The Demon Monarch System

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The five immediately surrounded Apollo, with Axel taking the front while the others positioned themselves so that two were at his back and the remaining ones on his left and right, respectively. This formation alone displayed their understanding of taking all angles.

However, while this happened, some elders frowned and glanced in Kayn's direction. They couldn't overcome that one recurring thought in their mind—was this necessary? They felt there was insufficient reasoning behind this event.

"Grand Elder, I understand that rules are rules. But I see no reason to honor them here. Unlike these dead rules, the children are very much alive. Certainly, they can be broken right when it comes to their safety?" Ashur once again pleaded to Kayn. Sadly, it fell upon disregarding ears.

Kayn denied that plea. "No, I would like to see what happens; his words are correct. Besides, this newfound confidence and source of power in Apollo intrigues me. I would like to see what his future holds. If it comes at the sacrifice of a few youths who made his childhood a living hell, so be it. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make."

Ashur remained exasperated by this answer. It was unthinkable. What caused these drastic changes in Kayn's mindset? One word—power. In this world, power took precedence. The appeal of receiving higher renown was enough for someone to forgo the ties holding together their morals.

And, Apollo's earlier claim possessed that appeal. The enticement provided spurred Kayn's reaction and reignited his passion for power. As a result, his grand aspirations were now held to a higher degree than the actual lives of those who were unable to breathe life into it.

Not only did Ashur struggle to find the right words to refute him, but Sallaya was also triggered as well, offering her attempt at persuasion, "G-Grand Elder...this is our younger generation we're talking about. Our future! What about my son? All this just for your curiosity?!"

"I admit, it's a tragic situation, but we'll overcome it like all others," Kayn replied. Meanwhile, his gaze never left the battlefield. Although neither side made any moves yet, the auras of Axel, Brendel, Erik, Klyde, and Ymir continued to climb.

They understood their lives depended on this fight, so they spared no effort in unleashing every last drop of power in their possession. They indeed sought to end Apollo and claim their lives. Be that as it may, Apollo's aura didn't fluctuate in the slightest. In fact, there was a lack thereof.

This was something that baffled even Azridan. What was he doing? It didn't make sense; was he simply observing their actions? The lack of reaction prompted the hostile youths' to believe he thought himself to have entered a dangerous situation resulting in a change in their expression.

Oh, how wrong they were. Those thoughts were in direct opposition to Apollo's current mindset.

[Lad, why do you not react? Their auras are climbing. Every one of them is at least as strong as some of the beasts you fought in the forest.]

'Don't worry. I know what I'm doing. Don't you think it'd be amusing to see when their reignited hopes to live are extinguished right before their very eyes? Robbed of the life they so desperately clung onto?'

[You mean to say…]

'That is right. I'm not going to simply kill them. They'll understand what indisputable might is before they die. As for injuries, hmph, I'd like to see them actually injure something they can't touch.'

[Maniacal! Are you telling me you're going to mentally abuse them while physically destroying them? Allow me to witness such a scene! Do it immediately! Do not dawdle! Hurry up!]

Suddenly, everyone rushed towards Apollo, intending to attack in unison. But, Apollo punched the ground, causing destruction and cracks that expanded over tens of meters. The immediate change in situation baffled the children as the ground splintered. A cloud of dust distorted the view of the field. However, those of suitable cultivation were able to peer through it with ease.

The five youths, on the other hand, became frantic.

"Damn it! Where is he?!"

"I can't see! He disappeared!"

"Calm down and focus! This is just a distraction," Axel yelled back. Apollo didn't use Natural Essence, so they couldn't track his concealed presence. Unbeknownst to them, Apollo hadn't done anything else after performing this action and remained in the same spot.

"Why are you frightened? Confront me!" Apollo bellowed, landing an even stronger blow on the ground. This time, the five reacted and dashed toward the origin of his voice.

