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23: Helion Ascendio al Apollon

Andre rode on Vizernix's back as they soared high in the sky. They descended as Vizernix spotted a massive skyscraper perched atop a cliff. Guided by Andre's order, Vizernix veered towards the building, gracefully landing on its open rooftop.

Andre dismounted from Vizernix, greeted by the approach of two men clad in black suits.

"The boss is expecting you. How did the mission go?" one of the men inquired.

Andre gestured towards the Komucha held in Vizernix's beak. "Judge for yourself."

The man nodded approvingly. "You've performed admirably on your first mission. The boss will be pleased."

Andre responded with a faint smile. "Lead the way, please."

They escorted Andre into the penthouse, where a luxurious hot pool awaited. Within its inviting waters, revelers engaged in a lively scene, partaking in water volleyball, sipping cocktails, and engaging in animated conversations. As they continued, they found a man reclining against the pool's edge, his face concealed beneath a towel. Despite the obscured view, his silhouette exuded an air of perfection. His damp, curly blonde locks cascaded over his brow, with the lower half submerged in the pool's shimmering depths.

"Boss, we've brought Andre," one of the men announced.

The man, referred to as the boss, lowered the towel from his face, revealing piercing blue eyes that fixed upon Andre. A warm smile graced his lips. "I had every confidence in your success. Congratulations, Andre."

"Thank you, boss. Your praise means a lot," Andre replied, attempting to soothe Komucha, who wriggled in his grasp.

"It seems our little friend is feeling anxious. You can head to my office. I'll join you shortly," the boss remarked.

As Andre stepped into the boss's office, he was stunned by the macabre decor. Mounted on the walls were the heads of Nixes, while a tiger Nix's skin lay as a carpet on the floor. The chilling display left Andre in no doubt: the rumors were true – the boss held an intense animosity towards Nixes.

As Andre contemplated, one of the men abruptly grabbed Komucha from his grasp and tossed the creature into a small cage tucked away in the corner of the room.

Andre shot the man a fierce glare, disliking the sudden seizure of his possession. However, the man swiftly offered an explanation, "The boss wouldn't appreciate an unrestrained Nix in his office. Trust me, you don't want to see him angry."

As Andre prepared to voice his objection, the boss strode into the office, casually attired in a bathrobe. His damp, curly locks cascaded down his back, exuding an aura of relaxation. Yet, despite his laid-back appearance, Andre couldn't shake the overwhelming presence emanating from him, akin to a formidable Earthling with special abilities.

Sensing Andre's unease, the boss flashed a reassuring smile. "Make yourself comfortable, Andre. You've done exceptionally well. You deserve some rest."

With a gentle tug on Andre's shoulder, the boss guided him to a plush sofa. Andre was startled by the ease with which the boss maneuvered him, reminiscent of the strength exhibited by Nixes. In that moment, Andre became convinced that the boss possessed some form of extraordinary abilities.

"So, Balzu, what drinks do we have?" the boss inquired, turning to one of the men in suits.

"I'm sorry, boss, but you've already provided all the drinks to the guests," Balzu replied apologetically.

The boss stared at Balzu incredulously. "Really? With all our resources, we can't even offer hospitality to our guests?"

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"It's fine, boss. I'm not thirsty. Let's focus on business instead. I believe the Nix I brought here is puzzled as to why I went to such lengths to capture him. I hope you can shed some light on the matter for both of us," Andre interjected.

"You want me to explain something to an animal? You're quite the comedian, Andre," the boss teased, a smirk playing on his lips. "But you've proven your worth, so I'll entertain your request. Plus, I intend to involve you further, as I promised Sergio."

Placing the cage containing Komucha on the table, the boss's expression grew somber. "I also feel remorse for the necessity of eliminating the Groundlayer couple and several Nix Masters. The loss of such talented individuals weighs heavily on me."

Komucha's sudden outburst startled the room. "Your words are hollow! You ordered executions from the comfort of your home. You're despicable! And you, Andre, you've betrayed us all and Locci!"

