The Demon Monarch System

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'What's this thing?' Apollo wondered before extracting it from his inventory. If not for the fact that he could sense the general material of most of the items inside his inventory, Apollo would have thought this rectangular piece of papyrus was insignificant, possibly even soot!

After all, that was the color of it. The sensation of it was its only saving grace. It gave off a mystifying aura that Apollo couldn't quite understand.

However, once the grayish-black papyrus fell into his hand, Apollo's expression changed. Because, it wasn't the texture he expected.

It was smooth to the touch despite its coarse appearance. In fact, Apollo had never touched something so comfortable to date. To be etched on such a sublime piece of papyrus meant that the information on it had to be important.

On the other hand, Fuhrer smiled as the papyrus appeared in Apollo's hand. "You've finally found that thing."

Hearing his words, Apollo turned towards Fuhrer, "So you intentionally put this in there? But, why didn't I see it before?"

"Perhaps you weren't looking hard enough. Or, maybe your Ira has interacted with it, which enabled you to now learn of its presence," Fuhrer answered with a light chuckle.

It was plausible. Unlike when he first skimmed the ring's interior, Apollo's Ira Purity had reached the later stages. Typically, this wouldn't appear until one was an Archdemon, but, as a result of his abnormal progression, advancing in that Sin was locked.

Still, it seemed just having his Ira at the late stage was enough to produce some worthwhile effects. However, although Apollo held the papyrus, there was nothing decipherable on it.

"Eh? Are you playing a trick on me, Fuhrer? I see nothing on this thing!" Apollo grumbled while tilting his head and even looking at the papyrus from different angles.

In response, Fuhrer snickered while shaking his head. He didn't reveal the answer immediately and instead took the time to savor the amusement provided by Apollo's actions.

It wasn't every day that he found amusement outside of the banter between Furcas, Valac, and Jorgun.

However, he also knew that Apollo's patience was virtually nonexistent. Therefore, Fuhrer soon gave an answer that wasn't an answer. "I wonder why. The eyes aren't the only means to see. What do we Demons specialize in?"

First, Apollo's eyes widened as he realized the issue. Then, he clicked his tongue, "Tch, that should be some sort of skill―to make someone feel dumb for overlooking the obvious."

In return, Fuhrer just smirked.

Since he now understood what he needed to do, Apollo gathered a wisp of potent Hellfire around his forefinger before pressing it against the page. Despite the ridiculous temperature of his Hellfire, there was no sizzling noise or sparks surfacing from the papyrus.

On the contrary, the reaction was subtle. It absorbed as much Hellfire as Apollo produced, stunning him in the progress. 'And I thought I was the glutton. Just how much Ira does this thing intend to absorb?'

Finally, as if sensing Apollo's displeasure, the papyrus emitted a subtle ripple as silver text written in a white flame, ostensibly the highest form of Hellfire, appeared before Apollo's eyes.

When he read what this paper was, Apollo's eyes narrowed before becoming utterly dumbfounded! 

"?!"

The information on the papyrus was simple.

「«Hell Bringer's Domination» (Forgery Design)

Rank: *Abysmal

Grade: Living Abyss Armament

Type: War Scythe

Attack Power: ???

Effect: ???

Description: A weapon of pure destruction suitable for the ruler of demons. Only the one who has claimed dominance and achieved the right to be called a Harbinger of Death can wield this weapon. It is the culmination of the strongest demon to ever live, left as a present for his progeny―only once deemed worthy.

Requirements: «Monarch's True Heir» & «Absolute Awakening»」

Still marveling at the information listed on the design, Apollo glanced further down to see the atrocity known as the material list.

「«Required Materials»

Dark Mythril (100)

Blackened Adamantine (60)

Absolute Chaos (2)

Corrupted Eternity (1)

Refined Sin Fabric (7)

Abysmal Sources (7)

Monarch's True Blood (1)

*Tenebrous Heart (1)

*Bahamut's Fang (2)

*Nebula Serpent's Reverse Scale (1)

*Cerberus' Undying Blood (3) 」

"FUCKING WHAT?! I beg your pardon!?" Apollo screamed at the top of his lungs. Every item listed was something he had never heard of, save for the first one. After hearing his scream, Fuhrer teleported right next to him, taking a glimpse at the list, only to have a similar expression.

