The Demon Monarch System

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A few hours after…

Tanath and the other members of his stronghold looked around with an odd expression. There was a problem, the same issue that Apollo faced initially. The entrance to the ruin, as mentioned earlier, was nowhere to be found. 

Although Fuhrer blew open the entrance when they first arrived, he repaired it to its former state before venturing deeper. While he didn't fear any confrontation, it was best to make it seem like no one had visited this place to delay any unwanted confusion.

Until now, it worked perfectly.

"Vice-Commander Tanath, could that demon have played a trick on us?" One of the lower members asked. After venturing all this way to a remote area, playing a trick was the only assumption this demon could make.

Of course, Tanath thought differently. It wasn't practical for a demon of Xorgrah's stature to play such an absurd trick on them. Besides, there was another reason.

"Do you believe someone would waste some many resources on a mere trick? Use your brain before you utter foolishness. It's clearly a masked entry point," Tanath answered in a brusque tone. 

The demon who misspoke suffered an embarrassing change in expression, causing him to quiet down immediately. Tanath's fair point made him rethink his earlier words since they were genuinely foolish. Nearly twenty thousand Fragment of Sins and several weapons were too significant to mark as a meager joke.

Afterward, Tanath kneeled where he stood and placed his hand against the scorched ground. A moment later, a pulse of Ira emitted from his hand in an expanding ring. It wasn't an attack but a method used for detection.

This action was possible once one learned how to manipulate their Ira for other usages outside of combat. Gradually, Tanath searched for any dissonance in the surrounding Ira purity. Additionally, he also searched for any possible entry points.

It took a few minutes of undisturbed focus, but Tanath managed to locate the entrance to the ruins. Regrettably, its location burrowed deeper under the surface than he expected.

'No wonder that demon distributed these items. It'd be quite laborious to reach this area without their help,' Tanath thought before retrieving one of the items acquired from Xorgrah. It was a thin longsword with a dull grey exterior. Instead of crimson etchings, the markings on this blade were a faint white color, symbolizing its incomplete status.

Regardless, it was more than enough for Tanath's intended purposes.

The weapon was encased in a vibrant crimson aura as Tanath lifted it above his head. The hue soon blazed like a raging flame. However, the longer the aura remained visible, the more changes it experienced. From its initial crimson color, it turned into a silverish-white with a faint crimson exterior.

Furthermore, the heat signature of this current aura was many times more terrifying than its initial state. Once it reached its peak, Tanath unleashed it on the ground before him.

An immediate scene of shocking destruction occurred as a vast chasm opened up. The beginning was narrow but widened as the fissure spanned into the distance.

As they watched this take place, the others had a look of respect on their faces. After all, there was a reason this demon held the role of the Vice-Commander. Even though Tanath was an Archdemon, he possessed some powerful techniques in his arsenal.

Be that as it may, the aftermath of his strike surprised even Tanath. 

'To think he would simply give away such a great item. I wonder how deep the Council's breadth goes. If they're willing to give away these items, just what kind of monstrous items are at their disposal?' Tanath wondered.

However, although he was skeptical, Tanath didn't allow his thought to interfere with the task at hand. He relinquished any thoughts plaguing his mind and peered over the edge of the chance. 

An ivory-white bridge made from bones appeared in his view. Though it was still far from the surface, it was an acceptable distance.

"Advance," Tanath commanded before jumping down. They followed directly behind him, gliding towards the bridge with the help of the dense ambient Ira. But, he couldn't marvel at the sight before narrowing his eyes.

His familiarity with battle allowed him to notice some immediate signs of battle. According to his senses, they were pretty fresh.

'Could there be residual beings inside this area? Or… could someone have beat us to this place? If so, how could that be possible?' Tanath thought before glancing around with more vigor.

All signs pointed to a recent battle, putting Tanath on edge.

In addition to Tanath, all the other Archdemons sensed this unusual predicament as well.

"Tanath, I suggest we move with caution. As the employer said, they aren't aware of the dangers that lurk in this place. I'd like to avoid any dangerous situations if possible," one of the other Archdemons said.

In response, Tanath gave a faint nod. He didn't need a reminder to enact a plan he intended to employ. 

Cautiously, all of the demons drew their weapons and advanced through the ruins. The first thing that entered their eyes was the motionless, reanimated corpse. But, its complicated circumstances made it difficult to determine whether its death was recent or long ago.

Therefore, this party slowed down their advance as they heightened their awareness.

…

Meanwhile, Apollo opened his eyes with an intrigued expression. In preparation for his fight with Asteroth, he took the time to understand every technique in his arsenal. Despite the system's ability to auto-cast any of the techniques he mastered, it wasn't enough.

The system's auto-casting features was limited to Apollo's current grasp of the technique. So, if Apollo didn't master it, the system employed an imperfect technique. Aside from the Demonic Massacre Wave, every other skill in his possession was incomplete.

Especially Nether Severance and Devouring Nebula. Both of them required an assimilation of Sin or Aura to perfect them. Additionally, the Umbra Phantom Mantle was only two-thirds complete since Apollo could only employ the triple mirage.

He was still far from effortlessly activating the Six Phantom Shifts. 

Before the aftershock of Tanath's attack, Apollo spent his time practicing the techniques mentally. Ever since he became a Greater Demon, his Tainted Temple allowed him to emulate scenarios in his mind, another feature of the intelligence trait―the ability to project his thoughts into a sort of virtual creation in his subconscious. 

Until now, he was making ample progress, but the presence of numerous unfamiliar individuals roused him from his state of focus. Since none of the auras were familiar, he felt it was best if he was alert.

Besides, Apollo felt the gap between reaching the desired state was small. Just a little more, and he'd be more confident in going against Asteroth, precisely because he decided to upgrade his Dauntless Superbia Stigmata.

Surprisingly, the effect of this stigmata was much different than Ira. It wasn't linked to his strength attribute in the slightest, which was odd, since pride was a powerful trait.

On the contrary, this stigmata increased his battle capabilities in a much different way.

「«Dauntless Superbia Stigmata» (Second Phase) 

Rank: Abysmal*

Purity: Absolute

Vessel: Greater Demon Body

Description: The dauntless demons are without fear, piercing through the shroud of fear's veil. Thus, a demon following the fearless path strikes with unprecedented sharpness and overwhelming rigidity.

Effect: Increases the penetration force of all attacks utilizing an extreme force. +20% Critical Damage and +25% Critical Chance without fulfilling the requirements.

Consumption: 900 units of Superbia per minute. 

*Note: This stigmata can be further improved by deepening the bond with the Primal Sins. 」

Once Apollo learned of its description, he understood why his attacks grew more fierce despite the lack of change in his actions. This stigmata increased the chances of dealing critical damage.

Although it was more of a hidden feature, critical attacks were indispensable in triumphing over foes of similar or even slightly greater strength. Because, a typical critical as seen in Apollo's early stages could deal more than double his initial damage.

Because of its baffling capabilities, this stigmata was a lot more demanding on his Superbia volume.

Nevertheless, it was more than worth its price.

Just as Apollo sensed the appearance of the new party, so did Fuhrer.

"Do you wish for me to confront them? The others have yet to finish absorbing the Ira. Some of them have even arrived at a vital precipice after weeks of endless absorption," Fuhrer asked while remaining in place.

While he was eager for a stretch, Apollo's lack of action made him think about some things.

"Nope, just let them come. They must've come for a reason, and that's something I'd like to find out," Apollo replied with a faint chuckle.

It was excruciatingly slow, but the incoming party gradually approached their position.