Amusement danced in the boss's eyes as he observed Komucha's reaction. "I've heard that envoys possess a deep connection with both humans and nature, allowing them to converse with humans. Fascinating. By the way, Andre, who is this Locci? I didn't see this person listed among the team that entered the dungeon."

Andre shifted nervously. "Locci? He's not significant, boss. Why do you ask?"

"So that I can provide compensation for their family. Despite what others may say about us, our organization's purpose is to elevate humanity. I can't simply disregard human lives. At the very least, I owe it to our victims' families to offer them some form of restitution."

"Locci is inconsequential, boss, really," Andre stammered nervously.

The boss's frown deepened, and suddenly Balzu seized Andre by the collar, forcefully pushing him down. "When the boss asks a question, you're expected to answer truthfully."

"Hey, Balzu, let him go. He's on our side now," the boss interjected, and Balzu released Andre. Approaching him, the boss helped Andre to his feet. "Relax, Andre. Is this person your enemy? I'll assist you in dealing with them."

"Locci was the Nix I befriended during my exploration of the dungeon," Andre confessed.

"Ah, a Nix. Then why the nerves? I have no concern for Nixes; my focus is solely on humans. Do you desire this Nix? I can aid you in capturing him," the boss offered.

"Are you certain, boss?" Andre asked, disbelief coloring his tone.

"Are you doubting me?"

"No, it's just... No, I apologize, boss. May I request your assistance in capturing him?"

"If you wish. But first, enlighten me on what makes this Nix so special," the boss inquired.

Andre hesitated for a moment before responding, "Locci is no ordinary Nix. He's an extra grade."

The boss chuckled softly, rubbing his chin in amusement. "Ah, I see. That's indeed remarkable. Apart from the envoys, I've received information about two other newly discovered extra grade Nixes. With the addition of Locci, there are now seven extra grade Nixes in existence. Their presence is even more valuable than legendary grade Nixes."

"Giving an extra grade Nix to a lower-ranked member like him seems like a waste, boss," remarked the second man in the suit.

"No, Zebul. I made a promise to Andre," the boss asserted firmly. "Balzu, Zebul, I'm ordering you both to capture this Locci alive and hand it over to Andre."

Andre was taken aback by the boss's command. While he had trusted the boss to assist him, he hadn't anticipated him ordering the notorious twins. Balzu and Zebul, known as the Ghost Brothers, were infamous Nix Masters specializing in powerful ghost type Nixes.

The dissatisfaction on Balzu and Zebul's faces vanished instantly upon receiving the boss's directive. They bowed respectfully before exiting the room.

Once they were alone, Andre expressed his gratitude to the boss. "I can't thank you enough, boss. How can I repay this favor?"

The boss placed a reassuring hand on Andre's shoulder, offering a warm smile. "Consider it an investment, Andre. Do you wonder why I hold you in such high regard?"

"You praise me too generously, boss. I'm sure there are better Nix Masters out there," Andre replied modestly.

"No, Andre. Your unique ability sets you apart. You don't rely solely on Nixes, and I value that greatly," the boss explained.

"I'm honored, boss. Thank you," Andre replied gratefully.

"You have the potential to further develop your ability, Andre. Focus on that. Now, shall we discuss why I ordered you to capture the Envoy of Earth alive?" the boss prompted, transitioning to the matter at hand.

Andre glanced at Komucha skeptically. "I'm sorry, boss, but he's just a rare grade Nix. I don't see anything special about him."

The boss's smile widened. "First, do you know anything about the Elemental Envoys?"

Andre nodded. "They're four extra grade Nixes tasked with maintaining the world's balance by the Sky Father."

"Correct. And when we gather all four envoys together, we can summon the Sky Father," the boss explained.

"Why do you want to summon the Sky Father, boss?" Andre inquired cautiously.

"The Sky Father, the Dragon of Destruction, and the Darkest Abyss. Our organization's true purpose is to locate these three strongest Nixes, so I can vanquish them with my own hands, without relying on Nixes!" the boss declared.

Andre was taken aback. He couldn't shake the feeling that Helion Ascendio al Apollon, the boss of Apollon, was utterly insane.