The Demon Monarch System

Chapter 138 - Inured To Death

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Upon hearing the bellow from Vellore, multiple youths took action immediately. Their first instinct was to charge the person nearest to them. Due to their hectic state of mind, many didn't even stop to gauge said person. The only thing they wanted was to secure their own path towards the future.

However, those like Apollo dissected the scene on a deeper level, 'This has to be a test of some sort. Creating this type of confusion only serves one purpose—to test one's reaction amidst pressure. If you react without ample preparation, then you put yourself at risk.'

Apollo silently watched those enclosing on him. Unlike the others, he noticed an increased number flowing towards his general direction. Naturally, there was more than one reason behind this. First, those in his proximity were in relatively better states due to his earlier actions.

Secondly, those who came from his batch understood that he was someone who was undoubtedly guaranteed a spot. In light of this thinking, they also assumed he would be a difficult opponent. If they were to eliminate him early and get him out of their hair, then the difficulty of their later trial should decrease significantly.

After all, when they arrived at this place, all of them caught wind of the grand labyrinth construct. It didn't take much more to infer the next trial would center around that space. Not to mention, if it was to be utilized under a combat setting, then that could only mean one thing—they would need to compete against each.

Thus, on his platform, Apollo faced an increased volume of assailants. Of course, he didn't shy away from battle. On the contrary, he welcomed it. Since advancing, he had yet to partake in a proper battle. His bones were aching to experience some action.

"Ahem, what is that expression? Are you thinking of robbing all the fun from me too? That wouldn't be too fun now would it?" Nadida tapped Apollo's shoulder with a small glare. He didn't realize it, but an expectant gleam flashed in his eyes as he watched the incoming wave of people.

"Relax, there's more than enough for you as well. Just move to your heart's content," Apollo chuckled, fading into embers of shadowy flames. With his current use of the Partial Shade Silhouette, he was arriving at the point of seeming like a true phantom.

Unfortunately, the truly achieve that feat, he would need to advance to the next form of the technique. However, his body had yet to reach the requirement to support it. Unless he moved forward with his control of Sin and stepped into his Greater Demon form, then perfecting the Partial Shade Silhouette would be his highest current limit.

"Get that guy! If we leave him on the platform then our lives later will become much harder. Unlike him, we don't have a talent that delighted our examiner. So, we should work together because his aura also seems strong," yelled a white-haired youth, looking at Apollo with hostile eyes.

A few acted in line with his thoughts, making their move along with the youth. Although they were untrained and seemingly unfamiliar, they paced themselves to arrive at Apollo from all angles simultaneously.

When he saw this, Apollo's eyebrows rose. At times like these, he wished he possessed a weapon to deal with an increased number of foes. His bare hands could only get him so far, and using the techniques he knew before the eyes of these unknown experts was a no-go. 

Under the current circumstances, doing so ran the risk of exposing his irregular powers. Only his movement technique could be used because it resembled regular techniques. As such, Apollo resorted to the only possible solution, using pure physical strength.

With a vicious stomp, he sprang forward towards one of the youths. If he couldn't attack them all, then his best bet was to disrupt their momentum by taking out the lead. Hence, the white-haired youth became his target.

Unable to match up with him, the youth changed his foot stance, his dash coming to a skidding halt. From behind his back, he withdrew two small daggers. As his eyes remained on Apollo, faints arcs of wind encased his body.

Afterward, his agility increased by a substantial amount. However, it wasn't so drastic as to render Apollo's own techniques insufficient. In fact, Apollo chuckled when he saw his actions. Due to his increased dynamic vision, he was able to see the smallest movements being made by his adversary.

Additionally, he now possessed an infant Spiritual Conscience. Meaning, not only were his senses heightened, but it was as if he opened the sixth sense as well. Without looking, he placed his hand behind his neck, guarding against a ruthless attack from one of the other youths.

'It appears they have no qualms damaging someone to this level. If this type of blow landed on someone with a weak body, it would take a considerable amount of time to recover. They'd be unable to continue,' Apollo thought. 

Luckily, his timely actions stopped the attacker. However, there was now a sword pierced through his palm, and even though he guarded the attack, the youth responsible for it still attempted to continue.

With cold eyes, Apollo glanced towards them. A creepy smiled appeared on his lips as he swung his arm. Two daggers traveling at Apollo from odd angles were stopped. Instead of landing on Apollo, the strike ended up piercing the back of the youth still in Apollo's grasp.

Based on the lack of reactions from those above, Apollo came to the conclusion, injuries and even fatalities were something normal in their eyes. The way they saw it, if you were unable to survive, then you were useless, to begin with.

The youth's eyes widened as his body stiffened. The way the daggers entered his back, both his spine and nape were hit. In an instant, he was paralyzed but not before a dark smile formed on Apollo's lips.

Just as the youth stiffened, Apollo's vice grip hands tightened around their neck. If the holders of this trial didn't react to injuries or deaths of the contestants, then why would he shy away from committing such actions?

As it stood, he still needed to advance in Demonic Conduct. By doing so, he could fulfill one of the objectives of his mission. Additionally, something told him that this conduct was extremely important. Why else would it show up in the mission as well as possess similarities with Sins?

After tightening his grip, Apollo released the lifeless body of the youth. His cold eyes then fell on the white-haired youth. "Come," Apollo uttered. Menacing confidence leaked from his body.

Subsequently, when the other youths who teamed up with this one witnessed this, they paused in their movements. Until now, they had never experienced the scene of a murder, let alone one done so emotionlessly.

Horror crept into their minds. Perhaps this wasn't the opponent they wanted to face. Even if they could overwhelm him with numbers, those unlucky to enter his grasp would not suffer a pleasant demise.

Needless to say, as these thoughts entered their mind, all thoughts of following through with their earlier words vanished. Just one kill, that was all it took for Apollo to clear a sizable area.

Contrary to what they thought, he didn't chase anyone. After all, he couldn't. He needed them to be deemed malicious by the system before he could kill them. It seemed there were strict guidelines he needed to follow. A mindless killing machine was something he couldn't become. 

For him to become the Demon Monarch, he would need to retain superlative control of his emotions. To lead by example was to conquer one's self. 

Upon noticing these scenes play out, a few expressions changed. On one hand, Gabriel's eyes narrowed, 'Just as I thought, he does possess a murderous intent. For that split moment, I sensed it. It was something born of pure slaughter.'

On another hand, Irauk leaned forward. 'That boy… just what have you experienced to make you kill without flinching? What they did wasn't horrible, yet you retaliated in such an absolute way. Of course, there will be no consequences, this trial is one where all rights to life are forfeit but still.'

"Who is that person?" One of the Paragon's spoke, glancing behind them to an older male with grey hair falling to their ankles. His visage was one of both age and vitality.

"Someone named Apollo Kaiser; a contender for the spots of the Scions. As he is now, he can already be called this Tenth Glory. Why, have you taken interest in him, Odessa?" the man questioned.

"I want him," Odessa replied, her silver eyes locking on Apollo's position. 

"Hoh? That'll be quite difficult to accomplish," he replied.

Odessa glanced over her shoulder. Within her eyes was an unsurpassed haughtiness. "Why is that, Sirius? Can't I have what I want? Who else can challenge a Paragon," 

In response, Sirius gave a mysterious smile, "What if I said another Paragon has already set their eyes on him?" 

Odessa's expression darkened, seemingly unhappy with this response, "Another? Do you mean Alistair? What do I care about the Braums? Have we Crux's ever feared the Braums?"

"Now, calm down little lady. Who I am talking about is not from your generation. I meant them," Sirius shook his head, pointing in a certain direction.