The Demon Monarch System

----

"Typhir, so it's you," Apollo nodded, standing at leisure. Although this was an odd response to a combative person appearing before you, Apollo had his reasons for doing so. For one, Typhir wasn't exuding any hostile intent. While his aura always seemed ready for battle, there weren't actually signs of him making a move. Hence, Apollo's lax reaction.

"Indeed, it is I, Typhir," he nodded. On his back, the large greatsword remained fixed. Not only did he not reach for it, but he also crossed his arm with an odd expression before continuing, "I am actually happy I've come in contact with you. There are some things that I'll need to alert you of."

'Hoh? Interesting, I wonder what could be so important that a Glory has sought me out. No, the better question is how did he locate my position? Was he randomly dropped nearby or was he actively seeking me out?' Apollo mused, gazing at Typhir with a thoughtful expression.

"Talk," Apollo uttered.

"Oh, believe you me, I will. First and foremost, I suggest you stay on the defensive. Lazaro is looking for you. Before we entered this place, I caught wind of not only him, but Claire and Aeon plotting along with him. Their 3 families have always had close ties, so, things like this happen quite often. However, I can't tolerate underhanded measures like that," Typhir shook his head.

"Oh? But why have you come to forewarn me?" Apollo question. The way he saw it, Typhir was by no means a friend. Due to this, he couldn't fathom the reason behind his actions.

"I determine those worthy of my praise and respect based on their reaction in battle. Yes, you feel like a murderous demon in battle, but, your means are like mine. Straightforward and seeking more power. Thus, I look at you as a worthy adversary. Not to mention, I have learned of your potential," Typhir nodded in admittance.

"I see. You said Lazaro is targeting me, how so?" Apollo inquired, taking a step near Typhir. For some odd reason, this straightforward yet brusque follow was more tolerable than anyone else he had come in contact with. Perhaps it was due to him being unaware of his own nature.

"He is the vilest vermin of them all. He's like a venomous viper; you can never leave your back turned towards him lest he sinks his fangs into you and leaves you paralyzed by his toxicity. Claire and Aeon are in the same boat just not as extreme. Behind their gentle appearances are two conniving beings. It is not the Glories who can't stand me, but I, who can't stand the other Glories!" Typhir exclaimed with unchallenged pride.

Surprisingly, the aura he was exuding now made even Apollo take a step back, 'This feeling… even the other Glories didn't give off this sensation. Is Typhir stronger than he lets on?'

Nevertheless, unless Typhir showed it, Apollo wouldn't be able to peer into his strength. It was unknown why, but even the system wasn't generating information on Typhir. In light of this, Apollo came to his own assumption, but as they were now, they were just baseless speculation unbacked by concrete evidence.

"Before you make a move, there is more. They have looked into all of your matters. To put it differently, Lazaro is putting his specialty into play. He'll be targeting your family members. Unfortunately, that isn't all. The other 7 Glories have decided to move in accordance with him," Typhir stated, monitoring Apollo's reaction before disclosing even more harrowing news.

"That piece of information doesn't do anything for me," Apollo shook his head. While he was quick to dismiss this, that wouldn't be the case for long. After Typhir made him aware of an even grimmer situation, he fell silent.

"What if I say there is some lad in his clutches right now? What was their name? I believe Aaron, it was?" Typhir muttered with a trace of uncertainty in his voice.

"You said what?" Apollo looked at Typhir with a frigid gaze. Despite doing so, it wasn't truly meant for him. The news he received merely shocked him enough to warrant a heated response.

"As I thought, you do possess ties. It is as I just said, they possess- Wait!" Typhir reached out, grasping Apollo's arm. Before he could finish, Apollo had already attempted to rush forward. According to how he gauged the Glories' strengths, Aaron was far from a match for any of them.

"Release my arm before you lose yours," Apollo glowered at Typhir.

"I can't do that. After all, I have yet to fully inform you of the situation. The team of the Great Families Glory has become an anomaly this year," Typhir stated in a severe tone. Within his eyes, there were apparent signs of disgust.

"What...does that mean? Speak straightforwardly like you are used to," Apollo brusquely replied.

"Okay, in simple words, they've become a wild team. That means…all 8 of them have been assigned to one team. I was initially part of the roster, but I rejected this. So tell me, how will you deal with this if you rush off without proper preparations."

With the appearance of this information, Apollo's rationality finally returned. If what Typhir said was true then regardless of the tactics he used, there was no way he would be able to go up against 8 opponents on par with Typhir. In fact, doing so and keeping an intact body would be a far-fetched dream.

"What do you suppose I do? Unlike the rest, Aaron is my brother. While the others can all perish, I will look after my brother," Apollo spat, his unmoving expression locked on Typhir. Since he regained his traditional thinking, Typhir released his arm.

"What if I say, let's team-up. We may not be able to defeat them all but, we'll have better chances. Yes, before you say so, this isn't my issue but… if we don't solve this, how will we engage in battle in the future?!" Typhir erupted, his aura flaring to obscene levels.

Based on his words, the only reason he confronted Apollo was due to the fact there was a chance they wouldn't be able to finish the battle they started earlier. To summarize, this was a battle-crazed idiot who only possesses a singular thought process. However, witnessing this scene, Apollo chuckled.

"With your way of thinking, betraying someone seems nigh impossible. If I had to put it into words, you bond with fists. Very well, let's team-up. Should we accomplish our mission, I'll owe you a favor," Apollo responded, glancing at Nadida.

"Nadida, I will need your help as well. Of course, not for free. Name your price in Spirit Shards and I will pay it."

"Hmph, is your image of me so low? I view you as a friend. Do I need to be motivated by material gains to move for a friend? Tch, if that's how you see me…" Nadida paused, her lip trembling, "I won't forgive you."

At this sight, Apollo's expression became odd. He was unsure how to respond to this. While he understood camaraderie to a certain extent, he also knew that the number of people he would aid without material incentive could be counted on one hand. Alas, he sighed.

"Forgive my words, I have blasphemed your feelings. Nevertheless, you must realize these peers have families of great origins behind them. Are emotions really enough to warrant you endangering yourself l-

Before Apollo could finish, Nadida interjected with a scream "Yes! Above all else, one should make sure to look out for your close allies!"

For some time, Apollo was speechless but Typhir nodded, "You are a fine woman. I like your mindset. Your leading appeal isn't your beauty, but your valiant heart!"

Meanwhile, Apollo glanced back at the others, "Consider our deal void. More important matters have appeared. If there is a chance to complete them later then we'll resume progress. If not, then so be it."

Upon leaving this message, Apollo glanced at Typhir and Nadida. They didn't exchange words, but their meaningful expressions meant one thing—it was time to move.

'Fwoosh!'

At speeds that eclipsed what they moved at priorly, the trio zipped through the narrowing path of the Dark Ruin Labyrinth. In this case, Apollo didn't need to formulate a mental image. Shockingly, Typhir had committed the path he traveled to memory.

Obviously, there was bound to be movement on the other side. But, according to Typhir, from whence he came, there was only one path forward. So even if the other side advanced, as long as the trio moved with haste, then it was only a matter of time before they made contact.

During their journey, each following step caused Apollo's eyes to grow colder. Unbeknownst to him, his Tainted Temple was being stimulated. Albeit small, a faint connection was happening between his Infernal Nucleus and Tainted Temple.