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Chapter: Demon Guardian Statue

Menehmos was about to launch into a debate when Forseti interrupted, "Forget it. I don't think this approach is feasible."

Menehmos was taken aback. "Why? At least let me finish my calculations."

Forseti clarified, "Destroying the pyramid might not kill Apocalypse. His powers are vast and varied. Burying him alive could lead to his resurgence."

"I believe it's safer to enter the pyramid and decapitate Apocalypse," added Forseti.

Aristotle pondered, then nodded after considering Forseti's suggestion. "Indeed, burying him alive isn't a secure method."

"Alright," Menehmos conceded reluctantly. "But I still need to complete my calculations to prove this flawed design!"

Khonshu interjected, "Huh."

Aristotle proposed, "Within the pyramid, only Agamotto can aid us. Outside, we can leverage the power of the Macedonian kingdom."

"Macedonia?" Forseti exclaimed involuntarily.

Aristotle affirmed, "I've thoroughly assessed the country. Under Philip II's astute rule, Macedonia's strength flourishes, with a potent secret corps of power users."

"Moreover, King Philip II harbors a deep animosity towards Apocalypse and will undoubtedly support our mission," Aristotle continued.

Menehmos cautioned, "We don't wish to depose one tyrant only to invite another."

Frowning, Aristotle reminded him, "You've visited Macedonia too. Philip II is hardly a tyrant."

Menehmos countered, "Perhaps not Philip II, but what of his son?"

"I know his son Alexander well," Aristotle assured. "Though young, he promises to surpass his father and become a great ruler."

Menehmos persisted, "History has shown that even great monarchs can bring ruin upon their people."

Unwilling to debate further, Aristotle waved a hand dismissively. "For now, the Macedonian army is our best option against the Egyptian forces."

Menehmos remained silent.

Aristotle concluded, "I'll depart for Macedonia tomorrow to negotiate with Philip II."

At this point, Forseti interjected, "What about Agamotto?"

"He's in Maya," answered Aristotle, "but he should return soon."

Khonshu remarked, "Soon? Maya is thousands of miles from Athens."

Aristotle smiled knowingly. "Agamotto has unique means of travel."

"Space teleportation?" Forseti ventured.

Aristotle paused momentarily, then nodded. "Yes, Agamotto is the most formidable sorcerer in the mortal realm. He invented teleportation circles at the tender age of twenty-six."

"...Are all youths so powerful these days?" Khonshu quipped.

As if on cue, Agamotto arrived, joining the discussion after a brief greeting to Forseti. "I'm back."

His demeanor appeared grave, elongating his already solemn visage.

Concerned, Aristotle asked, "What's wrong? You look troubled."

Agamotto settled in, then explained, "Maya harbors unique power users—artificially created, not born naturally."

Menehmos gasped, "Artificial power users? How is that possible? Who created them?"

Agamotto shook his head. "I can't say for certain, but it's unlikely to be human... This could lead to catastrophic consequences."

Aristotle sighed. "We'll discuss this later. Our focus remains on striking Apocalypse in a month. Here's the plan..."

They further deliberated with Agamotto, finalizing their strategy.

Aristotle would secure Macedonian support, Agamotto would rally the Brotherhood of Shield worldwide, and the summer solstice, a month hence, marked Apocalypse's demise.

As everyone prepared to depart, Khonshu's statue suddenly glowed. "Wait, Menehmos, you haven't explained the pyramid's flaws. Today, we must resolve this!"

---

Over the next few days, Khonshu and Menehmos engaged in heated debates.

During this time, Forseti discovered one key fact.

Menehmos, Plato's descendant, was the mathematician credited with discovering conic sections—a topic that would haunt students for generations.

Armed with this knowledge, Forseti regarded Menehmos with newfound respect, seeing him as a genius.

Naturally, a demon statue couldn't best a demon. Ultimately, Khonshu conceded that his pyramid did indeed have flaws.

This revelation left Khonshu disheartened for a while.

Later that night, the moonlight bathed Khonshu's statue outside the window, restoring its color.

"Is it ready?" A faint light flickered, accompanied by Khonshu's voice.

"It's done." Forseti sat by the window, carving diligently on his blade, crafting a Winged Demon statue.

This Winged Demon stood as a testament to his skills, imbued with formidable presence—a type well-known from World of Warcraft, the Demon Guardian.

This Demon Guardian Statue was a new vessel Forseti had prepared for Khonshu. He'd spent days perfecting his carving technique, starting the work earnestly today and finishing by nightfall.

Crafted from high-quality materials—rocks and gems accumulated by Agamotto over years, with the blood of a demon as binding agent.

**Completion: Beyond**

**Item Level: Level 5**

Thus, Rowe created his highest-quality demon statue, achieving a Level 5 artifact.

Khonshu eagerly anticipated transferring his soul into the Demon Guardian Statue. After absorbing moonlight for a while, a cheerful voice emanated, "Ah..."

"How do you feel?"

"This statue is much more potent than the last. I should wield strength akin to having a physical form," Khonshu responded.

Forseti suggested, "Why not use this in the future? I made it using demon blood."

Khonshu refused, "No. The Demon Statue will corrode my essence. I can't rely on it."

With nothing more to say, Ria retired for the night.

Cross-legged on his bed, he took a deep breath, then channeled Holy Light, letting it flow across his body—an art he'd recently mastered, Holy Light Infusion.

With prolonged use, this infusion would reshape his physique, making it more receptive to Holy Light, potentially transforming him into a vessel of pure light.