The Demon Monarch System

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Following the deafening roar, countless trees toppled over as a gargantuan beast stormed towards the position of Apollo and the rest. Although it was still far out, Apollo could discern its general size.

Compared to the previous Infernal Apes, the incoming ape was over twice their size. Moreover, there was a mix of bright orange-reddish flames billowed from its body without any indication of an ability being activated.

This was merely a sign of its further evolution compared to the few that Apollo engaged in combat with. A stronger rank meant a notable increase to any of their innate features.

On the other hand, Apollo grinned as he witnessed the ape close the distance at baffling speeds. However, although it was fast, it was over 2km away from their location because it was hunting.

Therefore, Apollo thought of an idea, 'Under normal circumstances, such a beast might pose some issues. But, what if I can cause it to be at a disadvantage? If that's possible, then I might be able to unleash the full potential of my Juvenile Demon Body to test my extreme limits.'

[I believe it's possible. After all, your current strength should not be underestimated. It should be nearing the standard of a Lesser Demon.]

'I had a feeling,' Apollo nodded in response. The feeling came from the conditions of the Juvenile Demon Body. It revealed that new effects would be unlocked after reaching 100 points in each stat, however, Apollo also recalled that it was unique.

So, reaching that point obviously had some purpose. Now, Azridan's revelation shined some light on the matter, although not completely.

Meanwhile, as Apollo conversed with Azridan, the situation with Aaron and the others wasn't as desirable. Unlike Apollo, they weren't battle-hardened and have never been in perilous situations where death was but a step away.

But, their current mindsets weren't ideal for battle. And while Apollo would love to greedily devour all of the cores here, the situation wasn't ideal for him to take on everything alone.

Therefore, he turned towards Aaron and Lily with a callous expression, "Calm your nerves, the tenser you are the more likely you are to commit mistakes."

However, that was easier said than done. Although years had passed, they were all still children for the most part.

Apollo was just an anomaly. Not everyone was subject to dangers on a daily basis which caused one to mature at a faster pace. The only one of the trio reacting fairly well was Lily, who was always of a slightly quiet and reserved nature.

"I'm trying but it's not easy!" Aaron exclaimed. His current state was better than before, seeing as how he stopped hyperventilating.

Outside of a nod, Apollo didn't offer any other response. Instead, he rushed towards the next ape while holding his right arm behind his back. It was put there to grip the Dark Cutter so he could cut the core out of the ape's bodies as he killed.

The more his agility increased, the faster and more effortless this process became. In fact, if he was focused on obtaining the core, then he could extract it before the dead carcass managed to even hit the ground.

And, because these cores were a mix of fire and earth elements, Apollo would receive both strength and vitality from the absorption process. But, since there were peeping eyes, he didn't initiate that process at this time.

It wasn't like his experience meter would move, anyway.

On the other hand, Danyul remained curious as to why Apollo coveted the Essence Cores so much. His eyes were always looking in the spot they were usually located. As far as he knew, unrefined essence cores were not made to be ingested by humans; it was used in 2 instances.

Firstly, it was used in production. For example, talisman making, blacksmithing, and formations. All of these required essence cores or assorted items as mediums. The second use was strictly for beasts. They ingested it to grow stronger outside of manually absorbing any ambient essence available to them.

The quickest advancement of Spirit Beasts rivaled that of the demonic way; it was survival of the fittest at its finest—cannibalism. Or rather, the consumption of each other's essence core. Consuming a core of similar attributes would be more rewarding. However, such desperate beasts usually settled for what they could get.

On the other hand, the incoming ape's roars grew increasingly frantic as it sensed its brethren being killed at a rapid rate. Another terrifying roar echoed throughout the forest.

Furthermore, the ape's speed seemed to amplify as the distance was reduced to a mere 300 meters.

The fluctuations astonished even Cynthia and the rest.

"Do we handle this for them? For us, that Infernal Ape seems to be a rather underwhelming Rank 2, however, it still possesses a strong affinity with the fire essence. I believe it's beyond the early Zul Warrior Realm that these kids are," Danyul voiced as he estimated the dismal situation for the youths.

Despite the situation at hand, surprisingly, Cynthia declined his idea, "No, take a look at Apollo's expression; he is looking forward to this. Not to mention, this is a good time for all 4 of them to foster some type of understanding. It isn't healthy to harbor grudges for so long. At least... I hope that happens."

In response, Ashur's expression darkened as he grunted. 'Tch… they're focusing their attention on the wrong things. They just need to allow Axel to temper his will.'

"We'll listen to you then," Danyul conceded.

By the time they made their choice, the ape had already landed before Apollo, releasing a fiery snort. Its enraged eyes examined Apollo, but the smirk on Apollo's face caused it to emit a bestial roar.

From the power emanating from its Apollo was certain of it. What stood before his eyes was a beast on par with the Storm Colossus Lynx, Zephyr Wolf, and Scarlet Blaze Panther. A genuine Rank 2 beast, and who was enraged at that.

A surge of flames incinerated the forest floor as the ape pounded its hands against the ground. A collection of flame waves launched towards Apollo, but he just closed his eyes in response to the attack.

Up until this moment, all of his kills were achieved through physical attacks, but now there was a ghastly aura surfacing around Apollo. From what they saw, this aura seemed to be something birthed by pure carnage.

However, that type of aura was acquired only after committing a murder. At least, that's how it was in this world.

'Could...could Apollo already have killed someone?' Danyul wondered with fearful eyes. After all, although death was something usual in this world, Apollo was too young to have such a pungent aura of it!

Conversely, despite the incoming heat, Apollo's expression turned into one of ecstasy. 'Ah, the power of carnage...!'