Chapter 670 670. Devastation
The title "Divine Demon" carried a distinct meaning, but Noah had never questioned himself about that of the other twelve Demons.
Every organization had its customs, and the unorthodox sects of the Papral nation took pride in being labeled as "demons".
Noah had never given much importance to the matter since their titles didn't seem to mean anything.
Only Dreaming Demon acted somewhat in line with her name.
Yet, her question stated that there was something else.
The Demons didn't speak anymore after that question, and Noah simply followed them as he waited for an explanation.
There was some expectation inside him though.
The heroic assets of the Hive were all busy during that period, and they wouldn't waste time on something that wasn't important.
Of course, Noah had immediately thought about possible rewards.
The four of them walked through the azure corridors to reach another large underground area.
There were many shining lines on the surface of that rocky terrain, and Noah was able to notice some similarities with those seen during his first encounter with Chasing Demon.
That was the personal training area of the Patriarch of the Hive!
Noah saw the refined figure of the automaton inside that area.
Thirty-seven seemed focused entirely on analyzing the vast array while his long, ethereal hair remained fixed on his back.
He didn't notice the arrival of the four heroic cultivators, his whole being seemed immersed in the study of those shining lines.
"I've tasked him to improve all the formations of the Hive, starting from my training area. He will have access to one page of Master's technique with each possible improvement or flaws that he finds."
Chasing Demon said as he led the group toward one side of the room.
The Demons showed traces of worry in their expression, and confusion appeared on Noah's face when those words resounded in the hall.
They didn't care about the well-being of the automaton, but they didn't understand how Chasing Demon could let someone modify his cultivation technique so easily.
The Patriarch didn't fail to notice those expressions and quickly explained further.
"I'll just make him point out flaws and describe possible approaches on how to solve them. Yet, I will use my methods to improve it. Don't worry. My individuality has always been open to the teachings of divine beings."
The two Demons could only nod at his explanation, but a strange light appeared in Noah's eyes when he understood that he might have a use for the automaton too.
'I'm still not sure if I can achieve what I want with my methods, I've yet to begin the testing phase for the next step of my individuality. However, Thirty-seven could help in pointing out paths that my limited knowledge ignores.'
Noah thought as he sat on the ground, forming a circle with the elders around him.
His original plan was to create a darkness element that was only his, but that idea was still in the early stages.
He had discovered that his individuality created primary energy that he could absorb or use, meaning that he had the core material for that project.
However, he had yet to seclude himself to begin his experiments.
He didn't have any free time between the crossing through the lightning storm, the knowledge of the palace, and the social events of the Hive.
However, now he was sure that Thirty-seven might help him.
"Master gave us our titles after we became heroic cultivators. These titles reflect our battle style, techniques, or behavior, and they aren't just random names."
Dreaming Demon began to speak when the four of them were all seated in a circle.
"Master didn't fail to notice the peculiar properties of my mental energy back then, nor its drawbacks. My name is self-explaining, and I'm sorry to say that I can't teach this ability. It's something that only belongs to me."
The elder turned toward her lover after her words, and Flying Demon continued quickly continued her story.
"My name comes from my ability to fly even when I was in the human ranks, which is quite peculiar for someone with a water aptitude."
Noah listened to the elder and turned toward Chasing Demon when he saw that his story was over.
He still believed that there was a real reason behind that discussion, such powerful entities wouldn't have called him just to reveal funny anecdotes.
Chasing Demon though didn't speak, and the two Demons smirked at that sight.
"Master named him in that way because he chased after Charming Demon."
Flying Demon whispered that as he bent toward Noah and Chasing Demon limited himself to snort when his story was revealed.
Noah couldn't help but reveal a slight smile when he learnt that.
The powerhouse of the Hive, a mighty rank 6 existence, was called Chasing Demon due to his love for a fellow disciple.
Chasing Demon let the trio smile for a while before coughing a few times to restore some seriousness.
Then, his expression turned stern before beginning to speak.
"Noah, your execution of the mission has been spectacular. You've retrieved the rests of both Charming and Enduring demon sect, while also bringing back my lost friends. There is nothing that the Hive won't do for you at this point."
Chasing Demon's tone was solemn as he officially listed his feats.
"Yet, there isn't much that the Hive can do at your stage. The world knows that you're a rare talent, and the three big nations won't sell any darkness spell to us. We can only give you part of the sect's knowledge, hoping that it can inspire you in creating your methods."
The Patriarch took a few scrolls from his space-ring at that point.
"These are some of the techniques of the demon sects. We have worked in the last period to transcribe them, and I've even had to contact an external inscription master to put into lines those that we had memorized."
Noah quickly took the scrolls and began to analyze them.
The descriptions on the sides explained the origin and the usage of those spells and techniques.
They even mentioned the pieces of information lost during their transcription.
There was the body-nourishing method of the Enduring demon sect retrieved from the corpse of the slave, the techniques of the Charming demon sect, and even the runes of the Bleeding demon sect.
However, what caught Noah's attention the most was a spell created by the traitor.
"Are you sure you want me to have this?"
Noah asked when he saw that the spell came from the Ravaging demon sect.
"Spells and techniques are tools, and I can't deny that one from you. Also, your individuality should match it."
Chasing Demon answered without showing any trace of anger, and that was enough for Noah, who read the basic description of the spell again.
'Devastation that generates power.'