The Demon Monarch System

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[If that's the case, then follow my instructions. Based on my analysis, this beast should have such a technique. Wait for my signal and follow these instructions...]

Apollo's expression soon turned colorful changing at rapid rates as Azridan relayed his plan. Unable to take it anymore, Apollo had a mental outburst, 'WHAT?! I know I said I'd be willing to experience pain but... that's ridiculous!'

[It is the only surefire way for you to kill it and claim the experience. Tis' but a little hiccup in your grand journey~. Don't be afraid of a scratch.]

'What do you mean hiccup? Not to mention, scratch?! That's an understatement. Your words sound akin to suicide,' argued Apollo as he remained appalled by what Azridan instructed of him. If he followed those instructions, the amount of pain he'd be subject to was unimaginable and yet Azridan called it a mere scratch.

[So, what is your decision? The longer you deliberate over this, the more time eludes you.]

"I'll follow through with your directions," Apollo answered, steeling himself.

[Hide the blade in the pit of your stomach and gather your energy. Wait for my signal, however, you'll be subject to torturous pains.]

Unbeknownst to him, he spoke too soon. As if the lynx was acting in accordance with his thoughts, it initiated movement soon after. While Apollo gathered his strength, the violent winds and arcs of lightning congregated at the lynx's mouth in large quantities. In fact, it depleted the ambient Natural Essence of those two elements in the immediate area.

Before firing, Azridan bellowed in Apollo's mind.

[Now!]

Acting with haste, Apollo's knife was engulfed in the fluctuations of the Storm Colossus Lynx's move. A dreadful aura coated the Vantablack Knife as he dashed forward. Before the crackling orb could be released, Apollo stabbed his dangerous weapon into the dead center.

'Krrrrrrk!' 'Fwooosh!' 'BOOOOOOM!'

The two conflicting energies collided causing obscene crackles to be heard. Overwhelmed with shock the trio froze. The fluctuations emanating from the scene turned into torrential winds. A moment after, a large explosion.

"M-madlad!" exclaimed Vren as he caught sight of the posture of Apollo. His appearance...it was unsightly! Shocked countenances remained amongst the trio whilst Apollo performed an astonishing action.

His body was left in a perilous state whereas his weapon remained impaled through the mouth of the Storm Colossus Lynx and exited through its skull. All signs of life flickering in its eyes extinguished.

'This child...he's suicidal! I've never met a youth or a person for that matter, possessing such willful disregard for life; it's like his demise doesn't phase him. Or perhaps, was he banking on that attack not killing him? This child; he's...weird,' thought Krone while his unmoving gaze remained glued to Apollo.

'Ugh... that one strike did it again,' thought Apollo as he experienced a world of pain as pieces of his physique remained charred. Even more so due to him, using the «Demonic Massacre Wave». Luckily, his stamina wasn't exceedingly low upon usage so he began healing immediately after.

Wavering, everyone's body soon became devoid of strength. They had depleted their reserves to kill this thing. Dropping to their bottoms, Apollo's stamina turned autonomous. Also taking place, he received his rewards from the system.

〈System Alert! You have performed an enormous feat. First time killing a Rank 3 Variant. You have been awarded a bonus of 50,000 Experience, 10 Demonic Pellets, and 3 Spirit Shards.〉

«20,000 (10,000 + 10,000) Experience has been received.»

«Experience: 87,180/87,900.»

When taking into account the beast he slew before, all that remained from reaching Level 89, was a sliver of experience! While examining this, his thoughts were broken by Krone's voice.

"Never would I had assumed your view of life was so...irregular. What possessed you to commit such actions," asked Krone while examining Apollo's body. He saw the scars scabbing over in a short period. 'He heals quick...if I didn't know his cultivation I'd think he was someone who possessed a cultivation method. Wait...'

Glancing at the pendant on Apollo's chest he saw a continuous stream of Natural Essence pouring into him albeit faint, 'This artifact...it's one of the rarest—a healing one. No wonder, so that's how it is. Though there seems to be an irregularity to it, it seems as if the function is stifled,' thought Krone as desire filled him.

Silent for a moment, Apollo pondered how to answer. Of course, he would never reveal the presence of his system. Hence, he answered so, "It was either take the risk or perish anyway. What would you choose?"

"I see. Well, then. Go over there to extract the cores and deliver them to me," stated Krone in an almost commanding tone before taking a posture that allowed him to absorb copious amounts of Natural Essence. It seemed as if he didn't appreciate Apollo's tone.

Furrowing his brows, Apollo shifted his gaze between the two bodies. 'Without me, this wouldn't have been possible, yet he wants both cores?' he thought. Finally, unable to suppress the urge, he peered at Krone, "You'll take them both? That's kind of unfair; don't you think? Where's my share? How will I be compensated?" continuously questioned Apollo with an unmoving expression.

In turn, Krone's expression darkened, 'This little twerp… tch..'

Trying to get his darkening expression under control, Krone took a breather before uttering, "Oi, kid. Listen up, kid. After we sell off those Essence Cores, we'll be sure to give you your share. You'll simply just have to travel with us."

However, although this is what he verbally said, his mind said otherwise, 'Little twerp, do you really think there was a share for you? In fact, after I recover your belongings will become mine and you'll become my nice little slave. All we'll have to do is monitor your growth so that you never surpass us. In the event that you show signs of doing so… heh.'

"But what will my compensation be? I won't settle for anything less than a quarter of the profits," retorted Apollo as he continued to haggle. Of course, he didn't actually care for the profits. He had the system, although it had yet to give him any worldly currency he didn't doubt the future.

"Fuck'n twer-" roared Vren only to be interrupted by Krone holding up his hand and opening his experienced eyes. Looking upon Apollo with an intent gaze, he smiled.

"Why do you believe you deserve such a large portion?"

"It is quite simple and I shouldn't have to explain it. Without me, you guys would have without a doubt died. No, perhaps you would have never ventured here in the first place. In other words, your plans relied upon me being strong enough. I've pulled my weight so I should be rewarded as so."

"Your words may be true but you're not as vital as you believe. First and foremost, you lack experience in the ways of this world. When those stronger than you speak, it is imperative you shut your mouth and oblige," coldly uttered Krone before rising to his feet.

Brushing past Apollo, he ceased his recovery process and approached the carcasses. Carving out their Essence Core, he stored them in a pouch smaller than the one hanging at Apollo's waist. Turning his lip in contempt, he peered back at Apollo, "I hope next time it is different."

"I don't expect any backtalk during the next confrontation. In the meantime, make yourself useful and carve this beast. We're in need of a meal," spoke Krone as he delegated all of the grunt work to Apollo.

[Tch, they look down upon you. Bide your time, all you need to do is appear that you're meekly following their orders. They'll soon have a surprise of their own, I've looked into your plans. It will work.]

'That's just what I wanted to hear,' inwardly thought Apollo. However, on the outside, his discontent was visible but he didn't voice it and simply nodded. "Okay." While did so, that didn't mean he would take this matter sitting down. A cynical smile appeared on his smile as ideas flowed through his mind.