The Demon Monarch System

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At this point, the violent fluctuations from the gathered energy of both sides caused a raucous so large that even the individuals deeper within the Ring of Suprenis noticed the disturbance. However, they decided against checking out the incident once they realized the point of origin.

It was the home of the Lightning Killer! Trespassing on his turf was akin to claiming a death wish. Therefore, no one was willing to throw away their life meaninglessly. Whoever was foolish enough to intrude upon his territory were as insane as they come and they didn't intend to join the lot.

Meanwhile, Apollo and Amduscias finished preparing their attacks as their Auras clashed against one another, coming to an immediate standstill. Since Amduscias was lacking in dark lightning, the effectiveness of his Aura and Dominion reduced drastically, and it did so at a rapid pace.

Even Apollo could sense how quickly Amduscias's advantage was dissipating. Be that as it may, he understood that this wasn't a sign to become nonchalant. He understood that even in his weakest form, with his knowledge of combat and his superior vessel, Amduscias was a worthy opponent.

Still, Apollo wanted to take advantage of the opportunity granted to him. The raging inferno surrounding Gram condensed further as a dense coat of mental energy compressed the exterior.

When it came to flames, the more condensed they became, the more explosive power they retained. Against something like dark lightning, Apollo needed all the assistance possible to level the playing field. In a sense, dark lightning was even more terrifying than Hellfire and perhaps when brought to its most extreme, even on par with Purgatory's Blood. 

Finally, both sides reached a point wherein it was impossible to contain their energies any longer. Thus, both sides dashed towards each other with a solemn expression. Despite grazing the ground ever so slightly, Apollo's sword opened a fissure of magma as it passed over the ground.

Conversely, thick arcs of lightning reminiscent of snakes slithered across the ground, appearing like a stream as Amduscias drew near Apollo. Each side was terrifyingly strong, so much so just the residual power seeping from their attacks was sufficient enough to change the terrain they battled upon.

A sign of extreme power was being able to effortlessly change one's surroundings with the effects of battle. When he first appeared, Apollo couldn't dent a wall from a building in the center of Ashiraem.

Granted, he used an average punch and not a technique. Still, his punch at that time was empowered by the energy coursing through him. So while slightly different, it was close enough to display how much he had changed in a relatively short period of time.

Given enough time, Apollo could undoubtedly become an unchallenged monster. It was just a shame that his circumstances didn't allow time to be on his side. After all, the protection of the Nihilistic Rings were crumbling and there was still the threat of the Monarch's Candidates that Apollo faced.

At this point, he wasn't sure what he'd do with them when he made contact. Sure, Azridan wanted revenge, but what came next? After achieving revenge, what would be their next move? This was a question that loomed within Apollo's mind even though he barely paid that situation much thought.

The dire circumstances were simply strong enough to influence his thoughts.

Nevertheless, Apollo shook his head, regaining peak clarity. He was just moments away from making contact with Amduscias. 'It'll all end with these attacks. The question is… what will be the outcome?'

The two attacks met as this thought crossed Apollo's mind. Shockingly, it wasn't as simple as one strike against one strike. In fact, there wasn't even an explosion. The power gathered around Gram as Apollo swung his blade continuously, reacting against a torrents of absurdly thick lightning arcs.

The exchanges between both sides happened at a speed that Valac and the others couldnt't even track. The only sign that their battle escalated to its peak was the delayed booms that followed each of their collision.

Prior to each loud boom, Apollo's sword shredded through the arcs of lightning as the condensed flames surrounding his sword waned. Although he tore through Amduscias's attack, the sheer concentration of dark lighnitng was shocking!

Apollo was certain he dealt without two thirds of the lightning just by swinging his sword, yet he couldn't see an end. Because of this, Apollo's expression blanched as he overdrew on his Ira, sapping it dry. 

In return, the largest Demonic Massacre Wave he had every executed appeared above Apollo's head. Apollo swiped his hand down the moment it finished forming, causing it to descend at speeds rivaling teleportation.

