Chapter 415: Sowing the Future's First Seeds

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Although both Xonnomor and Gallmath were Archdemons, the allure of the number of Fragments of Sin present before them was too great to ignore. Add in the faint effects of both Avaritia and Luxuria, and it created an even more unfavorable situation for them.

Even if their will was strong, it would only be a matter of time until their resistance wore down and they inevitably gave in. However, on individuals such as their selves, the allure wasn't enough to overwhelm their reasoning.

Therefore, before doing anything else, they questioned both Apollo's motives and the reason they were chosen above the rest.

"As enticing as your deal may seem to be, it also appears to be lacking in some general knowledge. While you offer things, you haven't exactly detailed what they are," Xonnomor said with signs of struggle in his eyes as he occasionally shook his head to deal with the hushed voice in his mind that spoke tempting words.

In response to Xonnomor's remark, Apollo merely smiled and looked at his followers, "Do I really need to answer that question? The fact that my followers were willing to follow me into nearly razing this place to the ground, alone, should speak volumes about how they are treated."

While the system guaranteed the loyalty of Apollo's demons, that didn't mean he treated them insufficiently. In fact, he treated them well. Especially, Ouroboros as he allowed him to engorge himself at any given time.

On the other hand, Apollo spared no efforts to grant his subordinates the power they desired. Just recently, Typhir attained the Greater Demon state through Apollo's efforts. And, soon enough, another would appear once he amassed enough free experience to sacrifice towards any other subordinates lacking in their evolutionary progress.

Still, while Apollo's words were logical, Xonnomor still felt he needed more. Something concrete. For example, information that proved Apollo's genuine offer.

"If that's the case, tell me… what is the purpose for you taking control of stronghold? Or, if you don't want the stronghold, what is the purpose for offering this opportunity to us?'

It was a simple question, but it was also one that touched upon revealing crucial information. So much so that Apollo showed a dark smile while answering, "Tread carefully, because I'll warn you now. If I have to reveal this to you and you refuse to join me, then I'll just have to kill you to avoid some unforeseen circumstances."

Immediately, both Xonnomor and Gallmath's eyes widened. At first, they thought their worth was the sole reason for them being alive right now, but there seemed to be another reason behind it as well. And, if it was truly as dire as Apollo said, then knowing this information could be potentially fatal.

Regrettably, curiosity was a plague that claimed many lives. Despite the danger to their lives, Apollo's words had thoroughly piqued their interests.

"Perhaps that is a gamble we are willing to take," Gallmath answered while turning his head to examine Apollo's expression. It was unmoving and unaffected by his response, giving a mere nod in response.

Though he said he would have to kill them, it was up to Apollo if he truly wished to reveal his vital information.

"Let's just say your use isn't being utilized to its utmost potential, but I can make that happen," Apollo said with a cryptic smile. After a short pause, he then decided to throw in some worrying news, "The Nihilistic Rings grow weak, but the threats continue to empower themselves. Sooner or later, we will find ourselves in a crisis and once that happens, sides will need to be chosen―if we aren't united, that is."

Xonnomor's eyebrows furrowed when he heard this jarring news, "What do you mean, a crisis awaits? And what sides?"

"For now, that is unclear. But, if you're smart, you'll choose to partake in the efforts of those who sow the seeds for the future," Apollo answered before suddenly cutting the supply to his two powers of coercion. Since this was information important to the demon race itself, it didn't require any additional support to affect their minds greatly.

Instead of Apollo, Xonnomor and Gallmath turned towards Fuhrer―the most ancient and mystifyingly strong one amongst the group, "I request your unbiased opinion. If you can remain truthful, then I'll entertain the thought of joining you all."

"Go ahead," Fuhrer replied without a moment's hesitation. If there was one thing Fuhrer learned while under the reign of the Monarch, it was how to be impartial. While he wasn't the impartial adjudicator of the Lost Council, there was more than one instance wherein his interference was required.

"This threat he speaks of. Is it one that outclasses the power of the Council? Is it beyond the Nobles?"

"Undoubtedly. The current powers of our race would crumble within minutes of facing these threats. If you wish to stand a chance… we'll have to once again adopt the old order," Fuhrer answered truthfully while panning his grim gaze between the two. 

A cold sweat traveled down their backs as they heard this information. In fact, it was more than enough for them to make their decision.

Both Xonnomor and Gallmath bowed their heads.

"I am willing to join you."

"I, too," Gallmath said.

In return, Apollo placed his palm over both of their foreheads. Two notifications appeared in his view after he did so. Since the system was a matter unique to him, until the power affected those Apollo aimed it at, they wouldn't be aware of specifics of what they entered.

〈System Alert: Xonnomor A'arhi has agreed to become your loyal follower.〉

〈System Alert: Gallmath Ezgol'm has agreed to become your loyal follower.〉

〈System Alert: With your new followers, the household's occupancy has risen.〉

"?!"

Both Xonnomor and Gallmath widened their eyes as they felt an odd power ripple through them. In fact, it was identical to the same power that they had overlooked once before. 

"I-it's you. So it is true. There is someone who aims to take over the leadership of our kind. The ruler of a new household," Gallmath muttered while looking at Apollo with a mix of marvel and horror.

"Correct," Apollo nodded before walking away from them. "However, I don't need you all to vacate the premises at all. In fact, they're all yours. And since I have taken your vital Sin, these fragments are yours as well."

Steadily, Xonnomor shifted his eyes towards the pile of thread forming a colorless cloud. However, the longer it remained out in the open, the faster it adopted a crimson hue. Unlike the ones found in Ashiraem, the fragments Apollo possessed were free from being bound by a single Sin.

It wasn't until it was introduced to a Sin's presence that it adopted the nature of the chosen Sin. It was similar to a blank check. Only once the amount was chosen did the check become valid and possibly of immense value.

Instinctively, the duo nodded and bowed their heads towards Apollo, "We will carry out your wishes my Lord. Do you have any particular tasks you need us to fill?"

"Yes. Get stronger, and then come find me," Apollo said. He didn't tell them how because he didn't need to. After taking control of them, they now possessed a link to Apollo. So while they couldn't sense his thought, they could feel general impulses.

"Understood." They both nodded before accepting the fragments. While it wasn't apparent for now, but Apollo absorbing their vital Sin was the best punishment to ever happen to them. 

On the other hand, Apollo turned towards Arleo, who was buried in the ditch. Since he was a Greater Demon, he didn't need Arleo to submit like these two. The only way to acquire an Archdemon in his current state was for them to submit to him willingly.

Not only would their power not be affected, but it also fulfilled another task limiting one of Apollo's sealed traits.

Apollo lifted his hand, enveloping Arleo's battered body in a dominant force that pulled him towards Apollo. Similar to the other two, he placed his hand on Arleo's head. But, instead of pulling something out of him, Apollo flooded his mind with a large amount of Anima, causing his eyes to shoot open.

Once he was awake, Apollo grinned. "I won't kill you, but I will own you."

Arleo didn't understand what Apollo meant until it was too last. An invasive force flooded his mind, robbing him of his ability to defy Apollo.