The Demon Monarch System

----

While Apollo was confined to the perimeter of his residence, Geneva and the rest were left outside with a headache. The bodies littering the ground were the least of their worries. As of right now, Geneva was more focused on how they would absolve the predicament they were in.

"Headmaster, what is your suggestion? How should we best salvage the situation?" Robyn questioned, glancing in Geneva's direction with a curious expression. If they let the situation fester and deteriorate to a worse predicament, the situation would soon escalate to something beyond mere student animosity.

"The problem with this incident is the number of prominent family youths involved. If it was only a single one, deterring them wouldn't be an issue. But, that isn't our current case. There are far too many families involved. The situation will devolve if they choose to work together," Geneva respond.

She massaged the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache as a result of the annoyance she had to deal with. Silently, she turned towards the residence behind her and frown. Apollo truly picked the worst time to act up. After all, now that all of the Academies and their freshmen were going to convene, some of the Great Families folks were enlisted as Instructors in the Academy.

Needless to say, when they realize the awkward atmosphere surrounding Geneva's team as well as the lack of people, it wouldn't be hard to put two and two together. Then, with what they understand, it wouldn't be far-fetched to claim they'll bring this information back to their families.

"Do you need me to silence them? It's been a while since I've condoned such activities, but if it's to avert catastrophe for our school, then I don't mind getting my hand dirty," Robyn offered. Unlike his usual demeanor, there no giddiness within his eyes. It was all replaced by a cold air of murder.

"No Robyn, there is no need to go back to your old ways. We aren't on the battlefield anymore and you aren't a part of the Assassin Corps. Although it'll always be engraved in you, silencing a number of Great Families in nigh impossible," Geneva responded, shaking her head while sparing Robyn an odd glance.

The reason she didn't wish for this to happen was due to the fact that each Great Family possessed at least one expert of Robyn's left. If they already received word, then Robyn would be potentially walking into an adverse situation.

Despite the area being cordoned off from the outside, Geneva didn't put anything beyond the capabilities of her Instructor. Although some of them pledge loyalty, it was never actually believed. They were only utilized as tools to further accelerate the student's learning.

When it came to dealing with this matter, she felt there was only one way. "We'll have to rely upon the idiot that caused the issue. If he can rectify this by obtaining a high, if not the highest position, we can request assistance from the Supreme Families."

As he heard this, Robyn's expression radiated his intrigue, "You really intend to seek help from them? You know that although their control seems minute on the surface, their grasp flows through everything. I'm sure they'll bleed you dry if you request aid."

Even though Geneva wished to be able to refute Robyn's words, she couldn't. From her time spent on the battlefield in the past, she understood just how those upper families operated. If your use was gone, so were you.

It was only a matter of time until this specific Academy's worth dwindled to nothing. Once that happened, Geneva wasn't sure what the future would reveal. Not only did this unsettle her, but it also infuriated her.

For one, this Academy had flowed throughout her heritage since the beginning. If it was lost now, that would deem Geneva none other but a failure. Although the decline was really due to the lack of an inheritor being birthed, it was still expected to fail and it would be so under her grasp.

Geneva then fell silent, a vulnerable frown appeared on the face as he leaned against the wall. "If you don't think this is a viable solution, then what do you suggest?"

"It's not that I don't think it is viable," Robyn shook his head. "It's the fact that the plan is incomplete. Just relying on the kid isn't enough. You know the current situation of the world, the last thing we need is a conflict between our forces."

With the deterioration of the world's defense due to corruption, Robyn's mind was focused on other things. The small matters between these children were the least of his worries. If a large-scale war broke out over the destruction of a number of youths' potential, this would jeopardize Astarat's forces.

"Then, do you suggest we make preparations? Should we begin the compartmentalized training for the Children of War?" Geneva inquired. Additionally, she started to tap the side of her forehead in deep thought. 

"That is one. The other thing you need to do is prepare all levels of our occupants. Even the freshmen, when they arrive, we'll spare no efforts to find and extract the most talented. This is war, it is no time to uphold pleasantries. Introduce them to the way the world works, how the useless is tossed aside and the strong are used as a weapon while the strongest reign supreme," Robyn answered. 

A pipe appeared in his hands. After pressing it against his lips, he took a deep inhale, "This is the only possibility I see that is the most practical. But, as the Headmaster, it is your decision whether or not to enforce it. In the meantime, I urge you to think about it. With that, I bid my adieu," Robyn responded, disappearing without another word.

