----
"What do I do?" Fuhrer thought to himself. He was conflicted. After all, this was a request that came from Destrys himself. Not only was he an existence he didn't wish to offend, but he was also someone who imparted knowledge upon Fuhrer.
Thus, even though he was ruthless in most cases, Fuhrer still understood camaraderie and how to treat those deemed as allies. Typically, backstabbing them wasn't one of his desired actions.
Hence, Fuhrer raised his hand and twisted it 90 degrees. This caused the collapsing void to pause its momentum and become stagnant. A contemplative look crept upon his face as he continued to hold control over his technique.
"I understand that you have some qualms against this as he has shown hostility toward your young Lord, and you ancient demons cherish loyalty the most. However, it has been brought to my attention that this kid is indeed my progeny," Detrys revealed, continuing to implore Fuhrer to concede.
"?!" Fuhrer's eyes widened when he looked upon Erebane. His mental gears churned as he started to piece the given information together. First of all, he should've realized that only the lineage would be able to tap into a unique power.
The latent power would be passed down through the bloodline in a dormant state. Only when a strong enough catalyst was utilized or when their state was strong enough would the recessive power begin to activate. During that time, the successor would experience an exponent growth in power.
Second, Fuhrer was able to notice Destrys's energy signature in the power Erebane wielded, yet he wasn't able to perceive their connect. Of course, this had something to do with Destrys's higher state.
How could someone weaker be able to peer into the secrets of a grander being? It was nonsensical and impossible unless some inconceivable tactics were employed. Such as bearing a forbidden item.
"Your progeny you say? Just when did you attain one of those?" Fuhrer asked. At the same time, he kept the void at bay. Although it threatened to break free from his control, a strange power leaked from Fuhrer's body, which seemed to make the void quiver in subservience.
"Yes, precisely. Apparently, my actions resulted in an unforeseen birth and I wasn't aware of his existence. And, my deeds have precipitated his current conditions. Thus, as his father, I am to blame. So, will you be able to do me this one favor? If so, then I'll return it in kind when we meet again," Destrys offered.
For a time, Fuhrer was silent. Before answering, he looked over to Apollo. Although he had the power to make his own decisions, this was something that included Apollo, so Fuhrer felt he should at least be included in the ultimate decision.
"Apollo," Fuhrer beckoned telepathically.
Hearing the beckon, Apollo extricated his attention from the enrapturing void before him and peered over in Fuhrer's direction, "What happened Fuhrer?"
"It's like this."
After explaining the entire situation, leaving nothing to imagination, Apollo was surprised by the information provided. For starters, he was impressed by Fuhrer's devotion to him. Even though there was no exclusive indication of Erebane's intent to harm Apollo, Fuhrer immediately assumed it as so.
In truth, Erebane was more interested in Fuhrer than he was Apollo. Unlike Apollo, Fuhrer received some of Destrys' ethereal energy to repair his mind, producing a faint connection to Destrys' presence.
When Erebane sensed this, he wished to pry some information on just where he got that. Alas, fate was a tricky vixen. Fuhrer was just far too strong for Erebane to defeat, even with the assistance of his father's power. Not only was he an amateur at wielding it, but he also employed it incorrectly from the very beginning.
"So, you mean to say Destrys is talking to you right now and wishes for you to spare Erebane?" Apollo summarized, rubbing his chin in thought as he gazed upon the straggling Erebane. The image of Erebane now was nothing like when he and Fuhrer engaged in battle.
At this point, Erebane was akin to a dying flame. Most of his orifices were leaking blood and his previously robust physique was shriveling up. This wasn't due to Fuhrer's strike; it was the repercussion of forcefully wielding that power.
Anger was only a momentary option for more strength. It was a completely destructive power, to both oneself and others. At least, that was true for most beings. This logic didn't apply to someone like Saehtyn. After all, his power was wrath itself. The angrier he was, the more of his power he could manifest.
"Correct, so what do you think? Should I just allow Destrys to deal with this matter?" Fuhrer questioned.
After a short pause, Apollo nodded with a cryptic expression. "Yeah, you might as well. Since he has yet to meet his progeny, Destroys should at least be given the luxury to meet them."
With the current complex expression of Apollo bearing a mix of melancholy, Fuhrer knew exactly what he was thinking about. Up until now, Apollo had never met his parents, so he could relate to him. This was true for both his past and present life.
Although he was physically in their presence before, it wasn't for long. Once he was deemed useless, his family had cast him into the serf division after birth. Evidently, power meant more than blood in his past life, and his memories of those parent's faces were nonexistent because of this.
"I agree with you," Fuhrer responded, preparing to relay his answer to Destrys. But, before he could do so, Apollo added another look.
A faintly emotionless look entered Apollo's gaze as he continued, "However, this won't be given for free. Tell Destrys he isn't allowed to disappear until we return. There is something I wish to ask of him."
"Eh? What do you wish to ask him, my Lord?" Fuhrer inquired with a dubious expression. Most of the information Apollo currently possessed came from Fuhrer, so he couldn't understand just what he wished to learn from Destrys.
"Nothing much, I just wish to understand more about the ancient pact of the Spirits and Demons and see if I can perform a certain action. I'm sure Destrys would be privy to whether or not it is feasible," Apollo answered.
He then added, "Cancel it."
Fuhrer obliged with a nod and snapped his finger, which sent a sharp surge of energy to disrupt the collapsing void. Afterward, Fuhrer disappeared and reappeared right before Erebane with a single step.
"Y-you...this sight amuses you, doesn't it?" Erebane muttered with an unfocused gaze. The pain circulating throughout his body was immense. Albeit dismal, it was shocking to see he was still conscious despite his condition.
"There is no amusement to be enjoyed. I just come bearing some news. Due to your actions, someone wishes to meet you," Fuhrer said before reaching his hand out. A faint force engulfed Erebane's body, lifting his bloodied self off the ground.
Once this happened, Fuhrer walked back to Apollo with Erebane floating behind him. However, Fuhrer's word continued to repeat inside his head, causing Erebane to finally mutter the question plaguing him.
"Who...who is it. Just who wishes to meet me?" Erebane questioned. His voice was akin to a whisper and it was grating due to his body's current condition. Just talking required most of his bodily energy.
"It's quite simple. It's the same individual that I received this 'familiar smell' from. It would seem your actions have stimulated their interest. Unfortunately, there isn't a way to meet them at this moment. So, I'll have you off to someone else."
With a gesture, Fuhrer passed Erebane to Apollo. Silently, Apollo inspected the battered Erebane who floated before him. Above all, Apollo was curious about something, causing him to reach out to touch Erebane's forehead.
"If I can extract power from these humans, what would happen if a Spirit were to supply me with Sin. As a higher being, shouldn't the Sin they possess be higher as well?" Apollo wondered.
His finger continued to inch closer and closer. It was soon encapsulating in a collection of black wisps. They congregated and started to swirl in just a few moments. A mere glimpse felt as if it would devour everything without remorse.
At the same time, a crazed look graced Apollo's countenance. The mere thought of extracting this type of energy excited him. Perhaps this was just what he needed to catapult himself over that limit.
Just as his finger came in contact with Erebane's forehead, Azridan's voice resounded within Apollo's mind.
[Is...that a Spirit? You mean to tell me the Spirit this world uses...are THOSE Spirits?]