The Demon Monarch System

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In light of Apollo's question, Ashur revealed a scornful sneer.

"Now tell me, why exactly would we share our operations with you when you're an outcast of the family. It'll be best for you to worry about your own actions," remarked Ashur while hateful gazing upon Apollo.

However, Apollo disregarded his expression. Not only were Ashur's words treated like air, but he also didn't even acknowledge his presence. Turning his head, he instead focused on Cynthia, "Auntie? How about you? Are you able to tell me the true purpose of your journey here?"

At first, Cynthia was taken aback by Apollo's unusually warm tone. Part of her told her that it was just his way of taking advantage of her caring heart, but it worked nonetheless as she ignored what her mind told her.

"I can tell you. However, if I do so, then you have to promise to accompany us," Cynthia smile while approaching Apollo. It was evident from her aura she sought to spend time with him. But, it also appeared that her words weren't necessarily tied to just this journey.

Still, Apollo chuckled softly as this counteroffer piqued his interest. However, that didn't mean he would tag along with open arms. He didn't accept but instead answered in a roundabout way until he knew what he was getting himself into.

"That's not impossible. If it sounds like it could be beneficial, I won't hesitate to join. Although, if I do; you'll need to watch him. Not for my safety but his own," Apollo answered while pointing toward the incensed Ashur. His words were completely disregarded and beyond that, Cynthia simply bypassed what he said earlier.

"What?! Are my words air? No, are the Grand Elder's words air? This youth's familial status has already been revoked!" Ashur scowled only to Cynthia's scorn in return.

"You don't need to worry about him," Cynthia shouted in a frigid tone as she released her cultivation base further incensing Ashur. However, Apollo on the other hand, was attracted to that aura.

'Hoh, stronger than I expected. It seems her ability to conceal her strength is… notable.'

Meanwhile, after releasing her cultivation base, Cynthia continued to speak, "While I understand his words, I won't be abandoning my direct family. Now, back to the matter at hand. We've entered this forest due to reports circulating throughout the town. Apparently, a Rank 2 Spirit Beast is on the verge of a breakthrough. However, in these areas seldom does that happen. This leaves us to believe one of two things," Cynthia answered. However, before she could finish Apollo interjected.

"Either the Spirit Beast is consuming others to advance or it has found some type of item capable of helping it break through its current stage," Apollo commented with an interested nod.

His Intelligence stat wasn't for show. It subtly increased all things to do with his mind.

"Exactly. Astute observation, my cute little sweetheart. I'm coming to understand how you survived all these years. Our objective all along was to approach the anomaly in the center of this Shadowy Forest. We didn't expect to run into you, but I'm glad we did," Cynthia said with a loving smile.

However, Danyul soon joined in with a solemn expression, "However, we need to proceed forward faster. This report is a few days old, so it's unknown if it has successfully advanced. If it did, then we may need to call in some assistance to handle the situation."

"I'll join you then," Apollo answered immediately. Although it sounded dangerous, the thought of acquiring a beast core of that meant it could contain an exponentially larger amount of experience.

Granted, the difficulty of acquiring such an item would be exponentially larger. Then again, he also pondered what means the beast was using to make its breakthrough. 'I hope it's the latter. If so, there remains a chance I'll be able to claim even more useful items.'

"We should move then," Danyul said before looking deeper into the Shadowy Forest.

In response, Cynthia nodded and agreed with him.

Not long after, once all the cores were extracted, the party rushed into the distance while moving in a small formation. Naturally, Apollo was in the furthest position. Since they were in a rush, they moved past any beast they came in contact with by using Danyul's cultivation base aura as a deterrence.

But, that didn't stop Apollo from acting.

Only when Apollo lucked out in finding a young beast did he make a move, ending its life quickly and claiming its core.

Because they ignored combat, it didn't take long for them to reach the dead center of the Shadowy Forest. However, instead of the scenery that one would expect, there was a clearing of signed foliage and burnt trees.

Furthermore, there was a small mountain with a cavernous opening. Not only was it out of place, but there were intense fluctuations coming from the opening.

The intense radiation of essence undulating from the small mountain opening, caused the elders to become alert. Something releasing these types of fluctuations was not an enemy to take lightly.

"Aren't these fluctuations too frequent? I believe we should confront it now. If it grows any stronger then there's a chance the situation could spiral out of control. How would we protect the children at that point?" Danyul remarked while shifting his gaze between Cynthia and Ashur waiting for their response.

"Okay. We enter now then," Cynthia agreed after observing the frantic fluctuations. Since she agreed to move it, she removed a sword from her waist. It was unknown what material it was made from but it was extremely malleable as it was able to wrap around her waist comfortably.

'Convenient placement of a sword. I wonder when I'll receive a proper weapon. While it is nice, the Dark cutter will soon become insufficient,' Apollo thought to himself.

Suddenly, he was roused from his contemplative stupor after sensing the shockingly rapid movements of the elders. After seeing them, Apollo advanced as well. However, Aaron approached him before he could follow behind.

"Say, which option do you think it is? Do you think the beast in question is utilizing the first or second method?" Aaron questioned Apollo as he remained curious about the current situation. If all went well, perhaps he'd be given the chance to redeem better things from the family. Small changes took place in his mindset now that they were older and more inclined to accomplish tasks.

"I can't guess based on what I know. But I do hope it is using the second choice. It'll be more useful if it is the case. But, that doesn't mean the first way makes it useless," Apollo answered before finally stepping into the cave.

The first thing they took notice of when they entered was the temperature. It was much higher than outside. Furthermore, this was only the periphery of the cave; they still needed to advance further. 'Is this the effect a high-rank Spirit Beast has on its surroundings or is it something else?'

However, the answer to his question came quick as a result of Cynthia's analysis.

"It's a Fire attribute Spirit Beast. Danyul, you'll be with me for this operation. Our Water Element is the most effective. So you'll act as my back-up," Cynthia instructed while glancing back at the 3 youths following closely and continuing.

"If there is a fight that breaks out beyond your capabilities then retreat a safe distance. Do not try to perform tasks outside of your grasp," Cynthia warned the others, but the bulk of her gaze fell on Apollo.

Although he was strong, a possible Rank 3 Spirit Beast was simply a terrifying opponent!