The Demon Monarch System

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A shift in their movements occurred. Axel took Apollo's front whereas the other landed on all of his sides. However, while this took place, some of the elders frowned and glanced in Kayn's direction. They couldn't overcome that one recurring thought—was this necessary? They felt there was insufficient reasoning behind this event. ​​

"Grand Elder, I understand that rules are rules. But they aren't alive like these children. Certainly, they can be broken right?" Ashur once again pleaded to Kayn. However, it fell upon disregarding ears.

Kayn denied that notion. "No, I would like to see what happens; his words are correct. This newfound confidence and source of power in Apollo intrigues me. I would like to see where his future lies. If it comes at the sacrifice of a few youths who made his childhood a living hell, so be it. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make."

Ashur remained exasperated by this answer. It was unthinkable. What caused these drastic changes in Kayn's mindset? One word—power. In this world, power took precedence. By achieving the power prerequisite to obtaining higher status, one would be able to forgo the ties holding together one's morals.

Not to mention, Apollo's promise did just that. The enticement it provided gave way to Kayn once again reigniting his passion for power. As a result, his grand aspirations were now held to a higher degree than the actual lives of those who were unable to breathe life into it.

Not only did Ashur struggle to find the right words to rebut, but Sallaya was also triggered as well, offering her own attempt at persuasion, "G-Grand Elder...this is our younger generation we're talking about. Our future! What about my son?"

"It's a tragic situation, however, what is to be—we'll overcome it," Kayn replied. Meanwhile, his gaze never left the battle reaching its climax. Although no moves were made yet, the auras of Axel, Brendel, Erik, Klyde, and Ymir continued to climb.

Their lives depended on it, therefore, they spared no efforts in preparing to end Apollo's meager existence in their eyes. Be that as it may, Apollo's aura didn't fluctuate in the slightest. In fact, there was a lack thereof.

This was something that baffled even Azridan. What was he doing? It didn't make sense, was he simply observing their actions? The lack of reaction prompted the combating youth's to believe he thought himself to have entered a perilous situation resulting in a change in their expression.

Oh, how wrong they were. Those thoughts were in direct opposition to Apollo's current mindset.

[Lad, why do you not react? Their auras are climbing. Each and every one of them is at least a Rank 1 Zul Warrior.]

'Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Don't you think it'd be amusing to see when their reignited hopes to live are extinguished right before their very eyes? Robbed of the life they so desperately clung onto?'

[You mean to say…]

'That is right. I'm not going to simply kill them. They'll understand what indisputable might is before they die. As for injuries, hmph, I'd like to see them actually injure something they can't touch.'

[Maniacal! Are you telling me you're going to mentally abuse them while physically destroying them? Allow me to witness such a scene! Do it immediately! Do not dawdle! Hurry up!]

Clenching his fist, Apollo punched the ground causing destruction; cracks expanding beyond a 10-meter distance. The immediate change in situation baffled the children as the ground splintered. A cloud of dust distorted the view of the field. However, those of suitable cultivation were able to peer through it with ease.

The five youths on the other hand became frantic. Apollo didn't use Natural Essence so they couldn't track his concealed presence. Unbeknownst to them, after performing this action Apollo hadn't done anything else.

"Why are you frightened? Confront me!" Apollo bellowed landing an even stronger impact on the ground. This time, the 5 reacted and dashed toward the origin of his voice.

Ymir being of the Wind Element, summoned a large gust of wind displacing the dust exposing Apollo's figure. Acting in accordance, Axel inhaled, his chest swelling with power. At the peak of his actions, he fired a large stream of fire at Apollo compounded on Ymir's previous action.

In turn, Apollo smirked without moving, 'Playing with fire before me? Laughable.' His body devoured the essence, becoming fuel due to him circulating the Infernal Ira Stigmata pathways.

Brendel slammed his hands on the ground summoning two large slabs of earth, seeking to smash together. Sadly, it didn't take place. Apollo stopped it by spreading his arms, freezing them in place.

