Chapter 251 - Behold, The Dark Phoenix's Enthralling Appearance
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As Geneva transformed, Fuhrer's thoughts were spurred. First of all, Geneva's true appearance was quite shocking. If she was deemed a beauty before, then now that her true prowess was temporarily unlocked, she was more of a fiery and unrivaled beauty. However, that wasn't what stumped Fuhrer. It was a matter pertaining to Apollo.
Upon glancing at Apollo, he recalled that most of Apollo's abilities should still be dormant. However, now that he was growing stronger, signs of his identity should be appearing. Hence, he was interested to know whether or not this was true. While he didn't understand the plans the First Monarch left in place for his successors, there was one thing he understood, his old friend wasn't one to move without thinking multiple steps in advance.
"Has anything odd been happening to you lately? If so, I'd like you to explain them to me," Fuhrer said while crossing his arms. Before determining his course of action, Fuhrer needed extra information as to where Apollo currently resided on awakening himself.
"I recall one odd occurrence, however, why do you ask?" Apollo questioned. As always, Apollo's curiosity prohibited him from moving without information. Of course, Fuhrer wasn't an enemy, so there wasn't anything to hide. However, Apollo never mentioned the system because it still seemed his ability to do so was blocked.
Anytime he thought to ask Fuhrer if he was aware of the Demon Monarch System, the words wouldn't form. In fact, his mouth wouldn't even open to utter those words. Thus, he gave up on trying to pry any information surrounding the system from anyone else.
Outside of the current warden, Azridan, Apollo was sure that he was forbidden from discussing the matters with anyone else.
"Well, take a look at this woman. What do you notice about her that is odd?" Fuhrer questioned. At first, he was going to answer, but then he thought it was more rewarding to have Apollo come across the discovery on his own. Once he did so, he would reveal why he asked his question.
For a few moments, Apollo was silent as he examined Geneva. In exchange, when she felt his focused gaze, Geneva's expression underwent a slight change. Firstly, she swayed her hips and leaned her hands on her waist, "Is there something in this direction that you like? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Apollo's eyebrows rose as he was taken aback by her abrupt change in behavior. It was like whatever was repressed inside was bubbling out of her. Unlike her usual poised self, she seemed more combative and almost vain. There was a faint sign of haughtiness appearing from her actions. Nevertheless, Apollo didn't pay this any mind, he had more important matters to find out about.
"I'm not sure if it is correct, but I'm guessing you're talking about these obscure fluctuations coming from her body. I don't think it has anything to do with her wound, so it must be linked with her. Could it be a bloodline?" Apollo asked in an unsure tone.
In response, Fuhrer smirked and nodded, "That's part of it but let's address that matter for now since you have found it. That woman indeed possesses what is known as a bloodline. Compared to us demons, however, the one she possesses to have a weird origin. Her ancestor must not be from her species."
Silently, Apollo looked at Geneva and nodded. When she heard their conversation, she joined the conversation, "It's true. One of my ancestors is a Spirit Beast which took up human form. However, I am also the only one to awaken this bloodline within the last millennia, it is my pride."
Upon hearing this, Apollo nodded. He then recalled Elaia. According to her, there were differing levels of bloodlines. As far as he knew, Elaia possessed a Royal Illusion Fox bloodline. Thus, he started to become curious about Geneva's bloodline.
"If it is your pride, what level has it reached?" Apollo asked with a small smile. That simple action seemed to irritate Geneva as she scoffed lightly. In her eyes, she thought he was almost mocking her bloodline. But, then she remembered how unusual this youth was and how she couldn't judge him by normal standards.
"It's an Ancient Bloodline. If I didn't possess my bloodline, I wouldn't have survived all these years. After all, a phoenix is lauded for its vitality. When it comes to lifeforce, they possess one of the most tenacious ones," Geneva answered while sticking out her chest slightly.
This action amused Apollo but he didn't react to it much. However, he did have another question, "Is that the next bloodline after Royal? If so, how does it compare?"
"How much do you know about bloodlines?" Geneva asked. From his questions, she could tell his knowledge of the matter was superficial at best.
"Spotty, except for a few bits, it is all a foreign topic for me. However, it seems like you want to educate me, so please do," Apollo chucked in response.
After some time, Geneva agreed and started to impart some information, "Firstly, I need you to understand that Royal Bloodlines are near the bottom of the chasm as far as bloodlines go. From the weakest to strongest, there are Normal Bloodlines which means an expert or beast has reached a level that allows their techniques and abilities to be branded into their life essence. Typically, branch families of Great Families possess this.
"Next, there are the Royal Bloodlines. This means an expert residing at the Spirit Lord Realm. Only a Spiritual Cultivator can perform the technique required to engrave their life essence. Following this, we have Imperial Bloodlines, this means the progenitor of the bloodline reached the Spirit Emperor Realm. By then, they're quite a force to be reckoned with," Geneva stated before taking a pause to verify that Apollo was following.
Once he nodded, she proceeded to go even deeper, "Beyond Imperial, there is Sovereign Bloodlines. However, there's a catch, Imperial Bloodlines are a large watershed. Even Spirt Sages and Spirit Saints are only capable of leaving this level. In order to leave behind a Sovereign Bloodline, it requires a Spirit Sovereign. You must know, as of right now, there isn't a single one alive. Or at least, to the known public this is the case."
When he heard this, Apollo rubbed his chin. Until now, he wasn't sure what the strongest expert in this world was, but according to Geneva there seemed to be a lack thereof, "Then I'm guessing Spirit Sovereign is that last obtainable level?"
"No, there is also a Spirit Ancestor. Throughout history, there have only been 4 such experts. And, whenever they are born, it means there is imminent danger incoming. Throughout the thralls of history, there was a catastrophe that accompanied their appearance," Geneva stated before adding even more information.
"My Ancient Bloodline comes from the next set of bloodlines. In truth, it is a bloodline left behind by Ancestor level experts, but it also gains its grandeur from the ability to be passed down without losing potency."
"I see," Apollo nodded in understanding.
Suddenly, Geneva's state started to falter. The temporary resurgence of power was fading away fast through the hole still present inside the wound. As that happened, Fuhrer took a step forward, "When I asked you earlier, it was due to one single thing. I need to verify whether or not you possess the Monarch's Primordial Bloodline."
"I'm not sure, but I have been seeing glimpses of unknown events and what seemed to be the future," Apollo answered. This started to appear around the time the system increased to Level 4. Of course, this was something he couldn't disclose.
As a result, Fuhrer nodded. All of a sudden, he thrust his hand towards Geneva. Before she could react, his hand passed through her and clutched something incorporeal. "While you may not be able to turn her, you can still make use of her. Unlike the others, her state is beneficial to you. As I recall, your body should suffer from debilitated vitality, correct?"
"That's right," Apollo confessed.
"Exactly, so absorb some of hers. If her bloodline is as strong as she says, it should assuage some of the issues present in your body. Furthermore, it won't hurt her as your Hellfire is still active within her. Whatever you borrow will be supplemented by the Hellfire," Fuhrer revealed.
Without sparing much thought, Apollo nodded. With no hesitation at all, Fuhrer retracted his arms and withdrew a large portion of inner energy. When the happened, Geneva's form completely reverted.