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Xorgrah tapped his chin outside the Dakea Stronghold as he laid eyes upon the 64 demons he requested earlier. Not only did the Nautilus deliver on their standard of mercenaries, but each Demon before Xorgrah was also outfitted with equipment at the epitome of their current standard.

The Lesser Demons were outfitted with Tier 4 Demonic Artifacts, allowing them to maximize their worth. If Apollo had fought against demons armed with these items while still a Lesser Demon, he would have had a more challenging time farming experience from the collection of weaker demons.

Next, the Greater Demons were equipped with Tier 5 Demonic Artifacts. At the very least, they could improve their power by 25%. While it wasn't as dramatic as the increase granted by Gram, the compounded increase from any techniques and their stigmata was enough to offset the lacking increase.

Lastly, the 4 Archdemons each possessed several Tier 5 and Tier 6 Demonic Artifacts that increased both their attack power and defense. With the presence of this equipment, there was even a chance of withstanding an attack unleashed by a peak Archdemon without receiving any horrifying injuries. 

The defensive items would allow superficial injuries at best. However, the ranking limited the number of times it could distribute protections. If the damage the demons received was too severe, then the equipment risked breaking. 

"What can we do for you?" One of the Archdemons asked as they scanned Xorgrah. They could sense that he was much stronger than them, which made them question their use. However, there were cases wherein numbers were much more significant than personal strength.

Thus, the Archdemons kept their thoughts to themself.

"It's quite simple. I need you all to enter a ruin and extract the materials inside. The job will pay handsomely. Each of you all will split an additional 4,000 fragments on top of your initial payment from the Nautilus," Xorgrah said.

If there was one thing he understood, it was that personal gain was the best motivator for demons. As long as he offered additional rewards while upholding his superiority, the chosen members would undoubtedly perform to the best of their abilities.

"Such a generous bonus? Should I presume there will be dangers?" The same Archdemon asked. Although he was eager to earn a good day's pay, there was nothing more valuable than his life.

However, Xorgrah remained unperturbed in the face of this question. "As with all unknown ventures, there will be dangers. However, you will mitigate those threats if you all work together, which is the reason I have employed so many of you."

As Xorgrah's answer was sound, most of the demons present agreed with his answers. As for the rest, they didn't possess any opinion. They were merely here for an opportunity that rarely presented itself.

Still, the same demon, which seemed to be the leader for this particular event, continued to voice his skepticism. "What should we expect inside this ruin? Also, what's to stop us from siphoning some of the loot?"

At first, Xorgrah chuckled, but then his expression became grave. "Are you willing to make an enemy out of the entire Council? If so, then be my guest."

Once they heard the mention of the Council, all of the demon's expressions changed. Although the Nautilus revealed the employer as a renowned customer, they didn't expect them to have such a terrifying background.

None of the demons present before Xorgrah wished to make an enemy out of the Council. After all, when faced with countless Noblesse, a mere Archdemon was inconsequential!

Instantly, the lead Archdemon quieted down as he listened to Xorgrah brief them on the setting of the ruin. According to his explanation, there was a chance for each of them to increase their strength while also acquiring a large number of resources.

After all, most ruins possessed an environment favorable for demons still in their growth phase. 

Soon enough, all of the demons were prepped and ready to depart for the ruins. However, before leaving, Xorgrah did something that others would find extremely shocking. 

He distributed the defective armaments amongst the team entering the ruin. Although they were defective, it was only because of the abnormal reaction towards Sin Energy. In the hands of a Noblesse that utilized a higher signature, the weapon wouldn't be able to withstand the rapid influx of energy.

However, for Archdemons and lower, these items were befitting of their standard. Thus, Xorgrah distributed these items to decrease the chances of any anomalies taking place. 

Once those defective weapons touched their hands, most of the demons present marveled at the pristine appearance of the weaponry. They weren't aware that these were merely failures, yet they eyed them as treasures.

"If you produce satisfactory results, then these are yours," Xorgrah before waving his arm. "I've revealed all I need to say, so you may leave when ready."

"We'll deliver the results you seek," the lead Archdemon said as he turned towards the others and gestured to follow. In truth, the entire party came from a single stronghold, and this particular demon was one of their Vice Commanders, hence the obedience from the others present.

Xorgrah indicated his understanding with a simple nod as he turned back around and entered the stronghold gates in the direction of the forge.

In the meantime, one of the lower demons stepped towards the lead demon and whispered to them, "Vice-Commander Tanath, do you truly believe that guy is from the Council? Since when have they openly appeared?"

"He's undoubtedly from the Council. Did you not see the marking on his neck? That's the symbol of the leading party. In other words, that person is of a direct lineage to the current Chairman of the Council," Tanath replied before turning towards the distance.

'A ruin that has caused us to receive a great upgrade. Surely it isn't as simple as that demon made it seem. However, with substantial risks come glorious rewards,' Tanath thought as he took his first step towards the ruin's location.

Regrettably, he wasn't aware of the atrocity that existed within the depths of that place. 

…

At the same time, Xonnomor peered at the equipment before his lap with awe. Unlike Gram, the greatsword before him took an odd shape. Only one side of the weapon was sharpened, whereas the other side was blunt. Meaning, the weapon was not just meant for slashing; it could also smash as well.

The modified greatsword was a weapon for a berserker in the truest sense. Different from the forging process of Gram, Xonnomor made minor tweaks to the mold by seeking Saehtyn's help. 

Only after hours of super-heating the mold were they able to minutely tweak one edge of the mold, creating a unique weapon. After experiencing the fight between Apollo and the others, Xonnomor was aware of more than one brute in the party.

There was the weaponless Jorgun and the vicious Typhir, who possessed a baffling rage that mystified Xonnomor. Never would he have thought that such a shocking bloodline existed.

Though it wasn't as severe as his fight with the Iraym, Typhir activated his bloodline to the second degree after realizing how gruesome the injuries Apollo received from Arleo's attack were.

If not for Fuhrer and Valac's presence, there was a chance he would've activated the third degree right there and then.

Xonnomor picked up the weapon and ogled it from different angles. This weapon was predominately amber, crafted for an astonishing amount of Blood Ambers. Just holding the weapon caused a wrathful sensation to bud in Xonnomor's mind.

'This is a weapon for someone who feeds off fury. Although there is a sizeable amount of Dark Mythril, I've coated the exterior in a thin layer of Blood Amber. The ratio has heightened the effects of the amber and created something amazing.'

After witnessing this weapon and how it even outclassed Gram in some departments, Xonnomor contemplated whether or not he wanted to deliver this to the Council. After all, it would be much better if it fell into other hands.

And, he also needed to forge the equipment for Apollo. Since he was forced to forge for his father, it left little to no time for him to work on the equipment Apollo requested. The last thing he wanted to do was disappoint his Lord.

So, he glanced towards Saehtyn with a peculiar expression.

"As you can see, I've veered far from the intended path. This is a personal creation, so don't reveal its presence to my father."

"I suppose I can do so… if you can veer far from the path with my item as well," Saehtyn replied with a chuckle.