CHAPTER 960: WRATH AND LUST AS ONE

After a long and brutal campaign—after endless battles across alien worlds and burning skies—the armies of the Xaos Kingdom finally returned home.

The war was over.

A few divisions had remained behind on Exilion, aiding Cezar and the Rebellion in establishing order and building a new government. Technically, Exilion was now under the rule and protection of the Xaos Kingdom, but Vlad had no desire to rule through tyranny. Out of respect for their courage and sacrifice in the war against the Nightmare Universe, he had handed control of day-to-day governance to Cezar and his people.

The Xaos Kingdom would take only a portion of the weapons and resources produced in the new factories—those designed by Overlord himself—but otherwise left the planet free to grow. It was not an empire of subjugation, but a symbiotic alliance, one where both sides could thrive together.

Vlad stood upon the familiar soil of Terra once more, and a smile spread across his face. He inhaled deeply, feeling the cool air fill his lungs. It was not the metallic tang of alien atmospheres nor the searing void of cosmic battlefields—this was the air of home.

For the first time in what felt like centuries, he allowed himself to relax. Even a mind as disciplined as his needed respite; only through rest could body and soul recover from the crushing pressure of constant ascension.

Vlad turned, his gaze softening as he looked at the woman beside him.

Freya returned his smile—her eyes warm, her expression unguarded. In war, they had buried their emotions deep beneath discipline and focus. They had fought side by side, their bond forged in fire, but never allowed themselves to feel.

Now, at last, there was peace.

The two of them took to the skies, soaring across the rebuilt world. Below, they saw children laughing and chasing each other through the clean streets of newly restored cities. The laughter carried on the wind like a melody that washed away the echoes of screams that had once haunted those same places.

A few decades ago, Terra had been a world drowning in nightmares—rivers of blood, skies blackened by fire, humanity crushed between the cruelty of Heaven, the corruption of Hell, and the machinations of fallen gods. But those days were gone.

Now there was order. There was justice.

The Xaos Kingdom had grown into a stable meritocracy. Talent, effort, and will determined one’s place, not bloodline or fortune. Even the humblest child could rise through the ranks to power and honor. It was a kingdom where people could dream again—a place where they knew their families were safe, their lives their own.

Vlad and Freya flew in silence, letting the light of the setting sun paint the horizon in gold and crimson.

For once, there was nothing to fight.

After several hours, they descended into a quiet, secluded corner of the world—a crystal-clear oasis hidden beside a waterfall. The air shimmered with mist, and the constant rush of water muffled all sound, creating a perfect solitude.

Freya’s eyes gleamed as she drew her weapon—a rusted sword, worn yet unyielding, its edge glowing faintly as her aura flowed into it. Even after all these years, the weapon she had claimed in the Valhalla Tournament of Destiny remained her companion, its age masking its power.

Vlad smiled, extending his hand. A black machete materialized in his grip, forged from obsidian and reinforced with demonic energy. His old dark sword had been destroyed during the battle with the Master’s Hand, but he had collected many relics during his journey through Hell.

The machete lacked the unique resonance with the Law of Death his old weapon once carried, but it would suffice.

They said nothing more. The two warriors simply moved—one step, then another—and the air crackled between them.

Their blades collided.

The clash did not produce thunder or shockwaves; they had both suppressed their strength, forcing the duel to be one of skill, not power. Steel kissed steel, edge meeting edge, every motion precise and deliberate.

Vlad stepped back, narrowly avoiding the tip of Freya’s sword, then countered with a low, sweeping strike. Freya twisted her body with impossible grace, spinning past him before slashing back in a perfect arc. Vlad leapt, his body bending midair to avoid her blade, then descended with a strike that split the water’s reflection beneath them.

The dance continued—swift, fluid, and almost beautiful.

Minutes passed. Then hours seemed to blur.

At last, both weapons flew from their hands, spinning away into the grass. But the duel didn’t stop. They lunged toward each other, fists meeting forearms, feet striking stone, laughter rising between their breaths.

It felt like the first time they had met—two souls clashing not out of hatred but recognition.

Freya’s eyes burned with challenge and exhilaration. The first time they fought, she had been surprised by how the young warrior could counter her every move, as if he could see the future. Now, with her own A.I. Chip enhancing her perception, the mystery was gone.

Every feint, every counter, every motion mirrored the other—flawless, equal.

When their energy finally burned out, they collapsed side by side onto the cool grass, chests rising and falling, laughter breaking through the exhaustion.

Freya lay still for a while, watching the clouds drift above them, her hair catching the light of the falling sun. Then she rose gracefully, walking toward the waterfall. The air shimmered with mist, wrapping her in silver light as she took out her clothes and stepped beneath the cascading water.

Vlad watched her in silence. In that moment, she seemed like a vision—a reminder of everything worth fighting for.

His heart beat faster, warmth spreading through his chest.

Freya turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze through the veil of water. The tenderness in her eyes said more than words ever could. She extended her hand.

Vlad smiled softly and walked toward her.

The cool spray of the waterfall surrounded them as they stood together beneath its flow, the noise of the world fading into nothing, as they released all the desire inside their hearts and united their bodies.