The Demon Monarch System

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There was a dreadful silence, but Ashur's enraged snarl finally broke it. "Are you insane? Are you some maverick hellbent on committing atrocities?"

Apollo's list of names was rather extensive.

Almost one-tenth of the current talents of the Kaiser Family comprised the list. The terrifying list even surprised Kayn. But, the list was only one part of Apollo's demands. Fortunately, Kayn could easily accept the second request.

Sadly, the list put Kayn in a bind.

There were only two matters on Apollo's mind, getting vengeance and increasing his strength.

To get vengeance, he wanted the heads of Axel, Brendel, Dylon, Klyde, Ymir, and finally, Ashur. For his second demand, Apollo sought entry into the family's treasury.

Because he required a huge experience source, the family treasury was the perfect target.

"You wish for all these lives? Isn't that a severe request? You have to understand just how important these youths are," Kayn muttered as he looked at Apollo with an awkward gaze.

The request was outright appalling.

"They're useless. My presence alone fills the gap many times over," Apollo replied in a callous tone. The malice in his heart wouldn't disappear without getting his revenge. So, he was adamant about his request.

"I don't believe I can agree to this. You're effectively cutting off the family's preventive measures. Despite your adamant stand, I don't think I can wrap my mind around allowing you to slaughter these people. Not to mention, two of them are top five talents of the family," Kayn replied with a frown. The demand was too severe.

"Grand Elder is right. Your desires are too evil. All these thoughts of vengeance will only harm the family and impede your progress. After all, there is a high chance of your becoming a Spirit Cultivator," Rhyne stated. It was the first time he had spoken. However, he couldn't allow this to take place.

Needless bloodshed in the family would weaken the family beyond its current state and ultimately threaten their position within the minor noble circle. Allowing even more weakness wasn't the best option for the Kaiser's because the other families were vultures that preyed upon the momentary weakness of their foe to gain an advantage.

Hence, one by one, the elders began speaking up, denouncing Apollo's desire.

"Yes, do you understand how insane you sound right now? What are you—some kind of murderous demon? The enmity between you kids isn't large enough to warrant some death penalty on their heads," Sallaya commented with a look of scorn. They were talking about the lives of her child and the children of all the other elders present—it was no laughing matter.

However, that is precisely what Apollo did. They didn't understand the weight of his resentment. Unbeknownst to them, he had indeed died because of their actions! Therefore, no one could appease Apollo's wrath until he distributed the same pain he felt.

Apollo's mind wouldn't change, nor could any of the elders attempt to change it.

Suddenly, Apollo looked around the room with what began as a slight chuckle but soon turned into maddened laughter. "My answer is simple! I don't walk the path of the rest. Since it is like this, Kayn, how about we do this another way?" Apollo paused, peering straight into Kayn's eyes.

"I would like to invoke a deathmatch. Furthermore, I'll allow it to be five or even six against one. I welcome Axel, Brendel, Erik, Klyde, and Ymir to come at me all at once. It'll make it fair, don't you think?" Apollo spat venomously.

A burning fury seethed within his eyes, giving birth to an alarming bloodlust, which threatened to burst from his body.

'This… this... he's serious. We won't be able to change his mind! Unless we meet his desires, that incubated bloodlust will fester into something much more terrible. Perhaps, at that point, the Terrors would be the least of our worries. Do I kill this boy? But... then my family won't reach the height it could've.'

Kayn became conflicted as he listened to the heated clamor intensifying within the room while locking eyes with Apollo. While he didn't know his absolute strength, Kayn understood the upcoming trial was a comprehensive test. It covered far more topics than a basic meridian test.

"So what will it be, Kayn? Do you choose to place your bets on me and my future shrouded in mystery? Or, do you choose to settle for the subpar future of Axel? Perhaps you may rely upon Lily, but how far will that go as well? The disparity to the Heaven-Grade is not small, from what I understand. As you know, the future is also an untold thing," Apollo added as his unwavering gaze remained planted on Kayn.

Releasing a sigh, Kayn lamented his past transgressions. He let these old matters get out of hand and develop into a terrible predicament. 'I should have handled those matters differently. If so, we wouldn't have reached this point today.

"SILENCE!" Kayn's Zul General cultivation exploded forth, calming the boisterous atmosphere of the room. The stifling pressure rooted everyone in place until he retracted it. A moment later, he nodded in agreement. "It is true. The future is an unknown variable, so we can never know what it holds."

Kayn then paused and sighed once again, "If I allow this deathmatch, what can you promise me?"

"Grand Elder... don't!" Ashur once again tried to dissuade Kayn from making what seemed to be a terrible decision in his eyes.

"I said silence," Kayn repeated with a grim gaze.

At the same time, Apollo turned towards Ashur with a sneer, "It's already a five against one. Surely, you're not afraid of the outcome, are you? Come on. These are your talents; you should take pride in them. I mean unless you understand their talents are truly dogshit."

Apollo was like a slap on the faces of all present. After all, the youths mentioned above were the offspring of pretty much every elder present. So, in a way, his words targeted them as well. Nevertheless, they couldn't refute his assertions. It was true; there was a lack of confidence amongst them.

Apollo's aura was too much of an anomaly to them. He was so young, yet he could produce an aura on par with a Zul Knight. Each of the other kids was only a Zul Warriors at best!

This fight would simply be condemning them to death.

"Also, if you permit my request, I'll use this family name for the upcoming examination. If you don't, we can all have some fun," Apollo said with a vicious smirk. If it came to it, he didn't mind using the Sacrificial Vigor to unleash terrifying waves of demonic power.

'Heh. Just like your Dad. That's right. Claim what you seek and rid this family of their cow-dung-ridden minds. It's no fault but their own that we are in our current state. In fact, much of this is because of the two other deceased Grand Elders,' Cynthia smiled in delight as she spectated the unraveling events.

"Very well. I will allow the deathmatch. However, in turn, you must enter one of the 9 Famed War Academies," Kayn agreed, offering his own demands. Apollo's threat was too dangerous. Even though he was a Zul General, as he aged, his body's strength deteriorated steadily.

"I thought there were 12 Academies?" Apollo muttered in confusion.

Kayn nodded in agreement before clarifying, "That is true. But there a nine that stand out from the rest."

Those nine were known as the Famed Academies. Although the Supreme and Great Families didn't make up the administrative staff, their youth usually attended there to learn some type of unique technique.

"Very well. I will do it. When will this happen?" asked Apollo

"Two months from now. As for this corpse, you may keep it. I will not intrude upon your rewards. I'll allow you access to the treasury. However, I'll be monitoring your progress. You must fulfill your promise because there is no room for failure!"

Apollo's eyes gleamed at the mention of the treasury. The family vault undoubtedly contained valuable items stowed away inside, seeing as years had passed. Not to mention, once a year, a certain number of resources would be sent down from the ruling family of the domain, ensuring the small noble families retained the ability to guard the border.

Apollo stowed the corpse as he approached the exit. Once he left, the elders threw the conference room into an uproar—this match essentially guaranteed their children's death!

'Power drives all,' Apollo thought as his gaze grew colder. His presence dissipated in a vanishing shadow. In two months, it would spell the doom of numerous people.