Chapter 307: A Ghastly Beckon

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While Geneva's expression continued to become increasingly submerged in ecstasy, Apollo's attention fell into the distance. Not too far away, he could sense yet another source of his own energy. Since this was the case, this meant one thing.

'Someone else has ingested my flames just as Geneva has. If it wasn't for the strengthening of my mind, I wouldn't have realized this piece of information. I wonder just who was curious enough to do that,' Apollo mused silently. 

Originally, he didn't pay too much attention to this. But, when he realized that his aura was being concealed, it dawned upon Apollo that the culprit had to be stronger than he was. In fact, as he delved in deeper, he came to realize that ingesting his Hellfire would take a certain standard of a physique.

Be that as it may, he wasn't aware of the particulars. Thus far, he hadn't been able to witness anyone swallow his Hellfire and survive, save for Geneva. The only other times he used his Hellfire in such a way was when he sought to inflict terrible amounts of torture upon someone. 

Afterward, Apollo continued to gaze upon Geneva once he removed his hand. Before moving forward with anything, he allowed her some time to digest the energy and recover to a state suitable for venturing into the academy grounds. However, while he waited, he noticed the signs of corruption in Geneva's body spreading at an accelerated rate.

'This...it must be due to the increase of my Infernal Ira Stigmata as well as my increased attainments with Hellfire. Not to mention, this weird variant I possess should also be a large contributing factor to her odd development,' Apollo surmised.

It wasn't long after he discovered this that the blush upon Geneva's cheeks faded. In place of the blush, there was a slight pallor for a moment. All of a sudden, a bout of weakness washed over Geneva. 'W-what's going on? Why do I feel weak? This never happened before.'

Even Apollo was taken aback. This was a first for him, ergo, he was nonplussed and confused as to why this was happening. But, when he lifted the midsection of her clothing to examine her wound, Apollo discovered the issue. The Hellfire within her wound was currently running amok and bombarded against her skin. To put it simply, the Hellfire was trying to escape her body and return to its source.

Upon noticing this, Apollo became surprised. Part of him wanted to retrieve the energy that sought to return to him but another inner voice relayed that the temporary gains he could experience weren't worth it. Even if he could steal a portion of Geneva's strength, if he could demonize her, he could siphon ample times more.

Thus, Apollo exhaled and calmed his seething desire. He then focused and held his palm above Geneva's wound. As he closed his eyes, he could sense the faint connection he still retained with the Hellfire. If he wished for her state to take a turn for the better, Apollo understood what he needed to do next.

A dark light flashed within his eyes as a trace of Domination Intent appeared on his fingertip. At the same time, a look of strain appeared on Apollo's face as he attempted to control the minute output of this Intent. Compared to letting the power run amok, this was many times harder.

In order to maintain control, Apollo had to actively monitor the immense intricacies of his Intent's flow. Additionally, he also needed to keep the stream sustaining the Intent steady. The slightest bit of fluctuation would result in a disruption. Nevertheless, this type of application was extremely beneficial to Apollo.

It was a direct way to hone his utilization of Intent. While he hadn't reached the level of flawlessly merging his many energies, it would increase his viability in battle. In turn, this would also positively impact his survivability.

A few moments into his action, large beads of sweat dripped from his forehead. Maintaining his actions put a monumental mental strain on him. But, finally, he located the source of the connection. Once it was found, Apollo turned his Intent into a blade before severing it.

As a result, Geneva's body relaxed into her chair. Her condition changed for the better as her priorly pale cheeks grew rosier by the moment. Only after her eyes fluttered open did Apollo take a step back.

Silently, she watched Apollo for a while before muttering, "Your flame is different. It doesn't seek to leave you anymore. When it is away, it becomes raucous. Tell me, what type of fire is this?"

"The flame which purifies yet corrupts. Those of unmatching orientation will be purified until their corruption is adequate. You, my lady, have ingested what is known as Hellfire, the Sin's brethren," Apollo chuckled, an obscure light flashing in his eyes.

