The Demon Monarch System

----

A few moments before the incident... ​​

"With that being settled, let us venture into the depths then," stated Krone in a lighthearted manner as he sheathed his two weathered sabers in the sheaths at their waist. The equipment of these mercenaries was long due for an upgrade. However, most of their acquired funds were instead funneled into cultivation resources.

While it wasn't a bad idea, it wasn't the smartest. Everyone knew good equipment went a long way once one acclimated to it. An upgrade in one rank of an artifact's grade surpassed that in which a small realm upgrade of cultivation could provide.

"Err, I don' think 'dis is the best idea fer' the group. The lad is stronger than typical chil'ren but I don' think he will suffice. He's not a Warrior," stated Vren trying to dissuade Krone from making this decision. After all, most of the defensive matters fell upon his shoulders. Hence, going up against even stronger Rank 3 Spirit Beast wasn't exactly in his plans.

"He may not be a warrior, but he understands the ways of killing," uttered Slaid as he glanced at Krone approaching Vren before wrapping his arms around his shoulder.

Dragging Vren to the side, Krone relayed his ideas to him, "Oi, listen up you block. There's logic to my decision, take a look at that child's weapon. What grade do you suppose it is?"

Turning back, Vren gazed at the weapon at Apollo's waist. Judging from its appearance, a thought came to his mind, "I'm thinking maybe this thing is a Rank 3!"

"Exactly my thoughts. Therefore, it's like this. With him as the fourth, we won't have to worry about failing to damage the beasts we encounter in the deeper recesses of the forest. Additionally, we don't necessarily have to reward him," stated Krone as he winked lowering his voice, sending Slaid a signal who silently nodded back.

Of course, this didn't escape Apollo's sense yet he remained oblivious with a small smirk. Biding his time, he leaned against the tree as he watched his stamina returned to full. 'Late Stage Rank 2 requires more strength to cut which in turn burns my stamina quicker. But it isn't time yet.' After all...hmm?'

"Ah! So that's ye' plan. Hehehehe, I like it. I'll get me some fine ladies and brew," chuckled Vren as his mind wandered to the pleasures of both food and woman. What's a man without indulging in such basic delicacies.

"So play along. If my plan unfolds properly, we'll fetch a pretty penny. Keep in mind, hmmm…?"

Turning back around, Krone noticed a faint aura radiating from the pendant around Apollo's neck. Narrowing his eyes, he couldn't understand why he couldn't tell what it was, 'What grade is that item? The vibe from it is even rarer than the weapon. Perhaps this child does have some secrets. I don't think he's from a large family but perhaps that may be true. I'll have to make sure. Usually, those types of heritages have precautions set in place.'

"Hey, kid. What family do you hail from?" questioned Krone with a thoughtful gaze.

"None," replied Apollo with his usual deadpan expression. Upon receiving that answered, Krone's expression brightened while a hint of excitement flashed within his eyes before returning to normal.

'Silly me, I almost made a mistake. Luckily, he's a child and he doesn't seem to be interested in lying. Hmm, although he isn't earnest, he shouldn't be cognizant of the cruelties of this word. Unfortunately, this is how we survive.'

"I see. Then you're more than welcome to journey with us," chuckled Krone before turning around Slaid and Vren in tow. With this, he crossed the border into what would soon become a nightmare.

The sky darkened a great degree as they moved with caution. Even the weakest beast in the area was a Middle Stage Rank 3 Beast. However, Apollo looked back and took a mental note of the path they took just in case. Subsequently, he moved his gaze to their feet.

'They're leaving too many tracks. What kind of group are they? It should be basic knowledge to erase your tracks, after all, there are detection type beasts who-'

"Aowwwoooo!"

"Roooaaarrr!"

An echoing howl and thunderous roared echoed. However, they came from opposing directions. The roar originated from in front of them whereas the howl came from behind them. Luckily, the howl seemed weaker in strength and farther away.

Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Apollo withdrew the Vantablack Knife before sprinting to a tree. 'Idiots! That wolf is tracking us. As for that other beast, it sensed us. How are these professional mercenaries? They must be too occupied scheming amongst themselves to take notice. Tch...'

Reacting in a sufficient fashion, Apollo remembered a situation that happened to him at the beginning of his training; he was ambushed by multiple beasts leaving him utterly damaged. The worst possible scenario in a battle was the advent of surprise attacks. Even more so when it pertained to having your back exposed.

[Their obliviousness is shocking. But I commend your reactions. There is nothing direr, than having to split your attention at inopportune moments when embroiled in a difficult confrontation.]

'I know, I've learned from that mistake,' mentally responded Apollo while silently surveying the trio's action. Withdrawing their weapons as well, they prepared for confrontation entering a battle state.

'Whoosh!'

A golden streak dashed past the trio, coming to a skidding halt that revealed its appearance. A beast similar to a lynx except it was multiple times large. Furthermore, the luster of its grey and gold fur radiated wisps of Natural Essence. Its piercing silver eyes examined the trio and then shifted to Apollo who shifted behind a tree.

'This may be problematic. I was barely able to discern its speed. Not to mention…' Falling silent, Apollo frowned at the status which presented itself. It seemed as if he could never catch a break. He was always thrust into one perilous situation after the other. So much so, he was turning numb to the fact.

Monster Name: Storm Colossus Lynx

Type: Variant

Rank: Middle Stage Rank 3 Spirit Beast

Health: 7,000/7,000

Chance of Defeat: Incalculable.

'Incalculable? What the hell does that mean?' thought Apollo as he stood consumed by bewilderment.

[You fail to understand. That Spirit Beast is not only Rank 3… it's a Variant! To put it in perspective for you, that thing is equivalent to a Peak Zul Warrior at the least! Even then, I feel that is an understatement. From its name and appearance, it's of the Wind and Lightning Elements!]

'Bang!'

Its paw wreathed in a translucent and purplish glow slammed against Vren's greatsword. Widening his eyes in shock, he spat a mouthful of blood from the impact. Filled with indignation, he roared. "What de' FUCK! This is why I said nay' to this venture!"

'Crap! This thing is comparable to a Zul Knight, isn't it? I don't want to risk it,' thought Apollo before preparing to retreat.

[Wait! Stay. There's something odd about this beast. Furthermore... what's that fluctuation? It feels oddly familiar.]

'Hmm?' turning his head, Apollo squinted in the direction the fluctuations came from. It was in Krone's general direction! His dual sabers were sheathed in a scarlet glow. It felt similar to a feeling he couldn't put his finger on.

[This type of energy can be achieved in this world? I wonder what type of technique he cultivates to possess a rudimentary aura rivaling an infant demon.]

'Huh? I thought demons were non-existent on this world,' countered Apollo before scaling the tree he hid behind.

[It's not demonic, it's a derivative. It just seems similar to what our demons use. If I'm not mistaken, then…]

'Skrreeeeeeeeeee!'