The Broken Halo

Chapter 1007 - 1006: The Elders’ Invitation

There was little use in guessing how powerful he had once been.

Simon didn’t even know the cultivation realms beyond that of the gods, and his knowledge of that was not even in depth. Trying to place the man from the memory somewhere among them would give him nothing to work with.

He knew that he had been powerful. So powerful that an army which seemed to include all of existence had gathered before him.

And somehow, that life had ended.

The thought still bothered him, but he had already asked himself enough questions without finding an answer. Whatever had happened was beyond his present understanding, or buried among memories he couldn’t safely reach yet.

There was something encouraging about the discovery, though.

He had always believed he could reach the greatest heights. Even as a weak demon, he hadn’t accepted that the limits of his race would decide how far he could go.

Now he had seen himself standing at a height he couldn’t measure.

Becoming one of the strongest beings in existence was no longer something he could only imagine. He had been such a being once.

He could do it again.

Simon’s fingers slowly relaxed against his knees.

That didn’t mean the power would return simply because he knew it had existed. He still had to advance, develop his abilities, and survive long enough to learn what came next.

And this time, he intended to go farther.

He couldn’t compare himself with that earlier life yet. He had no idea what bloodlines, skills, or opportunities he had possessed then. Perhaps he had started with advantages his present self couldn’t imagine.

But he could make sure he wasn’t wasting what he had now.

Two Royal bloodlines and four Seeds of Sin gave him plenty to develop. He also had his Seven Stars Blessing, Devour, Fearless, Unholy Regeneration, and Shadow Eyes. He had barely begun understanding his new abilities. There was no reason to accept what ordinary Greater Demons considered possible when he already knew he could do more.

He would find his limits, work out how to overcome them, and continue moving forward.

Preferably without ending up unconscious on the floor every time.

Simon glanced at the dried blood beside him.

”Getting stronger first would be a good start.”

He exhaled softly.

Knock Knock

His eyes moved to the door.

He had sensed Enigma’s presence as soon as it entered the range of his perception. The familiar shadow had approached along the passage and stopped outside his room.

”Come in.”

The door opened.

Enigma stepped inside, then stopped when he saw the blood.

His expression sharpened at once. His gaze swept over Simon, the bed, and the window before returning to the stains on the floor.

”Were you attacked?”

There was no amusement in his voice.

Simon shook his head.

”No. I had a problem while cultivating.”

Enigma looked at the blood on his shirt with a baffled expression.

”What kind of problem?”

”I pushed myself farther than I should have. I’m fine now.”

The explanation left out nearly everything, but Simon had no intention of describing or exposing his secrets.

Enigma moved closer and looked at him with concern.

”Are you certain you’re okay?”

”Yes. I am.”

He could understand the concern. The room looked as though someone had beaten him and left him bleeding beside the bed.

However, his body no longer felt that way.

The last ache behind his eyes was fading. His heart beat steadily, and he could move his demonic energy without feeling the strained pathways that Lilith had helped him stabilise.

UnholyRegeneration had done the rest.

”Did the strong concentration of demonic energy here cause it?” Enigma asked.

”No. I was careful with that.”

Enigma studied him for another moment, then glanced around the room again. Nothing was broken. The door and window were intact, and there was no sign of a struggle.

”Just be careful. We can’t have you dying after just arriving at the Abyss.”

Simon nodded.

”I will.”

Enigma’s expression eased, although he still didn’t look pleased.

”I also remember telling you to rest before I left.”

”I was sitting down. Doesn’t that count as resting?”

The Daemon looked at the blood.

Simon followed his gaze and decided not to defend himself any further.

After a brief silence, Enigma continued.

”I’ve spoken with the elders. They want to see you.”

Simon raised his head.

”Now?”

”If you’re well enough.”

”I am.”

He had expected the meeting, but the interruption was welcome. Remaining alone would probably have led him back to thinking about the ring, no matter how often he told himself to leave it alone.

”Have they decided anything about me becoming a member of The Abyss?”

”They want to speak with you first.”

”Just me?”

”For now. Your companions can keep resting.”

Simon nodded. He could still sense Sonya, Akaza, Virella, and Ammor in the rooms along the passage.

There would be time to discuss their place here once he knew what the elders expected of him.

He had questions of his own, too.

The Abyss housed beings who might understand the changes he was experiencing. Its resources and knowledge could help him progress far faster than wandering the Demon Realm without a destination.

But he needed to hear what joining would involve.

Enigma had brought them here and given them somewhere to stay. That was enough reason to listen, even if it wasn’t enough to agree to whatever the elders asked.

”All right,” Simon said, uncrossing his legs. ”Let’s go.”

He stood without needing to steady himself.

Enigma watched the movement, apparently checking whether his assurances were worth anything. Simon rolled one shoulder, then looked down as the dried fabric of his shirt pulled against his chest.

”Give me a moment.”

”Take your time.”

Simon retrieved a clean shirt from his spatial ring and removed the stained one. His wings remained retracted, and the skin beneath the blood showed no remaining injury.

He went into the washing room to rinse the dried blood from his face, neck, and chest. By the time he returned wearing the clean shirt, he looked considerably less like someone who had just collapsed.

Enigma glanced at him.

”Better.”

Simon nodded calmly and adjusted his sleeves over the black wraps.

He checked himself once more. His breathing was easy, his thoughts clear. He was ready.

Enigma stepped into the passage.

Simon followed, closing the door behind them.