Unbeknownst to him, he had muttered a phrase that only a select few Demons were privy to. Although it wasn't purposely, Apollo had relived a memory embedded deep within his mind.

"Hellfire," Geneva parroted in a trance. She then dragged her hand across her torso, noticing that the wound had closed up even more than before. Based on the current progress, it wouldn't be long before she regained her peak strength. Yet, that thought also scared her.

'If I recover my strength, will my mind once again become strong enough to repel these revolting urges in my mind? Will I become free if I'm strong enough?' Geneva questioned internally while gazing at Apollo's nonchalant demeanor. 

Apollo waited for a brief moment before clearing his throat, "Since you have recovered somewhat, I need you to do something."

"What?" Geneva questioned after stumbling awake from her stupor.

"Accompany me to the Institute. I'd rather get this out of the way now so I can continue with my personal endeavors," Apollo muttered. Aside from the visit to the Institute courtesy of Geneva's request, the only other matter he had on his agenda was to continue to perfect his stigmata and body to prime his vessel for the other Sins.

After all, it was only a matter of time until he awakened the other Sins. If he wasn't strong enough, then it'd just be a repeat situation. And, that wasn't something he wanted to happen. Whenever he lost control, there was an eerie sensation that filled his mind.

Furthermore, Apollo didn't wish to experience the emotions nor the thoughts of the other Sins. When Ira controlled him, he experienced a never-ending cycle of rage that wanted to submerge his mind forever. If that was just Ira, he didn't want to think about Gula or Invidia for that matter.

According to Fuhrer's warnings, these were two very dangerous Sins. Gula's main ability was to swallow, if his mind was swallowed, there was a large chance of his consciousness disappearing. As for Invidia, there was a chance for something much worse.

Meanwhile, after hearing his request, Geneva nodded, "I planned to anyway. The closer I am to you, the faster you can relay the information to me. While the experiences are limited to the mind, I can still sense whatever oddities that are to arise within the Origin Room."

Upon receiving her answer, Apollo grinned, "Then the means of transport should be left up to you right? Those wings, I would like to see them one more time," Apollo asked.

Suddenly, Geneva's expression darkened a bit, "My wings? Why are you interested in them?"

"I have my reasons," Apollo shrugged, avoiding a definitive answer. This made Geneva wary but no matter how much she questioned, Apollo wouldn't reveal it. After all, he couldn't tell her that there were now two additional Demons in the world. This information was sure to come as a shock.

In fact, there was even a chance that she would immediately call for someone to check on the current condition of Pangea Island's vital spiritual cores. 

Since she wouldn't consent without further information, Apollo relented, "Fine, I can promise that I mean you no harm. I am merely curious about its structure and purposes."

However, what Apollo didn't tell her was that he was only interested in her transformation due to Valac's wings. He wanted to see if it was possible to recreate these things. If he gained wings, he couldn't imagine how much of a help that would be. 

"Err…" While she was still on the fence about it due to the fact that most things related to Apollo turned out to be a headache, she finally consented after sensing the unusual sincerity in his voice.

Two magnificent dark wings unfurled from her back with a gust of wind. Due to the fact, her wound was healing faster than she expected, she was able to open her wings again without feeling a wave of pain. 

"Come," Geneva beckoned. As Apollo entered her grasp, his eyes continued to inspect her wings. 

'Much different but it seems like their cores are the same,' Apollo surmised. In a matter of seconds, Geneva zipped through the air, arriving before the Institute.

Compared to his top speed, Geneva seemed to defy common sense. But, Apollo didn't worry about this as he was focused on something else. 

A specter-like calling entered his ears that put him on edge, 'Is this calling beneficial or is something beckoning me to commit foul play?'

The reason behind his speculation was due to the impression the whisper gave—a gruesome darkness! In fact, the weariness it made him feel prompted Apollo to rethink entering this place altogether. 

It didn't take long for Geneva to realize his apprehension. When she confronted him about it, she was at a loss for words due to his response.