The Demon Monarch System

----

Rather than transport them all at once, Irauk made the party travel by foot. After all, the doorway to all of the Academies was inside of Pangea Island. Due to the advances in technology and innovative uses of both types of Essences, special areas were made.

This was why, although Pangea Island housed numerous colossal buildings, there weren't any signs of the Academies. A special authority, as well as code, was needed to enter the seals surrounding the schools. Thus, as they transversed the streets of Pangea Island, the small group behind Irauk chatted amongst themselves.

"Apollo, what type of seat did you get for the year? According to what I've read in the Central Library here before the trial, the seats are divided into four levels. Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond," Nadida questioned as she pulled Apollo's arm.

In addition to the different levels, there were also standards for each level. This was why the offers highlighted how many times the standard would be rewarded. While Apollo's offer of 3 times the standard didn't seem too impressive, that was only in retrospect to the other offers.

Frankly speaking, the difference between the ranks grew in an exponential fashion. In fact, the number of people who received outside of the standard diamond soldier offer was few and far between.

Moreover, different from what one would think, these freshmen offers only played a single vital role. The rank annotated the type of package one would receive upon the completion of orientation. 

"The diamond apprentice soldier," Apollo answered while trying to push her off. Unfortunately, once again, it was like she was glued to his arm. Similarly, Soccora tapped his shoulder lightly with innocent eyes.

"Do you remember me, Apollo?"

As he turned his head and looked at Socorra, he felt silent. He remembered her face, but couldn't quite recall her name. After all, not only was she the extremely quiet one of the bunch, it had been over 4 years since they met.

Nevertheless, as she started pouting, he finally remembered, "It's Siccum," he nodded.

"What? It's Socorra. So-cor-ra," Socorra answered in exasperation. In response, Apollo tilted his head. 

With a deadpan expression, he answered her, "That's what I said. Now, do me a favor and get this thing off of me."

"Thing? What thing? Oh, and how did you get the diamond offer? That's not fair! I only got gold. This is ludicrous. IRAUK!" Nadida seethed as she let go of her own accord. However, she stomped toward Irauk. 

Naturally, she didn't like how different the offers they received were. Thus, she let him have an earful. Sadly, it fell on vacant ears, literally. By using the control granted by his high cultivation, he sealed off his hearing. 

Additionally, with the ample time he spent with her, he knew her well. Like clockwork, every 3 seconds he nodded and grunted to show his "annoyance". Of course, the small smirk on his face didn't escape the eyes of those like Adeon and Apollo.

'Damn, that silly girl is getting played like a fiddle,' Apollo thought. But, a part of him was also happy he wasn't being bothered at that moment. As he gazed at the buildings, he noticed an out of place clearing up ahead.

Just as he took notice, Irauk raised his hand. "Stop and don't take another step. Well, unless you want to be pulverized that is." 

Although they didn't know why he said this, every halted in their steps. Irauk, however, continued to walk forward. As he continued to move forward, the area before him rippled as if a stone were thrown into a pond. With each step, the ripples grew stronger.

Due to this fact, Apollo squinted. He was familiar with this type of ripple. In fact, he saw fragments of information inside them, 'It seems my Level 3 Spatial Affinity is coming into prominence. But, I still don't know what these small bits mean. Not to mention, just as quickly as they come, is as fast as they go.'

Unbeknownst to him, the fluctuations were designed that way. After all, after one reached a certain cultivation realm, what they learned wasn't the affinity with the Spatial attribute, but the Rules of Space. 

The difference lay in the way of utilization. Those with an affinity in the Spatial Attribute retained the ability to attack with it. Meanwhile, those who understood the Rule of Space could merely use it for convenience. For example, teleportation, spatial seals, and even the transmission of information.

As for the reason behind this type of security measures, these academies were deemed as the holy grounds of humanity to the truest extent. Every single one of them was situated in the heart of the districts and were sustained by Celestial Essence Veins. Which, were the chains that bound the continents together in the form of a vein.

'Hmm, so this is the new pattern,' Irauk mused. His eyes flashed with an amber light as another ripple took place. This time, a strangle puzzle appeared before Irauk. Following the information in his mind, he solved it without fail. 

The sound of numerous gears falling into place echoed as Irauk stood there leisurely. Shortly after, white doors came into view as what seemed to be a reflective veil receded. 

As the doors opened, Irauk stepped aside, "Enter. If I go first, it'll just close shortly after due to my presence being absent from the outside. Therefore, you all go first."

"Me first, me first!" Nadida repeated excitedly. Due to her excitement, she didn't even wait for an answer before rushing inside. In comparison, the others were much more composed when they entered. 

Behind them, Irauk smiled, "Welcome...to Vermillion Night Academy, home of the Dark Phoenixes."

-----

Everyone now stood inside the sealed space. At first, they didn't know how to respond. Compared to the modern landscape of Pangea Island, this new scenery was the direct opposite. As far as they could see, there was only one extremely large institute building.

Furthermore, each of its obsidian spires seemed to pierce the sky. Also, the concentration of Essence inside this space was far denser than outside due to the number of formations on the walls of the academy. It kept the essence confined to the area inside of the Academy.

Additionally, the formation fed the ample verdant flora surrounding the academy walls sufficient essence.

While marveling at the sight, Apollo noticed but a single bridge leading to the doors of the academy. But, what surprised him was the innumerable fluctuations of Essence taking place beyond the walls.

"Is someone in battle?" Apollo questioned.

"Nope, at least I don't think so. You're most likely sensing the training of the other students. During this time, they'd all usually be performing outdoor training. Nevertheless, that's not your current concern. You need to head to the auditorium. As you see, the are many of you," Irauk informed.

As he spoke, numerous groups of children entered the academy. He brought them along as he entered as well.

Once again, the groups wore expressions of deep shock as they traveled along the designated path. The Essence here was so thick it condensed into a mist. Just moving their hands back and forth, a thin layer of essence covered their hands.

'The conversion rate of my Demonic Anima is much faster here. Perhaps, I'll be able to correct my state faster than I thought. Maybe I can even find a way to etch the stigmata on my mind. But first, I need somewhere I won't be disturbed,' Apollo mused while arriving before the auditorium.

Once they entered, rows upon rows of other students greeted them. In the front, a vacant podium stood before velvety black curtains.

While Apollo continued to observe his surroundings, Irauk leaned close and whispered in his ear, "Oh, I must warn you. Do not get in trouble. If you think Sapphyr is bad, you're in for a rude awakening," Irauk warned.

Upon leaving this warning, he vanished from where he stood. Whereas he left, another person entered. The crisp rhythmic sounds of heels tapping with vigor quieted all conversations.

A lady dressed in wine-colored robes adorned with crimson gems approached the podium. Her profound black eyes shimmered with darkness as her scarlet hair flowed down her back.

Her powerful yet pleasing voice sounded as he presented a pleasant smile, "Ah, it pleases me to know you all have basic manners. That means there won't be any need for the drilling of discipline week. Now, allow me to introduce myself; I am Geneva Vermillion, the 46th Headmaster of Vermillion Night Academy," she announced.

"Before you all are truly deemed my students, there are some ground rules we need to go over. It won't take long, but it will be tedious. I need to understand all of your strengths. So, forgive my prying," Geneva stated before raising her hand.