"What?!" Brendel gawked. Never had he experienced someone overwhelm this technique with physical strength alone. 'What the hell is wrong with his physique?'

'Crack!' 'Crack!' 'Bang!'

Apollo tightened his grip on the slabs of stones until they crumbled to pieces, "Is this all you're capable of? If so, your ends will be quick!"

'Fwoosh!' 'Bang!'

Apollo dashed toward the petrified Brendel. Whipping out his arm, he landed an explosive punch on Brendel's torso. A mouthful of blood fired from his mouth, splattering across the ground. Subsequently, Apollo grabbed Brendel's wrist, swinging him through the air. Far from done, he gazed emotionlessly into the eyes of the others as he gripped his other wrist.

Placing his knee on Brendel's back, Apollo both wrenched his arms as well as pulled them apart. Tears of agony welled in Brendel's eyes.

"E-eeaaggggggggghhh," shrill cries of excruciating pain filled the training ground. In fact, those around widened their eyes in horror. Audile popping and cracking noises were heard from Brendel's arm sockets in the deathly silent atmosphere, "I-it hurrrtttttss! Agch…."

'Krrrrrk!'

His screams stopped as his body fell forward, his pupils remaining in a daze. The ember of life quickly flowing from his eyes. A queasy feeling rose from the pit of the other's stomachs.

"T-this….LET US OUT! STOP THIS!" Axel's roars grew frantic. His eyes trembled as he looked at the limp arms hanging in Apollo's hands in horror—his pale expression worsening by the second.

An amused smirk appeared on Apollo's face as he flung the arms aside. On the contrary, a profound glint entered Kayn's gaze, 'Ruthless…'

The five against one had now become a four against one, and Apollo's eyes deepened with desire. Disappearing from the spot, when he reappeared his arm was thrust through Dylon's chest clutching his heart. With a squeeze, he ruptured it.

And so, four became three. At this point, they were so stricken with fear, they remained paralyzed becoming easy pickings from Apollo. One by one he killed them until it was just him at Axel.

Picking him up by the throat, Apollo gazed into his eyes witnessing the embers of hope peter out, "Do you bear regrets? If so, ruminate over them in the afterlife. Perhaps someday I'll meet you there."

"W-wait...Don't.. Plea-"

'Splich!'

Apollo pierced Axel's throat with his hands cutting his words, short. His eyes rattled filled with both despair and unyielding emotions. He didn't wish to die this way but he was helpless to change the fact of the matters.

With a wave of his arm, Apollo separated Axel's head from his body, forever dismembering him. However, looking back over his shoulder, Apollo met gazes with the horrified Ashur—a malevolent smirk appearing.

He raised Axel's severed head. The expression of fear still apparent—fresh for everyone to witness, "The one you doted upon and groomed into a hateful youth is no longer. But don't fret, you'll soon join him. I promise you." With those words, Apollo tightened his grasp, exploding the skull to bits.

Ashur's legs gave way as he fell to his butt, "N-No...NOOO!!!!" He howled in despair, he had just learned Axel was truly his son, and just like that, he had perished. It was a matter capable of turning one insane.

Taking note of all this, Kayn waved his hand; the barrier vanishing as a result. The atmosphere continued harboring that dreadful silence Apollo's actions gave birth to. Even Kayn remained so. From this moment forward… the way they looked at Apollo would forever change. That timid child was no longer. What remained before them was a demon!

"Ahem, everything is over. You may all return to your own devices. Let this serve as a lesson. May you all think of the consequences of your actions before you commit them," Kayn looked over everyone with a solemn gaze.

Meanwhile, Apollo's attention remained on other things. Notifications appeared before him one by one, 'I thought I was unable to receive experience from killing…'

[Hoh? You must remember, those aren't beasts. There are bound to be loopholes. Not to mention… did you forget about your conduct?]