The Demon Monarch System

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As the knock was heard on his door, Apollo turned his attention towards it. From the repeated and hurried knocks, he could tell whoever it was that came to his residence was either in a hurry or they had been trying to get in contact with him. Whichever it was, Apollo didn't care for it much.

 Since they were in the Academy and were unable to leave the premises, there weren't many events that could be counted as an emergency. Not to mention, news to the outside world was sealed off by special channels. If one sought to get information in and out of this place, they would need a special privilege.

Nevertheless, under the repeated knocking, Apollo ultimately gave way. "You may enter," he said. Afterward, he waved his arm and undid the security formation on the door. Thay way, when the person entered, they wouldn't be subject to an attack. 

However, he saw the person that walked through the door, he was shocked. "Uh, Odessa, why have you come all this way? Don't you live in the Special Area? It seems worthless to come to this area.

"Well, yes, but I came to see you. As we have a deal, I need to also monitor your progress. If you fall behind, you pose the risk of reneging on our deal. And, that is something a Crux can't tolerate, let alone me," Odessa answered with crossed arms and she walked through the doorway.

On the other hand, Apollo examined her silently. When he saw her neat unfamiliar uniform and the sword hanging at her waist, he became curious, "That uniform, it doesn't seem to be part of the regular student edition. Have you been given special privileges?"

"No, not really. Since you've been missing in action for over 4 weeks, you've missed out on a few events and things taking place in the school. However, I'll summarize for you, some students have joined the student council and some have joined the disciplinary committee. Thus, they are given extra Academic Credits and the end of every week. While it isn't large, it'll help to cultivate faster," Odessa responded.

Then, she inspected his clothes and appearance, 'I get a dangerous vibe from him although he is trying to conceal it. He must have made ample progress in lieu of his disappearance. I guess my worries are unwarranted. He doesn't seem to be a lazy individual. But, his appearance also seems rather haggard. What has he been doing?'

"Ahem, Apollo. Why do you look as if someone has tossed you around nonstop without giving you sufficient rest? If I'm being honest, it looks as if someone was bullying you," Odessa blinked innocently before taking a few steps forward. Once she was close, she raised her hand.

However, it was soon grabbed midair as Apollo gazed at her silently for a moment, "What are you doing?" He kept her hand in place while awaiting her answer. Even though he didn't sense any malice, he didn't understand why she was attempting to get so close.

"Well, if you're to be one of my people, then I can't allow you to look like this. Let me fix you if you intend on stepping out of this place. After all, I believe we have another lesson soon enough. On top of that, the Institutes will be opening their doors soon for the year," Odessa answered.

After finding her words to be the truth, Apollo released her hand. Honestly speaking, her words were correct. If he looked into his mirror, he would realize ashes embedded on his skin and scorch marks on the edges of his uniform.

Thus, he let her do her thing. Afterward, her hands shone with rejuvenating light. Not only did it work on people, but it also worked on material as well. Soon enough, the singed areas of his uniform looked brand new. Once done, she took a step away and nodded.

"You look much better now. Also, with your aura, I suggest you join the disciplinary committee. Keep in mind, this only pertains to the outer barracks and in addition to this, the students are somewhat unruly. Especially those amongst the group preparing to graduate. They seem to believe in some type of hierarchy. So, their actions become slightly tyrannical," Odessa commented while still tending to Apollo's undone hair.

Meanwhile, Apollo peered at her silently. 'Where is that haughty attitude from our first meeting? Why is she acting as if we're close friends? It could be due to the fact she's scared that the other Paragon may be able to steal her subordinates. But, why take this route? Isn't making your subordinates fear you much better? That way, if they think of betraying you, they'll understand death soon follows," Apollo thought to himself.

However, as his curiosity grew, he soon voiced his opinion, "Odessa, why are you doing this? Do you seek to gain something out of this behavior?"

"Eh? Can't I just pamper my people a little bit? Do I have to possess some sort of motive? But, if you must know, then my followers must all uphold a certain reputation. If you were to tarnish mine, how would I look in public?" Odessa asked. While she did, her expression became slightly frustrated. When had she ever been questioned? Usually, people would be happy to be in her presence.

Yet, this boy in front of her seemed to care less and was also unaffected by both her charms and her intent to garner a relationship. Even if her family ruled through fear, something told her that tactic wouldn't work on this boy before her. 

In fact, she had a feeling that if she tried this way, she would be invoking his ire. And, based on what she saw on the stage, she was well aware this youth was a killer. If she didn't play her cards right, should she allow him to gain enough strength that would be the end of her?

Likewise, she also thought she could turn him into a weapon to use against Alistair. That way, she would increase the chances of her family becoming the undisputed top dog even amongst the Supreme Families. However, to make this reality, they also needed to deal with the Dongguangs.

Unlike the rest, they didn't showcase their power. Thus, the Supreme's were still on the fence as to whether or not there was a 3rd Paragon of this generation. Not to mention, even after extensive questioning, their actions got them nowhere.

"Mm, I see. And, there is no other reason correct? I only ask this because you seem awfully close. I'll warn you now, don't develop any weird ideas towards me. Most likely than not, the answer will remain no to whatever you seek," Apollo stated before stepping away.

At this point, Elaia's aura was growing even more erratic. Undoubtedly, she was on the edge of a breakthrough. However, it seemed to be failing at the moment. 

Therefore, Apollo took action, 'I told you I would help you gain strength. Thus, allow me to help you.'

As he walked forward, Apollo created a ball of blended Essence on his hand. When Odessa saw this, her eyes widened. 'This is one of the abilities of the Saint Meridians, Absolute Control! Does this mean his internal state has stepped into the Saint threshold? This information isn't known to others. As far as they know, he only possesses Heaven Meridians. I need to keep this a secret.'

While Apollo held the condensed essence, he tapped a finger against it and caused a thread of essence to separate from the orb. He then tapped his finger against her stomach followed by her forehead. An instant later, in a continuous stream, the threads flowed inside her.

Naturally, this sustained her actions while Apollo took a step back, "With this, your breakthrough should be cemented. Also, Odessa why is your expression like that?" Apollo questioned while turning towards Odessa.

"That control. It doesn't belong to the low-grade Saint Meridians. No, it belongs to at least the middle-grade. How did you make such a drastic jump? You can't say that you've hidden it. It is impossible to fool the testing equipment. Tell me, I promise I will keep it a secret," Odessa implored while grabbing Apollo's hands with a fervent expression.

"It's just due to my practice method. It requires me to temper my internals above all. So, even if I fall outside of the age of internal upgrading practice, such a thing doesn't prohibit me," Apollo shrugged in response. This information wasn't anything valuable to him. After all, if anyone tried to practice what he did, they'd just be killing themselves.

"Then, does that mean your potential is limitless? What does the end stage of this technique describe? Will you unlock the fabled Supreme Meridians?" Odessa questioned. Even she herself only possessed high-grade Divine Meridians. However, she possessed 7 Blessed Aperture Meridians.

This meant, if she practiced her healing methods, she could become the world's top healer without contest. Of course, this was information she withheld from people. If everyone became aware of it, then there would be an endless line of people beseeching her to heal their injured loved ones.

"I can't answer that as I don't know what it is," Apollo answered. As a result, Odessa's excitement dampened. 

'Even so, I'll keep this a secret from my family as well. They don't need to know everything that happens, after all, they said I need to grow on my own. So, I must also possess my own share of secrets,' Odessa thought.

Then, a large shockwave took place.