The Seven Virtues: Faith - Hope - Charity - Prudence - Justice - Strength - Temperance, are the Seven Angelic Houses, the most powerful, from which the Archangels emerge, such as Raphael for the House of Charity. Each of these seven Archangels, leaders of the houses, tend to choose a mortal to fulfill their duty. Their words are relayed by His Holiness of the Cathedral. And those chosen during the awakening are very rare, and in the game Apex, there were only three in total: Arthur Aurora, Olivia Roseflame, and Luxia Von Arcadia. These individuals are called saints.
It's the same logic for demons, who have the Seven Dukes of Hell, the Archdemons of the Seven Sins: Pride - Greed - Envy - Wrath - Lust - Gluttony - Sloth. And for the chosen ones, there have only been two. The first, who was the leader of the Heretik, was eliminated during a crusade by Emperor Lancaster. Thus, the Archdemon of Pride cursed his unborn son: Lucas Von Arcadia. The only one with the power of an Archdemon in the world, the Darkness.
Meanwhile, Daemon was bored out of his mind in a lecture about angels and demons. The professor was droning on with his usual fanatical speech. But there was important information being conveyed.
Daemon didn't really care, though. He already knew it all, and much more than what was being taught in class. He had other things on his mind, like Kara, who was shooting him daggers from across the room.
He struck a thoughtful pose.
*POV: Daemon*
"Heroines and villains are plentiful. But for now, I'll focus on Kara and Sahara," he murmured to himself.
I already have a plan for each of them. But first, should I create my own faction? No... No need. I'll just take over another one, slowly but surely. And Kara's faction would be a good starting point.
As the class ended, I signaled my bodyguard. But as we left the room, we were blocked by Lady Bentham's second-in-command, Ramia, a pesky 19-year-old.
"Young Lord Indivar, I believe you had a disagreement to settle with my mistress."
Of course, this unusual situation drew attention. Was there hostility between members of these factions? Many second-year students were watching the drama unfold from a distance.
Erwan quickly took a defensive stance.
"Step back, Miss Ramia."
"At ease, Erwan. I actually needed to talk to Lady Bentham." I turned around and faced Kara, who had just arrived.
"So you're not going to run away like a coward this time?"
"That's your perspective. But I still have no intention of fighting. I have nothing to gain. I want to discuss recruitment."
I turned to leave.
But Ramia grabbed my shoulder.
"It's not up to you. Lady Bentham isn't finished yet."
I immediately drew Khaïbet. Kara jumped back cautiously, but I didn't unsheathe it.
"I find you quite bold. Just because Kara sleeps with you doesn't mean you can touch me."
"You—"
"Kara, you should train your walking sex toy well, if you don't want it to lose those fingers that make you feel good."
She laughed: "Ahaha. I see you've decided to show your claws, sword genius."
'Guess that's it...' I almost cringed with embarrassment, but in this world, you have to be shameless. And the sword genius I am is easily irritable!
"Leave him, Ramia. You're not on his level. Even I can't sense his true power." She narrowed her eyes, trying to gauge my next move.
Ramia clenched her teeth. Being insulted in front of everyone was humiliating. But her confidence came from Kara, and if she backed down, she had no audacity to confront me.
...
*On a bench in the courtyard*
"I see you came," I said, watching Kara sit next to me.
"And you, when did you start pressuring my subordinates?" she blurted out.
"Oh... Does it bother you?" I feigned innocence.
"No, I don't care. Spill it. What are you scheming exactly?"
"Alright, I'll be direct." I leaned slightly toward her. "Your faction is objectively the weakest. Yet, I have no intention of betraying you. The real question is: what can you offer me?"
My strategy was clear: project unwavering confidence, make her feel like she needed me. And gradually, I'd anchor that sense of debt.
"And who says I need you?" she retorted, furrowing her brows.
Obviously, she wasn't going to make it easy.
"It's not that you need me. It's that without me, you'll be crushed. There's a difference." My smile widened. The realization was immediate in her eyes. I could very well do nothing for her faction... but if I joined her opponents, she'd have no chance.
"You're using the situation to threaten me? That won't work with me!"
'Damn, she's hellish. More interested in confrontation than discussion.'
"Shut up. Let me cook." I pressed my index finger to her lips. Her surprise was delicious before she pushed my hand away, but silence fell.
'With her, I have to play the dominant role. Be even more unpredictable and radical in my words and actions.'
"Anyway, I have a plan to neutralize each faction. But before we get into the details, we need to recruit certain people."
"Go on. I'm interested," she conceded, her attention piqued.
"First: Lucas von Arcadia, Eden Folker, and if possible, Ingrid, the Drake. I already have a key piece: Sahara Isis Wolberg. For the rest, you can recruit as many subordinates as you want."
"You realize most of these names already have their own factions? Lucas will probably join his older brother's. Sahara is an elf—and the Drake, I don't want to get involved with her people. And this Eden Folker... I know a Folker, an S-rank adventurer?"
"Exactly. Henrik Folker is his father. Don't worry, you'll soon understand why his recruitment is crucial. For Sahara, I've already prepared everything. And these are just suggestions... if you want my help." I shrugged before standing up from the bench.
She must think I'm after Lucas's political importance because he's not very talented at this point. But in reality, it's their future potential that interests me. As long as Leo is around, I can deal with the Imperial Prince whenever I please, no need to involve his brother.
"I demand to know this famous plan," she insisted, standing up as well.
"The plan to destroy the River and Moonshade factions? Nothing simpler: create an event that will shatter their alliance forever."
"Easier said than done."
I paused dramatically, as if deep in thought.
"I don't think it's that difficult... to kill Scarlett Moonshade."
"WHAT?!"
"I'll deliver her faction to you within two months max. After that, we'll talk again."