The Demon Monarch System

Chapter 200 - Prime Contender

----

Compared to the other areas Apollo had visited, they paled in comparison to the Administration Hall. Firstly, it wasn't located on the Outer Barrack grounds, it laid on unaffiliated campus grounds. To reach it, both Odessa and Apollo had to circumvent the other barracks to arrive at this place.

The towering building stood erect and overshadowed all others with its luxurious stone and etched design. Naturally, it was built this way because the Headmaster's office was situated at the top. After all, how could the Headmaster not have the most luxurious quarters?

"Ahem, so let's enter," Odessa muttered before taking a step forward. She then placed her hands on and pushed through the grand double doors. Sure enough, Apollo followed behind and mimicked all her action. Since this was his first time here, he wasn't sure if there were certain procedures he needed to complete.

Thus, he left all the minute details of this visit to Odessa. Quite frankly, sparing it any more attention would be a bother. However, as they entered, the spacious inside was more crowded than he first expected. Not just first-years, there also seemed to be second-year and older students.

"It seems while I was waiting for you, a lot of other students caught wind of this opportunity. That means you'll have to showcase your talents even more. If you don't, someone else may take the chance first. Oh, but you can also challenge new students. But, keep in mind, that'll just create more enmity amongst your peers," Odessa warned.

In response, Apollo nodded. However, his eyes then fell on a familiar face standing off to the side. His leisure stance showed he didn't mind too much who went before him. But, there was also a hint of pride on his face as if it wouldn't be much to deal with them.

"I'll be back, one moment," Apollo whispered to Odessa before disappearing. Soon after, he arrived before the person, "Ragnvald," Apollo called out to him. 

After hearing his call, Ragnvald turned his head and inspected Apollo, "Hm? What is it?"

"Nothing, I'm guessing you've come here to join one of the student bodies for more resources?" Apollo questioned.

However, contrary to what he expected, Ragnvald shook his head, "Nah, I'm waiting for the Headmaster. I have to speak with her about something. But, now that you mention it, I may sneak my way in and both Adeon."

"Adeon?" Apollo's eyebrow rose before shooting Ragnvald an odd look, "I don't see him here, unless, has he already been admitted?"

Once again, Ragnvald shook his head. Yet, this time he also raised his finger, "He's right behind you."

Upon hearing this, Apollo followed Ragnvald's finger. Like he said, Adeon was indeed behind him not far away, leaning against a small pillar. When he saw this, Apollo's expression changed. 'I wasn't able to sense his presence in the slightest. That's a first. What cultivation technique does he cultivate?'

As he felt their gazes on him, Adeon lifted his head in their direction. Although he didn't make sudden movements, Ragnvald still nodded. Throughout this small exchange, Apollo was still clueless as to why he couldn't sense Adeon's presence. Even with his gaze strictly on him, Apollo's other senses couldn't pinpoint his location.

Nevertheless, Apollo pushed this matter to the back of his mind. Since he wasn't an enemy, this wasn't an issue he needed to rectify at this very moment.

On the other hand, names continued to be called to the window on the other side of the hall. As Apollo watched the process, he noticed that they only asked for the academy identification card and assessed the situation from there. 

To his understanding, those who possessed less than silver-level cards were turned away with dejected frowns. 'It seems if you don't possess a certain status, your chances are nil. This might not be due to the students themselves but because the fact they stand no chance against their opponent,' Apollo mused while also taking a spot against the wall.

"You saw that, didn't you? Anyone who has been rejected means there is a chance they'll be fatally injured. To take up this position, you must show a few different mandatory mettle. You need to be strong, you need to be ruthless and you need to be impartial. If you fail to be any of these things, you'll be walked across," Odessa commented as she stood next to Apollo's shoulder."

"I'm aware," Apollo agreed. From what he saw, even some of those who had gold-level cards seemed to be apprehensive of what came next. 

