The Demon Monarch System

----

Since Gram wasn't of use at the moment, Apollo stowed the weapon within his Interdimensional Inventory before looking towards the others. "Have you briefed them on my intentions?"

"Of course," Fuhrer nodded before continuing, "However, will adventuring through a ruin be our best choice? I mean, this place is kind of… destroyed."

Although two days had passed, there were no signs of the damage caused by the prior battle being fixed. One, Xonnomor was too occupied with studying the materials to delegate any orders and Apollo was too busy learning the Dominator's Clutch. 

And, with both leaders occupied at the time, the damage was simply left for a later date.

"Ah, don't worry about that. I'll handle it," Xonnomor interjected immediately. In addition to fixing up the estate, he also needed to relay the message Saehtyn asked him to deliver. While it didn't appear to be the case, the solution for both tasks was one and the same.

"Are you going to the headquarters of the Royal Council right now?" Apollo questioned as he glanced in Xonnomor's direction. Until now, the location of this place was a mystery to him, so if Xonnomor was headed to that place, then Apollo had some ideas to follow.

Unfortunately, Xonnomor's answer wasn't in line with Apollo's hopes.

"No. Unless called by the Council, obtaining entry is rather difficult. However, as my family occupies a part of the upper ranks, we have a special means of communication," Xonnomor said before retrieving a blue stone. The texture was rough, making the quality questionable, but that wasn't the relevance of the stone.

There was a large rune, grayish in color, embedded in the center of the stone. Although it was an unfamiliar rune, the purpose of it was clear as day, requiring little speculation.

Suddenly, Xonnomor's expression became complex. "It truly has been quite some time since we've been in contact."

While he understood that occupying a high position called for a hectic schedule, Xonnomor at least wished for better communication.

Oftentimes, their relationship felt more professional than familial.

Although Apollo wished to say something, he had no experience in this department. His first life was tragic, filled with the lack of any familial experience, whereas his second one was one filled with strife and murder.

Thus, he didn't have the qualifications to provide comfort.

Nevertheless, Xonnomor's expression returned to normal after a few seconds. Though it was unsettling, after hundreds of years, he had become accustomed to his current situation. Not long after, he touched the rune with a surge of Demonic Anima, which caused the outer layer to pulsate in an unusual rhythm.

Then, a noise akin to a staggered droning ring sounded from the rune as it attempted to connect to one of its counterpart. 

In the meantime, Apollo turned towards Fuhrer, "That's a pretty nifty item. Why don't we have one? Shouldn't we have some made?"

"Is it necessary? We're all mentally linked to you, Lord. It's the fastest method of distributing orders," Fuhrer answered.

However, Apollo felt differently. One thing he never tested was the range of their connection. After all, they were always nearby. But, what would happen if he was ever sent to some place distant? What if their link wasn't strong enough to remain stable throughout substantial distances?

Regardless of what they accomplished now, the future only gave birth to uncertainties. Not to mention, his link with Fuhrer was fundamentally different. Even now, it was a special link forged through the usage of his original body, which served as a sort of strengthening beacon.

By using a morsel of his Daemos Soul available to him, he formed a connection that could overcome boundless distances. Meanwhile, his other subordinates' minds were nowhere as strong.

Thus, Apollo felt he should at least prepare some precautionary measures.

"That might not always be the case. We should just create some to be safe. There's nothing wrong with being cautious, right?"

"True," Fuhrer conceded, ultimately agreeing with Apollo. For the creation of those communication stones, that fell on Furcas's shoulders, who was well-versed in an abundance of demonic runes.

A few seconds later, the rune in Xonnomor's hand finally connected to the other side. The first to speak wasn't Xonnomor, but a grisly voice on the other side. It was deep and laced with power.

"Speak," the voice said.

"Father," Xonnomor uttered before glancing down at the stone. "I call bearing a message."

"Of?"

"Grave importance. It is a message from the Lord of Ashiraem, himself," Xonnomor answered immediately.

For a moment, the other side of the rune was silent before releasing a heavy sigh, "Reveal the message."

"Very well. The first part of the message is that the authority of the Lords is declining. They're losing control over the Rings and they are doing so rapidly," Xonnomor revealed. Just when he was about to impart the second portion of the message, the voice interjected.

"Declining authority… How do they know this is true? How serious is the matter?"

"By experience. You might not have received the news yet, but the tower here has been damaged severely. A large chunk of the highest wall is missing. And… this is a result of the Monarch's Candidates," Xonnomor replied.

Again, silence ensued. However, it was much shorter this time and Xonnomor's father uttered a simple answer. "I'll come there personally to review the situation."

Obviously, from his grim tone, the matter of the Monarch's Candidates was extremely important. So much so, it warranted his personal appearance. Meanwhile, Xonnomor was conflicted over this development. While the presence of his father was desired, it had been quite some time.

So, he wasn't quite sure about how to respond. Instead, he revealed another matter, "I also need you to dispatch a team of fixers. Part of the stronghold has been damaged as well."

"Difficult times, I suppose," his father answered.

At first, Xonnomor gave a wry smile while looking at Apollo but ultimately agreed, "I suppose so. When will you arrive?"

"As this is a matter of grave importance―shortly. Perhaps within the hour. I have to prepare a few things before I come. If your situation is this bad, then I need to check in with Tirasha as well," his father answered.

However, Apollo looked towards Valac when he heard this. Although it had been a few months since they caused a disturbance within Suprenis, he wasn't sure how much order had been restored in that place, or if Tirasha made any substantial progress.

But, what he did know was that two strongholds suffering losses wasn't a desirable situation for the council. 'Could this trigger their exaggerated response?' Apollo wondered. If it was him, he would deploy the means to keep the strongholds in order. Therefore, Apollo judged the Council's reactions from his reception.

Eventually, the communication channel disconnected, causing Xonnomor to put away the stone while looking towards Apollo, "You said wanted to visit a ruin?"

"Correct," Apollo nodded while looking towards Xonnomor, "Why?"

"I suggest you do so now. If you need it, I know the location of one. I will give you the coordinates."

To say Apollo's interest wasn't piqued by Xonnomor's words would be a lie. In fact, they made him want to know the specifics even more. "Why does it sound like you are rushing us out of here? Do you fear your father? If so, I don't believe we have anything to fear."

"I disagree because my father is he is a meticulous person with keen senses. He is bound to sense the residual aura belonging to our household's members. And once he realizes that…"

"That doesn't seem like too much of an issue," Valac muttered with a shrug.

"He is a Noblesse of the primary level," Xonnomor retorted with a grim expression.

Instantly, Valac reconsidered his word after experiencing a change of heart. 

"S-so, where did you say that ruin was? Let me take down that information for you," Valac said in a disturbed tone.

The strength of a Noblesse was not to be estimated. An Archdemon was an ant before a Noblesse because their strengths were worlds apart.

Additionally, every small evolutionary step rewarded a substantial boost in power. Even if they were incomparable to the ancient standard, a Noblesse undoubtedly possessed an aura. Because transforming the Cardinal Sphere was a prerequisite to becoming a Noblesse.

From a sphere, it turned into a gem. Hence, the name of a Noblesse.

Soon enough, Xonnomor gave Apollo the verified location of the ruin. After all, it was the place that he was tasked with venturing to in a week's time. But, it was no fault of his if the ruin just so happened to be completed by the time he got there.

Besides, he rathered this outcome over the possible battle that could take place in the stronghold.