The Demon Monarch System

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〈System Alert! After the conversion loss, 2.40 units of Pure Demonic Anima has been formed. It is being automatically refined with the impure Demonic Anima in the body. So far, the reserves have been increased. [Total: 3,075.25].〉

While looking at the message, Apollo didn't know how to feel. First of all, the energy inside should have been enough to increase the value by at least 4 times what currently showed. However, what the system didn't detail was the fact the conversion loss was repetitious. 

It wasn't a simple 20% loss at the end of the absorption process. Every second that elapsed, twenty percent of the value absorption was lost in the action of conversion. In other words, yet another issue had presented itself that Apollo needed to remedy.

'The only option for me now is to focus on becoming a Greater Demon with haste. However, to do that, I need more Pure Demonic Anima as well as… Wait, I wonder; since Ouroboros can consume Crystallized Chaos and create Fragments of Sin, am I able to do the same? After all, I'm not a normal Demon. At least, I don't think I am,' Apollo internalized.

Due to spur of the moment thought, Apollo couldn't wait until the lesson was over. In the meantime, he continued to retrieve and absorb the energy within Spirit Shards. Since the Spirit Stones were harder to by come, he switched back to the more circulated variety.

Until he secured a way to receive the Spirit Stones in a steady stream, his use of them would be exceedingly sparse. After all, there was only so much he could extort from Odessa before needing an even larger volume of resources.

Based on what Odessa and Glaive said, the requirements for the potential he possessed would result in an exponential need for resources. Especially so since upon conversion, he lost a significant portion of the energy inside the stones.

Therefore, with his choice made, he retired to circulating the Pure Demonic Anima he made. However, soon enough, he came across another issue. His body didn't allow him to increase his parameters unless he was at peak reserves. 

In other words, if his energy was under his total amount, the energy absorbed would be used to supplement that until he was back in top form. Fortunately, in that scenario, the numbers were different. 

Due to the fact cultivation required the energy in absorption to be tempered, only the most useful parts of the energy were combined into strength. By that same logic, for recovery, all energy would suffice. Additionally, the energy wouldn't need to be tempered as the body would regulate it.

As such, upon entering the continuous cycle of cultivation, Apollo became far more familiarized with his internal workings. Naturally, this was due to more than one reason.

Firstly, now that he was actively training his Tainted Temple, those set of almost dead meridians reacted to the energy flowing through them. Slowly but surely, the use of them was being awakened.

Secondly, the Pure Demonic Anima was melding together to replace the old. During that process, it flowed through Apollo's inner channels of its own accord. As it reached his Infernal Nucleus, it circled it a few times before forming a thin layer. 

After several hours of repetition, Glaive clapped his hands.

"Alright, that will end your first lesson on Spiritual Cultivations. In 3 weeks, we'll continue forward with it. At that time, I think we'll delve deeper into the matters and familiarize you all with the Soul Conscience. After all, the aim is to prepare to use it to venture to another world."

Upon informing them of this information, Glaive glanced towards a select few in class with a thoughtful expression, "As for those of you who already possess a cultivation in the Spiritual Way, let's make a little wager."

As soon as the word wager was heard by Apollo, he perked up. There was nothing he liked more than a good deal, especially from someone with either deep pockets or skills he could witness.

A moment later, Glaive smiled, "I'm thinking of making a little race type event. However, there can only be three winners. As for the task, be the first one to reach the state of contacting a Spirit. Although this starts from this moment forward, the deadline is inconclusive. It'll go based on the first to achieve the task."

On the other hand, Apollo rubbed his chin. There was no harm participating in an extracurricular task such as this, but he did have a question, "The rewards, what are they?"

"Let's see, for the most part, I'll supply Spirit Stones. But, I'll also throw in a Natural Blessing to assist in the cultivation of the body. After all, both the body and mind need to be equally strong to tread far upon your own respective paths," Glaive answered after sparing the matter a short thought.

"Very well, I will join," Apollo nodded. Before anyone else could answer, he left the premises. With his earlier thoughts fresh on his mind, he wanted to test them out as soon as possible. That meant, even if he was to miss out on mingling with peers.

However, before he could get far, a hand landed on his shoulder. For a moment, he was hostile, almost responding with a blow. But, when he recalled the rules and realized the aura of the person, Apollo relaxed.

"What is it, Typhir? I have things to do," Apollo asked while turning back ever so slightly.

For a short while, Typhir was silent. Then, he showed a cheeky grin, "That Odessa girl, you know her, right? I ask that you put in a good word for me and hook us up!"

Apollo froze. He was speechless! This was the reason he was being stopped? "What!? You can't be serious. Not to mention, didn't you say before that you aren't interested in women?"

In response, Typhir smirked and swiped his nose, "No, you have me all wrong brother! I said I hate conniving woman! That girl there is strong. And, I love strong women. While growing up, I witnessed boundless strength from my mother. It was then I came to the conclusion of the traits my spouse must possess."

"Eh, I wish you luck then. I don't know what compels you to chase a Paragon woman. You're much better off staying by yourself. I'm pretty sure someone will end up murdering you in your sleep," Apollo scoffed while shaking his head.

Naturally, the two continued to go back and forth. Unfortunately, Apollo had met his match. Not only was Typhir even more headstrong than he was, but his aura also seemed to have subtle improvements. Thus, Apollo conceded, but not really.

Still, they parted ways with Apollo returning to his living quarters and Typhir going about his business. 

Once he situated his belongings, Apollo called up the Interdimensional Inventory for the first time. Numerous square slots beyond what Apollo could see filled his eyes, but some of them seemed dim. As he touched them, a message popped up.

〈System Alert! Due to your insufficient inheritance level, this portion of the inventory is inaccessible. Once you have achieved the proper requisites, this tab will open allowing you to further cement yourself as a Demon.〉

'Hm, inheritance level. So, that means the system itself seems to be some type of inheritance. If that's the case, then why was I chosen? I'm sure there are other people out there who can fulfill this role just as well,' Apollo thought while retrieving a Crystallized Chaos.

On top of what he was rewarded for completing his task, it appeared there was also an additional reward for achieving the 3rd level of the Demon Monarch System.

Before, his Crystallized Chaos' numbered no more than 60. However, now there were exactly 200, situated into two clean stacks of 100. In light of this, any qualms with wasting a resource for Ouroboros exited his mind. 

As he held the chaotic shard, Apollo looked at the energy inside. According to Azridan, it was something the rivaled Pure Demonic Anima and Sin. It was just known as Chaos. Now that he held it, he came to realize something.

'Didn't I feel an energy like this before? I'm sure I did. At least, that's what my mind is telling me,' Apollo thought. While ruminating over this problem, both his Infernal Nucleus and Tainted Temple thrummed in accordance.

When their frequency reached resonance, Apollo's mind blanked as his eyes felt vacant. Soon enough, he felt like he was falling through endless darkness. No matter how he tried to grasp on something, his mind just kept sinking further.

By the time he did regain himself, he was baffled. 

"What the fuck is this…" Apollo uttered with an incredulous gaze. He couldn't believe his eyes. He didn't quite understand how, but he was in another place! Or, at least his mind was. 

As he looked down and clenched his fist, Apollo realized a small disconnect with his body. It was as if the signal to his body was being bounced before arriving at where he intended. 

Be that as it may, he realized he held an innate curiosity for this place. As a result, he took a step forward and the scenery took an overwhelming turn.