"By the unholy lord above. Young Lord, you've been shagged," Fuhrer swore with an ominous expression. The first sevens items on the list weren't the terrifying part, since they aligned with his goals.

However, each of the last four was of terrifying origins! They either belonged to or were vital parts related to beasts of legends. Except, they weren't mere legends!

"What do you mean?" Apollo asked while looking towards Fuhrer.

"Do you not know any of these names? Bahamut, the Void Dragon of Chaos. Nebula Serpent, A Devourer of Rings. And finally, Cerberus, Guardian of the Monarch's Nether Gates. Each of these beasts possesses strength beyond my rightful level!"

Apollo blanked as soon as he heard this. What did the Monarch expect him to do, befriend these atrocities? However, Apollo should have expected as much. If the material the design was etched upon devoured almost all of his Ira, why wouldn't the contents be ridiculous?

"So… you're saying I should chuck this thing in the garbage, right?" Apollo muttered with a disgusted expression. Bad enough he had to worry about the advent of the other races. Now he needed to worry about three catastrophic beasts as well?

"Heh. Even I would advise you to do so, but we can't. The Monarch obviously left this for a reason. It will most likely be your test of succession. After all, he was the only demon to ever placate these beasts. Hence, his title as the strongest demon," Fuhrer answered.

Still, despite Fuhrer's words, Apollo was dissatisfied. Above all, he needed a weapon. But, it appeared this weapon wouldn't be falling into his grasp anytime soon. Not to mention, to make this weapon required knowledge of forging, something he didn't possess.

Only the purest of Purgatory Blood could smelt the last four materials.

"Even if I managed to acquire all these materials, who would even forge a weapon like this?" Apollo questioned while taking a seat, still distraught by the horrifying requirements.

"That's quite simple; get Asteroth to do it. All of the Monarch's forging knowledge was bestowed upon him. Aside from being the bearer of destruction, he also forged Brynhildr," Fuhrer said while stroking his hand against Brynhildr's hilt.

Apollo raised his eyebrows in response to Fuhrer's revelation. "Asteroth forged that weapon?"

"Correct. His unique forging technique will be enough to forge the mold for the weapon. The rest is up to you. Just like I gave Brynhildr a soul, you'll need to give that weapon one as well. Should you ever make it," Fuhrer replied.

"In other words, this weapon is impossible until after becoming a Daemos," Apollo answered in return.

"For the most part. Though, if you manage to tame Asteroth, you could always have him forge a lesser version with less rare material. In fact, I know with a Hydra... Wait a minute, that is still beyond you," Fuhrer shook his head, retracting his statement.

Still, Apollo was intrigued, "A hydra?" 

"Err, yes but…" Fuhrer paused before looking at Ouroboros, "It would be a conflict of interest if you slew that beast."

Although Fuhrer's actions were subtle, Apollo noticed the target of his gaze before constructing the clues. Gradually, Apollo's expression became mystifyingly complex, "I believe I know where that hydra is as well. But, if I'm not wrong, it's Boros' mother. Isn't it?"

"Correct," Fuhrer nodded.

Although the hydra they spoke of wasn't the strongest of beasts. Their innate ability was one of the most convenient to exist. For example, although Ouroboros was a mere child, he was able to transmute chaos into pure Fragments of Sin. 

So, a full-grown hydra was an extremely scarce yet overly coveted existence, which was why Ouroboros's mother left him in Apollo's care. Guaranteeing her own survival was difficult, much less a child's.

Steadily, it dawned upon Apollo that this type of question was exactly what Apollo asked himself in the past, 'If I were to have sacrifice one of my own, would I be ruthless enough to do so?'

Yet, that was still a question Apollo was unable to answer. For now, he felt as if it was impossible. However, the future was a mystery filled with uncertainty.

"Keep it in mind, but don't let it disturb your thoughts, because a mature hydra is as strong as a peak Noblesse. It's more attainable but still difficult," Fuhrer warned.

Ultimately, since it posed no benefit now, Apollo pushed the matter to the back of his mind and also stashed the forge design back in his inventory. 

A few moments later his attention fell on Xonnomor, "Speaking of which, I feel as if we need better equipment."