Sensing the danger from the enormous incoming wave, Amduscias's gnashed his teeth and clapped his hands against each other before pressing against the ground. The dark lightning gathered together, forming a thick wall before Amduscias. 

Though it was done with haste, it was one of the sturdiest barriers Apollo had witnessed to date. If given enough time, Apollo was sure that Amduscias could form a barrier that even he wasn't capable of penetrating within a small amount of time.

Unfortunately, this barrier was made with recycled lightning that was lost at least fifty percent of its potency. While it withstood the initial impact of the massive Demonic Massacre Wave, countless cracks spread throughout the exterior of the barrier.

A few moments later, it shattered completely, exposing Amduscias's near defenseless body. Since he sacrificed his armor to empower his last attack, which was a never-ending barrage of lightning attacks, his defenses were at an all-time low.

However, the body of a member from the Dominus Household, especially that of a Demonic Duke, wasn't one to look down upon. Just as Amduscias's barrier shattered, the constant pressure acting against the wave caused it to lose a large amount of dreadful energy as well.

So, it was only a shadow of its initial form by the time it reached Amduscias. 

He confronted the attack with his body, clutching the edges of the attack while sliding backward. The momentum of his slide came to a grinding halt as the wave soon dissipated into motes of crimson and black lights.

"Quite a strong attack," Amduscias said after a deep groan. The blow crushed over eighty percent of his ribs, yet he remained standing, looking at Apollo with an obscure expression.

It was only for a moment, but he could sense Apollo's current state during his last attack. 

'Hmm, he's in an odd state somewhere between a Greater Demon and Archdemon yet wield power at the top of an Archdemon's old standard? Truly a second coming of the Monarch. I can see why Valac followed this guy,' Amduscias thought.

Eventually, the remnant dark lightning disappeared, flowing back into Amduscias's body. As this happened, his crushed torso healed at a visible rate. In fact, the rate of Amduscias's healing was no less than Apollo's when the jewel assisted his recovery.

"It took everything I had. If that wasn't the case, then I might as well crush all of my dreams right now," Apollo replied while falling to one knee. Although he could have revealed his trump card, the Fourth Annihilation, it wasn't the right time in this fight. 

Besides, the information he possessed on Amduscias was lacking. So, Apollo preferred to use his body so he could thoroughly understand the scope of Amduscias's power. Needless to say, after this fight, his judgment was clear.

'I'd say he's as strong as Asteroth; their strengths are just focused on two different fronts. It'd become a battle of wits and how to apply one's strength that would determine the victor between these two. Overall, I'm pleased,' Apollo nodded with a faint smile.

Meanwhile, Ouroboros shrank as he slithered through the air, landing around Apollo's shoulder. A steady stream of Ira flowed into Apollo, replenishing his dried-up Ira at an incredible pace.

"So, are you reestablishing the Household of the Monarch?" Amduscias asked while crossing his arms. Despite his weakened state, his confidence remained. Still, his curiosity surrounding Apollo's action was more significant than his confidence.

In response, Apollo gave a silent nod. However, Amduscias's question didn't do Apollo's desire justice. Not only would he reestablish the Household, but Apollo also wanted to create something much more substantial. To do so, he needed to add to the core foundation of the Household.

"Who do you have so far?" Amduscias questioned once again. Until now, whenever Apollo defeated a demon, they merely joined the team; however, that wasn't the case with Amduscias. This was Apollo's first time interacting with someone of Amduscias's caliber, so he understood the same strategy wouldn't work.

"In truth, not many. The old members are far too spread out for me to acquire them in a short time. For now, I'm focusing on the ones with abilities crucial to our success," Apollo admitted.

For a moment, Amduscias was silent, but then a complex expression appeared, " Crucial abilities? If that's the case, I suppose you're going after Asteroth next?"

"Correct," Apollo answered.

"Very well. I suggest you handle the battle in a different way. Direct confrontation is the worst way to go up against him.. Nevertheless, I'll join you," Amduscias said, causing a notification to appear before Apollo's eyes.