The Demon Monarch System

----

Back inside the territory of the Dakea Stronghold…

Despite receiving the items, both Xonnomor and Gallmath remained in shock by the fact that Apollo had openly given them over 1,000 Fragment of Sins. Typically, these items were held with high regard as they were the most convenient items for not just replenishing Sin Reserves, but even heightening one's purity. 

Hence, to receive over 1,000 Fragments of Sin, while not completely unheard of, was a shock for these two. Nevertheless, since Apollo urged them to take it, they both nodded, splitting the amount in half.

"I expect you both to recover to your peak state faster than you've achieved it. Is that clear?" Apollo demanded while looking over the both of them. Although he doubted that these two demons lacked resources during their youth, there was a simple reason for his demands.

The system evaluated the Fragment of Sins in their possession, and though the system's evaluation seemed to be tailored to Apollo, that wasn't the case. The evaluations made by the system were universal. Meaning, it would affect any demon in the same way it would Apollo's minions..

However, becoming Apollo's minions meant that absorption of said item was greater, courtesy of the system's aid. So, although it had the same effect for all demons, the depth varied.

Not to mention, it also depended on the grade of one's demon body. The higher it was, the more the demon could draw out the effects of certain items. As for Xonnomor and Gallmath, they possessed what was known as a Matured Demon Body, or, in other words, the generic demon body of an Archdemon.

It simply meant their strength, vitality, agility―everything had risen to a substantial degree. If Apollo's system were to quantify their value, then their numbers would have at least broken 5,000 by now.

But, since Apollo absorbed a sizable portion of their strength, it was probably closer to 4,000 at this point.

Meanwhile, both Xonnomor and Gallmath looked at Apollo with dignified expressions laden with skepticism. Unlike the others, the effect on their minds was quite different. So, while they were loyal to Apollo, there were still doubts in their minds about themselves.

"U-uh, Lord. Are you sure that command is possible? How fast are we talking here?" Xonnomor muttered with a wry smile.

"My worries are the same," Gallmath added.

In return, Apollo looked towards them with a lackadaisical expression, "How long did it take you to reach this height before?"

"From the beginning? Or just our progress as an Archdemon?" Xonnomor asked skeptically.

"The latter."

"Oh, then it took us a decade after becoming Archdemons to reach our former progress," Xonnomor admitted without any shame. And, it was to be expected as advancing from stage to stage within the Archdemon rank took many years.

Still, seeing their proud expressions, Apollo turned towards Fuhrer with a dubious expression as well.

"Is 10 years good?"

"Eh… If we're taking into account our vitality and the current state of times, then sure it is an exemplary rate of advancement. However, in the ancient times, the entire Archdemon state took no longer than 5 years to advance through," Fuhrer answered after analyzing these two.

He then added, "But, it also reduces even more for the more talented or simply blessed demons, such as every demon on the council. For them, the Archdemon stage lasted no longer than 2 years."

Apollo's eyes brightened after hearing this piece of information. If this was the rate of advancement for the old council, then why couldn't his household accomplish the same? 

On the other hand, both Xonnomor and Gallmath's pride plummeted when they heard Fuhrer's interpretation. The comparison made their achievement feel ordinary at best. While they were okay for present times, if they were alive during the past, then their attainments just wouldn't cut it.

Just another indication of just how disastrous the clash between the upper races would be if it were to happen at this very moment.

Still, Apollo thought otherwise of this information, "Very well. Then your time limit will be 1 year. Fail to accomplish this matter and there'll be consequences."

"Consequences?!" Xonnomor sputtered with widened eyes. This was the first time in years that he had even heard this word, much less from a kid who was less than half of his age.

"Oh brother, I'm telling you right now… You do NOT want those consequences," Valac said with a terrified shudder as he remembered the ice-cold tone Apollo used to threaten him. In fact, he felt as if his spine was still thawing out, and even if it did, he would never be the same.

The fear in Valac's tone worked as a good deterrence because both of the Archdemons looked at Apollo with a shred of caution.

"Relax. You're my followers. I won't mistreat you, however, I also can't be too light on those who must lead in the future. Is that understood?" Apollo questioned while glancing at not just these two, but all of his demons.

As a result, everyone gave solemn nods. Although he was aware that his entourage would undergo rapid expansion, these members now were his core followers. In addition to the Lost Council, only a select few would be able to make it into the privileged positions.

'There'll come a time when I'll need Generals and Commanders. The system has already told me this,' Apollo thought to himself while locking gazes with Fuhrer.

At the same time, he looked towards the unconscious Arleo in his grasp. Since he decided not to kill him, Apollo settled for making Arleo into this possession as well.

The process for him was much simpler. In fact, whereas it took a few minutes to complete the change for those two, Arleo's domination took no more than 15 seconds.

〈System Alert: A new follower, Arleo, has been acquired.〉

Since Apollo had already absorbed power and he was only a Greater Demon, there was no other benefit besides acquiring a new member. However, now that Arleo was his, something dawned upon Apollo.

"Are there any individuals within the Lost Council capable of healing? Or, are there no demons skilled in this particular area?" Apollo questioned.

"Is that what you need?" Furcas asked all of sudden. From his words, it seemed as if he either knew some people or a thing or two about this matter.

"It might be of use," Apollo said while dangling Arleo's severely body before him. If left in this condition, although he was healing, it was far too slow. Not to mention, Apollo's earlier actions didn't help the cause.

"Then… I can do it," Furcas said with a slight pause, "However, there are others who are better at healing than I am, seeing as it requires a meticulous use of Anima and Sin."

Apollo nodded before watching Furcas get to work. Just like before, he drew a demonic circle on the floor, except the runes he used were completely different. They were larger with a small yet vacant sphere in the core of each symbol.

Moreover, there were two larger circles drawn of identical sizes. Furcas stepped inside one before gesturing towards the other circle. "Place him there. Also, I will need 12 Fragment of Sins; one placed in each circle."

Apollo obliged before placing Arleo in the circle and then planting a fragment inside each of the spheres. Afterwards, Apollo took a step back and watched Furcas make an odd hand seal. Aside from the middle fingers and thumbs, which towards overlapped each other, the rest of his fingers were pointed upwards.

It was unknown just how useful the healing would be, but Apollo didn't have many doubts after watching Arleo's body start to float.

A second later, his body aligned with the positioning of Furcas' fingers, causing the fragments to evaporate into dense clusters of crimson aura. After absorbing the properties of Ashiraem's atmosphere, it left a heavy impression of Ira on the threads.

And, since Apollo just so happened to absorb this from Arleo, it was what he needed. Otherwise, the lack of Ira would have led to his heart functioning improperly.

Meanwhile, as that took place, Apollo took the time to sit and properly note the items that were in his possession. Until now, he had only glimpsed at a portion of the items, since they were the only ones familiar to him.

Except for the Dark Mythril, which was mentioned to him as a result of the medallion.

Suddenly, Apollo's eyes narrowed once he sensed a piece of papyrus set aside in the deep recesses of his inventory. Before now, this had never entered his attention.