526: Awakening and Delay

Awakening and Delay

----1

After receiving the so-called good news, Apollo turned towards Arleo with an expectant gaze. After all, he had been unconscious up until this very moment because of the fight that took place between them. Although he was no longer an Archdemon, Apollo still looked forward to quantifying his current strength.

Unlike the rest of the demons he controlled, Arleo seemed to possess a bloodline beforehand, and it interacted with the volatility of his Ira and Superbia. Since that was the case, Apollo thought it was also possible that the system amplified the bloodline to another level, enabling Arleo to recover his strength much faster.

Not to mention, Apollo wanted a clear comparison between Arleo and the other Greater Demons within his possession. Apollo guessed his stats favored Strength and Agility based on his combat style while leaving much to be desired towards his Endurance. However, although that may be true, Arleo's stamina wasn't as lacking as Apollo made it seem.

"How long exactly before the boy wakes up?" Apollo questioned while walking over to the circle containing Arleo's body. Unlike the ring Asteroth was in, the inscription on this circle constantly flickered, signifying a rapid decline in its effectiveness. While it may seem alarming, this sign only appeared when an inscription circle accomplished its task.

Of course, Apollo wasn't aware of this because he wasn't well-versed in runes outside of the ones utilized to carve the stigmata on his body. But, after watching Furcas manipulate materials and resources with ease, Apollo's interest in this practice continued to grow.

'Perhaps I should give this technique a once over when I get the time to settle down and slow down my actions. Until then, it'll just remain another interest on my to-do list,' Apollo thought. At the same time, Furcas rubbed his chin thoughtfully before delivering an answer that delighted Apollo.

"At latest, within the hour. But, it could also happen now or even within a few minutes. The restoration circle has lost all effect meaning that any apparent and hidden injuries have been addressed repaired. The prolonged unconsciousness is simply a result of this young man's mind failing to sense that his body is ready," Furcas said.

In response, Apollo took a step closer, analyzing Arleo's body. It was true; all signs of the previously gruesome injuries had disappeared, especially the ones caused by Arleo's sudden Sin explosion. If it weren't for Apollo bearing the brunt of the explosion, parts of Arleo's body, such as his limbs, would've been blown off. Nevertheless, Apollo didn't mull over the incident since he had already delivered a befitting punishment.

Right now, Apollo's main concern was the individual beside Arleo. He needed Asteroth to wake so that his plans for conquering could advance. Although Apollo felt the Household could accomplish the mission without Asteroth's presence, he chose to heed Fuhrer's warning in not underestimating the power of other races because of his increase in strength.

As a result, Apollo turned towards Asteroth for a moment. "Are you sure there are zero ways to increase the healing process for Asteroth? He'll be playing an important upcoming role, but it'll require some time for him to fulfill that role. Meaning, I'll need ample time beforehand to interact with him."

"Unfortunately, my prognosis is correct. I can't interfere with the layer of destructive energy running rampant inside Asteroth. Or rather, this layer obstructs interference, especially invasive processes such as the inscription circle's healing properties," Furcas answered.

However, it seemed that Apollo wouldn't accept this as an answer, seeing as he stepped away from Arleo and pressed his hand against Asteroth's body. "What if I assist you with the obstruction? Surely I'll be able to do something about this screen of destructive energy, no?"

"In theory, yes. You should be able to neutralize the destructive energy with your omnipotent power. However, there is something you must realize―the destructive energy running amok within Asteroth is a byproduct of his Aura. In other words, this energy is nearing the seventh degree. Last time I checked, your Aura was eons away from reaching that level," Fuhrer said with a grimace.

While he rarely partook in battles, Furcas was aware of all the Household activities, specifically their contests. He didn't need to leave the premises to receive information because Valac, the demon with the unmatched verbal diarrhea, filled Furcas in on all current events that took place.

Not to mention, because he received injuries quite often, Valac essentially remained in Furcas's presence. Therefore, Furcas was aware that while Apollo was growing stronger quickly, the degree of his Aura was one of the factors that lagged when compared to the rest of his abilities. 

Anytime he revealed significant progress in this power, it was only a temporary increase because it soon returned to its initial state after the battle. His fight with Asteroth was the only time his Aura even came remotely close to touching the boundaries of a thoroughly perfected Aura. 

Fortunately, the existence of the bloodline hierarchy, as well as the innate ability of the Aura of Dominance, allowed Apollo to bypass a single degree in Aura strength. Sadly, it wasn't enough to overwhelm Asteroth's Aura of Destruction even then.

