Chapter 99: The Visit to the Adebodes
The day had already bled into late afternoon.
By the time Philip saw off the delegation from the Catholic Church, the sky above Lagos was bruised with heavy clouds. The sun hung low, streaking Victoria Island with hues of crimson and gold.
He had originally planned to meet Dr. Remi that afternoon but after the unplanned visit and their revelations, his mind was preoccupied. Besides, with the tension in the air and the growing pressure on his shoulders, Philip decided that meeting with the alchemist could wait another day.
He would reschedule.
For now he had another matter to attend to.
A debt.
He owed the Adebodes a visit.
When his siblings had been on the brink of death, it had been their swift response and their elixirs that gave him precious time. In truth, he hadn't expected Seye Adebode to cooperate so quickly especially with a demigod's uncontrolled aura bearing down on them but the man had moved with wisdom.
And Philip repaid his debts.
Moments later, a rift of shimmering silver mana opened above Lagos, and Philip drifted through stepping out mid-air near the Adebode compound.
By now, word had spread in hidden channels.
The battle in Ibadan. The destruction of the Maw. Whispers of a young demigod moving with terrifying speed through Lagos.
The city's Awakened watched the skies nervously these days.
As Philip descended toward the Adebodes' estate one of the oldest Awakened houses in Lagos a ripple of wards shimmered to life around their grounds. Not hostile just cautious.
The head of the household, Seye Adebode, was already waiting for him at the courtyard below, surrounded by several family elders and a few younger Awakened warriors.
They all bowed low as Philip touched down, his crimson suit fluttering softly in the wind.
"Mr. Egboluche," Seye said respectfully. "You honor us with this visit."
Philip nodded once. "I came to offer thanks. For your timely help… and your restraint."
There was a murmur of relief among the younger Awakened gathered many had heard about the terrifying aura he'd unleashed days ago when demanding those same potions. Most had half-expected him to return with blood in his eyes.
But today, Philip was calm. Steady. Focused.
Without further ceremony, he reached into his personal ring and drew forth a single object gleaming, crystalline, cut to perfect sharpness.
A perfect-grade mana crystal one of the few he had taken from the Emperor's hidden stash in the Void Palace.
The moment he revealed it, the surrounding air thrummed.
The gathered Adebodes stiffened.
Even Seye's eyes widened.
Perfect-grade mana crystals were legendary so rare that most top Awakened would fight wars over them. The energy flowing from this one was pure, refined… a single crystal could power entire sects, refuel elite warriors, or craft legendary-tier artifacts.
Philip handed it over casually.
"A token," he said simply. "In gratitude for the elixirs."
Seye hesitated for only a moment then bowed again, both hands outstretched to accept the gift with reverence.
"Your generosity humbles us," the elder patriarch said sincerely. "This will not be forgotten."
Philip gave a small nod. "Use it well."
They invited him inside, of course offering wine, fruit, the chance to speak but Philip politely declined.
He had no quarrel with the Adebodes.
But he also wasn't ready to entangle himself with the old Awakened houses of Nigeria just yet. Not until he had built his own power base.
Sensing his mood, Seye did not press.
Instead, he walked Philip out to the edge of the estate personally. Before he left, the elder man spoke again:
"Mr. Egboluche … it may not be my place, but there are those abroad who are paying very close attention to what happened in Ibadan."
Philip raised an eyebrow.
"The Awakened Council," Seye continued, "and… certain foreign interests. The shockwaves from your battle… they reached across the oceans. I suggest caution in the days ahead."
Philip smiled faintly. "I am always cautious."
But his mind was already working.
The Council. The foreign sects. The Church of Darkness wasn't the only force that had ears in high places.
More eyes were coming.
By the time Philip returned to his house, the sky was dark. The lights of Lagos shimmered below vibrant, alive, unaware of how close the city had come to disaster.
He sent a quick message to Dr. Remi, rescheduling their meeting for the next morning.
There were too many things moving at once now.
His sister was recovering at his estate already training in light mana, her potential growing by the hour. His parents were safely abroad, under his watchful mark.
Nathaniel was coordinating the reconstruction of their family house.
And Philip himself had much to do he needed to begin building his own intelligence network, securing allies, preparing for whatever foreign forces might come next.
But for now tonight he allowed himself a single breath of rest. For the first time in three years he didn't meditate he just slept.