The Demon Monarch System

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"Here's the plan," said Apollo as his feet shifted whilst holding the Coldiron Staff in an odd manner. Gathering the intricacies of the process in his mind, his sights remained locked upon the Demonic Earthflame Wyvern. That feeling he felt earlier was growing in magnitude. He could hear his heart beating in his ear; as if his eardrum was his heart. ​​

"We've overlooked a large factor—this Wyvern possesses a dragon bloodline, right? So it should also possess its weakness. In other words, a reverse scale. There should be a location on its body significantly weaker than the rest," Apollo surveyed the Wyvern whilst retreating next to Cynthia. His outreached hand was grasped by Cynthia moving from the spot.

Operating the Partial Shade Silhouette at maximum capacity, he was faster than her for the time being. Henceforth, he would take initiative in her dodging and placement. Amid their rapid movement, Apollo continued to divulge his inner thoughts.

"If my assumptions are correct, it should be its only weakness. We need to locate that scale, stay here Aunty and gather your strength," stated Apollo.

"I see what you're saying. We should capitalize on the fact this creature has yet to settle all matters of its evolution. Alright, I'm prepared. We just need a way to expose its weakness," Cynthia glimpsed at Apollo seeking his input.

"Leave that matter to me," Apollo placed Cynthia behind the Wyvern once again turning into a shadowy blur. Only, this time, he advanced toward the Wyvern.

However, the Wyvern didn't idle. For the first time, it made a move as well. It appeared as if it had grown accustomed to its body. As a result, it lifted a claw and slammed it towards Apollo. Needless to say, at his current speed he dodged it easily.

That was until thick threads of greenish energy flowed into the Wyvern, hastening its movements. It began to chase Apollo who landed small blows on its body.

«You have dealt 64 damage.»

«You have dealt 64 damage.»

'This…'

Apollo's eyes widened before his expression darkened. His attack didn't do much damage! In fact, it was 1/20 of his total Zul Count. In other words, the Wyvern's scales mitigated 95% of the damage he was inflicting. It was a jarring experience. However, he couldn't afford to give up.

He glanced behind the Wyvern to see Cynthia gathering a ridiculous amount of Natural Essence in light of delivering a final blow. A sword image coalesced and floated above her head.

[Lad, you are going about this wrong. At this rate, you'll exhaust your stamina before locating that scale. Instead, use your mind. What specific functions would a weakness like that have? Usually, a being's strength and weakness go hand in hand. The drawback of one's strength would be their weakness.]

'That's right. I'm being foolish,' Apollo derisively shook his head. Closing his eyes for an instant, he opened them again shimmering with a violet hue. He was utilizing the Spiritual Vision to the extremes.

He was looking for the area in which the Wyvern used to absorb Natural Essence in mass. Soon enough, he located it. However, there was a problem; the reverse scale was heavily guarded! It was on its underbelly currently against the ground.

If he wanted to damage it, he would need to launch the dragon. But with its immense physique, how much strength would that require? It was then he looked at the two new passive traits he acquired.

'Ah, it might be possible with these. Except…'

Scampering across the floor, dodging all attacks in a zig-zag motion. He came before the Wyvern's towering physique. Stowing the Coldiron Staff behind him, Apollo dug his fingers into scales of the Wyvern's tail.

"Arrrrrrgggghhhhh!"

Roaring at the top of his lung, Apollo poured every ounce of strength into his limbs. He chose this limb after great deliberation. It was the only one that limited the beast's response. At this angle, it would be unable to turn its body as well as its limb being unable to twist in this odd angle.

The scales emitted a creaking sound whereas the skin on Apollo's fingers filled with growing tears. Slowly but surely, its large body was lifted off the ground. Apollo's body, however, was subject to immense strain; his muscles threatening to tear. Pushing the pain to the back of his mind, he continued with his actions.

'BANG!'

Tossing the Wyvern behind himself, it lost footing exposing its reverse scale located upon its belly. Acting quickly, Cynthia unleashed a destructive strike! The sword image became tangible. It possessed three attributes—Ice, Water, and Wind. The crystalline sword was wreathed in piercing winds.

Cynthia thrust her sword forth puncturing the Wyvern's scale. Sadly, its vitality was not to be underestimated. Flailing about, it returned to its feet as violet blood dripped from its torso. Its eyes, on the other hand, screamed bloody murder.

"N-no way…. That wasn't enough? I consumed over 70% of my reserves executing that strike!" Cynthia's expression paled as a tinge of fright entered her eyes. Her actions provoked the beast. A torrential demonic aura exuded from its body.

Of course, her attack wasn't pointless. It had indeed dealt large amounts of damage to the Wyvern. So much so it had driven it berserk! But she was looking for execution with a single blow.

Monster Name: Demonic Earthflame Wyvern

Type: Evolved Variant

Bloodline: Demonic Dragon

Purity: Trace (Impure)

Element: Fire, Dark, Wind, Metal, and Earth

Cultivation: Rank 4 Spirit Beast

Health: 4,505 (15%)

Chance of Defeat: Unknown?

'15% of its health remains. This must be why its behavior has become so erratic. If it is so… I'll be able to match it,' Apollo exhaled a turbid air before clenching his fists, thereafter, relaxing them. Taking a weird stance, Apollo sliced both of his palms, immediately digging his nails inside afterward.

Alas, from his actions, a sanguine and nefarious aura was born causing small decay to the space around him. It was almost as if he was robbing this area of vitality.

Additionally, an odd occurrence took place—his health was once again dropping. From the initial 80%, it continued to decrease reaching as low as 20%. Any further and he was entering dangerous territory.

As this happened, both his and the Demonic Earthflame Wyvern's auras climbed. It seemed to be a contest. Although, it shouldn't be so, what Apollo was doing defied common sense!

He, a cultivator who had yet entered the Zul Warrior Realm, was emitting an aura on par with Rank 4 Spirit Beast. It was unheard of! Not to mention, one which possessed a bloodline albeit impure and a simple trace.

"This...they're like one and the same. This defies logic…. It's almost as if they originate from the same source," Cynthia's mouth widened, expression becoming one of shock. She could only wordlessly look on as she witnessed a scene that she would never forget.

'Skrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!'

The collision of the Wyvern's myriad affinities resulted in a gathering attack granting large amounts of devastation. Meanwhile, both Apollo's expression and appearance went through a momentary yet shocking change. A trace of crimson blood trailed down his lips—what he was performing was tearing him apart inside. Luckily, the Sacrificial Vigor limited this damage.

Yet still, his sights remained locked on two things; the weakness the Demonic Earthflame Wyvern was neglecting in its fury as it conjured its own immense attack as well as the Natural Blessings behind it.

"In my path of power, if I so desire it—I will claim everything I see! For I am who severs all obstacles; Second Annihilation!" Apollo's aura returned to a calm—an eerie silence.