The Demon Monarch System

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'This Zephus Domain...it's as bad as the records describe. I can sense it from here,' thought Irauk as he looked into the distance from a certain point in the forest. This was the single most area closest to the Endless Death Domain. Hence, it was also where danger remained the highest.

'I won't be able to use that. They're sensitive to that type of fluctuation. Luckily, I didn't come here to scope out the current situation of Zephus. I need to meet someone, these youths are simply additions I can't give up based on what I see inside of them,' mused Irauk whilst glancing behind him.

He limited his speed to what they could all handle. However, he was also subtly testing Apollo. Although he perceived drive within him, he needed to be of certain capabilities to fulfill the qualifications he was looking for.

'His speed seems to surpass that of a regular Rank 4 Mortal but he has yet to reach the Zul Point albeit infinitesimally close. Perhaps he is an agility-type. Nevertheless, I'll subject him to two more tests later,' formulated Irauk while ceasing his steps.

'He stopped? Have we reached his intended destination?' mentally noted Apollo while examining his surroundings. The trees nearby all possess various signs of battle. Scars were located upon the trunks while the ground was missing large patches in random spots.

"Oh? It was a beast battle," chuckled Irauk. The ambient aura remaining in the area was that of beasts from the vicinity. Even if it was covered, he possessed the means to separate threads of different aura. Not to mention, there were minute differences in the beast and human signatures.

[Careful. There are Rank 2 Spirits Beast of all stages in this area. I'm even perceiving some at the 3rd Rank. It would seem this is the furthest extent of the inner region before reaching the central area I forewarned you about.]

Forming a smug smile, Irauk turned towards the bunch, "You five, Rhett, Ragnvald, Soccora, Nadida, and Adeon shall separate and take down at least 10 Spirit Beast each. However, you all must bring back cores at least 2 levels higher than your current cultivation. Those of you who fail... I'll be eating your share of the food." His last words seemed to be aimed at Rhett as his body shivered in terror.

"N-not the food! I will kill everything!" scowled Rhett while disappearing into a gust of wind similar to a frightened cat.

'F-fast... How can someone so pudgy move so fast?' incredulously thought Apollo while shifting his gaze to the other retreating figures. From their current movements, it was clear none of them used their entire strength earlier. Meanwhile, Apollo frowned slightly.

'It would seem I'm still weak,' he thought while clenching his fist. In comparison, he was the youngest amongst them but his sights were set high. As a result, he felt a blow to his pride when he realized the disparity.

[Those thoughts aren't completely sound. After all, you possess an advantage no one else in this word possesses—me or rather, the existence of this system.]

'Ah, you're right. But it is still hard not to compare myself to others. Under normal circumstances, I think I would be on par with them if it wasn't for whatever sickness plagued my childhood,' responded Apollo.

[No need for what-ifs. Simply take hold of what you've been given and mold a future that you deem to be irrefutable.]

"As for you, I have something else I would like you to complete. Have you ever done battle with a Rank 2 Spirit Beast," spoke Irauk, interrupting Apollo's thoughts and responses.

"No...that's... I'm not capable of fighting one," replied Apollo with a wary expression. Did he just enter the grasp of a madman? 'He wouldn't dare subject me to what I think he wants to...'

"Oh? Said who? I would like to witness you surviving against one. Come along, let's find a type which is suitable for you," amusedly smiled Irauk while vanishing and appearing next to Apollo picking him up.

Shocked, Apollo widened his eyes as he failed to formulate words. It wasn't due to his brain short-circuiting but rather the force of the wind was too much for him to move let alone speak. The speed at which Irauk was traveling was simply insane!

'T-this...where is he taking me?!'

Soon enough, their movement ceased as Irauk gazed meaningfully at a bear-type Spirit Beast. However, it didn't seem to be fully grown. Even then, it was still much larger than a fully grown human male. It's violent fur and red eyes stared cautiously at the two newcomers. At the same time, the system graced Apollo with information.

Monster Name: Stone Violet Bear (Cub)

Cultivation: Early Stage Rank 2 Spirit Beast

Health: 1,900/1,900

Chance of Defeat: 1.2%

'1.2%?! I've never seen a percentage so low. The chances are abysmal. What does he expect me to accomplish in this situation? As for that Health, I can't do anything about that...'

"We've arrived and the beginning of another quadrant of the inner region. This will be your opponent. It isn't fully grown. Therefore, its defense will be rather low when compared to a mature beast. Naturally, this is in light of the Rank 2 category, so it will still remain an extremely large challenge. However, what I'm asking you to do isn't defeat it but rather survive for...let's say 5 minutes. Wait, no 10," instructed Irauk as he leisurely leaned against a tree while picking Apollo up by the waist of his pants and tossing him.

Landing in front of the bear, he frowned and immediately dodge. Viewing him as dangerous, the bear pounced on Apollo swiping his claw. Its speed was not to be underestimated. This was the sole reason he didn't seek to confront Rank 2 beasts.

'D-damn! How does he expect me to deal with this,' frowned Apollo while retrieving the Vantablack Knife from his waist. The knife only heightened the bear's sense of danger angering it further. A light yellow gleam appeared on its violet fur. Grimacing, Apollo knew exactly what this sign foretold.

'Oh? This beast can invoke its natural ability already? It seems I may have picked a target slightly out of his league for this challenge,' thought Irauk as he began moving his foot. However, he stopped his current actions as he noticed something and became pleasantly surprised by the events taking place.

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[Calm down. Analyze the situation and take in your surroundings. Don't forget our training in perilous situations. Use your mind to counteract adverse situations as we have discussed. Take a deep breath and clear your mind.]

"Phewww..." inhaling and exhaling a gleam circulated within Apollo's eyes as his demeanor changed. It was returning to its earlier callous state. As for the bear, its appearance changed in his image. It was as if he was projecting someone else's figure on the bear. He now looked at it like prey.

'