The historic rise of demons. According to the records, the power that enabled ordinary people to stand against the Ancient Cultivators was granted by the Demons.
No one knows exactly how people back then discovered the existence of Demons or how they encountered them. But as time passed, ancient ruins were uncovered, and ritual symbols began to appear, leading scholars to speculate that these rituals may have called forth an outside influence.
Yet, they couldn't rule out the possibility that these rituals weren't the actual reason Demons began influencing people. Perhaps a true Demon broke through on its own, without any ritual or intervention.
As for where these Demons came from? No one knows.
"But hardly anyone believes in this part of history," Mathias said, taking a sip of his tea while the beggar read through the book he had been given.
"It's a fairy tale," Nathan commented. "No one has ever seen these beings. I think one of our ancestors simply went rogue and decided to wreak havoc."
"Well, it's the best explanation I could come up with," Mathias replied, his gaze resting on Apollo. "So, Yoma, what do you think?"
Apollo closed the book with a bang, tossing it back onto the table. He hadn't bothered finishing it—the writing felt like a fairy tale, with no illustrations of the so-called Demons. The text claimed these Demons disrupted the world's peace, causing the planet's flora and fauna to mutate, animals to transform, and legendary creatures to awaken from their slumber.
The beggar rested his chin on his hand, a contemplative look crossing his face.
So monsters, otherworldly cultivation powers, and legendary creatures are normal to them—but they don't believe in Demons?
"Do you believe in ghosts?" Apollo asked the two family heads.
"It's a fairy tale!" Nathan said, finishing his tea in one gulp. "If ghosts were real, I'd be haunted by thousands!"
"Some places believe in them, others don't," Mathias said. "But I think such things might be explained if we broadened our Way of Cultivation. Our path is about strength and enlightenment—not gazing at the supernatural."
"Battle and war! That's what a man should seek!" Nathan said, eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "Ghosts are for cowards! They're not real!"
"Are you sure?" Apollo asked, raising an eyebrow with a slight smirk.
"One hundred percent!" Nathan nodded, smirking back. "Don't tell me you believe in that nonsense?"
"I do. Then explain the thing behind you," Apollo said, gesturing behind Nathan.
"Behind me?" Nathan repeated, turning slowly. "There's nothing beh—"
Suddenly, Nathan froze, spotting a white shadowy figure standing behind him. "Get lost!" he shouted, hurling a punch at the apparition!
With a loud clap, the white shadow disintegrated, sending a strong gust through the room, causing all the furniture to shake.
"Hahaha!" Apollo's laughter echoed as he clutched his stomach at the scene.
Even Mathias couldn't help but smile, amused by his friend's reaction to the prank.
"You!" Nathan turned to the beggar angrily. "You dare pull a trick on me?!"
"That was hilarious," Apollo said, wiping the corner of his eye with a finger.
Using what he'd learned from Sir Guo about Attributes, he applied his Water Attribute to create the white apparition. With his understanding of Hydra Mirage and other Water Techniques, his mastery over the Water Attribute nearly matched his control over Lightning, even without dedicated training.
The white shadow was crafted from evaporated water that he molded into a human shape. Apollo had simply imagined it, and his skill had brought it to life effortlessly.
"No, it's not funny!" Nathan gritted his teeth.
"Oh, yes, it is! You looked terrified!" Apollo chuckled.
"I did not!" Nathan stood, pointing a finger at the beggar. "Let's fight!"
"Later. We still have something important to discuss," Apollo waved his hand dismissively, refocusing on the Helflick family head. "Let me share my thoughts."
Nathan sat back down, discreetly wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.
"If we're going to consider the possibility of an actual Demon, then I think the wall expansion may be connected to some ritual," Apollo explained. "I can't think of any other reason for it. As for the stolen Techniques being spread among commoners, I haven't figured out the motive behind that yet."
"Our information is still incomplete," Mathias nodded. "And we're far from certain. Why not discuss it with Headmaster Axton while we investigate further?"
"I was just about to," Apollo said, hopping off his chair. "I should get going."
"I'll walk you out," Mathias offered, standing up.
"No need," Apollo waved him off. "I can find my way, and I insist, so don't say anything more."
"Well," Mathias chuckled, "if you say so."
As the door closed behind Apollo, Mathias turned to Nathan, who was staring at it, still sulking. "What's wrong?"
"What's wrong? You know what's wrong! That kid just disrespected me!" Nathan scoffed. "It's infuriating."
"Let him be. Besides, it was pretty funny," Mathias chuckled.
"You too?" Nathan Kleinford was left speechless, realizing his friend had also enjoyed the prank.
Apollo exited the Helflick mansion, grumbling to himself about the nobles' preference for winding hallways and long corridors—getting to his destination always felt like a chore.
Looking up, he saw it was already noon. The sun blazed high, casting an intense light over everything.
As he made his way down the steps toward the gate, a voice called out to him.
Turning, he saw Bel's bodyguard standing by the carriage.
"Mr. Yoma, over here!" June greeted him with a smile. He usually kept his face hidden under his robe, but today, he didn't feel like it.
Apollo approached the carriage. "Hello."
"I'll take you back," June offered.
"Alright, sorry for the trouble," Apollo said, hopping inside the carriage without hesitation.
"It's no trouble at all," June replied, taking the driver's seat.
The carriage began its journey back to Filly Restaurant, pulled steadily by the horses.
"Filly and Gail are already at the restaurant," June said. The small window allowed the beggar to hear him clearly.
"I see. How's Bel?" Apollo asked.
"She's resting peacefully, thanks to you, sir," June replied.
"That's good to hear," Apollo said, gazing out the window.
After a pause, June spoke up. "If I may say, you look familiar."
"Familiar?" Apollo repeated, studying the driver's back.
"Apollo Leone, Mr. Froi and Madam Gina's only son."