The Demon Monarch System

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It appeared that all of Apollo's worries were unwarranted because the reason Saehtyn appeared here was for Xonnomor and Xonnomor alone. Furthermore, it seemed like even Xonnomor wasn't his goal as he wanted to get in touch with his father.

Although his position was unmentioned until now, Xonnomor had pointed out earlier that both his father and mother came from unique parties within the Council. Admittedly, it appeared Xonnomor's father held a rather influential position if even the Lord of Ashiraem sought him out.

Or, at the very least, that is what Apollo gleaned from Saehtyn's request.

"My father? Why exactly do you need to get in contact with him? Wouldn't you rather my grandfather?" Xonnomor asked with a curious expression. When it came to both ranking and position, his grandfather far outclassed his father. 

Therefore, the receiving party that oversaw most of Saehtyn's requests was Xonnomor's grandfather. However, just as his request was unusual in Xonnomor's eyes, Saehtyn's resulting expression was irregular as well.

"That would be the natural order of things. However, when was the last time you've talked to your grandfather?" Saehtyn asked with an odd expression. It wasn't solemn but more so pitiful as he guessed the contact amongst Xonnomor's family was sparse.

"I admit, it has been a few years. But, he was in exemplary health the last time I saw him. So I doubt he's in danger," Xonnomor said after giving Saehtyn's words some thought. At first, he thought he came bearing terrible news, but the lack of a tense atmosphere said otherwise.

At least, when it concerned the safety of Xonnomor's grandfather.

"Well, it has been years since he's made the preparations to shatter the Noble Boundary. Who do you think is responsible for all the excavations of the mysterious ruins? Besides, he is the only one to interact with the materials."

Suddenly, Apollo experienced a change in expression as he looked towards Fuhrer, "Is that feasible? Can a Demon truly shatter the Noble Boundary to step into the Daemonic Domain?"

Fuhrer didn't answer right away. Instead, he examined Saehtyn closely as well as Xonnomor. Based on the stories he told, Xonnomor's grandfather had indeed interacted with some materials above his understanding.

Thus, it was also a possibility that he chanced upon some practice from ancient times. If that was so, then even if the current position of the rings were out of alignment, there was a way to force the evolution.

"Yes, it could be possible. However, it'll require a large number of pristine materials. Even then, the chance for success is extremely slim," Fuhrer replied, causing Apollo to fall silent with a pensive expression.

Finally, after a few moments of silence, he posed another question, "Could the Council have that much material in their possession? Is this also the true reason they've been on high alert?"

"I mean, it's plausible. As for whether they have enough materials, I can't answer that. According to my memory, there were several unemptied deposits the Monarch left to repair damages in times of war. 

Before continuing, Fuhrer tapped his chin while glancing at the gargantuan battle ax attached to Saehtyn's back, "That weapon is made from a notable amount of Dark Mythril and Purgatory Ore. If I'm not wrong, this must be the weapon that Xonnomor mentioned in his story."

In truth, Apollo felt something was off about that weapon as well. The sensation it gave off was too familiar despite his short time in the world of Demons. Therefore, Apollo could only make one conclusion―the forging process involved materials he was familiar with.

Fortunately, Apollo's inventory absorbed all aura of the items he stored inside, else Saehtyn would have sensed the familiar presence, especially if he had arrived any faster.

Speaking of which, Apollo narrowed his eyes as he thought about the Lord's earlier appearance, 'Azridan, Saehtyn was involved in the fight against Irzanach, correct?'

[That's correct. He was one the first to act, besides Lucifer.]

'Then, are his unusually slow actions due to hidden injuries? I sense that he is overcompensating.'

[I sense a gruesome injury to his heart. It's fluctuating oddly. Either he exhausted far too much Sin allowing its sentience to momentarily overwhelm him, or there was physical damage done to his heart. Either way, both scenarios will spell hard times for this ring.]

'I see,' Apollo nodded in response.

Meanwhile, Saehtyn finally convinced Xonnomor to deliver a message to his father. Typically, Saehtyn wouldn't ask for him to act as a messenger and simply accomplish the matters himself, but the task was beyond him.

Regrettably, the damage he received made it impossible for him to leave this place. Not only did he require the nourishment of Ira to recover, but the distance he could open a doorway to was limited to Ashiraem.

So, reaching the location of the Council's headquarters was unlikely.

"No problem, I will deliver the message to my father. As for the contents of the message, what will it be?" Xonnomor questioned.

Right before he was about to answer, Saehtyn stopped. After all, there were many unfamiliar demons in the area. However, as he looked around, his eyes froze on Apollo's figure.

"I know you," Saehtyn murmured with a thoughtful expression. It didn't immediately register because of the large change to Apollo's appearance, but it soon clicked, "Aren't you that boy who has become Azridan's successor?"

"I am," Apollo nodded with a succinct response. After all, he wasn't sure how Saehtyn would respond. But, after learning of his injury and how his state was far from ideal to engage in combat, Apollo wasn't frightened or even worried.

Though, from Saehtyn's expression, he didn't seem angered at all but shocked.

"You've already evolved into a Greater Demon. And, it appears your progress within the state has already become substantial. That's a terrifying rate of progress," Saehtyn praised with a slight nod before panning his gaze around.

'An Archdemon, a few Greater Demons, and a few lesser ones. But, what's their relation to him? With the way they're positioned, it's almost as if they're guarding him,' Saehtyn surmised while shifting his gaze back to Apollo.

"I've been trying my best," Apollo replied in a humble tone. Because, while his improvement was rapid, it wasn't at its peak. Nor was it up to par for the threats brewing.

Eventually, Saehtyn determined that since Apollo was traveling in Azridan's footsteps, learning about the disorderly state of affairs was an inevitable piece of knowledge. Therefore, Saehtyn sighed and took a seat on a near-destroyed boulder.

'Now that I look at things here, just what type of fight took place here to cause this much damage? And... is this Superbia I sense?' But while Saehtyn sensed some anomalies, he didn't address them.

After all, the mortifying events that took place in his tower took precedence over a trivial fight between demons. It didn't dawn upon him that his target was right under their noses because the culprit's current power was incapable of making a difference.

Admittedly, this would be a mistake that Saehtyn would have never expected.

"Tell your grandfather two pieces of information. One, there appears to be Monarch Candidates still alive. And, their growth is terrifying. Even the Lords acting together suffered a brutal loss," Saehtyn revealed before taking a slight pause.

This time, his expression became grim, "Second, tell him that the Lords are gradually losing their authority, and there are demons who exist outside the realm of our control. Perhaps they will be the key to restoring order. I have met such a demon, and he helped us."

This news came as a shock to Apollo as he turned towards Fuhrer, 'How fast is the deterioration taking place?'

'It's not that fast. But, the grasp of these Lords is only half complete. So their loss of power should be rapid. Well, not personal power―their power of authority,' Fuhrer answered.

Apollo took in this information before looking towards Saehtyn, "Someone outside of your control helped you?"

"Correct. Although I use help loosely in this case. He was only channeling his own displeasure and it just so happened to benefit us. That Asteroth fellow was one of the most unruly and explosive I have ever witnessed," Saehtyn answered with a small shudder. 

In fact, he looked towards the gaping hole near the top of his tower with a pained heart. That was all the outcome of Asteroth's savage attacks.

Meanwhile, Apollo blanked.. Although it wasn't Asteroth who came, it appeared he was still too close for comfort! Of course, he didn't let Saehtyn sense his dismay, since that could ultimately arouse suspicions.