The Demon Monarch System

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"Huh? Why is the stature of these beasts so large? They're at least 4 meters long and what's with this aura they exude?" Leone questioned, his silver eyes gleaming with curiosity. This type of beast was something he had never seen the likes of before. Hence, he was unable to glean any information from its physique.

Apollo shook his head in response. "I don't know but I can say one thing. They aren't the typical Spirit Beast." Now that the system was back, once again, it gave him information, however, it seemed to breakdown these beasts even more than before.

Monster Name: Frenzied Twilight Wolf

Cultivation: Peak Stage Rank 3 Dark Beast

Health: 18,500 (100%)

Zuls: 6,300

Strength: 315.0

Agility: 256.0

Chance of Defeat: 6.2% (Under Current Conditions [Team]: 43.5%)

'This deeper information; it even provides the breakdown of its Strength and Agility. Not to mention, it appears its Zul ratio is similar to mine. Interesting. However, the fact its strength eclipses ours is a bit unsettling. Do they expect us to be able to battle beyond our levels?' Apollo thought to himself.

Not only were there two of such wolves, but they were classified as Dark Beast. Much like Demonic Beast, they were variants of Spirit Beasts. They only came to be when exposed to an atmosphere devoid of Natural Essence. 

Due to that change, their body functions grew to draw in any type of energy to continue existing. In this case, they absorbed the dark, murky energy of this place. Which, of course, was laden with bits of the toxic air the moss exuded. 

To put it differently, Dark Beast possessed an innate ability similar to Apollo's. Of course, they had yet to become aware of this but that would soon change.

Without hesitation, hostility flashed in the eyes of the two wolves. They charged at Apollo's party without fail. Due to the glimpse into their stats the system gave, Apollo wasn't shocked by their speed.

However, he was shocked by Nadida's immediate reaction. As soon as the wolves charged, she placed her hands on the floor conjuring four thick slabs of earth. With the narrow paths of the labyrinth, it provided ample defense. Unfortunately, it came with a drawback as well—they couldn't advance. 

The width of the summoned walls blocked both sides. But, this was Nadida's intentions. After doing so, she turned around and looked at the party, "How will we deal with them? To get a good result, we'll need to move in a proper fashion. We can't afford to waste time on matters like this later."

"Well, first of all, these beast are peak Stage 3 beast. Additionally, they appear to be a hybrid of the Strength and Agility archetype. You have the largest reserves, so you'll act as our flexible vanguard. We also need a leader, who will take that position?" Apollo questioned.

Amid their planning, one of the thick earthen walls shattered due to the wolves' repeated impacts. While their claws couldn't destroy it in one attempt, their dedicated actions dealt with it nigh effortlessly.

"You. Everyone is aware of your potential, so take the lead and keep order," Nadida commented, giving Apollo a meaningful look.

Sadly, Apollo shook his head. He was against that idea. While there were team points, there were also individual points. With that being said, he felt confident in his ability to slay the monsters and locate the end of the labyrinth with ease. After all, he possessed a Tainted Temple.

As of right now, it was giving him an incomplete image of his surroundings. It wasn't the best of quality due to his inept knowledge of how to utilize or train himself to grow more adept with it but it would more than suffice; any foresight was a one-up in this situation. Not to mention, through the most basic efforts, he felt he would achieve a general understanding soon enough.

Nadida frowned when she received this reply. After sparing the matter some thought, she pulled Apollo to the side. She noticed something in the way he looked at the others, "You're going to extort them, aren't you? I've seen that look many times where I'm from. I can feel it, you won't make a move without them guaranteeing some type of payment or benefit, right?"

With a smile, Apollo nodded, "Correct. I never said I wouldn't do it, I just won't do it without gaining something. After all, any additional work is a hassle on my part. Not just you and I, even Leone only needs to exit this place to grasp a seat in the academies. The other 7 aren't of our worries."

"I can't say your reasoning is wrong but...how will you make allies that way?" Nadida questioned, her deep golden eyes locking sights with Apollo.

For a moment, Apollo was silent. Due to his past experiences, it'll be a longshot to say he sought allied. Thus, he answered, "I'll summon them."

Following his answer, Nadida eye's widened, "B-but, that's not the same! What about human interaction and building bonds, as well as growing stronger together?"

"Have cultivators not done that with their spirits? To my understanding, Spirits must train as well. Their powers aren't stagnant. According to my knowledge, they should possess a growth system that we derived from them," Apollo retorted, giving a nonchalant shrug.

"Fine, let's say that you are right. Wouldn't at some point...loneliness overcome you?" 

It was only for a moment, but a brooding light appeared in Apollo's eyes, "I have come to know loneliness and I can't say that I mind it. Amid my loneliness, I found my own truth. I don't desire to be liked, I simply seek my own power. That way, there is no letdown, there is no disappointment; there is only me on my journey," Apollo replied, brushing aside Nadida.

"Let's deal with the matters at hand, don't worry about the things pertaining to me. It'll be more worthwhile for you to focus on yourself. After all, I have learned from many experiences that this world isn't kind. When you least expect or even when you prepare for it, you can still be presented with unpleasant circumstances."

From his eyes, emotions seemed to vanish. Nevertheless, Apollo turned his head towards the others, "Do you all want to pass this exam?"

"I do!" a small youth immediately responded, his orange lock fell down his face, but his shaky eyes highlighted his doubt with himself. This scene was similar to their others on the team as well.

"Very well, if I promise to guarantee a passing score, what will you offer me in return," Apollo question. At the same time, another wall shattered, "Think fast, time is running out."

Apollo used the pressure tactic to draw out their desire. He didn't present his conditions, instead, he used this to see how much they were willing to give up now, to see the light later.

The orange hair youth fell quiet for a short while before answering, "If you can guarantee that I'll pass, I'll give you half of whatever they bestow us with upon completion. This is a promise, I won't break it. I swear!"

"What is your name?" Apollo inquired before giving an answer.

"Klaus," the orange-haired youth replied.

 "Very well, Klaus. I don't need you to promise me this because if you fail to follow through on your side of the deal," Apollo leaned closer with a daunting pause, sporting cold eyes, "I will kill you. This goes for all of you looking to strike a deal with me."

The entirety of the party shivered, recounting the way he killed with that youth from before without as much as a hitch in his breathing nor a flinch of his shoulder. In light of this, there was no doubt in their minds.

Even if they didn't attend the same colleges, when they graduated, they would all find themselves in the ranks of the World Reclamation Task Force. It was at that time, their fates would be sealed.

"I-I understand!" Klaus nodded frantically. At the same time, the other 6 members nodded as well. With the deal sealed, Apollo committed their faces to memory. Soon after, the wolves finally bust through. 

Meanwhile, Apollo made his move as well. If this place didn't have the means to supply Natural Essence to convert, then he'd just have to revert to his old self. This time, he minimized the use of his Hellfire, conjuring a dagger with a 30-centimeter long blade.

With swift movements, Apollo pounced on one of the wolves while giving an order, "Nadida, Leone, handle the second wolf. Moreover, the moss will destroy your Natural Essence reserves. I'm sure Leone is aware of this already."

Their shadows flashed as the trio was quick to act.

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