Chapter 436 - A Destroyer (I)

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For a moment, Typhir stared at Gram in awe. After all, this was his first time grasping such fine weaponry, especially one that neared the standard of an armament. Even though he merely held the weapon, he could feel the outrageous amount of power coursing through the weapon. 

While it didn't absorb any of his Ira because of its dormant state, Gram caused the Ira inside Typhir's body to seethe more than he thought possible. After experiencing the absurdity of this weapon, Typhir understood why Apollo unleashed such a mind-boggling attack earlier.

However, while the weapon was tempting, Typhir understood something. He turned towards Apollo while lowering Gram's edge toward the ground. "This weapon is sublime, my Lord. But, I'll like to ask that you allow me to abstain from using it for the time being."

Apollo's expression filled with slight surprise after hearing this. Though he wasn't giving the weapon to Typhir, the fact that Typhir wanted to withhold the usage of the weapon was shocking. After all, the only reason Apollo lent the weapon to Typhir was to overcome the difference in their strength.

Unlike Typhir, this Iraym remained down here for years, absorbing the exceedingly pure Ira in this place. As a result, not only was this Iraym an Archdemon, but the aura it gave off was even stronger than Xonnomor, given that it possessed a genuine demonic aura.

While it wasn't on par with an Aura of Destruction or any other similarly powerful aura, there was an overwhelming heat concealed within its body. From what Apollo sensed, if it was unleashed, this Iraym could be a terrifying opponent.

Though there was danger accompanied by this choice, Apollo gave a simple nod. It was Typhir's decision since, as the Leader of the household, he needed to possess the qualities of an astute leader, which included the ability to make adequate decisions.

"Do as you wish," Apollo stated. 

Instantly, Typhir drove Gram into the ground beside him while withdrawing his weapon. The opposing Iraym simply looked at Typhir before shifting his gaze towards Apollo, who possessed the same indifferent attitude as before.

Although he was a bonafide Archdemon, this Iraym felt indescribable fear as he looked at Apollo, eventually forcing him to avert his eyes unless wanted to end up submerge himself inside a terrifying pit of despair.

"Is that a good decision? Typhir isn't this thing's opponent," Fuhrer commented while gazing at the difference in their aura. While they both were in dormant states, Fuhrer could sense a faint outline of what they kept hidden.

In comparison, the Iraym's aura eclipsed Typhir's by at least two times the size. If it was a clash powered by his bare strength, Typhir was not this demon's opponent. Despite his superior stigmata, Fuhrer didn't feel this was enough to bridge the gap in strength.

Yet, Apollo had very little of an opinion on this matter, "It's his decision. Besides, Gram is available to him at any time. Let's just see how he manages this battle."

"Very well," Fuhrer conceded before falling silent. Now, all he did was watch as the two demons stood before each other.

Suddenly, the Iraym shook its head, "I don't wish to fight you." 

Unfortunately, Typhir wasn't open to hearing its remarks. "Your desires are inconsequential before the Lord. As he has spoken his wish, that is exactly what will happen."

Boom!

The ground exploded as Typhir rushed towards the Iraym with shocking momentum. It went beyond what Valac and even Jorgun could muster as his lesser version of the Infernal Ira Stigmata thrummed with a vibrant Sin signature.

After sensing the lethal aura emanating from Typhir, the Iraym's expression sharpened. The fact that his plea to surrender was ignored infuriated it slightly, causing anger to appear within its mind.

Apollo noticed this change and grinned slightly. 'This should be an entertaining battle. Let's see just what this Iraym's redeeming quality is.'

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Typhir's greatsword destroyed the ground constantly as the Iraym evaded his powerful strikes with swift movements. Evidently, the Iraym was much faster since it only employed its inherent speed to dodge.

Granted, Typhir didn't use any quickening technique to speed up his attacks, either. Before he increased the intensity of the battle, Typhir wished to glean an understanding of the disparity in their strength. 

