Chapter 465 - Armageddon's Bestowal

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〈System: The chosen target's vessel defenses are too high for your current aura to penetrate.〉

〈System: The attempt to control the subject has failed. However, the subject will remain unaware of the intrusion.〉

'I should have expected as much,' Apollo thought while shaking his head with a tinge of disappointment apparent in his eyes. Though the transformation of his bloodline heightened his powers by an immense degree, it wasn't enough to overcome the chasm between his current ability and a Lord's.

After all, overcoming a Lord meant that he possessed enough power to equal approximately seven percent of Estran's complete strength, which was incorrect. Estran was a demon that even Fuhrer had difficulty defeating. So, achieving just five percent of his true strength at the Greater Demon state was impossible, even if Apollo's bloodline was brought into the equation.

Still, from what Apollo sensed, it wouldn't be long before his Sin reached the same potency as Saehtyn. At that time, he would be sure to pay him a visit. Because, Saehtyn and the others were required if he wished to restore the near-death Estran to his former glory.

Meanwhile, while Saehtyn didn't sense the intrusion of Apollo's intention to dominate, he was appalled by the nature of Apollo's aura. Even for a demon, the sensation was too overwhelming. In fact, it was an aura that he'd never sense before. Perhaps, he even questioned if such an aura could exist.

Then, he thought back to the tablets that Estran brought them to. 'Is there a link between this person and the tablets? Also, what we hold is a mere manifestation derived from our creator. However, why does he carry a sensation nearly identical to them?'

While asking these questions, another thought popped into his mind. 'Could it be that it wasn't his relation to Azridan that caused me to guarantee his safety, but something else? If so, then perhaps it isn't my place to thwart whatever he has planned.'

Besides these thoughts, Saehtyn also focused on another curiosity, "You spoke of my aura as a separate power. I recall someone in the distant past mentioning the same thing. Is that the power this demon called Asteroth employed?"

"Correct," Apollo admitted. After a momentary pause, Fuhrer took over the conversation. While Apollo could see the inconsistencies in Saehtyn's body, there were some things he just didn't understand due to his unfamiliarity with the subject's intricate origin.

"Because you are an artificial powerhouse, it will be many times harder for you to locate your aura's true nature. Yes, there is boundless wrath located within you but is destruction truly the path you seek, or the one implanted within you?" Fuhrer commented, which caused Saehtyn to fall into deep thought.

While he pondered Fuhrer's question, Apollo approached Xonnomor while scanning over the created equipment. Compared to the uniform set made for Xorgrah, the group designated for Apollo's usage consisted of unique weaponry―a rapier, a spear, a longsword, a fine greatsword―every weapon intimately employed by his personal entourage.

Apollo picked up a weapon out of curiosity and flicked it, causing an ear-piercing ring to resound throughout the stronghold. Although it was made from the same materials that created Gram, these weapons were much more tempered because of Saehtyn's powerful flame.

On the other hand, Xonnomor approached Apollo and kneeled before him. "My Lord, I suggest passing along your earlier weapon to your in command."

"Why do you suppose I do that?" Apollo wondered with an intrigued expression. Xonnomor wouldn't suggest this action for no reason. Clearly, there was a more significant reason behind his suggestion.

"Because I have greater something much greater, sufficient for your higher caliber," Xonnomor said. He waved his hand a moment later, summoning the weapon that served as the culmination of his forging knowledge.

Once he presented the weapon, both Fuhrer and Apollo revealed some shock. After all, while the weapon was far from perfect, the internal framework seemed more thorough when compared to Gram.

"It's without a name. Just as before, the wielder should be the one blessed with giving their partner a name," Xonnomor added.

However, instead of answering immediately, Apollo continued to analyze the weapon, noticing its irregular shape. After a while, he came to a conclusion about this weapon.

"It doesn't fit my battle style, so it would be wasted on me," Apollo remarked. Afterward, he flung his hand upward, tossing the sword high into the sky. Simultaneously, he called out a name.

