The Demon Monarch System

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After taking a step forward, Apollo clasped his hand before guiding his hand towards Xonnomor. "At our current rate, Xonnomor won't be enough to supply the forces in question for when mayhem runs rampant through the Nihilistic Rings. So, with that being said, I would like a propose an assistive alternative."

"Assistive alternative? In other words, you're suggesting that we acquire another forge on par with Xonnomor's skill. As much as I'd desire to do so, I fear it'd be impossible to find someone comparable to him," Xorgrah admitted. However, after a moment of silence and processing the intention of this conversation, to begin with, Xorgrah linked Apollo's intentions.

Regrettably, it wasn't Xorgrah who revealed what he understood. Xonnomor gasped excitedly as his delight manifested as stars in his eyes. "Are you going to ask Asteroth to assist us directly?!" 

"That was the intention, but as I said before, it's a long shot. I'm sure you all are quite familiar with Asteroth's conduct. If he is against supplying his assistance, then this is a moot option because once his mind is made up, it'd be nearly impossible to change," Apollo said. He used a frank manner so as not to obscure their deal's contents.

"You said nearly, but not entirely. As long as there is a sliver of a chance, I suggest we gamble on the improbable. Besides, I'm sure you can coerce him in one way or another, no?" Xorgrah insisted. At the same time, his eyes shifted towards Fuhrer, giving an unspoken message.

However, Apollo shook his head in response. "Force is not an option with this individual." Although it pained him to admit, Apollo was not Asteroth's opponent at this time. Not to mention, he couldn't use that earlier technique for quite some time as all of the hidden injuries caused by its former usage would take a while to heal.

If he were to agitate those injuries, it would only extend the healing period and potentially worsen the extent of the injury. As of right now, only his Sin Vessels were targeted, leaving them in a fragile state. Another usage would cause the damage to permeate his Demon Body as well.

Despite the resilience of the Supreme Demon Body, this wasn't a chance Apollo was willing to take. Therefore, if the reasoning was enough to convince Asteroth to help, Apollo felt he'd have to find another way to amplify Xonnomor's crafting abilities.

"Understandable. Not everyone can be dealt with in the same way. Nevertheless, let's recount the deal and assess some faults that I feel can be ironed out. Is that agreeable to you?" Xorgrah questioned. 

His respectful manner stupified Xonnomor, causing him to blink repeatedly while in utter disbelief. "Hello? Father? Is that truly you? I can't believe what I am witnessing! The Council's most aggressive negotiator is taking a passive stance? The world is coming to an end!"

"Quiet boy! This is an important conversation taking place," Xorgrah growled, firing his son a hostile gaze. As a result, Xonnomor cleared his throat while scratching his head before stepping aside. No matter how old he became, he would always fear his father's hand provided that he remained much stronger.

"What did you have in mind?" Apollo asked suddenly, breaking the atmosphere between the father and son. Although he understood their relation, Apollo couldn't remain idle as one of his followers was reprimanded. Of course, this intention was successfully disguised as enthusiasm, which kept the true nature of their relationship hidden.

While Apollo chose to negotiate with his fellow demons openly, he wasn't foolish enough to expose his actions of establishing force right under their noses. If this fact were to come to light prematurely, it could potentially sour the deal he was making. 

Even if it wasn't the end of the world, Apollo wanted to avoid any losses as much as realistically possible. Perhaps one missed chance was inconsequential, but when the number started to amass into a greater volume, the insignificance of the missed opportunity became substantial.

"Well, the uncertainty of you being able to fulfill your side of the deal is rather alarming. So, I wondered if we can reciprocate the first contents of the deal but instead of receiving your favor, could we include the one beside you?" Xorgrah requested.

Naturally, the individual besides Apollo was Fuhrer. Xorgrah couldn't conceal his interest in Fuhrer. Compared to Apollo, Fuhrer seemed to be the one who would provide a better value to the deal. Thus, instead of requesting a favor from Apollo directly, Xorgrah opted for receiving a favor from Fuhrer.