What's more, due to his depleted reserves, Apollo couldn't invoke these abilities until he was completely healed as well. And given the short time from now until now, Apollo hadn't even recovered to twenty percent of his former strength.

"How about I suggest you recover with my assistance as well? These two aren't the only ones with wounds that need addressing. And, if Asteroth is a core piece of your plan, then it'd be delayed regardless. So, allow me to help you, Young Lord," Furcas offered while bowing his head respectfully.

Apollo understood that everything Furcas said was true. With Asteroth out of commission, Apollo wouldn't move forward because of the many uncertainities. Not to mention, Amduscias required time to familiarize himself with his bloodline abilities and find ways to merge his dark lightning techniques and bloodline techniques as one.

However, before Apollo could give a definitive answer, a light groan sounded from beside Apollo. Evidently, the culprit behind this groan was Arle. His eyes were open, but he continued to blink as his unfocused vision gradually recovered, revealing the familiar scene of his room.

"Finally awake, are you?" Apollo said with a slight chuckle. Arleo immediately flinched, becoming defensive, but the system's effect kicked in a second later, causing Arleo to drop all of his defense. Despite doing so, Arleo didn't quite understand what was going on.

After all, Arleo was one of the few demons Apollo forcefully claimed. Arleo's unconsciousness during the time resulted in a lapse in some vital information regarding his inclusion in the Household.

Apollo noticed Arleo's strange reaction and wondered if the system had only just completed the process because the system required one's active conscience to manipulate into one exclusively loyal to Apollo. Until now, Arleo was unconscious, so there was zero opportunity to carry out this procedure.

Apollo approached Arleo and extended his hand to test his reaction to verify whether this was true. He gave a faint nod when Arleo didn't flinch before continuing with his slight examination. "Do you recall who I am?"

"Y-... you're…."

At first, Arleo struggled as if his memories related to Apollo were hard to grasp, but that changed after a few moments as a hint of clarity returned to his eyes. However, the clarity was different from his original demeanor as the bestial traits seemed more apparent.

"I know who you are. You… are my Lord," Arleo replied as he steadily fell to one knee with his hand down. At the same time, two streams of crimson and gold flowed from his body and moved towards Apollo's palm. Shortly after, a two-toned sphere with an item resembling a beast's tooth appeared within Apollo's palm.

This experience was different than others but, Apollo understood what this was.

〈System: The follower's bloodline has been extracted and purified and is now ready to be reimplanted.〉

'So it is as I expected. Although he was forced to join the Household in name, the process didn't occur until now and it happened at once, causing his bloodline to be drawn out of his body. Speaking of which, I wonder what bloodline he possesses now,' Apollo thought to himself just before pressing the orb against Arleo's chest.

A visible tremble occurred in Arleo's body, followed by a frightening aura that alerted everyone within the compound. It was as if Apollo unleashed a ferocious beast on the premises! At a glance, Apollo could tell this bloodline was at the Major classification at the very least.

In the next moment, the system generated all of the related information regarding Arleo's purified bloodline. And, to Apollo's surprise, he witnessed a name he had only seen a few times before.

〈System: Follower has been successfully implanted with the purified bloodline. [Perfected Bloodline: Tartarean Tiger]〉

'Tartarean Tiger,' Apollo inwardly thought, rubbing his chin pensively. He didn't need to read through the detailed data to understand that this bloodline boosted the ferocity of his Sins. The only question Apollo kept to himself was whether he was capable of transformation.

Sadly, Apollo couldn't address his curiosities due to his weakened body. Even if Arleo seemed like a Greater Demon, with the inclusion of this bloodline, Apollo was confident that Arleo could trample most Archdemons, especially with his unique way of unleashing Sin.

Consequently, Apollo turned towards Furcas and gave his consent. "I'll take you up on that offer. It appears I'll need to recover as soon as possible. In the meantime, Arleo, you should continue to recover your strength, understood?"

"I hear your orders, my Lord. I will accomplish them to the best of my abilities," Arleo answered. However, because of the influence of his bloodline, Arleo's voice contained a subtle growl, which caused a slight rumbling in his chest when he talked.

'Once I'm done, I'll have to assess Arleo's abilities. Or, I may have Typhir do so,' Apollo thought. Afterward, Apollo took a seat while his eyes gradually closed as a demonic inscription circle appeared around his body.

pqdm.com