----

Although the fight ended, Typhir was left in shock after digesting what he had just seen. Both sides delivered a strike that rivaled a power near his own. On top of that, the amount of destruction caused by their actions was simply absurd.

The mutilated ground accentuated the gaping hole left by Tirasha's golden pierce that Valac's manifestation created. All in all, the aftermath of the battle made it seem as if two peak-level Archdemons fought to their death.

Instead of fear, Typhir felt an indescribable joy. After all, Fuhrer had once explained that the deteriorating condition of the demons would only put them in more danger. Thus, the slightest sign of the race's power threshold rising was enough to delight Typhir.

Not to mention, this also meant more worthwhile enemies could appear, resulting in rapid growth for himself.

Suddenly, Typhir approached the two weary demons and looked back and forth before crossing his arms. "Have you let all the wrath out of your hearts?"

"Eh heh.. I was never angry. Take that up with her," Valac said while dusting himself off. While he was grateful that he was still alive, his inherent behavior wasn't something that could change in a matter of seconds. It was a gradual task.

However, the lack of explosion was already a good indication of his willingness to change. Apollo's presence and the disappointment that he usually sensed from Apollo incited this desire to change.

Perhaps his position as a mere president wouldn't remain for much longer. Once he evolved, Valac's power would be more than enough to escape that trivial ranking. Perhaps even the title of a Demonic Earl wasn't too far-fetched.

While Valac picked himself up, the golden luster of Tirasha's armor faded as she experienced a bout of powerlessness. Fortunately, the black bruise inching up her neck started receding the moment she stopped funneling energy into the armor.

Still, her condition wasn't optimal for movement, so she rested against one of the fragmented buildings while catching her breath. At the same time, she looked towards Typhir with a faint nod.

"I'm content. However, do forgive me for prying, but why are you here? Also, I don't sense Apollo anywhere nearby. What brings you here?" Tirasha questioned.

However, instead of answering immediately, Typhir held out his hand towards Tirasha. "You should worry about recovering before wondering about our reasons for being here. Though, I can tell that you're one of the reasons we've come here. I'd like to talk with you."

Tirasha looked at Typhir curiously after listening to his words. 'I'm one of the reasons they're here? I don't think I'm of much use in the current situation.'

"Could this have something to do with the Council? If so, I'm sorry to tell you that I can't assist you," Tirasha said. The first thought on her mind was that Apollo and the others wished for an audience with the Council's members.

However, seeing as the entrance to the headquarters was already sealed, that was impossible. Therefore, Tirasha felt guilty that their visit to Suprenis was uneventful. At least, that's was her thought on the matter.

Despite admitting that she was of no help, Typhir experienced no change in expression. In fact, he showed a faint smile while pulling her up.

"On the contrary, we're not the slightest bit interested in the Council. We have our tasks with a much greater purpose. My question to you is, do you wish to hear about it?" Typhir responded.

For a moment, Tirasha was stunned. She looked at Typhir wordlessly while attempting to get a read on him. 'What purpose could I serve if they're not interested in the Council? Sure my potential is exceptional, but there's several demons with even better potential.'

Eventually, Tirasha couldn't bottle her curiosity, causing her to fish for more information.

"If not the Council, then why do you need me?"

"Well, for one, your brother has already joined us, so it's only right that we extend an invite to you as well. Secondly, the Lord has taken a liking to you. So rather than be forceful, he was confident that your reasoning was sound," Typhir admitted.

Hearing that her brother joined these two came as a shock because, unlike her, Xonnomor was much more robust and possessed a different personality. Although he devoted most of his time to forging, he was loyal to the Council because of his bond with his grandfather.

Therefore, Tirasha had a hard time processing what Typhir had just told her. "X-Xonnomor joined you guys? Are you sure?"

In addition to her shock, Tirasha also felt a sliver of fear budding inside of her. She wondered if Apollo's strength could rival a full-fledged Archdemon. If so, then he was truly terrifying and a force to be reckoned with.