However, Apollo didn't return the answer immediately. As a being of free will, Apollo allowed Fuhrer to make all of his choices. Save for guaranteeing Apollo's safety; Fuhrer possessed a decision if the matter pertained to something else.

"You want to receive a favor from me? I must warn you, asking a favor of an archaic bag of bone over this exemplary boy beside me would be a foolish mistake. After all, it would be best if you learned not to let your eyes deceive you and the past influence you too severely. With that being said, are you sure I'm the one you wish to receive the favor from?" Fuhrer answered calmly.

Prior to Fuhrer's input, Xorgrah's mind had already been made up. However, the fact that Fuhrer mentioned this before verifying his decisions made Xorgrah revisit his assumption.

'Is there something I'm missing here? Sure, I understand that he follows the young boy, but his words speculate the possibility of the boy growing stronger than him. Unfortunately, the issue isn't the possibility of that happening, but the time frame needed. Even now, we're unsure how long it will be until the Lords lose complete control of the Rings. I can't risk my decisions on what-ifs… Not now…'

Xorgrah's expression grew solemn as his conflicting thoughts deepened. Perhaps if his daughter were here to reveal the absurdity behind Apollo's growth, Xorgrah's decision would be different. Still, as of right now, he released a deep sigh before finalizing his decision.

"Seeing as you follow by his side, I feel receiving your favor is just as valuable. So, yes. I am sure that is your favor that I wish to receive in return," Xorgrah voiced.

In return, Fuhrer acknowledged his statement with a subtle nod. "Very well. You have my word. Should this deal go through, you'll possess a voucher to request one favor of me. I suggest that you don't squander it by asking for assistance with a meager task. Treat it as if you'd just required a lifesaving favor."

"Understood!" Xorgrah nodded earnestly. Afterward, Apollo changed the topic, which furthered Xorgrah's interest in what he had to say.

"This next piece is about the abandoned ruins littered throughout the Nihilistic Rings," Apollo said.

Immediately, Xorgrah's eyes scanned the room to find the culprit responsible for revealing valuable information. Aside from a few stragglers who were always contained within the ruins to prevent word of their existence from seeping out, there weren't many aware of the ancient ruins.

Thus, Xorgrah thought there was someone with loose lips amidst his presence. However, outside of this perception, Xorgrah didn't fear the mention of these ruins. After all, he was in the middle of forming a relationship with this party. And with the Council removed from the fray, the consequences were essentially nonexistent.

Be that as it may, Fuhrer grinned. "No reason to suspect anyone present. His knowledge of these ruins comes from my presence. After all, someone as old as me is bound to possess intrinsic knowledge of my home. Isn't that right?"

"Correct. It should be no other way. Now, what about the ruins interest you?"

"The Dark Mythril and Purgatory Ore specifically. These are two items I need in mass. In exchange for offering some advice free of charge, I'd like to requisition a 3:7 split, with my cut being the latter," Apollo said.

At a glance, the request seemed outlandish. Apollo would claim seventy percent for nearly no cost at all. In their eyes, they were suffering too much of a loss in this deal. But, before Xorgrah or even Saehtyn could refute the absurdity of the bargain, Apollo gave Fuhrer a meaningful signal.

A second later, a highly oppressive cluster of energy appeared in his palm, dancing between his fingertips. Xorgrah's expression changed the moment this energy appeared.

"This interests you, does it not? The advice I'll be providing is linked to this power. After all, if you all are to become the guardians of the Nihilistic Rings, then the standard  of the strongest needs to change."

Due to the enticing offer on the tablet, the room grew silent. The previously outlandish offer didn't seem so distasteful after all. Just Xorgrah alone felt a connection with this power as if he was on the precipice of developing his own. So, it possessed an indisputable allure.

Meanwhile, Saehtyn analyzed the power with awe while fear crept into Belphegor's mind. 'T-This doesn't seem like something I'm capable of devouring.'