Being of the Wind Element, Ymir summoned a large gust of wind displacing the dust to expose Apollo's figure. Acting in accordance, Axel inhaled, his chest swelling with power. In the next moment, he fired a large stream of fire at Apollo that compounded with Ymir's previous action.

In turn, Apollo smirked without moving, 'Playing with fire before me? Laughable.' He didn't move, allowing his body to bathe in flames, which quickly subsided afterward.

Brendel slammed his hands on the ground, summoning two large slabs of earth that quickly smashed together.

Bang!

However, something shocking occurred. Before they could close, Apollo spread his arms and stopped them with pure physical strength.

"What?!" Brendel gawked. Never had he experienced someone overwhelm this technique with physical strength alone. 'What the hell is wrong with his physique?'

Cracck! Crccckk! Bang!

Apollo tightened his grip on the slabs of stones until they crumbled to pieces, "Is this all you're capable of? What brittle rocks!"

Fwoosh! Bang!

Apollo dashed toward the petrified Brendel and landed a terrifying punch in the pit of Brendel's torso. A mouthful of blood spewed from his mouth, splattering across the ground as a result.

Afterward, Apollo grabbed his head and kicked him in the air before grabbing his wrist and swinging him about until he was in front of him. Apollo then gazed emotionlessly into the eyes of the others as he grabbed Brendel's arms and wrenched them apart ruthlessly.

Tears of agony welled in Brendel's eyes.

"E-eeaaggggggggghhh," shrill cries of excruciating pain filled the training ground. In fact, those around widened their eyes in horror. Audible popping and cracking noises were heard from Brendel's arm sockets in the deathly silent atmosphere, "I-it hurrrtttttss! Agch…."

Krrrrrk! Pucht!

His screams stopped once his arms were ripped from his body, and he fell forward limply. The embers of life quickly flowed from his eyes while a queasy feeling rose in the pit of the other's stomachs.

"T-this….LET US OUT! STOP THIS!" Axel's roars grew frantic. His eyes trembled as he looked at the limp arms hanging in Apollo's hands in horror—his pale expression worsening by the second.

An amused smirk appeared on Apollo's face as he flung the arms aside. On the contrary, a profound glint entered Kayn's gaze, 'Ruthless…'

The five against one had now become a four against one, and Apollo's eyes deepened with desire. Apollo vanished from his spot and dashed toward Dylon. By the time he reappeared, his arm was thrust through Dylon's chest and clutching his heart. With a squeeze, he ruptured it.

And so, four became three. At this point, they were so stricken with fear that they remained paralyzed, making them easy pickings for Apollo. One by one, he killed them until it was just him at Axel.

Apollo picked up Axel and gazed into his eyes, witnessing the embers of hope peter out, "Do you bear regrets? If so, ruminate over them in the afterlife. Perhaps someday I'll meet you there."

"W-wait... Don't.. Plea-"

Splich!

Apollo pierced Axel's throat with his hands, cutting his words short. His eyes rattled, filled with both despair and unyielding emotions. He didn't wish to die this way, but he was helpless to change the situation,

Annoyed by the look in his eye, Apollo slashed his arm and severed Axel's head from his body. Afterward, Apollo looked over his shoulder and met gazes with the horrified Ashur.

He raised Axel's severed head, still wearing the fresh expression of fear, "For now, you'll be left alive so that you understand these results are ultimately your fault. But, your days are numbered. "

Apollo tightened his grasp with those words, exploding the skull to bits.

Ashur's legs gave way as he fell to his butt, "N-No...NOOO!!!!" He howled in despair, he had just learned Axel was truly his son, and just like that, he had perished. It was a matter capable of turning one insane.

Soon after, Kayn lowered the barrier, but the atmosphere was set. There was a dreadful silence because they understood that from this moment on… the once timid child was nothing more than a monster!

"Ahem, everything is over. You may all return to your own devices. Let this serve as a lesson. May you all think of the consequences of your actions before you commit them," Kayn looked over everyone with a solemn gaze.

On the other hand, Apollo analyzed the results of his actions.