The Demon Monarch System

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With the sudden change in Lucifer's aura due to Amduscias's instigations, Apollo's eyes narrowed while estimating how strong the pressure felt. While the Sin inside the force was powerful, it wasn't sufficient to make Apollo hopeless anymore, which clearly indicated that he'd grown immensely since his first visit with Saehtyn.

Be that as it may, Apollo couldn't disregard the sheer size of Lucifer's aura. In some cases, it felt even larger than Saehtyn. After all, while Saehtyn's power was very destructive, Lucifer's power could be seen as more dangerous.

Under the right conditions, there was a chance for his power to balloon past Saehtyn. Granted, that scenario didn't come without considerable costs.

"Repeat those series of words again, I dare you," Lucifer threatened. At the same time, a flash of light occurred under his palm as a large spear appeared within his grasp. At a glance, the weapon seemed to be incomplete, but Apollo immediately noticed Amduscias's odd reaction.

"What's the matter?" Apollo questioned while turning towards the now silent Amduscias. Rather than looking at Apollo or Lucifer, his attention was vested in the weapon between Lucifer's palm.

'I know I'm not mistaken. This forgery, this design―it's something I've requested yet was turned down. How could it be in his possession?' Amduscias wondered while gradually lifting his gaze to Lucifer.

Compared to before, the animosity seething within his eyes bolstered to new heights. Evidently, witnessing the weapon in Lucifer's possession had a significant effect on Amduscias.

"Where did you get that weapon?" Amduscias asked in a grim tone. An aura almost as terrifying as Lucifer's appeared alongside a flash of black and icy blue energies circulating in his eyes.

  "Heh, what was it you said? That's right—someone as inferior as you doesn't deserve the right to know. I'm not obliged to answer," Lucifer retorted with a disdainful smirk. 

As a result, Amduscias gnashed his teeth before glancing in Apollo's direction. A mental message was passed between them, causing Apollo's to widen in surprise. 'Really now? That weapon has such a history?'

The spear in Lucifer's possession was none other than Estran's prized possession. Aside from Amduscias, he was the undisputed master of the spear within the Dominus Household. Although his talents extended beyond the spear, it was his favored weapon, because he developed a unique style after studying every weapon in existence.

It was rumored that it was useless to wield a weapon when he displayed the fighting style because Estran developed this unique technique to neutralize attacks from all incoming weapons.

Of course, while it was a fabled technique rumored to be without flaw, nothing could overcome insurmountable power. Nevertheless, Amduscias had begged Estran to study the spear because a secret floated about the household's halls. 

The method's intricate secrets were said to be engraved on the shaft of the spear! However, only after being acknowledged would the information be revealed to the wielder. In other words, the weapon was a full-fledged Armament with special conditions applied to it.

One could see why Amduscias's reaction was so great.

Meanwhile, Apollo was stumped because he heard from Xonnomor that Saehtyn was the only individual with a weapon nearing the Armament. If that's the case, where did Lucifer receive this spear?

Perhaps Lucifer's presence was critical in awakening and revitalizing the slumbering Estran. Unfortunately, Apollo knew this wouldn't be an easy task because, like the others, Lucifer was another demon with an issue that needed resolving. The astronomical pride he possessed wouldn't let him serve anyone.

Not only did he believe it to be under him, but there was a desire hidden within Lucifer that he concealed very well.

"Enough of your drivel!" Amduscias snarled. "Tell me where you found that weapon. This is not up for discussion."

"Sadly, you're not enough of a threat. While I'm interested in you, I've become aware of existences more frightening than you. However, with this spear in my possession, I don't believe those existences will be my match any longer," Lucifer answered.

Listening to this response, Apollo came to a sudden realization. 'That means he recently acquired that spear. Wait a minute….'

Suddenly, Apollo's eyes released a mystical ripple that escaped the perception of everyone nearby. With the Unbound Eyes active, a notification appeared before Apollo's eyes.

