The Demon Monarch System

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After Kayn lifted his finger, Apollo looked in the same direction. Quietly, he marveled at the sight before him. Rather than moving back, even while battling, they continued to advance. In other words, during the battle, they also repelled the Demonic Beasts. ​​

Hence, they were never in the same place. It went without saying, this action was spearheaded by Apollo. He wasn't the type to retreat but instead press ahead. In some situations, this might be the best way, but in others, such headstrong behavior could prove to be fatal.

Apollo lifted his head, gazing afar above the city. In the air encompassing the city, he discerned two colossal beasts circling the skies. By colossal, he meant their two bodies alone blanketed the city but oddly enough, their bodies didn't prohibit the sunlight from entering. It was a mystifying sight.

"What are those beasts in the air?" Apollo questioned, his gaze remaining fixated on the wonder. It was the first time he had seen such a thing. The first question that entered his mind, was what rank would those types of beast possess? Followed by, just how strong would they be?

"Remember how I told you certain types of cultivators are capable of taming beasts. Well, those are tamed beasts. More specifically, they are guardian beasts. They're at least Rank 7 Spirit Beast and most likely they possess some type of bloodline. From what I heard, they should be par with the Generals of the Capital."

"What cultivation realm would they be on par with?" Apollo continued to question. Even from here, he could sense a faint aura of suppression on his body. This wasn't from fear but rather how strong those beasts were.

"At the very least…an Early Zul Emperor. However, you must remember, when you become an Emperor, you possess the means to enter the ranks of a Great Family or to govern a state," Kayn informed Apollo whilst rushing forward. He too, had his eyes fixated upon those large beings.

"Interesting. I'll reach that height soon enough," Apollo declared with a fervent gleam in his eyes. Extending his arm, he clutched at the beast. As if sensing something, one of the beasts shifted its gaze and looked in his direction.

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Above the skies of the Zephus Domain,

"What is this intent I feel? It feels like something covets me but I don't mind it? That is odd. When has this celestial being ever welcomed being coveted by one other than my master? I'd like to see just who is capable of this," an obsidian whale with golden eyes peered down in Apollo's direction.

"Old Man Sky, stop with all the useless talk. Focus on controlling your energies. You know what will happen if we let our auras leak. Even the slightest amount could be disastrous." warned the colossal Roc. It was predominantly silver with small bits of gold coating the edges of its majestic features. Moreover, its crimson eyes spared the whale a meaningful gaze.

"Ai! Ai! I'm aware. Shut up already. I haven't let anything leak. You don't need to lecture, I, who has lived for countless years. Compared to me, you're but a toddler on your journey to power. Nevertheless, that boy is intriguing. His body doesn't seem to follow this world's order."

"Hmm? Now that you mention it… I can feel that as well. It's interesting. He isn't as repugnant as the other humans. I don't understand why we were tasked with guarding this world, yet can't intervene directly," the roc glanced down at Apollo's direction.

Throughout their conversation, never once did they stop moving. Although the grade of their true power was unknown as well as their master, it was clear someone had tasked them with guarding this place. However, the real question was where exactly was this "place."

"The answers will all come with time. Soon enough, a shift will occur," the obsidian whale uttered, closing its eyes. A silence ensued as the two continued circling the skies in perpetual motion.

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Back far outside the outskirts,

'Hmm? Why do those two up there look as if they symbolize something? One is entirely black whereas the other's luster opposes it, yet they seem to portray a scene of harmonic beauty.' Apollo mused while continuing to observe them.

However, soon enough, his gaze extricated from them as they were about to come in contact with the capital gates. From a distance, they didn't seem large at all but that was the illusion of distance. The closer they got, the more gargantuan the walls seemed.

"Wow…" Aaron muttered, his eyes shining with awe. Not only were the walls extremely large, but the material they were made out of was also pristine. Even from far away, it was a sight to behold.

"Everyone, relax yourselves. We'll be entering their territory shortly. Remember my earlier words, stick by me, and remain discreet. We don't want to garner any unwanted troubles. You don't understand how treacherous the cultivation world can be," Kayn warned the oblivious youth.

"Apollo, do not leave my sights and this is an order," Kayn commanded in a solemn tone. Something told him not to let this troublesome lad out of his sights, lest he get himself into unforeseen events.

"Yeah, yeah, I heard you. I told you already, the only thing on my mind is to find an area to proceed forth with my breakthrough. Petty instances are not on my mind," Apollo shook his head, following behind Kayn.

After a while, the group reached the capital's gates. However, the Shaanti had arrived ahead of them. They fired contemptuous sneers when they saw how long it took for them to arrive in the capital. Sadly, Kayn nor the others paid them no mind.

On the other hand, what surprised Apollo the most was the gate's guards. Although there were only 4 of them. Each and everyone one of them possessed an aura on par with Kayn. What's more, the weapon they carried exuded tyrannical auras.

"Those are soldiers but not just any soldiers. They should possess substantial positions in the world army," Kayn whispered to the others. They took spots in line as it was expansive due to all the people seeking for their offsprings to attempt the academy trials.

"Soldiers? Why are they here? Shouldn't there be other locations for them to garrison at?" Aaron questioned, giving the soldiers an odd look. Typically, a city would be guarded by Zul Commanders at most.

Kayn shook his head, gazing at the soldier intently. "No. The world's army can be found any and everywhere. Only during times of imminent peril will they all congregate in one area. Of course, there are also the trainees who are always grouped together. In other words, the collective War Academy Students."

Aaron rubbed his chin dubiously, "Oh. That doesn't seem like an army. The terms seem too loose. That's a lot of freedom."

"You think so? If you were to learn of the death rate, you'll reclaim those words," Kayn chuckled. He didn't say much more as he was aware of just how unlearned his descendants were. They were looking at the situation as a child would, but that wasn't the case.

"Ah. So, that morsel of freedom they possess is mostly for them to leave behind offsprings. This, in turn, leaves a legacy in the event they were to perish in the line of duty, isn't it? It should also be a method to reduce tension between the army personnel. After all, after being cooped up with something for extended periods of time, you're bound to either get sick of them or get used to them." Apollo added.

"Hoh? It seems I've underestimated your brains. Correct, if they are too strict, they'll only create rogues. For them, there's nothing worse than creating a weapon that goes on a tangent," Kayn chuckled but in his eyes was an obscure emotion. It was unknown just what he was thinking about.

"Next!" the soldier exclaimed, alerting Kayn and the others that it was finally their turn.

Another soldier spoke, "There are 10 of you, that will be 10 Spirit Shards to enter."

Upon hearing this, Apollo's eyes widened. 'Even though we're here to venture towards entering their army, we still have to pay a fee? Sounds about right. Governing states will always be backward, they hold the majority of the wealth, but seek to reclaim your crumbs that have trickled down.'

Kayn, however, didn't say anything, simply handing them the entrance fee. Stepping aside the grand gates behind them once again opened with a prolonged rumble. As they did, the youths' eyes filled with admiration.

Just the Natural Essence flowing out was many times purer than what they were used to. Kayn smiled as he stepped forward, the others following behind.