On the other hand, the medical team of the Academy was already on the scene, transporting the unconscious individuals. As for the unconscious Spirits, after a certain amount of time, their Spiritual Marks would operate on their own and allow them back inside their summoner's mind.

Granted, this way resulted in some aftereffects. Both the Spirit and cultivator would enter of state of soul weakness. During this time, it was imperative to heal. Not only was the body susceptible to injury, but so was the soul.

Silently, Geneva was left pondering over her decision. As of right now, there was still some time before her decision was imminent. For now, she needed to deliberate over which route was most beneficial for the future of the Academy.

----

Meanwhile, inside his Residence, Apollo was going over other matters.

"You all did well. Especially you Valac, when you obey you won't be punished. And, I may even allow more situations like this to happen. These humans are the least of my worries. What I need, is for you to learn absolute loyalty," Apollo remarked, sparing Valac an imperious look.

At first, he wanted to scoff but when he recalled the fun he had when Desolim utilized his Reality Manifestation, he buried his retort, "Mm! I'll try." He shrugged.

Of course, Furcas and Fuhrer snickered. They could see right through his bullshit. The only reason for his current response was the temporary fulfillment coursing through his body. Once that elapsed, he would be back to his other ways of heathenry.

However, neither Furcas nor Fuhrer felt this was unacceptable. After all, even though they were quite used to Valac's behavior, Apollo's behavior was different from the First Monarch's.

'We sought him out in the past and he granted us power but loose governing, expecting us to evolve on our own. The faith he placed in us lives on, but you're different. You're on the path the finding power, and on that journey, you're finding yourself as well. Unbeknownst to you, your actions are inciting change,' Fuhrer mused silently.

In the corner of the room, he watched Apollo and the interactions between his Demons. Even Jorgun and Zarkath were present as he distributed a small amount of Anima Crystals.

Most of them were far from their full state, thus, it was in Apollo's best interest to make sure that wasn't the case. He needed them in top shape. Especially so, with what was left of the excursion team.

Uneventfully, 2 days passed. During that time, not only did the crystal refill everyone's reserves, Apollo made some notable progress on digesting the information of darkness. Furthermore, the earlier battle resulted in a substantial amount of experience.

However, Apollo was almost certain about something due to the small messages from the system. 'Humans are incapable of giving experience, and so is this world's energy. But, that isn't the same story for Spirits.'

----

(Demon Monarch System) Lvl.4

Name: Apollo Kaiser

Race: Lesser Demon [99.99%]

Title: Azridan's Successor

Age: 15

Level: 137

Experience: 25.00%

Health: 100%

Demonic Anima Reserves: 13,500 units.

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(Impermanent)

Body Cultivation Realm: ~Rank 7 Zul Knight

Spirit Cultivation Realm: ~Rank 5 Spirit Warrior

Meridians: Saint-Grade (Middle Tier)

Zuls: 30,000

Oz: 1,050

Strength: 1000.0

Agility: 925.0

Intelligence: 910.0

Vitality: 800.0

Comprehension: 110.0

Willpower: 91.0

[«Traits»]- 5

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[«Techniques»]- 7

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[«Elemental Affinities»] 

Level 9: Darkness, Fire

Level 7: Metal, Wind, and Lightning

Level 5: Earth

Level 3: Space 

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[«Demonic Servants»]

[Daemonic Avatar] 

Erus Fuhrer (Demon Knight) - The Tenebrous Master 

»Greater Demon« [5,000] 

[Demonic Acolyte] 

Typhir Estrada (Demon Knight) »

Lesser Demon« [0]

[Demonic Follower]

Furcas (Demon Knight) - Wiseman of Corruption

»Greater Demon« [0]

Valac (Demon Knight - The Terrible

»Greater Demon« [0]

[Demonic Servant] 

Zarkath (???)

»Weakened Greater Demon« [0]

Jorgun the Anomaly (???) 

»Weakened Greater Demon« [0]

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[«Interdimensional Inventory»][«Inheritance»] [«Lucky Draw»]

Stat Points: 0

As of right now, the first threshold had been met. And, because of that, Apollo felt an immediate difference in his body. Meanwhile, a knock was heard on Apollo's door.

"It's time, let's go!"