Yet, its passive reactions made it difficult for Typhir to do so. At most, he only understood that his agility was inferior to this demon. Eventually, the continued dodging without confrontation led to Typhir's rage.

Which, in turn, caused him to reveal some information that he kept secret. Suddenly, a blanket of shadowy ember encased half of his body, but it didn't stop after encasing half of his body. 

Soon enough, a mantle of pure darkness enveloped Typhir's body, emitting a faint void signature that intrigued Apollo. After mending his understanding of the Tenebrous Sword Forms with the First Baleful Step and ample spars with Fuhrer, Typhir succeeded in learning the Second Baleful Step!

'Oh? I didn't expect him to make this much progress. I suppose I should stop neglecting this technique as well,' Apollo thought to himself. Because of all the pressing issues he faced, Apollo's need to learn the Third Baleful Step diminished greatly.

After all, the second step still proved effective as his attributes were growing at an alarming rate but. As it was, the Second Step was only rated as a Greater Demonic Technique. Therefore, since he was on the brink of evolving into an Archdemon, he needed techniques to match.

Eventually, Apollo shifted his attention back towards the battle.

"Continue dodging and my sword will inevitably end your pitiful existence," Typhir said in a frigid tone. In the next moment, his body vanished, but not quite as perfectly as when Fuhrer used his Void Shuttling movement.

Still, Typhir's movement was quick because the Iraym's eyes widened, prompting it to dodge. However, despite its swift reaction, a small nick appeared on its throat. Just as Typhir claimed, he was aiming for this demon's neck!

After feeling the slight pain on its neck, the demon touched it as narrowed its eyes when it witnessed the purple blood on its fingers evaporating at a rapid pace.

"Fine! Since this is what you want, then I'll entertain you!" The Iraym snarled, finally becoming enraged by Typhir's actions. The ground nearby rumbled as a result of the Iraym's actions.

Cracks appeared in the ground by its feet, producing tiny chasms of molten lava.

After witnessing this, Fuhrer's expression changed. He didn't expect this Iraym to possess such an aura, "That's the Aura of Incineration. Though inferior to destruction, it still possesses a nasty effect."

"Does it? Typhir's an Iraym as well, so he's resistant towards flames," Apollo replied in return. After all, when they clashed, most of the wound Typhir suffered from his Hellfire was superficial at best. 

Part of the resistance was due to Typhir's Iraym traits, but the rest came from his stigmata. Most stigmata doubled as external armors, similar to the Essence Aegis that most cultivators on Astarat used to protect themselves.

While the protection from Ira could be used against all incoming attacks, it was most effective against the identical Sin. Hence, why demons with weaker stigmata generally loathed going against a demon with a similar yet stronger form.

With his Aura of Incineration activated, the Archdemon rushed towards Typhir, leaving molten footsteps in its wake. In addition to wielding potentially dangerous firepower, this Iraym's agility also increased to another level as small fire blasts occurred at the soles of its feet.

Almost immediately, Typhir reacted by moving his greatsword against his body.

Bang!

Typhir slid back over 10 meters after receiving the kick. Fortunately, the weapon given to him was durable, else that kick from the Iraym would have shattered a weapon on par with something like Apollo's old Dark Cutter.

Despite his successful block, Typhir's body still felt the effects of receiving the blow, driving him to wave it off.

"Not a bad blow," Typhir chuckled with a faint nod. A savage gleam appeared in his eyes as Apollo received a message.

〈System: Your Household Leader Typhir Estrada is invoking the first stage of his «Infernal Destroyer» bloodline.〉

〈System: Typhir's Strength and Agility have risen by 10%.〉

〈System: Typhir's «Aura of Destruction» is being utilized at the 2nd degree.〉

Immediately, Apollo was surprised by the fact that the system revealed information on the actions of his demons. Then again, he felt it was to be expected considering Lv..6 broadcasted the hidden piece's locations indefinitely.