The Demon Monarch System

----

With the exterior being shattered, it allowed the fragile interior to display itself. As Fuhrer expected, it was just a cluster of circulating energy with a hint of mystical aura interspersed throughout. While it appeared to be similar to the other components, this mystical part was far more complex.

'Something rivaling intent, I believe this is called Laws for other races. While we Demons don't dabble with it, I know it is something closely related to the Spirits,' Fuhrer thought.

As a result, part of him guessed this place had something to do with a Spirit.

Or, at the very least, it was connected to an individual with relation to a Spirit. Thus, Fuhrer leaned more towards his assumption of this place belonging to a human from this world. Perhaps even an ancient one from the times when Spirits first came in contact with this world.

"Did you find some Fuhrer?" Apollo questioned. Since Fuhrer was quiet for such a long period, Apollo felt something had changed. Not to mention, the sleek exterior of the node's shell shattered on Apollo's end as well.

Needless to say, this had something to do with Fuhrer's actions. The node wouldn't just shatter for no reason without a catalyst to facilitate the process.

"It's done. The matrix is exposed and the self-destruct process has been impeded. However, the matrix is still very much viable. Our few seconds of work aren't enough to disrupt the years of meticulous efforts instilled into this work. Nevertheless, we have accomplished our task," Fuhrer responded. 

Afterward, he moved his hands in an obscure pattern before inviting Furcas inside. Although Fuhrer's level of control had reached the level of mastery, he was only proficient in this. When it came to restrictions, formations, barriers, and rituals, his knowledge didn't even cover one-tenth of Furcas's breadth.

"You have done well. No damage has been inflicted on the delicate operations of the matrix. All the access points are available and the flow is unobstructed. Allow me to get to work. In the meantime, do whatever you must. I have a feeling the owner won't appreciate our undesirable actions," Furcas chuckled.

In the next few moments, Furcas inhaled his pipe projecting silver smoke onto the node. Once the smoke saturated the node, Furcas repeated his actions again except the smoke this time was a different color. It was white with large black splotches.

The two streams of smoke merged with one another to produce a blend of smoke void of their prior inconsistencies. Seconds after this took place, Furcas' pupils instantly multiplied to his highest limit.

It wasn't often that he performed this feat, but judging by the integrity of the matrix, it would require him to pull out all the stops. The room for allowed error was minimal, hence it wasn't an option for Furcas. If he failed, the repercussions of their actions were bound to escape just the confines of this realm.

Plus, Fuhrer wasn't too sure if linking to the Nihilistic Rings was a feasible escape plan. One, they had just returned from that place and according to Apollo, he wasn't allowed to visit the Nihilistic Rings too often.

At first, he didn't understand why. But after co-existing with the system and talking to the voice more than once, Apollo came to grips with the underlying issues of staying in the Nihilistic Rings for too long.

The first danger was his competition; the Monarch Candidates. Their actions weren't limited in any shape or form. Even threatening the current Lords was beneath their methods.

And, with Fuhrer's power tied up in protecting the position of the Nihilistic Rings, he didn't possess the strength needed to obstruct their attempts. Thus, the safest route was to limit the exposure to the Nihilistic Rings for the time being.

However, the Nihilistic Rings was also Apollo's home, not to mention the place where his growth was fastest. Aside from confirming his speculations with the Spirits, Demons were the only other races capable of giving him experience now that his level was above 100.

The only issue with committing genocide against the Spirits was whether the Grand Spirit Council would receive word of this matter. After all, if the Grand Spirit Council were to retaliate, the Terrors of this world would be the least of Astarat's worries.

Just a single Legendary Spirit ran the risk of destroying the planet with their extraordinary energy signatures. Them being on this planet while trying to restrain their aura was akin to applying endless amounts of pressure on a shaken-up soda bottle and expecting it not to burst!

The damage was an inevitable result. One that Astarat was incapable of handling.

While Furcas took care of the matrix, Apollo revisited the earlier items. Now that the matrix was under Furcas' control, the absorptive qualities of these particular items vanished. 

With it gone, it gave Apollo the opportunity to take these items, even if they weren't enticing. Just because he found no use of them personally didn't mean they were worthless to him. Plenty of individuals were unable to control their greed, especially in front of items of this quality.

By the time Furcas gave any indication of progress, Apollo had already wiped the room clean of any items. Shockingly, he found an item in the corner which seemed to resonate with his pendant. However, upon further interaction, the sensation disappeared.

'That's odd. I'll have to look into this further when I get the chance. What are the chances of this place possessing an item in relation to this pendant? Then again, maybe it isn't related and is just a material capable of assisting its evolution,' Apollo mused.

"My young Lord, come. I have to show you something. It seems Furcas is making progress faster than he estimated," Fuhrer revealed while beckoning to Apollo.

In response, he exited the room after stowing away the small shard he found in the room's corner. Soon enough, he learned of the progress Fuhrer mentioned.

In light of Fuhrer's actions, the center of the ceiling showed signs of instability. The middle was fading, only to be replaced by a translucent screen. However, from this angle, the only thing that could be seen was numerous veins leading down a questionable corridor.

"Based on the energy flow, something is consuming this energy at an alarming rate. There is no room for accumulation! The initial appearance is the energy's only presence on that floor," Furcas muttered while narrowing his eyes.

According to his discoveries, there was indeed a living entity atop that floor. However, the signs were currently obscure, making it troublesome to differentiate between the orientation of this being's race.

"How much longer until the floor is fully accessible," Apollo questioned. Something told him that after they entered the floor, their time spent in this realm would come to an abrupt end. 

"Approximately two minutes. However, I won't be able to keep it open. I feel my presence will be vital inside, so the matrix will have the required time to recover without my interference," Furcas responded.

Apollo's expression became complex as he weighed Furcas' words. "In other words, after entering the floor, our actions will be victim to an allotted time. If we fail...all of our earlier actions will be for naught?"

"Precisely. I believe this is why no one has ever managed to enter that place successfully."

All of a sudden Furcas' expression underwent a drastic change.

"Quite the frightening individual resides up there. Now that I've managed to sense it...it is someone far above a human," Furcas said with a frown before turning towards Fuhrer.

He then continued, "History seems to be repeating itself. I think this world is more important than we think."

Fuhrer's eyes widened when he heard that, "A foreign?!"

"An ancient one at that. One of our first enemies to ever plague our race," Furcas stated in a grim tone.

Rage filled Fuhrer's eyes as his aura flared. Without a second thought, he rushed towards the opening on the floor with Brynhildr in his grasp. 'You all are one of the reasons my Old Master disappeared. Therefore, you deserve to experience the results of my wrath.'

Astonished by this change in the situation, Apollo looked to Furcas for answers, "What is going on?"

"I have told him about the threat we face. Only one race is capable of absorbing energy at that scale… I hate to admit it, but I have found traces of a Goliath up above. It is fairly weaker than a full-fledged Titan but it is still an immense danger."

After receiving this information, Apollo's sights fell on the hole in the middle of the floor. 'I can't allow you to brave danger alone.'

"Everyone, upwards now."