The Demon Monarch System

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After they were given the usual break, Sapphyr once again activated the technique. This time was different compared to the others. Not just Apollo, but many others fell silent. The instant that pulse appeared, the youths calmed themselves. This time, they didn't put their focus on the foreign ripple. 

On the contrary, their interest remained in the activity of themselves. Thus, they caught sight of natural changes in their mind. Not only did the internal image they could form deepen, but they split the ripple apart.

Once it was in two pieces, they collided together and formed an even more complete image. In this way, many of the youths found the technique to train the conscience. It was to divide and collide! Be that as it may, Apollo's case was much different.

The ripple was familiar but elusive. Luckily, this was a feeling he had become familiar with. During the Trial Selection, while he was controlled, his body went through a small change as a result. Although the meridians weren't active at that point, they were still linked properly.

As a result, Apollo came to a conclusion. 'This is it. The heart isn't just related to the physical. This pulse is like a heartbeat. To do as you wish, the true heart must be in sync. That means the heart must control both the mind and heart. But, I fear to do so, my Infant Heart of Wrath needs to mature.'

As it was now, his Infant Heart of Wrath was incapable of handling that type of strain. If so, it would lose energy quickly. Thus, the remedy was to funnel all his active reserves into this organ.

 Once this matter became clear, Apollo moved forward with haste. With each heartbeat-like pulse, the Infant Heart of Wrath grew larger albeit slightly. Nevertheless, at this point, every advance was beneficial.

In turn, the orb emanating the noise became clear. Yet, Apollo still left it alone. It wasn't high on his to-do list. When inspiration hit, one always needed to capitalize on it. By the time he exhausted all of his reserves, the Infant Heart of Wrath doubled in size.

As a result, it stepped across a small threshold. At the same time, a change took place inside Apollo's mind. Although he didn't feel any stronger, everything felt clearer. His Tainted Temple purified to the next degree.

 〈System Alert! The Infant Heart of Wrath has involved into the Diabolic Heart of Wrath (Incomplete). Additionally, the ability attached to it is showing signs of awakening. Continue with your actions to completely unearth it.〉

As Apollo opened his eyes, they burned through the dark veil covering his senses. Concurrently, in his right hand, he held the dark orb emitting the noise. When he crushed it, the dark orb surrounding his group faded. 

It wasn't just him who learned the secret. Those like Adeon, Odessa, Ragnvald, and a few others awakened alongside him. It seemed all their comprehensions were on par with each other. Although their paths differed, the end result was identical.

"That's more like it. I am pleased that a handful of you have completed the exercise. This should give you an idea of how to train your senses. As you know, the most vital thing for a soldier is to possess stellar information gathering abilities with their senses. When you become skilled enough you will even be able to suspend your senses and sense beyond what is normal," Sapphyr smiled. 

A few moments later, Glaive commented, "With this, after the others awaken class can be deemed as over. For those of you who have accomplished this already, you can exit if you'd like. There's no reason to halt cultivation. Indulge in your own ways."

"However, before you go, I shall inform you all now; the next session won't be for at least 3 weeks. The basics have been covered. For now, just focus on cementing and familiarizing yourself with this. As for the topic next time, we'll discuss Spirits," Glaive announced.

Without further adieu, Apollo exited the premises. The remnants of inspiration were still present. Not to mention, now that his Diabolic Heart of Wrath matured, he could possibly take a step forward with engraving! The surplus energy could be contained by the Diabolic Heart of Wrath.

Upon leaving, Apollo made a stop at the front gate of the Outer Barrack living quarters. If he couldn't change his state of being, he could at least change the conditions in his room. Again, Apollo approached Corvin for a small favor.

"Sir Corvin, I had another small request. Can you tell me if it is plausible?" Apollo asked while standing before Corvin.

"Hmm, it depends on how absurd the request is. If it isn't some outlandish request, I'm sure it can be done. Just don't say I've never looked out for you," Corvin chuckled, awaiting Apollo's request.

'It seems everyone here operates with the same mindset. But, I can't say I don't like it. It makes interaction much easier and straightforward. I rather like those who don't hide their desires,' Apollo mused.

"I wanted to know if you can upgrade the formation inside my room. I want to increase my cultivation speed, however, I absorb more than the formation gathers. This is even after I supply them with sufficient Spirit Shards," Apollo revealed.

"Hmm, that's one of the leading costs of the Special Quarters amongst other things. Tell you what, if you only want the formations, I can engrave them. However, it'll increase the cost of your sole living space to 50% of the Special level. Is this agreeable to you?" Corvin bargained. He understood Apollo didn't want to pay the full price and was only in cultivation.

Thus, the additional benefits of the special area need not be mentioned. 

Immediately, Apollo assented. In his eyes, all these resources were temporary. On the contrary, the power he could gain was permanent. 

"Very well, your monthly expense will be noted at 1.1k Spirit Shards. Or, you can settle for an even 10 Spirit Stones. The payment is up to you. Additionally, since you are still in the Advanced area without the special formation, you aren't limited to the Academic Credit payments."

Without delay, Apollo placed 10 Spirit Stones on the desk before them. As they disappeared, Apollo followed after Corvin. Despite his rough appearance, Corvin was in fact a Silver Formation Master. This alone qualified him to take up a more meaningful job. 

Yet, with his personality, he didn't wish to have an abundance of responsibility. Hence, he was comfortable where he was. Not only was he the overseer of freshmen where he could monitor talent, but he could also formulate deals with them when it benefited both sides. It was the best of both worlds, a win-win situation if you must.

Sure enough, Corvin entered Apollo's residential area. Unlike what he thought, the core of the formation was located outside of the small building. In a matter of minutes, Corvin revamped the core functions of the formation.

Naturally, it came at a cost. "I must warn you, you may gain some temporary enemies. This area is a shared abundance of both Natural and Spiritual Essence. To summarize, now that your formation is upgraded, you will thin the others' resources by a large degree. I suggest you make yourself sparse until night," Corvin warned.

Unbeknownst to Corvin, Apollo didn't plan on venturing out of this area for any means. Everything he could need was present inside his spatial. Thus, Apollo bid his farewell and entered his residence.

Just after doing so, a message appeared.

〈System Alert! Based on the new environment, a small change has occurred in your skill: Pure Demonic Conversion.〉

〈System Alert! Current Conversion Cost: 18%〉

〈System Alert! Current Environment: 0.1 Pure Demonic Anima per second.〉

"While the change isn't overly large, every small difference counts. Now, let's get to business," Apollo voiced while taking a seat in the middle of the formation located in the center of the room.

Not long after he sat down, Apollo entered a state void of his surroundings. Like a glutton, he absorbed the energy around him as his insides churned it into usable energy. Had not for the upgrade to both the formation and his heart, this wouldn't be possible.

Silver wisps of Hellfire rose from his body as it flowed toward his mind. To continue engraving, he needed to move from the anima itself to using Hellfire. Yet, Apollo wasn't aware of this. The Diabolic Heart of Wrath catalyzed this process on his own.

Slowly, it inched up from his Infernal Nucleus. Usually, this wouldn't hurt Apollo but there were apparent signs of the pain growing to be monumental.