The Demon Monarch System

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"This Natural Essence...it's so pure! What the heck? Why haven't we come here sooner?" Aaron exclaimed as he took in the stunning sight before his eyes. In the presence of the grand buildings and sublime architecture, it took a moment for his amazement to subside.

At the same time, the other youths joined in offering their own sets of praises. This was to be expected. Compared to those who were born here, they were akin to countryside bumpkins. The concentration of Natural Essence here eclipsed what they were used to many times over.

"Do you think those entrance fee materials grow on trees? Just those 10 Spirit Shards were 80% of the family's stockpile. If you're not aware, those small fragments are used for Spirit Cultivation. However, even if you're incapable of practicing with it, hold onto it should you come across one," Kayn said as he shifted his gaze around in search of something.

"Hm? Ah, that's right. Spirit Shards hold worth as currency as well. That means they'll always have a use, even if they prove useless to our cultivation," Apollo added in agreement.

"Exactly, now… where is the Zephus Passageway? It has been years since I've been to this place. The layout has changed many times over. Compared to my younger days, it seems this place has expanded beyond what I can understand. Perhaps they are venturing on becoming a Supreme Family," Kayn muttered to himself as if understanding something.

"Who? Do you mean the Astartes are making attempts to become the 4th Supreme Family?" Cynthia asked with an undisclosed glimmer apparent in her eyes. It was unknown why, but it seemed something was amiss.

"Ah, that's right, lass. How can I forget? But yes, it seems they are preparing to become the 4th. The question is...will the other three allow it? If so, what price will the Astartes have to pay to achieve that mantle?" Kayn rubbed his chin. Within his eyes, desire appeared.

Meanwhile, Apollo observed the conversation taking place between them, 'Does aunty possess a relationship with the Great Family? I wonder what it is? It wouldn't be…' Apollo shifted his eyes covertly between Cynthia and Aaron. Up until now, it had evaded his mind, but it now dawned on him, he never heard of Aaron's father.

'No...what about her,' Apollo's gaze then switched over to Lily who seemed to be vacantly ogling the buildings. The overwhelming scene left a deep impression on her. Hence, she had yet to awaken from her stupor. As a female, she was susceptible to pretty things.

As a grand capital, this place was nothing short of that. After a while, Kayn caught wind of the direction he needed to head in due to increased traffic on the street. Everyone was pooling towards a certain direction wherein Kayn and the rest followed.

All the while, Apollo continued to inspect the surroundings, 'The Natural Essence here is at least 3 times purer as well as 5 times more potent. Cultivation here is like a blessed place compared to where we were priorly. If I can absorb this Natural Essence undisturbed...perhaps I'll make great strides.'

As they walked down the streets, everyone came before an extremely large area. Numerous flying spirit beasts bound by large chains rested behind a large number of robed cultivators. Although they were silent, their auras were ferocious.

As everyone collected in the space, a booming voice announced to everyone, "All of you represent the Zephus Domain! Although you aren't a part of the Astarte Family, due to your origins coming from here, we expect to you achieve something. Behind us are your carriers to greatness."

The cultivator raised his hand petting an extremely large bird behind him. Just its beak alone was twice as large as him, "These Lightning Sky Condors will transport you to Pangea Island. The journey will be safe and you will be able to cultivate without interruptions. As long as you contribute to this domain's great name, an illustrious future awaits you."

The Lightning Sky Condor shrieked before a thunderbolt collapsed from the sky. When it struck the ground, another cultivator appeared. However, unlike the others, he was dressed in lavish gold robes and vibrant red robes. Furthermore, his aura was indiscernible. Be that as it may, his imperial demeanor alone controlled the crowd.

Surprisingly, the Patriarch of the Astarte Family, Ries Astarte had appeared!

"As you know, the world is going through great changes. The future of this world will rely upon you youths. Although your talents, backgrounds, and hearts vary, you must always remember, the extent of your future depends on this," Ries tapped his temple scanning the crowd with profound eyes.

"With smart decisions, you'll go far. Learn how to maneuver through perilous situations with your mind and your life become tenacious. A well-honed mind will turn you into a dangerous adversary. Lastly, cultivate well. If I am to hear some of the top talents originate from the Zephus Domain, I will personally award you," with that message, Ries disappeared.

While he departed, fervent gleams filled the eyes of the youths. Although his speech was short, it was charismatic. Not to mention, the introductions of rewards stimulated their innate greed. After all, the treasures possessed by a Great Family had to be destiny-altering.

Sadly, in their blind greed, they overlooked the fact that nothing was gained easily. The words before were perhaps taken lightly. One must remember, the Zephus Domain wasn't a full continent. Moreover, compared to the other 3, with the appearance of the Terrors, it was damaged.

While the Natural Essence here was ample; it paled in comparison to its counterparts. To put it differently, it was easier to birth and cultivate talents on the other three continents. Nevertheless, did this mean it was impossible? No, it just meant the effort required would be many times greater than the rest.

'Personally reward us? He left out exactly what was needed to achieve the rewards as well as what he would give. This alone tells me he doesn't truly believe a top talent will appear from us and if one does; I'm willing to bet he'll want to control them.' Apollo thought to himself as he observed the heated reactions.

"Ahem! Please board the Lightning Sky Condors one group at a time. The small aerial ships each of them pulls can house up to 20,000 people. Hence, all 1.9 million of you who have registered will be housed comfortably." the cultivator exclaimed.

Afterward, group by group, they entered the ships. It was divided into small sections. Based on the number of people you brought along, you would be assigned to a designated area. As for Kayn and the others, as there were only 12 of them, they were assigned to the smallest of areas.

Nevertheless, even then, the space was suitable for their numbers; not cramped in the slightest. Due to the way it was made and formation used to sustain them, it was like they entered small independent spaces. For them, this was a first. They had yet to come in contact with formations or anything of the sort.

Apollo, on the other hand, trailed his finger across the wall, tracing the inscriptions, 'This looks similar to the engravings on the talisman. The intricate flow of Natural Essence and the unabated pattern is even higher than the talisman I used. I wonder what level master this takes.'

"You all can pick a room and do what you must. I'll be here," Kayn said, taking a seat where he stood. In this small space, there were 20 rooms. However, it appeared he didn't feel like taking one. In fact, it looked as if he was just meditating and not cultivating.

Apollo wasn't polite, claiming a room and instantly disappearing. He had an agenda to fulfill, thus, there wasn't time for him to dawdle.

Dropping his pouches on the floor, he examined the plain living space. It wasn't something unfamiliar to him and it would do. It possessed a bed and the other personal necessities. More importantly, was the formation in the middle of the room.

Closing his eyes, Apollo sensed the Natural Essence flowing towards it and evolving into something greater.

[Oh? This formation will boost your gathering speed even further. Not only is it collecting the dispersed Natural Essence, but it's also purifying it again. Anyone who cultivates here will witness progress at an even faster rate.]

'I was thinking the same thing. The time has come. Azridan. Walk me through it. Are there any steps I need to take in forming the stigmata?' Apollo readied himself, sitting in a lotus position closing his eyes.

[Yes. However, are you sure you're ready? This is the Ira Rune and it is the most painful of them all. Countless demons have attempted to walk the path of Boundless Ira but almost all have perished. Those who succeeded can be counted on our fingers.]

'Your words won't deter me. I'm ready.' Apollo adamantly replied, dismissing Azridan's worrying words.

[Very well. I will guide you through the tribulation of the Hellfire. Relinquish all senses of your surroundings. Focus solely on your internal self. From there, we'll awaken your first Sin!]