"I will warn you now, you will be going up against either Zul Warriors or Zul Knights. However, they aren't your ordinary bunch. Each of them has a consolidated foundation. Hence, you could see them as being equal to 2 or 3 of such opponents while also retaining the wits to act on their advantages. What I'm trying to tell you is be careful, the arena you will use for combat allows injuries," Odessa said while pointing to a large ivory arena in the distance.

Compared to the one from the trial, it seemed like a minuscule replica. Nonetheless, Apollo could tell from the flow of energy that it was durable. In fact, based on what he felt, even his strongest strike wouldn't be able to damage it at the moment.

"That's fine by me. I've only been cultivating nonstop recently. I feel it's time I test myself against my peers," Apollo shrugged. By now, the changes from the Iraym Bloodline were nearly complete. When it was completely done, Apollo was sure he'd received some worthwhile improvements from his visits.

Not to mention, there was also the fact he wanted live combat to continue practicing his Noble Practices. If he could understand their essence and reach the next level then his combat power would experience an immediate boon.

"If you believe so. Also, some of them possess spirits. If you are teamed up against one who does, I suggest you forfeit. Even if it's one of the weakest Spirit levels, it isn't advised for a human to go up against a Spirit," Odessa continued to warn.

Meanwhile, Apollo simply smiled at her warning, 'Well, I guess it's a good thing I'm not a human then. Perhaps the Spirits will turn out to be my opponents in the future. As of now, I just seek to test myself against them.'

At the same time, a voice exclaimed for the next individual to complete the registration process. Since they stood there for ample time, it was now Apollo's turn. With an unhurried stride, Apollo sauntered over to the window.

"Identification card please," the attendee requested.

In one smooth movement, Apollo handed the card over. When the lady saw it, her expression perked up for a moment, 'Isn't this one the diamond freshmen cards? Interesting, I wonder how he'll do against Xavi,' the attendee thought.

Much like Apollo, this Xavi person was also a holder of a diamond card. However, they were from the prior year. Thus, there was a significant difference between the time these two spent inside the academy walls.

"You have been registered as a prime contender. Unlike the others, a prime contender retains the ability to choose opponents above them. In other words, you have the chance to claim higher rewarding positions. Granted, that is if you can beat those who currently hold the positions," the attendee informed beforehand Apollo back his card and gesturing for the next person.

While walking back, Apollo examined the other people. Based on his estimations, there were 7 people who were utterly untouchable. Attempting to fight them at this point would be pointless. Despite their withdrawn auras, Apollo could feel the looming threat of savage beasts.

"Odessa, I have a question, how did you join the student council, and what is your position?" Apollo inquired while awaiting the completion of the registration process.

"Well, Headmaster Geneva referred me but I defeated the prior vice-president. So, she was demoted and I replaced her, while the bottom person was kicked out. But, I didn't really defeat her through overpowering, my endurance just wore her out. After a while, she yielded," Odessa smiled but behind her smile was mischievous intent.

"You used that barrier ability, didn't you? If you don't attack its weakness before it completely forms, it becomes an impenetrable fortress," Apollo stated while becoming pensive.

"Yeah," Odessa nodded with a small giggle.

'If I'm not mistaken, she melds her healing ability and defense together with seamless control. So, when her defense falters, the rejuvenation ability then fortifies the barrier. To summarize, as long as she has Natural Essence then that barrier is a perpetual state of recovery,' Apollo surmised.

Then something hit him, "Do you own your Family Spirit? Aaron told me there is someone named Aran who holds a Spirit outside of his own, how does this happen?"

"Hmm, so you know about those. In short, yes. But, I don't use it often. Unlike the one from the Dongguangs, if you don't have a suitable spiritual cultivation level, the aftereffects are terrible," Odessa replied.

'Hmm, aftereffects? Interesting, if the Crux requires spiritual cultivation and the Dongguang require intent, then what do the Braums require?' Apollo thought to himself. 

Still, as he was lost in thought, the announcements for the next part came.