The Demon Monarch System

….

Compared to the previous Infernal Apes, the newcomer was near twice their size. Moreover, there was a mix of bright orange reddish flames being ejected from its eyebrows. It was clear to see that this new Infernal Ape triumphed over the rest with ease. ​ ​

Gazing at the incoming Infernal Ape, Apollo felt no negative feelings whatsoever and instead welcomed battle. On the other hand, Axel and Aaron both froze for a moment as the loud roar had shaken them at their inner being. Although they were both young Zul Warrior Realm cultivators, they weren't battle-hardened as opposed to Apollo.

Noticing this, Apollo turned toward Aaron who was right next to Lily, "Calm your nerves. You being nervous will lead to mistakes being made," warned Apollo. However, that was easier said than done. Although years had passed, they were all still classified as kids.

Apollo was just an anomaly. Not everyone was subject to dangers on a daily basis which caused one to mature at a faster pace. The only one of the trio reacting fairly well was Lily who was always of a slightly quiet and reserved nature.

"I'm trying but it's not easy!" exclaimed Aaron as he tried to regulate his breathing to which Apollo just nodded in response.

What laid in wait before them was a Rank 3 Infernal Ape. Its rank was indicated by the fact its body was emitting flames! As with the Storm Colossus Lynx, Scarlet Flame Panther, and Zephyr Wolf; Rank 3 is when a Spirit Beast began physically showing signs of its element.

On the other hand, the only thought running through his mind at this moment was simple, 'If I kill this, the core it possesses should give me both a decent amount of strength and experience. Although to receive the experience, I'll have to kill it before it can exhaust too much Natural Essence.'

On the other hand, Danyul remained curious as to why Apollo coveted the Essence Cores so much. His eyes were always looking in the spot they were usually located. As far as he knew, unrefined essence cores were not made to be ingested by humans; it was used in 2 instances.

Firstly, it was used in production. For example; talisman making, blacksmithing, and formations. All of these required essence cores or assorted items as mediums. The second use was strictly for beasts; they ingested it to grow stronger outside of manually absorbing Natural Essence and/or Spiritual Essence from the atmosphere.

The quickest advancement of Spirit Beasts rivaled that of the demonic way; it was survival of the fittest at its finest—cannibalism. Or rather, the consumption of each other's essence core. Consuming a core of similar attributes would be more rewarding, however, such desperate beasts usually settled for what they could.

However, the community of spirit beast usually didn't resort to this option unless they reached a certain rank or were pushed into a corner. Naturally, there were enigmas who existed outside the realm of this logic and operated upon their own dogma.

With each successive kill of its mates, the Rank 3 Infernal Ape grew increasingly close and frantic. On the other hand, Apollo continued to make quick enough work of the Rank 2 Infernal Apes.

As its anger grew, a loud roar once again escaped the throat of the Rank 3 Infernal Ape. At this point, it was within 500 meters of them and Apollo could discern just how large it was—nearly 6 meters tall.

"Do we handle this for them? For us, that Infernal Ape seems to be a rather underwhelming Rank 3, however, it still possesses a strong affinity with the fire essence. I believe it's beyond the early Zul Warrior Realm that these kids are," voiced Danyul as he looked at the dismal situation for the youths.

Despite the situation at hand, surprisingly, Cynthia declined his idea, "No, take a look at Apollo's expression; he is looking forward to this. Not to mention, this is a good time for all 4 of them to foster some type of understanding. It isn't healthy to harbor grudges for so long. At least... I hope that happens."

Grunting at her words, Ashur remained slightly irritated. He couldn't believe Apollo was more clear-minded than Axel in this situation. It was known in the family that Ashur heavily doted upon Axel, proving him a surplus of cultivation resources. Even though he wasn't his father, he was still his uncle.

In the younger generation, Axel was considered lucky as he was the only one of the immediate hierarchy who still possessed his father after that terrible incident which mutilated the ranks of the Kaiser Family. His father, Jonas was in the process of becoming the current Patriarch. He was also the eldest son of the deceased 2nd Grand Elder, Kayn's younger brother.

Because of this, Ashur harbored hatred but didn't know who to direct it at. Hence, he instead channeled it into a suffocating adoration for his nephew.

"We'll listen to you then," agreed Danyul as his gaze fell back upon Apollo who was tightly gripping the Coldiron staff. Contrary to their worries, Apollo had other thoughts passing through his head.

'Perhaps I'll be able to experiment how much stress my body can handle when it comes to the immediate use of that technique. When I destroyed the entrance, that was far from my strongest attack. It appears the Rank 8 Mortal body I possess is irregular,' thought Apollo as he compared his body to Aaron.

Sprinting closer, Apollo paid attention to his positioning as he glanced at the Rank 3 Infernal Ape which was now less than 150 meters away and fast approaching.

'I should be able to deal with one more Infernal Ape before it arrives, increasing my chances,' thought Apollo as he locked his sights on the closest Ape.

Sliding under as it performed a smash, Apollo slammed his staff behind its knees. Due to his strike, they gave out as Apollo increased the speed at which he dealt blows. Before the Rank 3 Infernal Ape approached with 100 meters, he had finished dealing with the Rank 2 Infernal Ape.

Standing at leisure after claiming its Essence Core Apollo began rapidly falling back. However, contrary to the other thoughts, he wasn't running away. Instead, Apollo was gathering himself!

[Oh? Lad, are you going to consume that much?]

'Perhaps so. I'm curious where the limit lies. Not to mention, it'll soon be time to try that,' responded Apollo as he looked at the Coldiron Staff in his hand. 'It's more durable than the Vantablack Knife so it should suffice.

Closing his eyes, Apollo's breathing stilled. Holding part of the staff behind his back, a deadly aura began brewing around him. Danyul, Cynthia, and Ashura jumped in alert! An aura that felt oddly familiar encased Apollo as that violet hue in his eyes deepened.

'The more I use, the more amazing it feels!' stated Apollo as his eyes gleamed with fervent estasicism.