Michael's blood was very powerful, as even though he was trying to hide his extraordinariness, still it could not conceal its mysterious, sacred power.
It seemed to burn with a holy brilliance that threatened to pierce through bone and flesh, burning within him like a bright sun. A subtle resonance accompanied each heartbeat, as if a higher-order existence were stirring beneath the surface of his mortal body.
The aura it released was unmistakable. Refined, pure, and overwhelming—a bloodline of a transcendent angel.
Even among the Sacred Light Empire, such blood should be a rarity, perhaps even unique. It wasn't simply strength; it was heritage, a divine inheritance that allowed him to stand apart from ordinary prodigies.
The hall still buzzed with whispers from the other geniuses, but to Apollo, the noise faded. He was already dissecting the truth of what stood before him—the empire's future, wrapped in angelic bloodlines.
"We should talk." Apollo said calmly, looking at the three.
The princes exchanged quick glances. None of them refused.
Michael gave a slight nod, his eyes calm but holding a depth of emotion only he understood. Lucifer, though composed as ever, studied Apollo closely, still unable to dispel the strange unease in his blood. The third prince followed quietly, curiosity burning in his gaze.
Without another word, they turned, leading Apollo through a side corridor.
The golden-armoured ancestor watched them go, his expression unreadable, but said nothing.
Soon, they entered a private chamber, sealed with layers of divine inscriptions. The walls shimmered faintly, cutting off all spiritual senses—no sound, no gaze, no aura could escape this place.
The door closed behind them, leaving only Apollo and the three princes within.
They looked at each other in silence for a moment, and finally Apollo, without wasting time, asked the direct question.
"So, Sacred Light Empire is a branch of the Angel Clan."
The atmosphere froze instantly.
The third prince's expression stiffened, his pupils contracting as if Apollo had uttered a forbidden truth. Michael's calm face wavered, his eyes flickering with something between shock and bitter acknowledgement.
Lucifer, however, remained composed. His lips curved faintly, though his eyes grew colder, sharper, like a hawk studying an unknown predator.
For a brief moment, no one spoke. The silence itself seemed heavier than the ancestor's aura.
Lucifer was the first to break the silence.
His expression was composed and regal, unaffected by the blunt tone of Apollo's words, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. With his hands folded behind his back and his posture straight and uncompromising, he exuded the dignity of a crown prince in every move.
"Oh?" His voice was smooth, carrying neither denial nor affirmation. "So what if it were true? What if it were not?"
His gaze swept the room, firm and resolute.
Apollo calmly felt Lucifer's conviction, which even felt a bit fanatic, which he guessed came with an angel bloodline, as they have a very strict hierarchy and unimaginable devotion to the point of being fanatics.
He didn't think he could change the fanatic's mind; it was a waste of time. But at least he confirmed they are definitely from angel clans. All that now matters is how they will rule the eastern continent.
Would they force humans to believe in the kings of angels, or would it remain the same? That is the major matter.
Apollo's gaze deepened, a flicker of cold amusement hidden in his eyes. That answer will decide whether the Sacred Light Empire becomes a friend… or an enemy. But he still has to wait for the future, as at least currently they haven't shown any abnormal behaviour.
Lucifer also didn't continue to say more; instead, he gave a signal to Michael, who then started to talk.
"In fact," he began, "we ought to ask you—rumours said you vanished after the Sky Tower arose. That means you must have passed their trials and set off with them on the universe's road. Tell us—did you truly join the Sky Tower's voyage through the void?"
A few seconds of silence followed, the room narrowing to the tiny space between question and answer.
He met Michael's gaze without flinching. His smile was small, almost amused.
"Yes, I was just among the lucky ones, but I think you guys must know about Sky Tower and even secrets of the universe better than me as the descendants of the angel clan."
Michael didn't reply. His expression remained composed, but the silence itself was already the answer.
The truth did not need to be spoken aloud. Within the Sacred Light Empire, there naturally existed ancient scriptures and records—fragments of history that pointed to their celestial heritage and the mysteries of Rion. But decades ago, before the world began its great awakening, even they had been shrouded in ignorance.
At that time, only the reigning Emperor had access to the full truth—of their clan, of their origins, and of Rion's hidden past. For the younger princes, there had been nothing but shadows and hints.
And so, back then, they too had walked in darkness.
Now, however, with Rion's upheaval tearing down old veils, those secrets were surfacing one by one—and the blood of angels within them resonated with every revelation.
Michael spoke again, his voice low but steady.
"Apollo… you seem very strong. Countless times stronger than when I last saw you." His eyes narrowed, studying him with the weight of both memory and awe. "So what about this—join us. Lend your strength to the expedition into the Necros Continent's god ruins."
Crown prince lucifer and Third prince both also looked at Apollo wanting to know, will he agree or not. They already discussed the moment they felt his strength and wanted him to join them.