The Demon Monarch System

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Ding!

〈System Alert: Lv.100 has been reached. [+5.0 to all Attributes, 10.0 Stat Points.]〉

〈System Alert: Certain aspects of your body has been augmented by the Lesser Demon Body.〉

〈System Alert: Your level has been locked at 100 for the time being.〉

'Oh? I've finally reached Level 100; it's about time. That means I've fulfilled at least two of the objectives so far. Though I must say, this absorption rate of being at this level is quite pleasant,' Apollo thought to himself as a shockwave burst from his body.

If he willed it, the ambient Natural Essence within a three-meter radius would all flow to him within an instant. Just to prove it, Apollo clenched his fist and made it happen.

"What?! That absorption rate is horrific. It's no weaker than his father in the past! Is that large shockwave that just occurred is him shattering that threshold into the next inner physique? Astonishing! With this, you should hold even more of a chance," Kayn exclaimed with a fervent gleam in his eyes.

His excited state interacted with the Natural Essence around them, causing it to seethe and remain highly active until it was void of Natural Essence to interact with. Since the others had yet to finish recuperating, he took the time to explore what his locked level meant.

He closed his eyes, conversing with Azridan. "Azridan, what does the system mean when it says my level is locked? Am I no longer able to advance?"

[Ah, simply put, this world isn't strong enough to increase your level, which is directly linked to two matters: your evolution as well your Demon Body. Now that you are a Lesser Demon, mere Demonic Essence Pellets are useless in dealing with this issue.]

[But, just because your level is locked, that doesn't mean you can't continue growing stronger. You simply can increase your evolution progress.]

"In other words, I need to return to this homeland you mentioned earlier, which is flush with Demonic Anima," Apollo commented.

[Correct, when it is time, and you are ready, you will have to visit at least that place to continue on your path to greater power. When that will be… I'm unsure since it is dependent upon you.]

[Besides, most of the system is still inactive. As I told you in the beginning, everything rests on your shoulders.]

'The more you mention it, the more I look forward to visiting that place. I wonder just what opportunity your world holds. I genuinely look forward to the day I venture there.

[I don't know if you genuinely mean those words. For the day you step foot there, you'll understand what survival of the fittest and a dog-eat-dog world really means. In fact, you can look at this current world as an infant learning to walk. Also, I don't recommend you make any advancements at this very moment.]

"I didn't intend to. The next step is for me to complete my stigmata, but I have neither the privacy to do so nor the stable environment. I'll just be disrupted every few hours, and I doubt it's a process that should be disrupted."

[Correct, disrupting something like that is unadvised. After all, it's already dangerous enough to warrant a warning from the system.]

"Yeah, I assumed as much."

[It is good that you're making your own sound decision because although I am your mentor, there will be times when I am out of reach or even unable to assist you despite my willingness to do so. So, it would be best if you got used to conquering matters on your own.]

'I understand,' Apollo replied.

Finally, opening his eyes, everyone's gazes were turned on him due to the turbulence Apollo created. This was also true for the group of Shaanti's in the distance. Abram, especially, had a peculiar glint in his eyes as he looked towards Violeta.

"It seems the Kaisers now possess a talent on par with you. What will you do? Will you allow yourself to be overtaken, or will you finally allow us to trample upon them?" Abram asked with an imperious gaze falling on Violeta. For a moment, she shuddered from the pressure.

She understood how deep the struggle between the Kaisers and Shaanti went. However, she didn't like feeling like this—being stifled and forced to comply with someone else's will. This awoke a desire within her—one that stemmed from both defiance and her own lust for things.

"I will conquer them, but this will be for myself! So stop with the pressure, Grandfather. Do you doubt me?" Violeta stamped her foot with a coquettish pout crossing her arms. Seeing this, Abram released a wry chuckle as he retracted his pressure.

"I'll believe you then, but you must always remember, we have been slightly inferior to those annoying Kaisers for far too long. As you saw earlier, although we possess a greater number of talents, that old fogey can still best me. I'm sure you understand the implications that follow that," Abram stated with a meaningful gaze.

After one reached a specific state, at least a Zul Commander, their true strength underwent a fundamental change, even more so when it came to Zul Generals. Without a doubt, they were capable of taking on multiple Zul Knights and even Zul Commander without falling into a disadvantage.

This only spoke volumes of their combat presence and reserves of Natural Essence. As it was now, if they were to release their entire cultivation base, they would become unfathomable existences to the present Zul Warriors.

"I understand, Grandfather. Place your beliefs in me. I will see to it that they come to fruition," Violeta said, clinging to his arm with a resolute gaze. "But can I have more cultivation resources, maybe? I'd like to attempt to reach the next rank before the trials begin!"

Abram gazed at her with a look of disbelief but ultimately gave in, handing her a spatial pouch that made her eyes sparkle with excitement. Inside that pouch had to contain copious amounts of resources. After all, he was the Grand Elder of the Shaanti. How could he have shallow pockets?

On the other hand, Kayn snapped his fingers, rallying everyone, "It's time to move. We'll run into the next batch of beasts you'll need to slay in a short while. With our current pace, we should reach the port city around one month from now."

"In the next fight, I'll join in for a moment," Apollo stated.

As it was now, he didn't have much else to do. With his level locked and them being on the constant move, he couldn't risk moving. Hence, he needed something to occupy his time.

What else was there better than honing his current arsenal in battle. It was just a shame that the monsters he observed earlier were far from being able to present a challenge. At least it would offer him a chance to stretch his bones.

"Very well. It seems you don't want to continue on with your advancement, but I believe I know why. As one's internal grade is higher, the dantian they awaken is more intricate and requires more time to complete. Hence, you don't have the time needed at the moment. I understand; it is a good choice. The dantian is the strongest yet most delicate organ," Kayn said solemnly.

Apollo didn't immediately answer, instead he silently mused over this information, 'Maybe if we were talking about a normal person, sure. I just don't want to deal with the possibility of such a huge regression.'

"Ah, look ahead. It's a gathering of those beasts," Apollo answered, raising his finger at the barren land in the distance. Nearly 6 kilometers away was at least 100 Demonic Beast stampeding towards them.

Though his actions seemed normal, both Kayn and Cynthia were momentarily shocked. 'He could see that far?!' If so, his sight was on par with an early stage Zul Knight! It was astounding.

On the other hand, Apollo's expression turned weird after experiencing their shock. "Did I say something wrong? There's indeed a small beast horde incoming."

"No... that's not it. We know they are coming. We see them but you... shouldn't be able to. We're shocked by how strong your senses are. Typically, someone at your stage wouldn't be able to see beyond 600 meters," Cynthia said with shock and disbelief that soon turned into amazement written across her face. In her eyes, he was simply full of surprises.