The Demon Monarch System

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Approximately two months later…

Xonnomor sat before the forge with a contemplative expression while routinely glancing over to Saehtyn sitting by his side. Although his face didn't display his current thoughts, Xonnomor spent most of his time estimating the potential response time of his father.

After all, it had been two months since he dispatched the excavation team. Although Xonnomor was aware that dealing with the issues inside the ruin would pose a considerable threat, he also knew that Apollo was still inside since he had yet to reappear.

'It's best to assume that by now, the lord has disposed of them. The only question is when will father return and how will he handle this development?' Xonnomor wondered. 

Although two months seemed like a significant timeframe, evolving to the next state became increasingly tedious. So, each progression evolution took a greater amount of time. Therefore, it wasn't odd for Tirasha's change to take so long, especially if she wasn't at the precipice of the evolution prior to Xorgrah's arrival.

If so, Xorgrah would have to first cultivate her to the peak of the Greater Demon state before continuing with the evolution process.

However, because he knew of her potential, Xonnomor felt his father would return within a week's time at the latest. Unless he diverted his attention to another task before arriving, Xonnomor doubted there was much time remaining.

During this time, he completed all of the items for both Apollo and Xorgrah. Sadly, the delivery route to the Council was already sealed, meaning the only person capable of transporting the items was Xorgrah through special means granted to him by his position.

Nevertheless, Xonnomor was slightly troubled by a dilemma that he didn't wish to happen.

'I wouldn't be so unlucky as to have them reappear at the same time, would I? Lord knows that's a conflict I don't wish to deal with,' Xonnomor thought before resting his hammer back on the forge and turning towards Saehtyn.

Noticing this change, Saehtyn looked up towards him with a questioning look before glancing deep into Xonnomor's eyes, "Hidden troubles?"

For a moment, Xonnomor was shocked. He thought he concealed his troubles quite well, but it appeared the experience and senses of Saehtyn were still well beyond his skill. 

"I suppose. We've accomplished the task, but I've yet to develop a proper design for your weapon. As a person of my word, I can't approve of my ineptitude," Xonnomor said, which caused Saehtyn to scan him silently for a moment.

'Is he this diligent, or is this just a ruse to conceal his real worries that he doesn't wish to disclose? Either way, this situation isn't my concern,' Saehtyn thought before finally nodding.

"Though the weapon is desired, we don't need to expedite its creation. Take the time to mull out its design before moving onto the creation stage. Though the future is uncertain, a mere weapon doesn't hold that much significance," Saehtyn answered.

However, after he said this, he fell silent while turning his gaze towards the distance. 'It's been quite inactive for quite some time, but now… I sense much action.'

Not too long after, Saehtyn turned back towards Xonnomor with a meaningful expression, "It would seem you have some company."

"Me?" Xonnomor muttered in reply before raising his eyebrows. He felt a tremble deep within as he started to fall to his knees. At first, he didn't understand why this sensation overcame him, but soon enough, the reason became clear.

Apollo stepped through the forge doors alone with his gaze lingering on both Xonnomor and Saehtyn. However, instead of addressing Xonnomor, he was more interested in Saehtyn.

"That slumbering wrath of yours is far from under control; it's merely dormant. If you can control your wrath and merge it with your aura, you'll step into a new realm," Apollo commented while scanning Saehtyn with an enigmatic gleam in his eyes.

During the past two months, Apollo accomplished something he'd been waiting for. The Unbound Eyes, which only partially awakened after absorbing Furcas's essence, finished expunging any impurities in the link between his eyes and Tainted Temple.

Because of this change, although it was rudimentary, Apollo could more or less gleam the flow of a Demon's Sin.

While Saehtyn's Sin flow appeared exuberant, its foreign nature restricted him severely. In fact, Apollo could sense a repressed yet more closely assimilated strength slumbering with Saehtyn. This dissonance made Apollo remember the truth revealed by the system and Fuhrer.

'Although these Lords are Estran's creation, he's left them a way to complete the transformation. Absorbing a new Sin isn't the answer. What they need is to complete the fusion,' Apollo internalized while approaching Saehtyn.

