CHAPTER 745: FIXING THE LORDS OF HORROR

It didn’t take long for Vlad to clearly grasp the entire procedure involved in formally uniting Terra with the Graecia Empire. Although the process involved multiple steps, none were particularly complicated.

Nevertheless, to initiate this union, Vlad first needed to travel personally to the imperial capital, Constantinopla. Under ordinary circumstances, even with spatial coordinates provided, this journey would have been challenging. However, the presence of the Kylon King simplified everything greatly.

"If you wish," Konstantine explained with a gracious tone, "you could first come to my homeworld. From there, we can directly use our interstellar teleportation formation to travel swiftly to Graecia. I have important business there myself, so this arrangement is quite convenient."

Vlad couldn’t help but smile appreciatively at Konstantine’s offer, nodding in agreement. Indeed, that arrangement would significantly simplify matters.

"I gratefully accept your generous offer," Vlad responded politely, inclining his head slightly. "The sooner we can begin, the better. I will first handle a few pressing issues within my kingdom, and then I’ll journey directly to your world, if that’s agreeable to you."

Konstantine immediately nodded, understanding clearly. "Of course. A newly ascended world like Terra undoubtedly has numerous matters demanding your attention. I’ll await your arrival patiently."

With that, the Kylon King gracefully waved his hand, producing a small gemstone that glowed faintly as it floated toward Vlad.

"Within this gem are detailed spatial coordinates for my world. With your spatial mastery, King Vlad, you should find no difficulty reaching it quickly."

Vlad accepted the gemstone gratefully, storing it safely away. Having settled all essential matters, Vlad and Konstantine rose from their seats simultaneously, each extending their hand to firmly shake the other’s.

"I shall take my leave now," Konstantine said, before pausing and turning sharply toward Leandro. His eyes narrowed slightly, carrying a stern warning. "I trust my grandson will perform his duties with diligence and care. After all, it’s tragically common for guardians who fail due to negligence to meet untimely ends."

Although Konstantine’s words were ostensibly addressed to Vlad, Leandro knew precisely who the true audience was. The meaning was painfully clear: if Leandro failed his responsibilities and caused further embarrassment or harm to the Kylon Family, death would be his only escape.

Satisfied that the message had been thoroughly understood, Konstantine turned and departed from the Xaos Tower. Moments later, he effortlessly entered the chaotic void between worlds. While the turbulent energy posed great danger to ordinary beings, navigating it was trivial for a Superior Legend whose body and soul had long been tempered and filled with the profound power of the Laws.

Vlad’s gaze lingered thoughtfully on Konstantine’s departing figure until he vanished entirely. Only then did he allow himself to fully relax. Despite the Kylon King’s seemingly amicable demeanor, Vlad was not one to trust others easily—especially after merely a few hours of conversation. Still, Konstantine had provided invaluable assistance, and Vlad intended to utilize it carefully.

With the departure concluded, Vlad turned his attention next to Leandro. Overlord immediately stepped forward, handing Leandro a spatial ring.

"With this ring," Overlord spoke authoritatively, "you’ll receive your specific orders. As of now, your presence is required along the coastal perimeter of the continent. Your primary duty is to monitor and guard against potential threats emerging from the ocean."

Leandro couldn’t help but sigh inwardly upon hearing these instructions. He was a proud Legend—exceptionally talented, with genuine potential to ascend to the rank of High Legend if granted sufficient time and resources. Now, however, he was reduced to performing guard duty. Despite his wounded pride, Leandro wisely refrained from expressing dissatisfaction. The grim fate of the captured angels still vividly haunted his thoughts, reminding him clearly of the consequences of arrogance.

With a respectful bow, Leandro quickly departed the Xaos Tower, obediently heading toward his assigned location along Terra’s vast shores, guided by the spatial ring’s embedded coordinates.

Once they were finally alone, Vlad turned toward Overlord and the other Depravita present, his expression thoughtful and serious.

"Today’s events have clearly demonstrated our strength and established our presence in the universe," Vlad said firmly. "News of our victory and my rank as a Duke of Graecia will swiftly spread, carried by those Legends and High Legends who witnessed it firsthand. For the moment, Terra should remain relatively safe from further intrusions."

The primary purpose behind capturing the invading Legends had always been strategic: Vlad wanted to decisively establish Terra’s reputation, preventing future invasions through a powerful display of dominance. His defeat of the Superior Legend Angel and the revelation of his noble status as a Duke accomplished exactly that goal, and then some.

"However," Vlad continued seriously, "we must not become complacent. I cannot remain permanently on Terra, as countless important matters elsewhere require my attention. Thus, it is imperative we significantly enhance Terra’s independent defensive capabilities."

Overlord and the other Depravita immediately nodded in agreement. Relying too heavily on a single individual—no matter how powerful—was inherently dangerous. True prosperity required self-sufficiency, particularly in defense.

"Once Terra is formally aligned with the Graecia Empire, we will gain another formidable layer of protection," Vlad explained. "But beyond that, we have additional tools available."

Vlad gestured decisively, revealing two imposing figures: the High Legend Automata seized from the Voidheart Fortress.

"Jormungandr," Vlad addressed the small yellow cat, "can you repair these automatons, alter their appearances to suit our aesthetic, and integrate them directly into the Xaos Tower’s defense system?"

Jormungandr studied the automatons briefly, then confidently nodded. Though constructing new High Legend-level automatons would be challenging even for him, repairing and customizing existing ones was comfortably within his capabilities.

"Excellent," Vlad responded with clear satisfaction. Having two tireless, fearless High Legend-level protectors would dramatically improve Terra’s security.

Vlad then turned again to Overlord. "How have your analyses and improvements on the Lords of Horror progressed?"

The Lords of Horror were elite warriors, created using complex genetic, alchemical, and runic enhancements drawn from the Depravita’s own genetic material.

These warriors vastly exceeded normal combatants in every aspect—strength, agility, and endurance. Their only limitation was the inherent disharmony between their artificially enhanced bodies and natural souls, preventing conventional cultivation and advancement.

If Overlord could resolve this critical flaw, Vlad was prepared to immediately transform the entire Xaos Kingdom’s military into a force of Lords of Horror.