The Demon Monarch System

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Though Apollo agreed to follow along, there was some separation between him and the rest as he remained a short distance from them while traveling towards the Central Zone.

During this time, he also thought about the conditions of his demonic practice. Just the first step of it required him to achieve an even higher demon body, which made him ponder the type of energy sources he would need to absorb.

'Would Rank 1 beasts be enough? Perhaps I'll have to increase my standards to at least the peak of that rank. The amount of experience rewarded now wouldn't even be enough to fulfill this requirement in 2 years,' Apollo thought.

Although he was only Level 92, it required 300,000 experience just for him to obtain the next level. Furthermore, Apollo had a gnawing feeling that the number would only grow to an unreasonable height. Therefore, it wasn't ideal or even beneficial for him t continuing fight against the enemies of the current level.

While fighting against stronger opponents wouldn't grant experience as of right now, a stronger opponent typically meant a more powerful core. If it was more powerful, then chances were it stored ample experience as well. Apart from that, it would also give Apollo a deeper strength without increasing the overall sensation of his power.

Meanwhile, Azridan interjected in Apollo's pensive thoughts.

[I suggest maximizing your vitality to correct the damage inflicted by the stigmata.]

'Excuse me, did you just say damage?' Apollo responded.

[Correct. The fact the Infernal Ira Stigmata will do damage is undeniable. You must realize wrath is not an emotion to be taken lightly. Additionally, demons are innate creatures of madness, so pain is something to be expected.]

At the end of his words, Azridan released an amused chuckle as he recounted the effects of the Infernal Ira Stigmata. Even he was surprised in the past by the events that unfolded. From that moment forward, he understood the saying that existed amongst the demons.

'Eh, again with that odd giddiness. You're like a child gaining a new toy when you talk about incidents that induce pain,' Apollo groaned.

[No, don't say that. I am a mature ancient demon who has lived to see many moons. My experiences are vast and my mind complete!]

'Mmn... okay then. If you say so,' Apollo nodded with a visible sneer. Obviously, he didn't believe Azridan's claims.

Suddenly, Danyul turned back to monitor Apollo's position as well as get a good understanding of his power. However, his eyes narrowed when he noticed something amiss.

'His body is definitely absorbing and emitting some kind of energy and thrumming with power, but why can't I sense the presence of a Dantian or a speck of essence? Could he have learned some type of concealment technique?' Danyul wondered.

After becoming a Zul Knight as well, Danyul's senses were much sharper, so it was odd to him that while he could closely monitor the progress of others, he couldn't glean the slightest bit of information about Apollo.

Meanwhile, Apollo shifted his gaze towards Danyul when he felt a set of eyes on him. However, all he did was stare at him without uttering a word. It seemed like Danyul wanted to say something, but couldn't because of an action committed by Axel.

A snap echoed throughout the forest after he stepped on a thick branch. Immediately, he felt as if numerous eyes were staring at him with the intent to attack.

Gradually, the countless eyes that peered down from the trees jumped out into the open. They were apes at least 3-meters tall with thick amber fur covering their bodies. Their bright yellow eyes were filled with ferocity.

Not to mention, a smoldering heat exuded from their fur.

Most importantly, they were surrounded by a grand total of over 30 apes! A number that didn't make sense for their area.

"Hm, those apes are too close. Did we perhaps encroach on their settlement? If so, then the numbers are understandable. On the other hand, I don't think the leader is here, so be on guard," Danyul warned.

However, Apollo was as relaxed as always because these apes were nothing more than essence cores to him!

All of a sudden, Apollo tilted his head to the side before asking a question the others felt odd, "Does anyone have a long weapon? Preferably a staff or something of the sort.".

By now, the makeshift staff he possessed was in terrible condition, on the brink of shattering. Besides, from what he saw, his earlier speculation could now be put to the test.

「Monster Name: Infernal Earth Ape

Cultivation: Peak Stage Rank 1 Spirit Beast

Health: 3,900/3,900」

"I have a staff," Danyul answered, but he was taken aback when Apollo held out his hand.

"Lend me your staff," Apollo requested. Due to his expression, it sounded more like a command than anything else.

Danyul revealed a difficult expression as this was his precious weapon."Err...I can just kill them and b-"

"The whole reason for this journey is to give the kids actual combat experience. Lend him your staff; it's not like he'll steal it," Cynthia interjected with a tinge of disappointment in her eyes.

Ultimately, Danyul handed him the dark blue staff with cerulean gems shaved down to resemble the appearance of frost.

「Item Name: Coldiron Staff

Tier: Rank 3 Weapon Artifact

Grade: Decent

Effect: Increases the effect of ice-based attacks by 10%.

Sub-effect: Reduces movement speed by  1% per hit. (Effectiveness varies upon the circumstances.).」

A cool feeling spread throughout Apollo's palm as it made contact with his palm. This came as a slight surprise since it was his first time coming in contact with a weapon that empowered an element.

Unfortunately, it dissipated soon after, being devoured by the properties of his body. Still, it was a good weapon, so Apollo waved it around dextrously until he was familiar with it.

'His skill almost surpasses mine... Just how much time a day did he dedicate to training?' Danyul wondered in astonishment.

Meanwhile, Apollo sprang into action just a few seconds later. He rushed towards the gathering of arms while bracing the staff behind his arm. Once he was close enough, he performed a wide sweep, aiming at the legs of many apes.

As they were monkeys, their agility was impressive, dodging Apollo's strike with ease.

However, Apollo expected this reaction. He stabbed the staff into the floor before landing a terrifying double dropkick on the closest monkey's torso.

As a result, the ape was sent flying into a tree, smashing it in half. Nearby monkeys who witnessed this squawked madly before dashing towards Apollo in the same instant.

Usually, such a situation would plunge someone into a disadvantage, but Apollo simply shifted his attention. Wisps of shadowy embers appeared behind the staff as he spun, performing an insane rotation.

Not only did this allow him to dodge the strikes, but he retaliated as well! While in motion, Apollo lashed out one of his legs. The frightening attack crushed the target's head, causing its body to fall limp.

'Fluid movements. Ample combat awareness and successive adaptations,' Danyul thought with a complex expression.

On the other hand, Apollo took a moment to monitor his stamina consumption.

〈System: Stamina: 4,495/4,500〉

'Not bad. From now on, this rank will be my target,' Apollo determined before planting his feet on the ground. In the same instant, he also rushed forward. Since he understood the extent of his strength, Apollo wanted to learn of his newfound defense.

Hence, instead of any tedious dodging, Apollo used his free arm to challenge any physical strikes directed him.

Regrettably, they didn't remain exclusively physical for much longer. The apes' amber fur glowed with a crimson hue, indicating the usage of essence!

Still, Apollo didn't dodge these strikes either. 'If rage burns, then surely I'll have an increased resistance to it, no?'

In light of this thought, Apollo wanted into the wall of flames executed by the apes and only suffered negligible damage!

Suddenly, a shocking roar echoed throughout the forest. Admittedly, it belonged to the leader of these apes, but Apollo just smiled in return.

'Possibly a higher rank. Good, these weren't much of a challenge anymore.'