The Demon Monarch System

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Eventually, the sea of salamanders was dealt with, allowing everyone to direct their attention towards the narrow opening.

"That beast, whatever it is, should be at the cusp of evolution. If so, I advise you all to take precautions. A Rank 3 beast is not to be compared to a Rank 2 beast, Danyul warned. It seemed as if he was speaking expression from his solemn expression.

"Ah, yes. That's correct. Rank 3 is a large turning point for Spirit Beast. Their innate abilities go through upgrades and become infinitely stronger," Cynthia commented.

Suddenly, Apollo looked at her with intrigue. "Aunty, what's your cultivation level?"

Unlike the rest, her abilities seemed to be a mystery.

Cynthia's strength triumphed over the other two and it wasn't by a small degree. In fact, the disparity was noticeable. When serious, she single-handedly took on 10 of those earlier salamanders. Meanwhile, Danyul was capable at 8 at most, whereas Ashur could only handle 6 with an occasional increase to 7.

To his question, her lips formed a faint smile with a playful expression in her eyes.

"Oh, me? What rank do you believe me to be?"

"Unsure," Apollo instantly replied. Seeing as he didn't entertain her banter, Cynthia set it aside.

"I'm a Zul Knight, specifically, a Rank 8 one now."

As soon as she disclosed her cultivation standards, the system disclosed an even more in-depth summarization about her.

「Name: Cynthia Kaiser

Elements: Wind and Water.

Cultivation: Rank 8 Zul Knight

Health: 12,400 (100%) 」

'Over 12,000 Health? It appears a Zul Knight's vitality is not to be taken lightly. However, that should be expected. If she can use Natural Essence to sustain herself then her physique would indeed be stronger. Also, dual elements, not bad,' Apollo thought

"Ah, I believe we need to hurry. We've idled long enough. Let's clear our task and get out of here. I would like to avoid any unforeseen circumstances appearing before us. So let's get this show on the road," Danyul uttered as he approached the lava path from the side.

A scalding heat could be felt from it as it bubbled and popped with a searing heat. The pungent odor and extreme heat threatened to singed their nostril. As a result, Danyul's body was quickly covered in a faint blue aura.

The same film then appeared over the bodies of Ashur and Cynthia albeit in different colors. It was a basic essence utilization technique that protected the body from harmful conditions. Apollo, however, was taken aback for a moment.

'Why didn't the mercenaries execute a technique like this? Back then, if they did so then my victory would have been uncertain. If the disparity between small families with lacking reputation and rogues is already this large, then how large is the disparity between those so-called Great and Supreme Families?'

The technique was known as Essence Aegis. It was a protective technique used to create a thin film to increase one's defenses, and the effectiveness of it depended on the state of the user's Natural Essence. Therefore, Cynthia's aegis was more durable than the other two.

"Soon enough, the same film appeared around Aaron except it wasn't a single color like Ashur and Danyul.

"Advance," Cynthia ordered before dashing forward.

Unlike the others, Apollo didn't utilize an Essence Aegis. This was for two reasons; one, he was unable to do so at the moment. Secondly, he found this heat comfortable. So much so, it even seemed to be quite nourishing for him, replenishing any used stamina quickly.

Approaching the entrance, Cynthia waved her sword managing to expand it with ease. Blue sword lights pierced the rock and burrowed through creating a sizable opening. Within moments, they came in contact with what seemed to be the evolving beast's humble abode.

"What the hell is that?" Aaron shouted with an incredulous gaze. His finger trembled while pointing at a colossal volcanic rock cocoon. It remained suspended three meters above ground with pulsating veins connecting to a pool below.

Furthermore, three larger Flame Salamanders laid in wait. However, that's not what captured Cynthia's and the other two's attention. Her gaze narrowed as her eyes fell on something that felt out of place. First, her eyes brightened with a fervent expression before soon being by a solemn one.

"Such a potent Fire Essence! It appears this beast is using the ambient energy of this volcanic place to fortify its evolution. But…"

Apollo gazed at the rock as he remained silent. Shifting his sights, he examined something else. 'Am I too far to glean any information or is the cocoon forbidding me from doing so?'

Next, his attention fell on an ash-grey tree. Typically, a tree shouldn't be able to survive in this environment, but this one showed signs of thriving! "What is that?"

A clear sign of this was the fact it was bearing fruit! Multiple fist-sized, crystalline fruits with a cerulean hue hung on the branches of the tree. Each one thrummed with vitality as it absorbed the excess energy of the cocoon.

"If I'm not mistaken...it should be a Natural Blessing. That's the only type of item that could exist in this habitat and thrive. Moreover, because it seems to be flourishing unabated, I believe it should be fire-element based," Cynthia responded with a mixed expression.

"Natural Blessing? I'm unfamiliar, explain?" Apollo asked, which Cynthia gladly obliged.

"It's a rare thing that can only be chanced upon. They exist in a myriad of forms. Usually, they'd be found in special orbs, crystals, stones, metals—the list goes on," Cynthia disclosed, piquing Apollo's interest.

Absorbing the information, he continued to question; intent on learning more about these things, 'It's possible I just discovered a way to hasten my advancement.'

"Are there usually any drawbacks to consuming one? For example, do they pose any restrictions before allowing you to process them?"

Apollo's attention remained glue to the crystalline fruits as if the most enticing object laid before him and was in danger of disappearing.

"So curious you are. Nevertheless, this is how you should be—forever curious and seeking more. These items are extremely beneficial items, more often than not they possess the ability to enhance your current state of being through thoroughly purified Natural Essence—hence, their name Natural Blessing.

"As for their distinguishment, it goes hand and hand with their restrictions. This is quite often indicated by the name of the item. It'll possess hints of its capabilities by the name. For example, there's one we came in contact with recently called the Earthen Flame Orb. Not only did it temper the meridians into the Earth-Grade, but it also heightened one's affinity with fire considerably."

[It would seem that such items would be extremely beneficial to you. Let me guess, you are already thinking of ways to claim some aren't you, lad?]

"Well of course. How can I squander such a useful opportunity? If I can, I will definitely claim a portion for myself."

[Likewise. I've entertained my fair share of hot-headed decisions in my youth. Although I understand isn't it always the smartest choice, it'd be wrong for me to take that pleasure away from you. Just remain wary.]

In response, Apollo nodded before looking towards Cynthia.

After mentioning the Earthen Flame Orb, her eyes fell upon Axel. Needless to say, this was a subliminal message. One didn't need to capitalize on both effects to ingest. Simply benefiting from one was enough for the family to justify the use of the item on Axel.

"Luckily, those types of Natural Blessings almost always possess a multiple-use function. Unless one possesses the means to draw every modicum of Essence from it," Cynthia added before being interrupted.