Meanwhile, Apollo's comment resulted in Saehtyn viewing him differently. Not only that, but he also grew curious about Apollo's transformation, 'He's still a Greater Demon, but he has this inexplicable pressure to him. If I had to compare it to him… he seems similar to that odd demon.'

Finally, Saehtyn couldn't contain his curiosity. "Do you have any relation to a demon who calls himself Asteroth?"

Now, it was Apollo's turn to be curious. "Any connection? I suppose I do. Though, I'd much rather confront him myself."

Because the Demon Monarch System was now Level 6, Apollo had no reason to search for the members actively. As mentioned before, the system transmitted their location constantly. Apollo merely needed to visit their location if he felt he was ready to go against their power.

In Asteroth's case, he felt he was ready. After all, his past absorption caused a drastic change in his attributes.

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(Demon Monarch System) Lv.6

Name: Apollo Kaiser

Race: Greater Demon [100%]

Title: Monarch's True Heir, Azridan's Successor

Age: 18

Level: 199

Experience: 100%

Health: 100%

Demonic Anima Reserves: 220,000 units

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Strength: 5,343.0

Agility: 3,935.0

Intelligence: 2,787.5

Vitality: 2,668.0

Comprehension: 308.8

Willpower: 278.8

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On top of his stats, the system also revealed the information behind the Unbound Eyes as well. However, Apollo was surprised to find that its presence wasn't reliant on Furcas at all. He was only a catalyst that hastened its inevitable appearance.

「Unbound Eyes - Special Trait

Rank: Unique*

Mastery: 0.00%

Description: The Unbound Eyes are the unique eyes of the Dominus Bloodline, which stand at the precipice of the demonic world. All dark natures are laid bare before the power of the Unbound Eyes. 

Effect: Allows you to detect confidential information on an enemy. (The higher the mastery, the more complete the information you receive is).

*Note: This ability's effect varies on targets outside of the Demon Race.」

After a while, Saehtyn's skepticism ballooned to a new height after continuing to observe Apollo for a few more moments. "How can you possibly be aware of my predicament and matters to resolve it? Doesn't that make you even more suspicious?"

"Perhaps it does, but do you really want to risk your safety over trying to find out my origins? Are you sure you're able to handle a demon comparable to Asteroth? If so, then you're welcome to turn me into a target," Apollo said with a slight chuckle.

Once he heard this threat, Saehtyn's expression changed considerably. Aside from Asteroth, the only other demon capable of resisting his strength was the demon that Lucifer ran into. Although their identity had yet to be confirmed, based on the stories Lucifer disclosed, the demon was at least on par with Asteroth.

Of course, despite his wariness, Saehtyn couldn't overlook the duty his position held. Whether Apollo was an ally or a threat to the race's safety, it was something that he needed to find out. Especially after realizing the uncertainty of the race's current situation.

"How can I trust that you move in the interest of the demon race? The Council has already made drastic moves. Every day that passes, we grow more exposed to danger," Saehtyn said in a solemn tone while glancing in Xonnomor's direction.

Compared to before Apollo's arrived, Xonnomor's demeanor was much more reserved and subservient, indicating something that Saehtyn had yet to understand.

"Trust?" Apollo said with a slight smile. He was silent for a moment as he pondered a few matters and then looked towards Saehtyn. "Trust isn't something that should be given lightly. It should be earned, no? Even then, absolute trust can only be gained in the face of absolute danger."

Saehtyn's expression grew confused after listening to Apollo. He couldn't understand how the two matters related, but Apollo sensed this and continued.

"You see, absolute trust is gained when complete safety is secured. If you can guarantee and deliver safety while displaying irrevocable power, then aside from fear, the only thing left to do is trust. So, Saehtyn, Lord of Wrath, do you understand irrevocable power?"

Suddenly, a dense aura leaked from Apollo's body caused Saehtyn's eyes to widen.

On the other hand, Apollo frowned in response.. It appeared his actions didn't yield the results he wished.