----

"Liquid Ira?" Apollo muttered while looking inside the drink. Truth be told, the appearance didn't quite fit the name as it was a greenish drink and not red. So, Apollo was confused as to whether this name referred to its contents, or if the name was simply conferred due to its seething properties.

Additionally, Apollo was also curious about the current situation as well. Since he didn't understand the process for this place, he wasn't aware of the weight mentioning the tavern special held.

But, with his nature, it was only right that he asked. "Why aren't you the one to handle the deal? After all, you are the one who greeted me, are you not?"

"Correct, but you see, I'm a mere entry-level Archdemon. I can't possibly handle the consequences of the information you seek. So, I'll have to pass along this task to my boss. As long as they like you, you'll be fine," Balrog responded while knocking his hand against the table.

Seconds later, another waitress approached the table, except this time she presented some food that carried a familiar scent. 'Do they make cuisines spiced with Fragments of Sin here? How interesting. Business must be amazing for them to maintain this type of frivolous exhaustion,' Apollo thought to himself.

Since he was offered it, Apollo didn't stand on ceremony and welcomed his followers to eat while he awaited the presence of Balrog's boss. However, while he said he would pass along the responsibility, he remained seated at the table with a bizarre grin. Soon enough, Apollo couldn't help but question it.

"Is there something...amusing?"

"Not quite. I'm just bored, and this is how I pass my time," Balrog responded, but Apollo merely shrugged at his answer before revisiting his first words. As far as his information towards the hierarchy of demons went, he wasn't privy to their breakdowns.

"You called yourself an entry-level Archdemon, yes? I'd like to know what that means because I've never heard that term before," Apollo said.

Contrary to his expectation, Balrog was neither surprised nor did he experience any change in expression. It might seem odd, but there was a decent reason behind these actions.

"Of course you wouldn't. That's how we of the All-seeing Nautilus refer to this level. The proper term is simply identical to the breakdown of sin purity. As for our terms, it refers to the age of the Archdemon rather than power. Because, as an Archdmeon ages, the volume of their Sin condenses, resulting in a more potent power. In my boss's case, they're what's known as a complete Archdemon. Meaning they've been an Archdemon for over a thousand years," Balrog revealed.

But, to Apollo, this explanation seemed flawed.

[That's one way of viewing it, I guess. The other way is that failing to become a Noblesse after 1,000 years denotes the exhaustion of that demon's potential.]

Apollo's eye brightened when he heard Azridan's explanation, because he had the same thoughts. If that was true, then as long as he played his cards right, then there was a chance of him possessing the upper-hand in this negotiation.

According to Zarkath's explanation, the chances of acquiring information weren't 100%. First, the All-seeing Nautilus needed to ascertain whether the buyer's intention would result in collateral damage outside of their acceptable range.

In some situations, mentioning their name posed no threat. However, if the buyer was causing trouble at a higher level, then this was business they couldn't stand by because Saehtyn was the type to enforce sanctions if the order of Ashiraem was disturbed.

Although, just like Apollo, the others in this place were aware of the unusual situation happening inside of the Lord's Tower.

Nevertheless, despite receiving some information from Azridan, Apollo didn't reveal his intention. Doing so would be a foolish move on his part. Instead, it was smarter for him to wait on Balrog's boss, who based on Balrog's actions, was upon them.

An elderly demon with a long beard and bronze skin stroked his beard while approaching the table with steady steps. Alongside him was a levitating ring that held a black pillow seating a ruby bracelet in the middle.

Before taking a seat, he slipped the bracelet on his wrist, which erected a red barrier that was undetectable from the outside. Rather than any introductions, the elder demon sat down and immediately got to business.

As soon as he opened his eyes, two amber lights scanned Apollo's body before dissipating. It was unsure if this was a technique or just the byproduct of him opening his closed eyes, but Apollo felt nothing.

And even if he did, the system was a tool that deflected all inspection thus far. This included Saehtyn, so Apollo doubted a demon stuck in the Archdemon state could penetrate the defenses of the system.

"What type of information do you seek? Is it the secrets of an esteemed individual? Background information on their relatives? Location of some of Ashiraem's royal demons? Possible areas hiding ancients secrets? The selection for the tavern special spans over a vast variety," the elder demon said.

But, instead of immediately answering, Apollo narrowed his eyes, 'These are all prodding questions. All the choices listed should be information gathered through nefarious means. So, if I agree to one of these, then the deal would be over before it began.'

Therefore, Apollo chose another route. In this case, he would have to first submit in order to cement his conquer later, "None of the sorts. I would just like some simple information. For example, information on vacant areas within or near this city."

"Hmm," the elder groaned before falling silent while he stroked his chin. The atmosphere within the bubble changed as this silence continued for longer than anyone would desire. Throughout the silence, Balrog's eyes darted between Apollo and his boss.

At first, the elder's action was simply a ruse to understand what type of person he was. Was he irrational? Blowing up at the slightest bit of delay and inconvenience. Or, was he reserved and in control of himself? After all, the downfall of most demons at Apollo's age was their inability to adapt to the conditions that would otherwise infuriate them.

Oftentimes, this inability led to death.

But, as the silence endured, the elder acquired the information he needed, "Shrewd. That's what you are. Most your age would have spoken first by now to ask whether the deal is set."

"I feel no need for me to ask a trivial question. As long as your heart is set, then I doubt my words can move them," Apollo responded.

"I see. So, do you care to tell me the real information you seek? Someone of your shrewdness would not come here merely seeking locations. I, Brakar, have had my fair share of sit-downs."historical

"Mmn, there was some truth to my words. I do seek information on some locations. However, they don't necessarily need to be vacant," Apollo said while placing his chin on his hand.

Brakar's eyebrow rose when he heard this. To say he wasn't intrigued by this request would be an untruth, "Hoh? And what type of location is that you seek?"

"Perhaps something on the scale of a stronghold property."

Instantly, both Balrog and Brakar had a change in expression. From shock to alarm, they wondered why someone this young demon could possibly want information pertaining to a stronghold.

"Do you seek to join a faction? If this setting fits you, perhaps there is an opening in the Nautilus for you," Brakar offered. It was always beneficial to introduce a shrewd youth to this business. After all, their information gathering system was top-notch.

Regrettably, Apollo rejected the offer immediately, "While joining a stronghold would be ideal, I guess you could say I'm just on a business endeavor."

"Very well. There are a number of strongholds in this city, all of varying levels. However, as a Greater Demon, I suggest you aim for a stronghold with a Greater Insignia, this means their leader is a Grater Deamon. Provided that you intend to 'negotiate' with them, correct?"

"Correct," Apollo admitted with a light smile, but his following word astonished them yet again, "But that level will probably be insufficient. I prefer one stronger, but not too strong. Something that is within both of our limits. Don't you agree?"

"Heh," Brakar chuckled, "Truly a shrewd one. For that information, It'll be 1,100 Fragments of Sins. And, I have just the stronghold in mind. But, while it is within reason, it is also not."

"I'll have to use my discretion to determine that," Apollo smiled before presenting a ring towards Brakar. "The items you have requested are inside."