〈System: The mastery of your Unbound Eyes is increasing slowly due to your attempts to peer into a high-level instrument.〉

While the notification didn't reveal anything amiss, Apollo's mind told him otherwise. After all, his mastery of the Unbound Eyes was extremely low, so the chances of them picking up on information regarding a weapon of that spear's caliber were next to impossible.

Mindful of this fact, Apollo waited as the loading bar above the weapon drew near the end. Once complete, another chime sounded in Apollo's ear, causing a slight chuckle.

'So that's how it is,' Apollo thought to himself.

〈System: Analysis complete. The analyzed item has been confirmed to be an excellent replica.〉

The spear within Lucifer's possession was a replica! After finding out this information, Apollo relayed the info to Amduscias, which caused him to release the same chuckle followed by a sigh of relief.

'Tch, I got so worked up for nothing. It's just a replica. However, such a seamless copy means that it was at least created by someone with great knowledge of the original. But, as far as I know, there's no amicable relationship with the forger of that great weapon,' Amduscias thought while rubbing his chin in a pensive state.

Apart from Asteroth, there was no one else with the proper knowledge of this spear. 

'Unless…' 

Amduscias's expression turned odd as he pointed at the weapon in Lucifer's possession. "Just like you, that weapon is a figment of true power, befitting of someone in your possession. I almost fell for your facade. Tch, great weapon, my ass."

"What?!" Lucifer bellowed. His golden eyes filled with a tinge of crimson as he took a step forward, creating a deep indent in the floor. The entire building rumbled in response to a single step.

Because of the similarities in tone, Lucifer was reminded of his recent blemish on his otherwise spectacular combat record. The blatant disdain displayed by Irzanach overlapped with Amduscias's current attitude causing a sudden outburst of pressure.

Suddenly, a figure dashed between the two opposing sides with their arms extended. 

"Wait, wait! I don't think this is the time for this situation to spiral out of control. Don't you agree, Lucifer?" 

Surprisingly, instead of continuing with his raging aura, Lucifer glanced at the individual with an unusual expression. "The little belle of the Council. Why are you here of all places?"

"Err, curiosity, I suppose," Tirasha responded. 

However, Lucifer didn't accept that as the truth. He noticed Tirasha constantly glancing in the direction of the completely unfamiliar demons by Amduscias's side. This alone told him that it was more than a simple curious endeavor.

"Oh? Is that right? Then how come your father told me that you'd be confined to the stronghold and training. Doesn't quite seem like it to me," Lucifer said while eventually crossing his arm with a disbelieving expression.

As far as he knew, Tirasha wasn't one to disobey her father's instructions. So, this current situation was quite odd indeed.

"Ahem, that was the original plan. But the stifling atmosphere in that place can become quite boring. It seemed pretty interesting over here. Even you thought so, isn't that right?" Tirasha said with a mischievous smile.

For a moment, the current situation stunned Apollo and Amduscias. They didn't expect Tirasha to not only attempt to mediate the hostile atmosphere but even drag Lucifer into an awkward spot.

After all, it was true. The considerable commotion is what attracted his attention to this place. With that being said, Lucifer was still a sharp individual. Tirasha's guile comments were enough to confuse him.

"That may be true, but that doesn't explain why you interfered in this situation. It's of no relation to you," Lucifer countered. His remark left Tirasha scrambling for an excuse that would also hide the true nature of her connection to Apollo. 

Though she felt he was strong, this opposing side was not just a genuine Lord, but two Noblesse as well! 

"WHOA! Wait just a moment, sir! I'd have you know it very much of relation to her. Don't you know I once stole control of her stronghold? It must have been my involvement that drew her here," Valac said while sticking out his proudly. However, he was trembling on the inside since his body felt as if it were ready to fall apart.

Meanwhile, Lucifer was amused by Valac's declaration because it made him recall a piece of information. "Now that you mention it, you look eerily familiar to a famed troublemaker in the Ring. Several demons want your head. Perhaps I should alert them."

"Ooof! Uhh…" Valac blanched before looking towards Apollo for assistance. Fortunately, Apollo was feeling nice.

'I'm in need of your assistance,' Apollo thought.

A moment later, a large portal opened right before Apollo.