The Demon Monarch System

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Once again, Geneva switched places with Sylvester, "Now, since you understand that you'll all be going on an expedition wherein you are to rely upon yourselves for survival, there is more information that needs to be disclosed. For example, the location and conditions of said expedition. Before I answer, does anyone have a clue where you might be headed?"

Before anyone could answer, a silence pervaded. While some of them knew the answer due to their family members experiencing this once before, answering at this very moment would essentially paint a target on their back. Not only would everyone flock to them for potential information, but they may also even resort to even more drastic matters. 

After all, information on anything was far more important than any other factor. Satisfactory information meant that plans could be made in advance. Once that happened, variables could be accounted for based on the flow of events that took place.

Since no one answered, Geneva smiled. "I guess we're all shy. Very well, you'll all be entering the mysterious Central District of Pangea Island. Outside of this area, not much else is known about it as both the Guardian of the world and the established laws don't allow anyone or thing to enter."

Upon hearing this, Apollo's expression grew interested. 'The Central District is it? Perhaps there are some secrets hidden there. The only reason I can see entry being forbidden is when it pertains to secrets. This makes me want to enter there even more. Not to mention, if not much is known, then that means surveillance of the place is sparse.'

While Apollo continued to think about this, Geneva continued to disclose information related to their upcoming expedition. In addition to the restriction, there were certain safety measures put in place. After all, while this area was a valuable place, it didn't warrant the death of these students.

"When you enter, there will be two markings on your body. One, you simply need to shatter it with essence to be drawn out of the sub realm immediately. This is the safest and most practical way to ensure your life is preserved. However, be warned, certain areas, especially the peaks in the area will disrupt the signal. This is where your own judgment comes into play," Geneva revealed.

The situation between each participant would be different. What Geneva didn't disclose is the temptation of the items inside. Even if she did, this was something they'd have to experience firsthand to understand. Her warning just wouldn't suffice. Such knowledge was gained from past transgressions.

"Furthermore, you also have to be reminded that this doesn't just include you all. All of the other academies will assemble to enter as well. In other words, this is a joined effort. Thus, you should pay even more attention to survival. Should there be an abundance of competition for a single area, then I advise you to retreat. While this may be meant for a sole individual, people are treacherous," Geneva cautioned.

Fortunately, those who were aware of the treacherous ways of human greed and malice paid close attention to Geneva's words. In their eyes, nothing was worth more than their own life.

On the other hand, Apollo chuckled. At first, he wanted to open his mouth, however, he refrained from doing so. For this certain event, he felt it was better to move in silence and make sure that no one was all the wiser to his intentions. Hence, he closed his eyes and remained standing amongst the crowd. 

"Lastly, the second marking you will bear is the most important. It's a special marking that the sub realm of the Central District administers itself. Depending on the final state of the marking, the ranking of your next year will be determined. Some of you may enter the Elite Class and some of you may enter the Pantheon Class. It is all determined by your own actions; that is all," Geneva announced.

A moment later, she bid her departure. Simultaneously, she also sent Apollo a message that made him weary. 'I have appeared on numerous people's radar? Interesting, and from the way she worded it, I don't think it pertains to this academy. I guess this journey beyond will be...eventful,' Apollo inwardly thought with a small chuckle.

The moment the assembly ended, Apollo didn't dawdle. He gazed in Typhir's direction and gave a signal before moving under the cloak of his shadow. Slowly, the two made their way away from the auditorium. When they reconvened, not just Typhir even Apollo felt a shred of excitement. 

"Is what you said true?" Typhir questioned. In truth, there were two parts to his inquiry. On their way over, Apollo revealed two pieces of information to Typhir. The first piece of information was related to the fact they would be crossing over to another world shortly. However, before doing so, Typhir was to finish establishing his stigmata. Once that happened, he would be able to circulate Ira without any interruption. 

Not to mention, Apollo wasn't sure if there were any aftereffects of entering Ashairem without a complete stigmata. Frankly speaking, he also didn't want to take the risk. In this case, caution took precedence over rushing. 

As for the other piece of information, Apollo insinuated that there would soon be an opportunity to crush his source of wrath and indignance. While Apollo didn't mention a name, Typhir was certain Apollo was aware of his inner feelings. After becoming his acolyte, there was an established link that seemed to allow Apollo into his mind but not the opposite. 

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As a spatial fracture opened for them to enter, Apollo brought Ouroboros along. Once their training was done, there would be no pause from the moment of completion and departure.

While Typhir was guided in the ways of an Ira Stigmata, Apollo retrieved the Demonic Enchantment Scroll from his possession. As he glimpsed through, Apollo became pleasantly surprised. This scroll wasn't what he thought it was, in fact, it was a technique! 

One that required a strong Intent, Demonic Anima and the utilization of Hellfire. So long as his Hellfire was strong enough, he would be able to engrave his own Demonic Runes on both items inanimate and animate alike. 

'An enchantment technique. I think this is similar to the formations that Corvin excels in. However, it is fundamentally different. This will eliminate the lack of a weapon as long as I increase my proficiency and obtain the right material within the Nihilistic Rings,' Apollo thought to himself. 

Rather than continue practicing his other techniques, he read through the scroll over and over until the contents were embedded in his mind. When he looked through it, he was sure this was a basic technique at best, however, even the most basic of technique became unable to be questioned when brought to its peak. Just, the effort required to do so was unimaginable. 

First things first, the scroll required Apollo to consciously manipulate the heat his Hellfire exuded. After all, its inherent heat was too tyrannic for some material. This is where his control came into play. Before attempting it with any material, it was smarter to gain theoretical practice first. 

As the Hellfire danced in his palm, Apollo spared all his attention to modifying its temperature. He practiced with this by using a Spirit Shard. He aimed to control the temperature to a point wherein the shard wouldn't melt. Of course, this wasn't easy.

On the first attempt, the shard blew up within an instant. In addition to the temperature, the Demonic Anima that comprised the Hellfire destabilized the shard. In this practice, he also aimed to control the destructive properties of his energy. In a sense, he was attempting to nullify. This meant changing his energy's properties at the base function.

Upon noticing this, Fuhrer's turned in his direction, "Lad, you aren't a Daemos. If you wish to alter your energy signature, it'll be rather difficult. If you do that, then you'll essentially unlock the ability to shapeshift. Of course, there are requirements for doing such a thing."

"Not quite, I am just attempting to learn Demonic Enchanting, but I don't want to waste my important resources. These are the least useful out of everything, thus, I don't mind its sacrifice. If it's for my greater path, then it is worth it," Apollo answered.

All he did was give a simple nod. Other than that, Fuhrer didn't add his input. Until now, there were a few feats that Apollo accomplished that defied the order he knew. Another shock was something he was bound to see.

More importantly, Typhir's stigmata was nearing completion. When he was done overseeing that, it was time to catapult them back into the realm of the demons.