The Demon Monarch System

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Apollo's smirk escaped the notice of others, but from his expression, it was clear he returned with other thoughts in mind. A moment later, his smirk disappeared and was replaced by a distant expression. However, his slight pause was misinterpreted by the others as some apprehension.

Cynthia turned toward Apollo, noticing the slight change in his eyes. She understood to a certain extent what he was feeling. After all, it had been years since he stepped into this place. The only continued interaction being with a voice she wasn't privy to.

"Sweetie, are you okay? Do you need me to stay with you for a while?" Cynthia asked in a concerned tone.

Apollo's distant look changed as he turned towards Cynthia and took in her current expression. Eventually, he shook his head and denied the fact, "I'm fine, Aunty. I'm just thinking about a few things. There's no need to worry yourself."

Cynthia was silent for a moment as she stared into Apollo's eyes. It was truly hard to get a read on his emotions, so she inevitably nodded.

"Alright. In the meantime, we have some matters to tend to. Try to make yourself at home for the time being," Cynthia said before placing her hands against the gates. It opened and the rest followed her inside.

Meanwhile, Ashur revealed a conniving smirk behind them as he moved with Danyul and Cynthia. She could hear a mischievous snicker from him, but she didn't pay him any mind.

Soon enough, the three disappeared into a large building similar to the shrine, where everyone took their assessment. The only difference with this building was the fact it was only used for conferences. There was no stele inside, only a large circular table with roughly 10 seats.

On the other, Apollo noticed a familiar noise as he turned towards a training ground filled with countless youths undergoing training. They were either sparring or practicing different techniques.

However, in Apollo's eyes, he saw inexperienced children committing untold mistakes.

'Yeah… they're all atrocious. It seems they only partake in blind cultivation and pointless sparring. And, the lack of combat experience is all but mystifying,' Apollo thought to himself. It wasn't long before he couldn't stomach any more of the trivial actions and averted his gaze elsewhere.

Apollo gestured toward Aaron, "Come take a walk with me. There's nothing noteworthy to be witnessed here. I want to freshen up."

"Oh sure. Come to my house. You can take care of yourself there," Aaron responded as they left the area leaving a silent Lily and a vexed Axel. They parted ways as well, Lily's gaze falling upon the backs of the two departing figures.

'Why do I get the feeling something is going to happen. Not only that… it feels… terrible,' Lily thought with a worried glint passing through her eyes. Ultimately, she turned towards the council room while her gaze switched repeatedly between the two. Somehow, she felt this feeling was connected to them.

On their way to his house, Apollo paused. He smirked at what laid before him—the cramped and cluttered living space he previously lived in. Surprisingly, it was well kept, despite being so small. 'Heh, someone spared the time to upkeep this space? That's amusing.'

"Ah, this old place. You must be curious why the state is so good. Well, you can thank Uncle Danyul for that. Once a week he would return here to ensure it stayed in a pristine condition—something that surprised even me," Aaron revealed.

After a brief moment, Aaron pulled Apollo away from the small hut and towards his home. "No need to dwell on the matter. Let's get you freshened up. You've been in the wild far too long. Just look at your state."

Apollo responded with a wry chuckle, allowing Aaron to continue with these actions. After all, he wasn't wrong. It wasn't just proper rest, Apollo hadn't taken a proper bath in years, the small ponds used to clean himself would never compare to a genuine shower.

Furthermore, all the extra clothing he brought along was torn to shreds during the years. And, until now, he hadn't entertained the idea of using the robes within the pouch Irauk gave him.

Until now, there was no reason to. After awakening his Juvenile Demon Body, his resistance trait overcame the cold and heat. Besides, they were far too large for him until recently.

Not too long after, Apollo stepped into the comfortable washing area and stood under the pleasant stream as he blanked. A relaxing feeling flowed through the grooves of his scarred body. This soothing feeling was something he sought but never chanced upon.

Soon enough, the freshened Apollo exited from the washroom. His previously unkempt hair now possessed a vibrant sheen, complimenting the riveting violet hue of his detached eyes. Not to mention, the black training robes with crimson seams further highlighted his slender yet muscular physique.

"Whoa, look at you! I knew you possessed the physique of a beast but sheesh… You put me to shame," Aaron slapped Apollo's chest while chuckling but stopped abruptly. He retracted his hand and blew on his knuckle in shock. 'What the fuck?! Did I just hit metal or a person?!'

Even Apollo was surprised, because he didn't feel that. It seemed absorbing the blood did something to his physique that the system didn't indicate. 'Even the Dark Cutter should pale in comparison to my current durability.'

...

Inside the Kaiser's Council Shrine...

"Grand Elder Kayn, you must rectify these issues! I have so much to tell you!"

The moment all Elders gathered, Ashur scurried up to them and blurted to the high heavens.

"Hoh? What is it? What has gotten you so riled up?" Kayn's turbid eyes opened to a sliver while scrutinizing Ashur's distraught appearance. However, before he talked, Ashur took a moment to compose himself. Only then did he disclose the events that took place earlier.

And, he paid close attention to placing emphasis on the events of Cynthia threatening them as well as Apollo's "vile" ways.

But, Kayn's focus seemed to be elsewhere. Contrary to Ashur's expectations, Kayn took note of something else entirely. "Did you say Natural Blessings? Show me them."

Cynthia gave a faint nod as she waved her hand. 24 connected fruits appeared before Kayn from Cynthia's pouch, causing a flash of jubilance to pass through Kayn's turbid eyes when he sensed their quality.

"These are all mature Spirit-Grade Blessings. With these, we'll be able to reinforce our standing. However, why are there so few? In truth, there's only 8."

"This is Cynthia's fault! She was in cahoots with Apollo! She offered up 3 of them to the Shaanti as well as gave Apollo one," Ashur exclaimed, spilling his guts immediately while miraculously failing to disclose the vital parts.

"Oh? Cynthia?" Kayn averted his attention to Cynthia with an inquisitive gaze. He had learned not to take Ashur's words for the entire truth, but it couldn't all be a fabrication.

"Uncle, that is not the case. First, Apollo was the one who claimed the Natural Blessings. Second, the Shaanti sent Myrin and Krystella. Do you think I would endanger Lily and Axel over sacrificing a few of these items?"

"Hmm, true enough. However, what is this about you threatening Axel?" Kayn questioned with an overly intrigued expression while turning his gaze to a person directly across from him. His appearance was similar to both Axel and Ashur's, indicating a direct relation.

This person was—Rhyne, the current voted Patriarch of the family. A genuine Zul Commander—a feat he accomplished during these passing years. Instead of being involved in family strife, he was only dedicated to cultivation.

But he was forced into this position to make up for the family's destitute state. If their power dipped now, then the Shaanti would hold all the cards to overtake their position and become the one ruling area of Verdacre. Should that happen, they'd lose the protection of the domain's ruling family.

"Ah, yes, that was a lapse in anger that Ashur's behavior instigated. If you meet Apollo I'm sure you'll like his change," replied Cynthia with a confident tone.

"He's here? That's this new aura I feel? I see..."

Whoosh!

Kayn disappeared in an instant while Ashur's expression darkened. 'No… it hasn't been instigated enough! If so…'

He turned toward Rhyne with a thoughtful expression, concealing his voice, he attempted to persuade him. "Big brother… do not let Apollo enter the family once again. He'll rob your son of his limelight. I've witnessed it with my own eyes… his potential is dangerous. Plus, he is cunning!"

Rather than answering, Rhyne was intrigued by this information. Why did his little brother possess such a spiteful heart?