—-

Apollo’s body writhed in pain continuously as changes took place inside him in more ways than one. It was certainly a spectacle happening as he laid upon the floor. Time once again became a foreign concept as his conscience traveled to a blackened world. Yet, in that world, he witnessed mysteries in which he didn’t understand. ​​

Sweltering heat and a seemingly toxic atmosphere were nearly present everywhere. The cracked surface spewed magma and fumes contributing to the treacherous environment. All the while, large beings battled against one another producing shockwaves; those of which altered the premises and tore the atmosphere asunder. Nevertheless, Apollo spectated this type of scene for who knows how long until a clear voice woke him up from his stupor.

[Has your body reached the point of dealing with the pain? If so, then awaken.]

“Azridan..?” muttered Apollo as he opened his eyes. However, when he did so, a faint amethyst glow exuded from them. The hue shifted when his eyes took in the landscape. From what he perceived, it looked extremely unfamiliar.

While he remained within the cave, its surroundings were destroyed. The stone walls contained multiple scars and missing pieces that one made one question what took place.

[It seems my concoction was a little too potent. However, it succeeded nonetheless and beautifully if I may add. You should notice some immediate differences already, no?]

As he asked this, Apollo’s ears twitched as he heard a rushing sensation. It was weird. With the way it sounded, it was as if it was near but in the distance as well. However, as far as he knew there wasn’t a source of water located in the vicinity.

“I hear…water,” replied Apollo as his confused eyes blinked and examined the area around him. All the while, he looked down at his hands thinking to himself, ‘That couldn’t be feasible… could it?’

[Oh but it is! You have advanced along the path of your evolution! As far as the sounds of water you’re hearing goes, that isn’t water at all but your bloodstream. Take a look at that wound on your shoulder. You’ll come to understand what I meant by it had succeeded.]

Averting his gaze to his shoulder, Apollo touched it. It had indeed healed. But in exchange, it left a humongous scar stretching from his shoulder to his chest and down his ribcage. Its something that would serve as a reminder of the dangers that existed in any situation.

“Will this scar not heal?” questioned Apollo as the gaze he looked at it with changed. A tinge of iciness entered his eyes and his expression darkened a small degree. If it didn’t’ this would simply serve as a symbolization of his earlier weakness.

[That is up to you. Do you wish to cherish it as a battle scar a trophy many look up to on their path to power or do you wish to abolish all signs of your struggle?]

This question opened Apollo’s eyes and he deliberated upon it. It seemed as if his view was slightly immature and thus he made his choice, “I’ll keep it. It wouldn’t physically hinder me but it’ll serve to keep my sights aligned on one purpose.”

[Worded excellently. Now, why don’t you take a look at what my actions have done for you?]

“I will,” responded Apollo as he glanced at the notifications that he had received while unconscious. But as he checked, his mind once again wandered and pondered that earlier replaying scene. ‘What could that have been? And those large beings… are those… demons? If so, why was I shown a vision of it?’

«You are refining a concoction that will do three things for you: increase your progress, increase your overall physique, and regulate your level. However, take heed you have fainted due to unbearable anguish.»

«Congratulations, your race change has progressed slightly. [46.82%]»

«Congratulations, your Foundational Chart has been upgraded providing information on both your current and succeeding level range.»

[«Foundational Chart»]

(Mortal-Grade Talent)

(Earth-Grade Talent) – Liberation of stats.

[Requirement Breakdown]-

…

…

«Level 60 – 69» – Experience required increases by 1,000 at each level.

Rewards: .2 Attribute increase and 3 stats points per level.

«Level 70-79» – Experience required increases by 2,000 at each level.

Rewards: .2 Attribute increase and 3 stats points per level.

«Level 80- 90» – ???

‘Hmm… the requirements are becoming steeper. Hopefully, the rewards from whatever tasks I need to complete in the future scales as well.’

Meanwhile, the notifications continued to flash before his eyes. The next one he wasn’t within his estimations albeit truthfully speaking, this entire matter wasn’t.

«Congratulations, you have achieved the Rank 5 Mortal.»

He remained astonished by the fact he had reached Rank 5 so quickly. It had to be known there was a more than 50 Zul difference between his previous stats and what it took to reach his current ones.

‘Did ingesting that one pill result in so many changes?’ thought Apollo. However, that wasn’t the end yet. There still remained the fact that his Inner Talent had also undergone a drastic increase.

«Congratulations, you have reached the High Tier Earth-Grade Inner Talent. Your stats have undergone their 2nd Liberation.»

Curious as to what his new menu looked like, he brought it up.

—-

(Demon Monarch System) Lvl.2

Name: Apollo Kaiser

Race: Demi-Demon (Half-Step) [46.82%]

Title: Azridan’s Successor

Age: 11

Level: 55 → 69

Experience: 0/19,900.

Health: 292/292 → 568/568

Stamina: 292/292 → 568/568

Body Cultivation Realm: Rank 5 Mortal [137/200]

Physique: Earth-Grade (High Tier)

Zuls: 43 → 137

Strength: 18.0 → 40.5

Agility: 12.4 → 34.9

Intelligence: 17.0 → 29.5

Vitality: 9.3 → 26.8

[«Traits»]-

«Increased Essence Affinity»

Stat Points: 85

Widening his eyes in utter shock, his stats were unbelievable in his eyes. Every single one received an increase above 10!

Apollo clenched his hands and punched the wall. Not only did a large fist indent appear at the point of contact, but not a shred of pain was felt throughout Apollo’s arm.

[Reaching the 5th Rank of the Mortal Realm is a turning point. Here on out your body begins changing ever so slightly. In exchange, it requires even more Zuls to reach the next level. But as you see, the gains equate to the losses.]

“The difference between a simple realm is so large? It’s astonishing. I feel as if I can slaughter Rank 1 Spirit Beasts with ease and deal with Rank 2 Spirit Beasts without fearing for my life. Not to mention, this is before I’ve even allocated my Stat Points,” remarked Apollo.

[Exactly, it should be well within your capabilities. You’ve rested here long enough. I believe it’s time you complete your quest. After all, I believe it’s time you receive what I need to give you.]

«Objective [Reach Rank 5 Mortal] has been completed.»

“All that’s left is to deal with the large number of Spirit Beasts I need to kill. In the process, I’ll be able to familiarize myself with the new extent of my powers,” stated Apollo as he canceled the notification before him.

Turning his gaze towards the cave’s entrance, a predatory look entered his eyes. He ignored his disheveled appearance and tattered robes. Kicking off his backfoot, he dashed creating a turbulent wind exiting the area with haste. As for his target… it was everything within his path.