----
Before evacuating the premises, Apollo turned towards Fuhrer and had him perform another service, "Make sure to erase all traces of evidence that links us to this murder. Since they are so big on evidence, if there isn't any, there won't be an issue," Apollo stated while moving aside to allow Fuhrer to act.
While standing above Reiner's corpse, Fuhrer held out his hand and absorbed the traces of demonic power left on Reiner's body. Although it was something foreign to this world, Apollo was sure that his power had been exposed before. Thus, there was a large chance of this matter being linked to him should it be discovered.
In a few short moments, Reiner's residence was void of any sign of their presence. Once this was complete, both Apollo and Fuhrer left. However, before leaving entirely, Apollo turned back and had a funny thought. He recalled the events that took place inside Geneva's headquarters.
After weighing the benefits of casting this bait, Apollo proceeded forward with it. Three wisps of Hellfire appeared on his index finger. He then pointed at obscure corners of the room that would make for inconspicuous hiding spots. After leaving behind these small baits, he then followed behind Fuhrer.
"Hoh? Why did you ask me to retract the aura if you were going to place a new set?" Fuhrer questioned while looking at Apollo with an intrigued gaze.
"The first set was mixed with your aura. If it shows that I used a Spirit for nefarious acts, I'm sure my bait will be rendered null. However, if only my aura is present, I'm sure they'll understand that this was an act of vengeance," Apollo responded.
"I see, but I must be missing the difference here. Whether I am involved or not, doesn't the fact still remain that you have killed that boy?" Fuhrer added while rubbing his chin. No matter how he looked at it, the situation was the same. Luckily, from the way the initial incident was handled, Apollo learned the way to navigate punishment.
"In a typical situation that would be true, however, there are a few facts that can't be overlooked at the moment. Firstly, weeks have gone by. The fact that I have waited this long meant I must have been diligently training myself," Apollo answered.
"Noted," Fuhrer replied.
Apollo then went on to continue explaining his take on the situation, "Secondly, if it is found that I accomplished this matter on my own, it would highlight the fact my own talent and potential triumphs Reiner's by many levels. As Geneva said, the interest of an individual doesn't supersede the world's security.
"Lastly, with Reiner dead, they can't afford to lose another talent. Thus, even if I'm to blame for this, there isn't much that can happen. One, there is no victim to recompense, and two, this place is only seen as a means of resource in my eyes," Apollo stated with a playful smirk.
If this was the way the world operated, he would take advantage of it by any means necessary. This was especially true when it came to dealing with those deemed to be an enemy. In light of this, Apollo started to think about Lazaro and how he would deal with him. He was sure that the next time he saw him, he would be on par with a Scion or at the very least, much stronger.
"What a conniving outlook. If those fools were to know the reactions their actions have garnered, I'm sure they'll reflect upon their choices. Nevertheless, continue traveling down this path of ruthlessness, when you meet the council, your backbone must not falter," Fuhrer stated.
"The Council? This is the second time I've heard you mention them, what or even who are they?" Apollo questioned while tapping his foot against the next rooftop. In response, Fuhrer thought for a moment. Once he found a way to disclose the information in a way that wouldn't mystify Apollo, he revealed it.
"As you know, there are 7 Lords. In a sense, you can say all positions of order were birthed from the Monarch's actions and desires. In addition to the Lords, he created a council that existed alongside their Lords. As a collective, they hold power equal to or slightly greater than the lords. However, their location is also only for the Lords and Monarch's Candidates.
"Until the real Monarch is born, their existence won't come into appearance again. Only when you appear will the rightful actions of the Lords commence. As of right now, I'm sure the status of the Nihilistic Rings is shattered," Fuhrer revealed as both he and Apollo dropped before his residence.
"I see," Apollo answered with a nod. However, his mind was focused on another matter. He was sure of it due to the confirmation given by the system.
〈System Alert! Clues about the other hidden pieces have been discovered. The total number of hidden pieces is being calculated.〉
Meanwhile, Apollo looked in Fuhrer's direction, "I have a question, how many demons are there on the Council?"
"There are 66 of them and the weakest has reached the peak of the Archdemon state. I'll leave it up to you to learn just how strong that is. Oh, they also come in many different forms, some of them have obscure powers meant solely for governing," Fuhrer answered.
However, not long after Apollo asked this question, the system revealed the information previously undergoing calculation.
〈System Alert! The total number of hidden pieces determined by the system has been verified. All accounted for hidden pieces number: 73. As of right now, there are 72 more pieces to claim. Power be to Monarch, sovereign of all Demons.〉
As he dismissed the notification, he reentered his residence. After checking on Ouroboros and Elaia, he sat down beside them and glanced at the mirror. As he looked at himself, Apollo saw his image morph for a quick second. He rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. But, once again, when he looked into the mirror, an image similar to him flashed.
It barely made any movements, however, it pointed towards Apollo's heart then forward then at him. As that happened, the phrase, "Always be confident in your actions, for your decisions will pave the way and resist the coming of an end," entered his mind.
While he didn't understand it, he realized something from the image. There were uncertainties in his future. Slowly, he started to realize a thirst for power awakened inside him. It wasn't birthed by his desire to protect, but his desire to stand above.
Albeit slow, he was coming across his own purpose. Once this spectacle passed, Apollo closed his eyes and silently cultivated his Demonic Anima which in turn, slowly purified the Ira residing in his Diabolic Heart of Wrath.
----
Weeks passed and Apollo rarely left the room, however, the moment he did, he realized there was something amiss. Almost as if he was instructed to do so, Apollo opened the door to reveal a distraught Odessa and Nadida. At first, Apollo thought it was due to the actions he performed, but when their eyes looked in the direction of the Spiritual Infirmary, Apollo knew there was more.
"What is it?" Apollo questioned.
"Well, first, I want you to tell me, did you kill Reiner?" Odessa questioned with a dismayed appearance. Surprisingly, Apollo didn't deny it in the slightest, he simply shrugged. When they saw this, the two were certain he was the culprit. He was always so nonchalant about death, they started to realize it was almost like death was Apollo's friend.
"Well, you should know, both he and Grayson were confined to their rooms following the incident. But this morning, the other members of their circle visited them to discuss certain matters and Grayson ordered them to fetch Reiner, it was then that a harrowing sight was found. As we speak, I'm sure the administrators are being alerted!" Nadida blurted.
Contrary to what they expected, Apollo asked a question, "Why did you look in the direction of the Spiritual Infirmary earlier?"
"W-what? Well, wait, does this not unsettle you?" Nadida stammered.
"Not one bit, there's no proof that I did anything, I am innocent," Apollo answered before continuing, "Now explain."
"Well, Typhir's condition has suddenly worsened. It seems there was hidden damage done by Reiner's attack. Typhir's Natural Root isn't just damaged, it's being incinerated. It's like Typhir's body is boiling from the inside out," Odessa chimed in, disclosing the situation.
Without hesitation, Apollo sprang out the door, however, at the gates of the Outer Barracks' living quarters, he was stopped in his tracks.
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