Chapter 500 - Unexpected Visit

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Saehtyn grew quiet after listening to both Apollo and Fuhrer comment on the actions that he should take. If even Lucifer received some of the same knowledge, then it was bound to have some sort of truth to it. Otherwise, Saehtyn felt these two wouldn't even bother addressing the matter.

At least, that's what Saehtyn gathered from their personalities. They didn't appear to be the type who wasted time on useless minutiae that amounted to pure nonsense in the long run. Every piece of advice Fuhrer imparted usually contributed to a significant change in that individual.

For example, with the help of his guidance, Azridan could become a monster capable of single-handedly triumphing above all of the Monarch Candidates. It's just a shame that his untimely demise was brought about by using underhanded means.

If it were a proper fight, it'd be no chance of him losing at that time.

Eventually, Saehtyn agreed to follow through with Fuhrer's suggestion to see if there was any truth to what he was saying. After all, the best yielder of results was one's action. Without experimenting, Saehtyn wouldn't be able to verify the worth the knowledge he received.

Besides, the new presence within the Dakea Stronghold didn't avoid Saehtyn's senses. Although it was faint, he could tell that this new presence possessed some blatant similarities with Asteroth. Since that was the case, Saehtyn understood that these two demons before him weren't fabricating the truth about their connections.

'They're really affiliated with that rambunctious fellow? Then… are they all like that? Capable of such baffling destruction?" Saehtyn wondered. Because he wasn't familiar with the abilities linked to Aura and their many variations, Saehtyn didn't understand that every demon possessed different skills.

Asteroth being capable of untold destruction didn't mean the others were as well.

"So, what will you all do now then?" Saehtyn questioned. Even without his direct monitoring, the situation within Ashiraem was relatively calm. Compared to days of chaos where conflict roamed the streets, the fact it was confined to taverns and other indoor constructs left Saehtyn pleasantly surprised.

However, he also recalled that Apollo claimed to soon battle with Asteroth. If he was also a character of similar strength, then Saehtyn understood that the destruction that would follow should be tedious to repair. 

Be that as it may, there was a faint gnawing within Saehtyn's mind that coaxed him into sponsoring this battle. After all, Apollo's strength was something he wanted to witness firsthand. 

"Now…" Apollo said before coming to an abrupt stop. During this time, he weighed his current options. At the top of his list was Asteroth, but there were also other matters that he needed to take care of.

For example, there were many loose ends within Astarat that he wished to address. Some people would make fine additions to his roster, but there was also the matter of the Absorbeyns, otherwise known as Terrors on that world. Until now, he had yet to come in contact with a single one, and he was pretty curious about their power.

'According to Fuhrer, their power is something along the lines of absorption and corruption. However, their corruption is eerily similar to conversion seeing as they were able to convert at least twenty-five percent of a planet into an environment of agreeable levels.'

Although Apollo wished to accomplish things as quickly as possible, there was an order in which he needed to erect his authority so that it operated autonomously without his presence.

Only once his household could operate at the level would Apollo be free to transverse areas as he pleased. Until then, he'd need to essentially bring the greater part of his household with him. 

"I suppose… now I just continue to expand," Apollo said with a faint smile while glancing towards Fuhrer. A question bothered him, but he didn't ask it yet because of the individual in their presence.

After all, most of the proceedings linked to Apollo were sensitive. He couldn't allow just anyone to learn of the particulars surrounding his identity or its matters. He wasn't frightened by any threats amongst his race; it was the threats that Azridan announced to him.

The moment he made his presence known was when the other race spared no effort in shattering the protection of the Rings. Because, from what Azridan understood, Irzanach was in contact with at least one high-ranking angel! 

Otherwise, he wouldn't have gotten his hands on the Resplendent Binding of Condensed Virtue. In short, this binding was simply a dense chain forged from the materialized power of an Angel who was at least on par with a Daemos. This was the level of energy needed to render Azridan immobile at the time.

"I will only warn you to remain careful in doing so. The Council isn't the only organization alive. There are also some shadow organizations that exist as well. They consist of those who didn't wish to be bound by the Council's invasive hand," Saehtyn said.

It was expected within the Nihilistic Rings for organizations to arise when backed by influential individuals. For example, the All-seeing Nautilus was an organization that ran parallel to the Council. They operated outside of its control, even forcing the Council to sometimes call upon their assistance. 

"I see," Apollo replied with a curious expression. While he expected a few such organizations to exist, he didn't imagine it was at the level of requiring Saehtyn's warning. If that was the case, then perhaps it was worth seeking out these organizations.

'I wonder… could it be possible that some of these organizations are in fact headed by the very same people that I'm looking for?' Apollo thought to himself. It was possible since most of the shadow organizations were staffed by individuals relatively unknown or covertly hidden from the Council.

Until now, the only demons who fit the bill were the ones who originated from the Lost Council. They possessed enough strength; it was only a matter of cultivating their influence to match.

Even Valac had used his power to take over Tirasha's stronghold once. So Apollo didn't put it past the other members who wanted to retain their sense of superiority. The easiest way to do so was to assert their dominance by rising to the food chain once more.

"Lord, we have company," Fuhrer said while turning his head to the door. A significant presence neared the door, but luckily there was no animosity coming from it, or Fuhrer would have drawn his blade without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Saehtyn followed their gaze and extended his perception as far as possible. While doing so, a deep frown appeared on his face. Evidently, he was displeased by the sensation that followed.

'It's deteriorating at an increasing rate with each passing day. Soon enough, my perception will be limited to a normal Noblesse's range. Although it wouldn't be crippling, it's disheartening, to say the least. To think someone of power would unknowingly be reduced to this state,' Saehtyn internalized before releasing a defeated sigh.

Unless they found a way to interfere with the change taking place in their sources, the Lords were headed for a bumpy road.

A moment later, Xonnomor's eyes shot open as he felt the many presences around him. However, he remained still because a prominent figure of similar features walked through the door at that very moment.

At a glance, one could tell that this individual was indeed Xonnomor's father, Xorgrah. The moment that he was dreading was upon him, and Xonnomor was powerless to change it. The only thing he could wish for was that there was no conflict.

Unfortunately, he knew that both sides were unyielding and possessed similar personalities. And, a clash of similar personalities usually yielded one of two results. Either they melded well or reacted explosively from the initial meeting.

"Oh? There usually sparse area is pleasantly occupied. And who might you all be?" Xorgrah asked while raising his head and looking between Fuhrer and Apollo. Afterward, he noticed their posture beside Saehtyn, indicating their prior conversation.

'Possibly friends of his? However, I've never heard of individuals like these. Additionally… why do I get the feeling that something is amiss with them,' Xorgrah wondered with narrowing eyes.

His gaze scrutinized Apolo and Fuhrer. But sadly for him, he couldn't gain anything from his analysis. Not only was their power was wholly concealed, but Xorgrah also couldn't get a read from their stoic expressions.

Meanwhile, Apollo's thought process was entirely different. 'Oh? Xonnomor's father appears to be much stronger than those two beside Lucifer. I wonder how far he's advanced in in the Noblesse stage. Furthermore…'

Apollo turned towards Fuhrer, whose expression seemed surprised as well. Eventually, Apollo sent a mental message.

"Do I sense a budding one from him?"

"You do. Although it is still germinating, I believe this is a demon closest to developing their own Aura. Regrettably, the nature of it is still concealed. Nevertheless, he'd be a tricky opponent to face since we also need to remember he's Xonnomor's father," Fuhrer replied.