The Demon Monarch System

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〈System Alert: Due to your actions, you have unlocked the tab «Demonic Conduct». For more information, seek knowledge from the current warden of the system.〉

Pausing in his tracks, Apollo remained intrigued by the mentioned Demonic Conduct. It was a term he was entirely unfamiliar with. As a result, he sought clarification from Azridan.

"What exactly is Demonic Conduct?"

[Oh? You've unlocked that already? In my estimations, that should have happened when you finished your first sin stigmata. Perhaps it was accelerated from your intense murderous intentions. After all, it isn't everyday one can commit such misdeeds. Nevertheless, it is how it sounds. It pertains to the actions a demon would commit.]

"Such as?" Apollo fired back with an abrupt question. His curiosity had still yet to be appeased.

[For example, the matters you just conducted. A demon does not take murderous intentions towards them likely. As such, they're known to retaliate in an immediate and brutal matter. In your case, you killed one, tortured another, currently unleashing your ire on the last of the three. Hence, your conduct is one of the lauded demonic way.]

"I see. If that's the case, does it present any benefits?" asked Apollo as he knelt down looking Slaid in his trembling eyes. In Slaid's perspective, what remained before him didn't look human. He was talking to himself and the look in his eyes sought death! His skin crawled as fear overwhelmed his wavering reason.

"I-...Ha…." trying to speak, Slaid was unable to. His shattered jaw prohibited him from doing so. Tears pooled in his eyes; a youth was causing him so much terror he was losing control of his bodily functions. At this point, all he sought was death but unlike the others, only his thighs and below were sliced off. It wouldn't warrant a quick death.

[That goes without saying. Check the interface, it should detail the benefits of such a thing.]

Following the instructions, Apollo soon saw an expansive screen before him. Additionally, it possessed multiple subsections pertaining to different types of actions. In fact, there were 7; each of which connected to their respective sin. It seemed as if it was a way to extract rewards from sinning!

[«Demonic Conduct»] - Something vital to becoming a true demon; one must become one at their core. In other words, they must possess the bearing of a demon: ruthless, and adamant in their path while also dauntless to peril. Killing enemies with malicious intent towards you garners rewards unique to that future category.

〈Behavior of the Sinners〉

«Behavior: Wrath»

[Massacre Path] - (Stage One Multiplier: 1.2x)

Stage One: Kill 1 Human possessing malicious intentions [COMPLETED!]

Reward: 5 Demonic Essence Pellet

Stage Two: Kill 5 Humans possessing malicious intentions [In progress: 2/5]

Reward: 10 Demonic Essence Pellet, 1 Fragment of Sin.

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[Tortuous Demonic Path] - (Stage One Multiplier: 1.5 times)

Stage One: Torture 1 malicious human to the point of insanity [In progress]

Reward: 10,000 Experience, 1 Inferior Crystallized Chaos, and 5 Demonic Essence Pellets.

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"Hmm? There's so much I can do? But why does it indicate malicious persons only?" muttered Apollo as he fell into a ponderous situation. One where he was awoken by Azridan's guidance.

[We demons are not mindless creatures of rage as depicted. Well, that depends on one's path of course. As for typical demons, we are reactive creatives. Responding to the stimulus, we take the course of actions that most suit our styles. In essence, we aren't creatures who murder ceaselessly. Your ire can only be directed at those who provoke you.]

"What would happen if I was to step outside the guidelines of the system?" inquired Apollo. There was always the notion of what if floating within his mind. Even if he never acted upon it, it would drift into his mind.

[I'm not exactly sure of this? However, I believe you'd be punished so refrain from doing so. If you ever find yourself in such a situation in which you lose control. I suggest you inflict self-punishment. The negative emotions generated towards yourself should counteract the vile thoughts entering your mind. Especially so if directed towards the innocent.]

"I see," muttered Appollo before a maniacal smirk appeared as he locked sights with Slaid. Picking up the Vantablack Knife, he sharpened his nail with it until it was capable of slicing his own skin.

"With your elements, as well as that last technique you used...you should be used to being cut right?" chuckled Apollo with a chilled tone.

"Amhpp...Mmmph!" Slaid's throat shuddered while his tongue flailed. Yet, indiscernible words were formed. Meanwhile, one thought flooded his mind, 'Stop! Please stop! End it…!'

Glancing at his tattered clothes, Apollo's mind went electric with dark thoughts as he sliced and stabbed each opening. Continuing his actions, he thrust the tip of his knife in the sides of Slaid's fingers. Rather than the nail, he did it right below causing his trembling body to stricken.

"That tongue of yours, it's annoying. Let's get rid of it." Unlike before, Apollo's actions were slow. Treating it as if it was a cow's tongue, sliced it off piece by piece. Grabbing his jaw, Apollo pulled.

Tears pooled in Slaid's eye further as he felt that vice-grip on two sections of his head. Pained groans escaped his throat as Apollo's emotionless eye stared at him. Drawing his arm back while his arm threatened to rip off Apollo paid it no mind.

"You all… it's your fault. Bear the consequences."

'Crrrrccccckkkk!'

An unnerving cracking noise was heard from both Slaid's jaw and Apollo's shoulder as he pulled back. Soon enough, Slaid's lower jaw gave out! Apollo had pulled his jaw from his skull. His good arm buried Slaid's head in the dirt as he did so.

Rolling back in pain, Slaid's eyes fluttered. He was welcoming the outcome but dreaded the fact it couldn't arrive fast enough; hundred of cuts appeared on his body. Until finally, Apollo plunged his fingers into Slaid's throat and ripped out his esophagus. Finally, perishing, Apollo stood.

Although he enacted his revenge, he didn't feel joy; he felt empty.

[Wow...I may have witnessed a scene that would give even me nightmares. Ruthless! What an abominable rage! I adore it! Perhaps this is why you're the prime candidate. The system must have judged your repressed hatred! I look forward to your future!]

〈System Alert! You have enacted your Demonic Conduct in a spectacular fashion. The rewards have been delivered.〉

A moment later, a small dimensional portal opened distributing his rewards while his experience meter raised by 30,000. In a matter of moment, the number of Demonic Essence Pellets he possessed increased significantly.

Glancing back at him, Apollo collected the spatial pouches of the three before confiscating their weapons as well. Although he hadn't trained in them, it was useful to have extra. Not to mention, it was brought to his attention that he was talented in the ways of combat due to certain reasons.

[Hmm? I sense movement in the distance. However, is your state suitable to battle in-]

"Yes. My irritation still isn't quelled. I need to vent more. Afterward, we'll proceed with the plans we discussed," stated Apollo. As of now, his voice was cold. In fact, it gave an odd feeling of being something else entirely. Of course, Azridan didn't question because he knew exactly what this was.

[Then proceed. Keep in mind the condition of that arm. It'll take even more effort to heal it this time. Perhaps this will be a good lesson on how to protect damaged areas.]

After his response, a large number of Dark Shadow Does came into view except these ones seemed to be rather damaged.

'My attack traveled that far?' thought Apollo until he took a look at his stamina bar, 'Less than 300 left… that's under a quarter. It'll have to suffice.' Picking up the saber previously used by Krone he dashed into the fray.