The Demon Monarch System

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"Pheww…"

Apollo exhaled. A strong jet stream ejected from his mouth as a result of this respiration. Moreover, a thunderous rumbling that originated from his lung echoed within the vacant cave.

However, that wasn't the most notable thing taking place. To understand it, one would need to know how much time passed—just over two years.

Although he didn't celebrate any birthdays or the like, Apollo was aware of how much time passed due to the changes in his status screen. Since combat no longer awarded experience, it fell to the bottom of his list.

In the meantime, he took this chance to thoroughly familiarize himself with both the Demonic Massacre Wave as well and the Partial Shade Silhouette. Add in the occasional absorption of the Essence Cores and the Demonic Essence Pellets and that summarized the events that took place in the past two years.

Taking into account the time spent before his seclusion in this cave, Apollo was now 14 years old, and compared to the first day of obtaining his system, Apollo went through cataclysmic changes. For one, there were more signs of his evolution progressing as the meter inched closer to completion.

Meanwhile, Apollo's emitted continuous popping noises as he either stood up or clenched his fist. And, when he opened his eyes, they radiated with an amethyst light that was at least three times deeper than before.

The only reason for his present movement was a simple reason—he had run out of materials to use. And, he was close to unlocking some of the hidden features of his Juvenile Demon Body. In fact, the distance was so small that it made Apollo release a  small chuckle.

However, despite his chuckle, his expression was hard to read because his eyes looked almost emotionless. As if he was gazing at emptiness. Part of this was due to assimilating with more of that darkness, but the other reason was the Demonic Essence Pellets.

Over the course of these years, his frequent consumption of those caused a gradual change in him.

Despite consuming 20 more Demonic Essence Pellet in the past year, Apollo's evolution was still far from full. In fact, Apollo started to feel as if the system was openly interfering with his progress. 'At this rate, it'll take at least 15 more Demonic Essence Pellets of me to fulfill the first requirement. Not just my level, but even my evolution percentage has taken a hit.'

"Azridan, are you aware of this system's origin? Do you know who created it?" Apollo questioned after a while. Even if the creator intended for Apollo to obtain unsurpassed power, it sure made the route tough. While it presented the tools, the usefulness of the tools varied depending on some matters that Apollo still didn't know the answer to.

[I don't even know its origin, nor its creator. But, after our experiences, I have some questions of my own. For example, why was I chosen and just how is this related to the history of the Demons.]

"Well, it would seem we have some similar unanswered questions, yet no answers. If you don't have them, then who does?" Apollo wondered.

[That, lad. Is something that I don't have the answer to. But, if we continue down this path, then I'm sure we'll unearth some of the mysteries]

"Yeah. Nevertheless, I've been cooped up here long enough. I've made ample progress in my stats and have elevated my level as fast as physically possible. I believe we should move to the Central Area to gather some better cores," Apollo suggested whilst seeking Azridan's compliance.

[Perhaps, but first. Show me the maximum input of your current absorption. That earlier phenomenon can't be the full extent.]

"I suppose I'll try," Apollo closed his eyes while raising his arms. In what seemed like an instant, the atmosphere roiled. A moment after that, his body devoured all traces of Natural Essence within a 2-meter radius.

However, Apollo frowned while doing so because the rate at which the system converted this energy into the experience was terrible!

[It's good that you have unlocked the inherent property of your external absorption, but it seems to be stifled.]

"Yes," responded Apollo as he gazed at the information on his first trait.

「«External Absorption» - (Unlocked)

Rank: *Unique

Information: Unlocking both your Juvenile Demon Body and surpassing the level threshold has allowed you to reveal the true effect of this ability granted by your union with the system.

Effect: Enables you to use any external energy as a means to gather experience. The rate is dependent on the echelon of the energy used.

*Note: Energies found in this world can impart up to 1,000 Experience/day.」

Although 1,000 Experience sounded okay, when taking into account Apollo's current level, it would take almost a year just to level up through this method! Not to mention, this was if Apollo focused on absorbing the essence of this world for the entire day!

Evidently, the energy of this world was anything but sub-par. At least, when it regarded something related to a demon.

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(Demon Monarch System) Lv.2

Name: Apollo Kaiser

Race: Demi-Demon *Unique [84.56%]

Title: Azridan's Successor

Age: 14

Level: 92

Experience: 204,000/300,000

Health: 4,500/4,500

Stamina: 4,500/4,500

Strength: 98.0

Agility: 95.0

Intelligence: 74.5

Vitality: 90.0

[«Traits»]-

«External Absorption»

«Juvenile Demon Body»

«Tenacious Shadows»

[«Techniques»]-

«Baleful Steps: Phantasmal Daemos»

«Nine Infernal Annihilations»

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Stat Points: 2.0

In addition to the insane difference in his current stats, Apollo also possessed another trait, the Tenacious Shadows, which came from deepening his mastery of the Partial Shade Silhouette.

「«Tenacious Shadows»

Rank: Lesser

Information: After familiarizing yourself with the Tenebrous Dark Winds birthed from your unusual state, it has resulted in a long-lasting affinity with those dark shadows.

Effect: Casts a perpetual shadow and improves your usage of dark energy. (The effects of this trait are tripled when in the embrace of darkness.)」

[With this, I believe you're ready. Everything seems to be equaling out nicely. Even your intelligence has improved nicely after absorbing those dark element cores.]

"Yeah, but there's no harm in having a little test," Apollo said before spinning the Dark Cutter between his fingers. While doing so, his stamina was consumed continuously before giving birth to a dreadful energy surge. In the next second, Apollo slashed the knife towards the cave entrance.

Boom!

A colossal blackened crimson wave utterly destroyed the rock sealing the entrance, yet, that terrible strike only consumed one-fifth of his total stamina!

He left the cave after looking around only to become curious over the signs of battle he sense. Curious, he changed course and disappeared into a fleeting shadow after revealing a masterful usage of his Partial Shade Silhouette. It didn't erase his presence entirely, but only the slight rustle of leaves could be heard from his movements.