Despite evolving, Tirasha was certain that Xonnomor was nearly twice as strong as she was. However, while comparing her power, she recalled another individual that she overlooked.historical

'That old man.. I could never understand his power. So perhaps there's something unusual about him? Perhaps he's the reason behind my brother joining them?'

Suddenly, Typhir's voice sounded, pulling her from her pensive condition.

"That weapon in your hands; if you join us, there's a much better one in store for you in the future. Also, I can tell you the story behind your brother joining us if that's what you'd like," Typhir offered.

Eventually, Tirasha agreed. Learning more about Apollo's strength would enable her to make an educated decision. Because she didn't believe Apollo was amassing power for his benefit, she could tell there was a deeper reason when he came to fetch Valac.

There were a bunch of demons on the premises, yet Apollo chose only two. The rest were cast aside as if they were unworthy. Obviously, Apollo decided to choose the best soldiers available.

Before delving into the story, Tirasha invited the trio back to the stronghold's territory. While she wasn't afraid of danger within the Ring, one shouldn't address overly sensitive topics outside safe areas.

If one wasn't careful, hinting at their wealth could invite catastrophe to their doorstep. One thing a demon craved was power. No matter the Sin, there was always lust for more power. It was the carnal desire from which demons were born from.

Not too long after, Typhir, Valac, Sapphyr, and Tirasha settled inside a room. Whereas Valac sat to the side, cradling the wounds on his torso, Typhir and Sapphyr sat next to each other before Tirasha.

"So, how did you do it?" Tirasha asked immediately.

"In truth, it initially happened by force. Yes, we expected a fight, but we didn't expect to find out the deeper ties. After learning of them, Apollo changed his original plans," Sapphyr said, interjecting just before Typhir could answer.

She allowed Typhir to take the lead until now, but now that they were in closed doors, Sapphyr felt it was better to have this talk woman to woman. After all, they could sympathize with each other much better than Typhir could.

"So.. my brother was hurt then?" Tirasha muttered with a deepening frown. Despite her displeasure there was no change to her aura. On top of her lack of power at the moment, Sapphyr's last statement hinted that Xonnomor was just fine.

"Not necessarily. Someone else was wounded. For the most part, your brother was given a new purpose. His understanding of ancient material advances by leaps and bound as he continues to fiddle with pristine items. If you join us, I'm sure we can find something suited to you as well," Sapphyr offered.

At the same time, a sparse pinkish energy emanated from her body. Not even two seconds after sensing this aura, Typhir created room between him and Sapphyr. Although her Sin had minimal effect on him because of his role, the Sin of Luxuria was uncomfortable to be around.

Meanwhile, Tirasha trembled as a feeling of dizziness overcame her. However, it was only for a brief moment before returning to normal. While Luxuria was effective as long as the user had enough charm, it usually produced the best effects on the opposite sex.

Still, the momentary lapse caused by the sudden dizziness was enough for Sapphyr to plant the seed that would grow into a favorable fruit.

"W-what was that?" Tirasha muttered while shaking her head to dispel the faint grogginess inflicting her mind.

"A glimpse of what you could become if you join us. Apollo is the reason for my current situation. And he can be the reason for you as well. In short, Apollo seeks to save the demons," Sapphyr said.

Afterward, she blew on Tirasha, causing a haze to appear before Tirasha. Her eyes went blank as she experienced the sensation of power that Sapphyr felt. As a result, a tinge of desire appeared within Tirasha's gaze.

Once that appeared, Sapphyr inhaled the desire.

However, before answering, Tirasha posed a question. "What.. does he wish to save the demons from?"

"From the curse of weakening. Apollo seeks to restore the glory of the demons. And, there's a seat at the table for you. You can become a pillar of unholy greatness," Sapphyr answered as an alluring smile crept across her face.

As a result, Tirasha fell into deeper thought.