A second later, Typhir appeared and sensed the sword hurtling into the sky. At first, nothing caught his eye, but after scrutinizing the flying weapon, a fervent gleam passed through his gaze as he jumped into the sky, closing the distance separating him and the sword at a rapid pace.

Within moments, Typhir's palm clutched the hilt of the sword as a pleasant yet overwhelming sensation surged throughout his body. However, he couldn't allow the weapon to overpower his will.

So, Typhir retaliated with a brief surge of his bloodline power, resulting in a shocking resonance between him and the weapon. Apollo watched the whole situation from the ground and smiled.

"See, there's a much more fitting individual for that weapon. Look at that seamless bond," Apollo said.

Typhir landed behind him with a colossal tremor by the time Apollo finished speaking, yet Apollo was unaffected by the shaking ground. Apollo merely looked at him while he landed. "Have you thought of a name for the weapon?"

"Name?" Typhir muttered before giving a savage smile, "Armageddon sounds fitting. The blade of the destroyer."

"Well, there you have it," Apollo commented before clapping his hands. As a result, everyone was summoned, but Apollo turned towards Valac. "Your task starts at this very moment."

As soon as they heard this, both Typhir and Sapphyr stepped forward, which made Valac frown.

"Both of them!? No, no, no, no, I said I would behave! I promised," Valac screeched.

Unfortunately, Apollo would be foolish if he trusted Valac's words. After all, the system wouldn't deem him a troublemaker if that wasn't the case. Moreover, sending a single follower to Suprenis wasn't advisable either. The demons weren't a united race, so there were a number of hidden threats present when a member moved in solitary.

"While you have promised, I've already told you that Typhir would be following along," Apollo replied.

"Yeah! But you didn't mention her! She scares me," Valac muttered while avoiding contact with Sapphyr's frigid silver eyes. However, Valac's comment caused Apollo to release a hearty chuckle.

"Then, the answer is simple. I advise you don't anger her."

In response, Valac could only grumble continuously before releasing an unwilling groan. In the next few moments, his wings unfurled, marking an azure trail in the sky. Typhir also gave a brief nod before following behind Valac with a shocking set of Void Steps.

'His usage continues to grow more remarkable,' Fuhrer internalized with a proud expression. However, it was only apparent for an instant before vanishing.

In the meantime, Sapphyr approached Apollo with a serious demeanor, "I'll watch after both of them, my Lord, specifically Valac. I won't let trouble befall us."

"I wouldn't have entrusted this task to you two if I believed otherwise," Apollo said in response. 

Just as Sapphyr turned to leave, she leaned forward and planted a kiss on Apollo's cheek. He didn't show any reaction, but Geneva glared at the both of them before letting it go. After all, Sapphyr's disappearance meant that she would be unhindered by her presence.

But, Apollo's next word caused her to grumble in frustration non-step. "Everyone else will serve a purpose as well, and I expect it to be accomplished without any hitches."

Before the others could wonder what Apollo had planned, he snapped his finger, causing unique directions to appear within everyone's mind except for Fuhrer. Aside from him, Apollo gave the rest missions, which to some came as no surprise.

"Wait, are you sure you want me to do this?" Elaia muttered after reading through her task.

"Correct. You and Geneva are a powerful combination, so you should be able to accomplish the task effortlessly," Apollo commented. 

After some time, both Elaia and Geneva nodded, agreeing to follow through with their objective. Both of their bloodlines and titles should reduce the task's difficulty tremendously.

Finally, only Apollo, Fuhrer, Saethyn, and Xonnomor remained in the room.

"Do you wish to go there now?" Fuhrer asked.

"Correct, we can go now," Apollo answered.

As a result, Fuhrer cut open a portal leading to boundless darkness but Apollo paused just before stepping inside. "If the others are in need of assistance, you're free to grant it. And, it won't be long before Arleo awakens."

"Understood," Xonnomor nodded before watching the portal close before him.

Thus, the Dominus Household moved to accomplish different vital tasks.