The Demon Monarch System

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"Are you ready for your first steps into the future?" Cynthia asked both Apollo and Aaron, placing her hand on their cheeks. Her loving and reassuring gaze settled the turbulent emotions seething within them from the prior spectacle.

After all, Apollo was worried that Aaron would inadvertently reveal what he witnessed.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to explore this place," Apollo answered. In addition to his curiosity of the world's vastitude, he also wondered what beasts resided out there that were stronger than the Wyvern.

"We are heading into unknown territories but… the thought of that excites me," Aaron smiled with a fiery intent circulating in his eyes. One could never forgo the excitement that came with journeying into the unknown. Although he wasn't the strongest out there, that didn't stop his desire to seek the hidden.

Apollo glanced to his side, taking in the emotions evident in Aaron's eyes. 'It feels as if something about him has gone through a faint change. Is this the aftereffect of what you have done?'

[Yes and no. It is partly due to that being his innate nature. It has just been more thoroughly brought out. He is showcasing signs of his own path. Perhaps my actions have influenced this slightly, but it is all his latent abilities.]

[You must remember. Just because your potential was determined before doesn't mean that is your true potential. A myriad of factors come into play when your true talent is specified. In fact, soon enough you should become aware of that.]

'Hmm? Are you implying there are more talents than just the inner physique?' Apollo questioned, his eyes shining with zealous interest. So much so, tiny wisps exuded from his eyes, piercing space except he wasn't aware of this.

Nearly all the beast within the Shadowy Forest, which was a considerable distance away, shuddered and cowered in fear. It felt as if something was suppressing them at the primal level. It was to the point where they imagined if they didn't cower like so, they would cease to exist.

[Hoh? Are those eyes activating already? Perhaps you have another infant Sin laced within your body. There is Wrath and perhaps... Pride? How interesting, when these two mix—utter destruction ensues; to both one's self and others.]

'Huh? Pride? I don't think I'm prideful at all. Why do you say that?' Apollo became pensive at Azridan's words. At the same time, their departure began with Kayn stepping before the rest.

"We'll be heading to the end of Verdacre, and then we'll journey to the capital of the Zephus Domain—the Astarte Province. Remember, when there, keep your heads down. There will be a slew of powerful individuals as well as privileged children. One misstep, and that could be your future as you know it!" Kayn warned, looking over the small group of youths with a dire gaze.

Ultimately, his gaze fell and stayed on Apollo for an unusually long time, even more than everyone else as a collective. "Especially you, Apollo. You must learn to receive disdain and not react. It would be best if you curbed that hotheadedness of yours. Learn how to bide your time."

Apollo clicked his tongue in response, retorting, "If you're referring to those five, then all I have to say is that they were useless and replaceable, so I got rid of them. It's as simple as that, besides you don't know my experience to judge my control."

Apollo smiled coldly as he recounted the massacre of Slaid, Vren, and Krone. He was unable to kill them on his own; hence, he plotted and wore down their strengths to an acceptable level before making his move.

At first, Kayn was wordless but then gave a slight nod. "I understand. I would just hate for emotion to ruin our chances at achieving a grand future."

Apollo ignored the comment before focusing on another matter. "Why must we venture to the end of the Zephus Domain first? Is there something there we need?" Apollo asked, shifting his gaze between Cynthia and Kayn.

"Yes. That's where all those who wish to partake in the selection trial must convene. From there, we'll journey in flying ships pulled by tamed, flying spirit beasts. Something capable only by those who have started Spirit Cultivation," Kayn answered plainly.

Within his eyes was an obscure emotion. It seemed as if he wished to be one of those—the ones who had transversed upon the road of Spirit Cultivation. Regrettably, this was a path he didn't possess an affinity with.

Apollo's eyes widened in surprise. Once again, Spirit Cultivation, something he knew nothing about, was being mentioned. "Ah. Does that mean all small noble families are incapable of taming Spirit Beasts?"

"Not necessarily. Oftentimes, a progeny of a small noble family may return from their academy and give their respective families some of those beasts. Your father had once done so, but it is a shame they died in battle with him," Kayn said while sighing heavily. His heart wasn't stale; his aspirations simply overshadowed it.

"Is Spiritual Cultivation a requirement for those War Academies?" Apollo asked while moving alongside Kayn. He was a sponge seeking to soak up further knowledge about the way of this world. One could never have too much knowledge.

"It depends on the academy. The ones famed for their strength undoubtedly require that talent. But, there are some that are willing to accept pure Body Cultivators, given that their talent is extreme enough to make them overlook the disadvantage of having no Spirit."

"Truth be told, it plays a huge role. As a matter of fact, a single section of the examination is delegated to this matter since it is heavily weighted when the academies make their decision," Kayn answered before falling into a meditative state.

"I see," Apollo nodded before rubbing his chin in thought. 'I don't abide by the same power principle, so I wonder if that'll pose any issues for me.'

Meanwhile, Kayn noticed the youths behind him panting and slowing down while traveling.

"It seems we must take our first break. This is why I urged us to leave early. The journey is not small," Kayn said, coming to a complete stop.

However, unlike the others, Apollo didn't feel a shred of exhaustion. On the contrary, he felt exuberant. As if the movement had woken up every cell in his body. Be that as it may, he still sat in silence, contemplating the knowledge gained from Kayn.

'I wonder how common it is for people of ordinary origin to possess a knack for Spirit Cultivation and how the general masses feel towards the War Academies. Though, if I'm being honest, it's irrelevant because they don't hold the ability to sway their opinions.' Apollo chuckled to himself.

At the same time, large movements were heard in the distance. After a short time, another group of people arrived before the Kaisers, who immediately sparked a hostile atmosphere.

"Hoh?! Lookie here, it's the Kaiser rats once again. Hmm? Are these all the talents you have capable of taking part in the selection trials? Laughable. With each generation, your standings decay. It's truly a shame, old vermin Kayn," an opposing aged voice chuckled.

An old man still possessing a bulky build dressed in white robes appeared, accompanied by a group of twenty-plus youths and a few other elders. Two of which earned Cynthia's disgust.

Kayn, on the other hand, seemed unamused as he gazed at the man, "Oh? I haven't seen the silly Abram in quite a few years. I've believed you to be dead. A bear has finally learned how to come out of hibernation."

Aside from Apollo, the rest of the Kaiser children chuckled at Kayn's words. Given his shape, the old man honestly looked like a bear.

Nevertheless, Abram clicked his tongue and sneered. It seemed Kayn still possessed his sharp tongue. Meanwhile, Myrin and Krystella walked to the front, whispering in Abram's ear.

"Oh?! This boy is Abaddon's son? Interesting, I can sense the commonalities between him and his father despite their lack of connection. It seems fate is a funny thing," Abram snickered, turning his head toward the indifferent Apollo.

Kayn's eyes narrowed as he confronted them. "What are your intentions? Don't force this old man to loosen his muscles."

Immediately, Kayn's aura leaked from his body to the point it was enough to stifle the air.

In response, Abram did the same; just it wasn't as intense in comparison. It seemed he was still inferior to Kayn when it came to their aura. Be that as it may, there still remained more numbers on their side. If a battle truly broke out, the outcome would be unknown.

'Hoh? Am I going to get to test out my current strength?' Apollo thought to himself while cracking his neck in preparation. Sadly, the chance was instantly snuffed out as Kayn stuck out his hand, stopping his movement without sparing him a glance.