The Demon Monarch System

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While waiting for Robyn to return, Apollo leaned against the display case. As he looked inside, he saw numerous different items. They spanned from luxurious rings to fine weaponry. However, every single item shared a single trait. They were protected by defensive formations.

Although he couldn't see them, as I put his hand inside, numerous alarms rang inside his mind. Naturally, instead of continuing the foolish idea, he retracted his arm, 'It seems even inspection is not allowed. But, for some odd reason, I feel like I could utilize at least one of the items. Well, at least for now. I wonder what grade they are.'

As he thought about this matter, he glanced at his pendant around his neck. Unlike the other items, this item had yet to deteriorate or even degrade despite absorbing copious amounts of Apollo's aura. This led Apollo to believe his aura was insufficient to damage items of that grade.

Thus, making the conclusion he could utilize items for some time as well. However, what he didn't know was the fact that this necklace didn't originate from this world. In actuality, that pendant would never present the same feeling the other items would when on the brink of breaking.

If he progressed, so did the pendant. Nevertheless, since he wasn't privy to this information, he continued to make incorrect speculations. Fortunately, they weren't drastic decisions that would harm him.

On the other hand, while he continued to glance inside the display cases, Robyn reappeared soundlessly. Before announcing himself, he examined Apollo's behavior, 'Hoh, it seems that young lad has found some items that interest him. If it was within my power, I would gift him something. Unfortunately, if I did so and it got out that I was the culprit, I'll have to face Geneva's ire.'

After allowing him to glance around enough, Robyn cleared his throat to gain Apollo's attention, "Something catch your eye lad? I'm guessing it's a weapon above all."

In response, Apollo turned towards him, "Why did you guess that?" In truth, Robyn's words were correct. The last item he went to look at was a pair of refined and pure black daggers. However, they were a tinge longer than the typical dagger size. 

But, they also weren't long enough to be called short swords. Nonetheless, to Apollo, they seemed to be the perfect length. Not to mention, the way all his techniques were increasing in consumption rather than decreasing made him wary. He needed to rely less on Hellfire Manifestation to last longer.

To do so, he'd need a weapon he was capable of wielding without breaking. Even though those daggers didn't appear to be some unsurpassed weapon, something was off about it. Luckily, the off presence in Apollo's case was a great advantage. 

If he had to put it into words, then the weapon agreed with him. It emitted a faint aura of death and desolation.

"Ah, you like that weapon? Interesting, that's the legacy of the Vermillion Night Academy. Unlike everything else in this place, it has no price tag. The lineage of the Headmasters never intended to sell it. It is more so a keepsake, a trophy if you will," Robyn chimed as he saw Apollo's eyes returning to its position.

"What's the history behind it?" Apollo questioned, placing his hand against the glass of odd toughness. As his hand made contact with it, it felt like he was touching air, 'A distortion of two spaces? It also seems to be confined to one area. This goes beyond spatial rings and so.'

"Those weapons are formed from the sole Disaster-Grade to ever appear on this world. After ample sacrifices, it was quelled. However, before its body disappeared into nothingness, the first Headmaster used his special technique of the shadows to forever seal it in suspense," Robyn answered.

"Disaster-Grade. Does that have something to do with the Terrors? If so, I've never heard of something like that. Can you give me any other information about it?" Apollo inquired. 

"It's a grade for a Terror who has escaped normal means of classification. If one ever appears, I suggest you run. The sacrifices to quell that beast numbered in the millions. This included other Spirits as well," Robyn warned. 

Before Apollo could ask another question, Robyn opened his palm and presented a small ring, "Absorb the contents into your own ring. After that, let's have a small talk. If you're so interested in the items here, perhaps we can come to an agreement.'

Since his words intrigued Apollo, Apollo moved quickly and did so. However, his nature didn't allow him to overlook inspecting the contents. When he found the number resource he just acquired rivaled his initial package, this rose questions.

"I have a question about cultivation, why does this 9th Seat reward so many resources?"

"Ahem, you think that is a lot young boy? Those resources can't even grant a single level when you reach the Spirit Lord or the Zul General Realm. Each of those is a substantial watershed. When you experience it, you'll come to realize what I am telling you. In the meantime, why don't you listen to my proposition," Robyn uttered with a whimsical smile.

Silently, Apollo took a step back. If he had to compare that smile to something, it was like when Azridan used to lead him into a situation that introduced him to a world of pain. Hence, it was instilled in him to always raise a guard now.

"What is it?" Apollo asked cautiously.

For a moment, Robyn rubbed his chin with interest. Then, he posed a question of his own, "So tell me, how good would you say your control is?"

"Control over what exactly? There are plenty of things we seek to control. So, I'm not exactly sure what you're referring to," Apollo answered.

In return, Robyn showed another smile, "This shows your background is small. However, it is also a good cautious answer. In our world, the moment we mention control, it pertains to one thing; your mastery over Essence.

"Now, I'll ask a better question. Do you have Saint Meridians and can you sense essence without paying attention to it? Has it become inherent or do you need to strain yourself?" Robyn questioned while taking leisure steps forward.

Before answering, Apollo almost continued to interrogate him. Fortunately, he recalled a piece of information from their first meet. Robyn was the Head of the Resource Hall. Additionally, the Resource Hall was just a broad term.

When broken down, it encompassed numerous departments. One of them being the production department. In other words, the items inside the Resource Hall were manufactured by themselves.

"Do you mean these silver and blue tendrils forever suspended in the air?" Apollo answered with a question. 

Yet, his weird question garnered Robyn's further praise, "Correct, so you do have them. But, if they're tendrils then your temple is insufficient. They should appear as shades. Once that happens, you can read their flow. If you can do that, you can guide it to act for you through any means.

"For example, keep your eyes peeled," Robyn added. Immediately after, he fell silent while looking directly into Apollo's eyes. Yet, something more important took place.

The tendrils in his peripheral gathered together and formed a double-layered sphere. Then, another change took place. A two-toned color flame appeared and heated the area around the two.

Upon seeing this, Apollo's eyes widened. 

"Do you understand? Your physicality doesn't need to come into play if your temple is strong enough. How would you like to become my apprentice? Even if you don't travel the path of creation, what I am teaching you is mere fundamentals. I'll help you hone your control, in turn, you have to fetch me something," Robyn stated.

"What is this favor you seek?" Apollo responded. He learned quickly to never trust someone's words. He operated on his own feelings. Based on his internal comprehension, he would determine his answer.

"There is a special expedition that every single student must participate in. You all venture to a special area and are tested in uniquely changing ways. However, the rewards never change. I would like you to fetch me a special flame. If you agree to do so then," Robyn paused his words and pointed at the case carrying the twin weapons.

"I'll coerce the Headmaster into giving you that weapon. However, you'll have to enter that place and find something to replace it. In other words, I won't be able to give you that weapon now, but that doesn't mean it won't become yours in the future. I can feel it, you're probably the only person capable of wielding that weapon. I can feel something special about you," Robyn stated with both reverence and caution apparent in his voice.

Truth be told, he didn't know if he was garnering the favor of a savior or germinating a catastrophe. But, what he did know was that this youth was a profitable existence. Whether it be in cultivation or fortuitous encounters, something told him that Apollo was the gateway to him achieving a long-awaited breakthrough.

"That weapon you say. Then I'll oblige," Apollo nodded while looking at the weapon. Since Robyn's desires were laid bare, he understood that all his words were the truth. There was no hidden agenda, he was simply operating in his best interest. And, this was something Apollo could respect.