no incentive for Valeria, Scipius, or Cato to share any potential riches with them or keep them alive.

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