The Demon Monarch System

----

Apollo's eyes widened when he saw the upgrade in the pendant's effects. Although it was far from complete, the absorption of the wyvern's impure bloodline caused an immense change.

「Item Name: ???

Rank: ??? (Sealed Artifact)

Grade: Excellent

Information: After a partial awakening, the jadeite necklace has awakened a sealed ability. As for the origin of this jade, it is unknown.

Effect: +100% Experience. (Doubles the experience gained from any source.)

Sub-effects: Replenishes 2 Health and 2 Stamina per second. (Can be increased by up to 200% when focused on channeling the vitality.)

«Draconic Familiarity» - The distribution of vitality is increased 1000% for 10 minutes when in the presence of areas filled with infernal energy. (Flame, Sin; any heat energy will suffice.) [This ability exists in conjunction with the sub-effect.]

Cooldown: 3 months.

«Current Awakening: 1/3. [14.02%]»

*Note: Unsealing this artifact requires more growth. 」

'I suppose this item is linked to dragons? After all, that draconic ability is proof enough,' Apollo thought. Though the experience increase remained constant, the healing portion of the necklace underwent a stupendous evolution.

It shortened from minutes to seconds and doubled in the process!

Immediately, Apollo tested out the pendant's new ability, which caused a huge phenomenon to take place.

"Huh?! What is going on with the energy here? It's depleting too fas- WHAAT?!"

At first, Danyul yelled in fear of some beast approaching them, however, he was appalled when he realized all of this energy was flowing towards Apollo, whose hair fluttered continuously.

'No way… this can't be possible. This absorption rate surpasses even the Grand Elder. What grade of meridians is required to do this? Heaven-Grade? Saint-Grade? It's like the essence has become docile before this boy...'

Danyul's mind was plagued with turmoil as he tried to comprehend this situation. A boy with such a monstrous absorption was unprecedented in their family. He could only suspect this from a member of a Great Family at the very least.

Soon enough, Danyul's thoughts shifted again. 'This type of affinity is near perfect. Perhaps it might even rival the existence of those Saint Beasts with the right qualities.'

The Saint Beasts of question were dragons and phoenixes unique to this world. They rested near the pinnacle of fire, yet beasts of that caliber numbered less than 5. Let alone fighting one, just trying to capture it was impossible.

Because, once strong enough, these beasts could leave the confines of Astarat.

'We must bring him back to the family! If he showcases this affinity...' Danyul's eyes gleamed with anticipation. He immediately thought of the possibility of Apollo's reclaiming his standing in the family.

Unfortunately, he didn't know if this was something Apollo desired. Could his sights even remain on something as meager as the family? For now, that was a question he would have to push to the back of his mind.

The area continued to grow unstable, soon reaching a state that teetered on the brink of full collapse. As a result, Cynthia's eyes opened with a severe expression. "We move… NOW!"

Whoosh!

There was no disagreement as everyone rose to their feet and blitzed towards the entrance. Whereas the others were in a rush, Apollo moved languidly, monitoring his state instead.

'Not bad, I've recovered to approximately 50% within this short time frame. Without this upgrade, this would have taken days at the very least.'

His words weren't incorrect. The upgrade truly changed things. Not only did it recover his health, but the vitality instilled within the pendant closed wounds as well. Compared to before, it was simply a treasured item.

If he possessed this upgrade when his body was first mutilated by the explosion of the panther and wolf's desperate attack, it wouldn't have taken over a month for Apollo to recuperate properly.

Additionally, the damage caused by the early usage of Nether Severance was harsher than the damage received then. Fortunately, his increased vigor wasn't just for show. The Sacrificial Vigor trait supplemented his body's vitality for strength, enabling him to avoid a perilous state.

[Truly a wonderful item. While you aren't fully healed, with this item, I'd say the recovery of your vitality is just above a Lesser Demon.]

'Oh? Is that so? It seems these traits truly close the gap in strength,' Apollo thought while turning his attention to the departing figures.

'While it's a shame that I can't continue to absorb the energy here, I suppose I've earned enough,' Apollo surmised. In the next moment, he turned into a shadowy blur immediately evacuating the area.

Almost instantly, he caught up to Aaron, who seemed to be traveling slower than the others. However, it was due to being lost in thought.

"You know, you should really speed up. I'm sure you don't want to get caught in the upcoming blast, because we're in a place that's on par with an erupting volcano," Apollo said while snapping his fingers next to Aaron.

It disrupted his stupor and caused him to almost jump in shock.

"Oh! I didn't realize," Aaron said with a sheepish chuckle before increasing his speed to match the rest. The events he witnessed earlier weighed heavy on his mind because they were too shocking.

Apollo watched as he sped up and shook his head. While moving, Apollo closed his eyes and moved blindly. In the meantime, he absorbed whatever energy he could muster.

Eventually, the scent of fresh air wafted into his nose, causing him to open his eyes and bask in the sunlight. However, compared to the hellish environment he just appeared from, the warmth was subpar and overall pleasant.

"That was….wow," Danyul blinked at a loss for words.

Today, his eyes were opened. He found this youth, Apollo, to be capable of things only heard of from the stories told by the Great Families. But those youths all possessed shocking talents due to their superior births.

Suddenly, Cynthia's eyes narrowed as she stepped to the front with her arm extended. "I sense movement," Cynthia announced.

Apollo followed the direction of her view and saw two incoming shadowy figures. From their aura, they seemed to be within Cynthia's general power level. While Apollo was unsure of these people's identities, Cynthia was different.

'Is it them? If so… we should have completed this task earlier. They must have caught wind of the reports.'

"Who are those people?" Apollo squinted along with Cynthia, placing his hand on his hip to draw the knife only to realize its absence, 'Oh right...it broke.'

Instead, he retrieved the Coldiron Staff.

With the appearance of this staff, Danyul's expression changed. He was reminded that this youth had stripped his staff from him.

"Hey! Give it here, you've had my weapon long enough. Please return m-... IS THAT A CRACK?!" Danyul squealed.

There was a large crack situated right above the area Apollo's gripped the staff. Danyul couldn't sputter incoherently as he grieved over the state of his weapon. He was even on the verge of tears as he kneeled before the staff, cradling the crack. 'L-look… look at its state! These repairs will be costly.'

Danyul's heart wrenched in pain as he thought about the estimated price. Regret crept into his mind. 'Why did I ever let this youth know I used the staff. It's my fault.'

"It's just a weapon. They'll get damaged, break, and also be lost. Just get a new one," Apollo chuckled at Danyul's comical behavior.

In the end, he tossed back the staff. Not only did he not want to deal with the bother, but he also didn't harbor feelings of attachment like others did. Additionally, he didn't intend to enter combat for a good while.

Suddenly, a disdainful voice echoed through the distance, entering their ears. "Oi! Look at you rodents scurrying to this place! Though, it's to be expected of the Kaiser rats—vermin who are always scurrying at the revelation of opportunity; you are revolting. It seems you all don't learn from your past."

Not just Cynthia, even Ashur, and Danyul sneered after hearing this voice.

It was clear they knew these newcomers.