Chapter 416: Agreeing to Join
They cannot exactly tell how strong he was, but it definitely reached true god level; otherwise, the angel blood within them wouldn’t react.
Not to mention he was a member of Sky Tower, a very powerful ancient force that remained working even after Rion regressed.
If they could draw him to their side—even temporarily—then the coming expedition would shift entirely. The dangers of the Necros Continent, a land of death and shadow, would be far easier to face with someone of his calibre.
For the princes of the Sacred Light Empire, it was not just an invitation. It was a calculated gamble.
All three of them now looked to Apollo, waiting for his answer.
"Hmm." It was new, as he didn’t expect that he would be invited to join them. Not to mention their target was on the Necros continent.
He was naturally attracted to the mysterious continent, but after coming here on Rion, he knows that Necros Continent might be the most dangerous place on Rion. As even the other four continents already had so many dangers, then what kind of horror will the most mysterious and terrifying continent have?
Still, danger had never deterred him.
On the contrary, from the depths of his being, he felt an inexplicable pull toward Necros, as though something vital—something meant for him—lay waiting there. A destiny hidden within its darkness.
And so, though peril loomed, the proposal was not without merit. Going with the Sacred Light Empire might prove useful. If nothing else, it would save him time and effort while giving him a clearer picture of the Empire’s true power.
A faint smile touched Apollo’s lips.
"Alright, I agree. I am willing to go with you." He made his decision with some thoughts and agreed to their invitation.
For the first time, the tension in the room loosened. Michael’s lips curved into a faint smile. The third prince let out a quiet breath, visibly relieved. Lucifer, however, only allowed a small, satisfied nod, his eyes still fixed on Apollo with that same unreadable depth.
"Good," Lucifer said at last. "Very good. With your strength, the odds of success rise greatly. And rest assured—whatever treasures you claim within Necros shall belong to you. Our rule is simple: the spoils belong to the one who earns them."
Michael added, "The continent is vast. Even the empire cannot monopolise all of it. What you gain, you keep."
"We will depart for the Necros Continent in two months," Lucifer said, his tone calm yet firm. "That should give you time to prepare. If you wish, you may also bring subordinates to accompany you."
Apollo nodded, but he wasn’t going to take anyone, as they needed to protect his family, and maybe he could ask his sister, as she might have information about the Necros continent.
Apollo’s gaze remained steady, his face giving away nothing as he answered simply, "Understood."
Lucifer inclined his head slightly, as if the matter was settled. Michael leaned back in his seat, eyes narrowing thoughtfully at Apollo’s calm acceptance, while the third prince’s curiosity seemed to grow sharper.
He asked more about the Necros continent or about the god ruins they were planning to go to, but they, like shameless politicians, changed the topic or gave answers that didn’t have any true meaning.
Although he can push them more, he didn’t do it. Let’s see what is going to happen in two months and what secrets are hidden in the Necros continent.
For the next two months he is going to try to improve his strength and let the immortal order slowly develop in the northern continent. He is also going to select some for the eastern continent branch.
Among the gathered prodigies here, a few already stood out to him—sparks of potential worth moulding into his own blade.
After exchanging a few more words, the three princes excused themselves. Their departure was neither hurried nor dismissive; it carried the air of men who had already secured what they came for.
Soon, the crown princes scattered among the crowd, moving with quiet confidence as they mingled with the other geniuses. Their goal was clear: to draw talent under the banner of the Sacred Light Empire. Every word they spoke, every promise they gave, was another chain being woven.
Left alone, Apollo’s gaze swept the gathering. He had no need for blind followers, but for those who can stand tall themselves in any situation.
He silently watched everyone, and from their behaviour and strength, he found two people who fit his criteria.
The first was a young man with a bright, sunny smile. He carried himself with easy confidence, speaking warmly and often—perhaps even a touch too much. On the surface, he seemed like any other enthusiastic noble youth. But Apollo’s eyes pierced deeper.
Behind that talkative, merchant-like demeanour lay something far sharper. He wasn’t boasting about his strength like so many others. Instead, he hid it.
In truth, he had already stepped into the peak of the half-god realm, his aura carefully restrained. Among the so-called geniuses here, he stood at the very top, yet he played the part of a harmless opportunist, buttering up anyone.
’Smart, cautious, and strong...’ Apollo thought. ’A dangerous combination.’
But he needed someone like him. His name was Rudra, and from what he heard, he came from a medium-sized chamber of commerce.
His background wasn’t the best, but his strength was great. even though he seemed to have mysterious treasure that can even affect a true god’s senses, it cannot stop him.
Rudra was no ordinary half-god. His foundation was firm, steady, and brilliant. The kind that spoke not of shortcuts but of relentless cultivation and perhaps guidance from some hidden master.
He could easily challenge an ordinary early-stage Void God or even middle-stage Void Gods, a feat that might appear trivial to Apollo but was, in truth, a universal level of talent—the kind rarely seen even across countless worlds.
Apollo, after some thought, made up his mind: ’Yes, he will do.’
Apollo didn’t approach Rudra immediately. To move now, so soon after the princes had openly tried to recruit him, would draw too much attention. And someone like Rudra, who carefully kept a low profile despite his strength, would hardly appreciate being thrust into the spotlight.
So he looked at the second guy that piqued his interest, who is kind of opposite to Rudra.