The Demon Monarch System

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First, Apollo browsed through the top of the notification list, and immediately, he was given some information pertaining to the effects of the Demonic Conduct stage reward.

〈System: Human-based kills registered. [Demonic Conduct Multiplier applied.]〉

〈System: Total Experience received from human-based kills: 43,380.〉

〈System: Completion of the first stage of the Savage Path. [Demonic Conduct Multiplier applied.]〉

〈System: Total Experience received from the first stage: 27,000.〉

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Then, Apollo browsed all the way down towards the end of the list. Here, he was given information regarding his current level as well as some of the changes that occurred as part of him reaching Lv.90.

〈System: Congratulations, you have reached Level 90.〉

〈System: 0.5 Attributes and 0.5 Stat Points rewarded.〉

〈System Alert: As a result of you reaching Level 90, the information regarding some changes has been unsealed. Refer to your updated Foundational Chart for more information.〉

As per the directions of the system, Apollo opened up the foundational chart only to be disgruntled by what he read. It wasn't a single limitation that disgruntled him, but two!

"Ugh...are you serious? This is the limitation? Then...isn't combat useless?!" Apollo groaned as he finished collecting his spoils. 'I should've known something like this would happen. After all, jumping from 0.2 to 0.5 attributes was too much of a generous move.

As for the limitation, it was as such:

[«Foundational Chart»]-

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[«Level 90»]-

The experience required to level up is set to 150,000.

Reward: 0.5 Attributes and 0.5 Stat Points.

[«Level 91»]-

The experience required to level up is set to 200,000.

Reward: 0.5 Attributes and 0.6 Stat Points.

[«Level 92»]-

The experience required to level up is set to 300,000.

Reward: 0.6 Attributes and 0.7 Stat Points.

〈Limitation: The ability to receive direct experience from killing beasts will be deactivated until you accomplish your first grand objective. The right path will present itself once you accomplish this.〉

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[Before you complain, you should assess the situation. The limitation doesn't mean you need to stop combat altogether. It simply states that the act of killing the beasts won't grant experience. However, take a moment and think. Does this mean all your paths to experience are cut off?]

"No… there are still other ways for me to acquire experience," Apollo uttered while in deep thought as he maneuvered through the forest trees glancing at his arm frequently. Soon after, he continued voicing his thoughts, "Is this why the system introduced the Demonic Conduct trial? Did I cause this limitation or did the inevitability of this situation spur my actions?"

[Both outlooks could be correct. In some ways, you pilot the system while in other ways it's the one that incites your action. Either way, both scenarios lead to a single outcome—paving the road for you to grow far stronger.]

"That's understandable. But still, I would have much rather the system not take this ability away from me," Apollo muttered after giving Azridan's explanation some thought.

Although it was sound, it didn't take away from the fact that removing this ability would advertently affect his growth rate.

[Yes, but we can't always get what we wish for. I didn't wish to perish, yet it still happened. Sometimes we are just meant to roll with the punches and make the best of it. I might have died, yet here I am living on.]

In response, Apollo just nodded before focusing on the path ahead.

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Sometime later, Apollo landed before the cave he exited from a few days prior. Upon looking around, there were still signs of Azridan's aura lingering around.

'No wonder I didn't sense a single beast within a 200-meter radius.'

Gradually, Apollo's momentum fell to a crawl as he entered the cave. Furthermore, the look in his eyes changed to that of when Azridan temporarily controlled him. Purplish black wisps escaped his fingers, soon sealing the entrance once again.

Before doing a thing, Apollo first focused on channeling all of his energy to heal, because the strike Krone landed on his carried obscure corrosive properties.

Soon enough, layers of dead flesh fell as new flesh filled with sinewy tissue appeared in place. Meanwhile, Apollo roasted some Spirit Beast. To his surprise, after reaching Rank 2 and beyond, the decay rate of their flesh slowed to a crawl. Especially so for the lynx's meat.

'Is this a property of Natural Essence? No wonder the lifespan of cultivators continues to increase with their attainments in cultivation,' Apollo thought as he tore into the meat. The increase in comparison to his large experience bar was trivial. However, every small increase counted as he was preparing to make large strides.

'During this year of being in the wild, I've approached death multiple times and even had unfortunate events with the mercenaries. What else lies in wait? Although the treachery isn't surprising, at least it provides some type of entertainment,' Apollo thought as his ominous violet eyes shone in the darkness.

Eventually, Apollo's eyes closed as he focused on escalating his Juvenile Demon Body―the current source of his power―the only thing capable of accelerating his healing process.

It wasn't until he had repeated his actions for over a month before Apollo moved on to begin the absorption of the cores. At the same time, he also took advantage of this peaceful cave to study the Seven Ungodly stigmata in depth.

Although he understood Ira would be his first sin, the accompanying emotion of wrath was still something he could not control. But, if he wished to engrave that Stigmata, then it would require control over such a thing.

Meanwhile, Azridan found himself lost in thought as he remembered his home.

[I wonder... Just how long it will take you until you can reach that place? I know I am the one tasked with preparing him to first step into that place, but they are not to be taken lightly. Even the strongest existence on this planet is incapable of coming close to their power. Truly a difficult dilemma we will face.]

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"Huuu…. huuu…." A youth with a determined look in his eyes stood against a training post as a light gleam emanated from his sword. If one looked closely, they'd witness tendrils bearing into the wooden sword in his palms.

"Not enough. I've yet to grasp this sword technique. I've poured more time into cultivating than I have slept, yet it doesn't show signs of increasing in mastery. Is my metal affinity too lacking? I must enter the Zul Warrior Realm to condense it! At that time, perhaps they'll allow me to venture along."

Repeatedly, the boy slashed his sword with a silver gleam encapsulating the exterior. However, a frown remained plastered across his face, because the aura failed to penetrate the training post.

'I will grasp this technique,' he thought.

At that moment, a mat velvety voice called out, "Aaron, that's enough. Come eat and allow your body to recuperate."

"Okay," Aaron replied. However, his eyes looked into the distance before shifting away, but the resolve in his eyes didn't dim in the slightest!