The Demon Monarch System

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Different from the rest, not only did Geneva's transformation cause a change in Apollo's stats, but the message received after transformation was different as well. Typically, the system would only notify Apollo of receiving a new follower, but this set of notifications went beyond that. It even gave information on Geneva's exact changes as well as some of her restrictions.

〈System: Congratulations, your new follower has unlocked an initial evolution of an Archdemon.〉

〈System: Alert, your new follower has obtained a special sub-race within the Demon Race.〉

〈System: Due to your follower's innate qualities, she has changed into an «Infernal Succubus.»〉

Almost immediately, Apollo was taken aback by the information distributed by the system. For the first time, upon demonizing his follower, they received a race and it wasn't just any race.

It was a variation; a fusion of two races. In short, an Infernal Succubus was a step above normal Succubus, because, on top of their lust, there were some other principles laced into their actions.

Essentially, it was a hybrid species—the fusion of an Iraym with a Succubus. But, achieving such a combination was difficult, because of the demanding properties of an Iraym. Their Hellfire scorched all foreign entities without discrimination, and only the strongest of succubi could survive the introduction of that overbearing flame.

But, in Geneva's case, she didn't need to worry about these issues. After all, her change was precipitated by the system. So, it artificially filled any prerequisite she needed to fulfill.

On the other hand, as a consequence of this immense favor, a drawback ensued. Just evolving to the next stage was turned into a monumental task for Geneva.

〈System: Because your follower's initial evolution is higher than yours, their control over Sin Energy will be restricted and their Sin Purity temporarily limited. [Maximum Growth: Primary].〉

〈System: The restrictions on her Sins can only be broken once you attain the Archdemon state. And, it will happen autonomously.〉

At this time, Apollo fell silent. Even if her Sin Energy was restricted, just the physique of an Archdemon alone was powerful. Take Zarkath for example. Apollo only managed to acquire him through the help of Fuhrer.

Fortunately, he was a demon unaffiliated with Apollo's grand purpose. So, Fuhrer was allowed to help him suppress this demon.

However, if it was a demon from the Lost Council, then that was a different story. As mentioned before, the members of the Lost Council weren't allowed to assist Apollo against the other members; it had to be done through his own efforts.

If this order was disobeyed, then every morsel of power granted to the erring demon would be annihilated, essentially turning them into a blank slate. While it wasn't exactly horrible for the ones whose power returned to the Greater Demon, or even Lesser Demon level, it was another story for the Archdemons and Noblesse hidden within the shadows of the Lost Council.

Starting over from scratch after retaining that much power was absurd!

Not to mention, the time it takes to advance again would be unknown, because some materials that were present during the ancient times of war weren't present today. Naturally, this had something to do with the Nihilistic Ring's change in position.

Nevertheless, this was a matter they just couldn't allow to happen.

Finally, Geneva landed before Apollo with a swivel of her hips. A playful smile appeared on her lips as a smoky shade appeared around her eyes. This wasn't the result of her actions, but an innate change to increase her allure. Compared to the rest, an Infernal Succubus was amongst the most tantalizing Demon Races.

However, rather than focus on her, Apollo was surprised by the next message given by the system.

〈System: As a result of acquiring your first Archdemon, the system has permanently transferred a portion of their strength to you. [Transfer Volume: <10%].〉

'Transference of a portion of her strength? I wonder if I can get some more in-depth information regarding this matter,' Apollo thought. As a figment of his will, the system abided by his wishes and disclosed even further information on the given power.

〈System: The changes of your status will be limited to three major factors—Sin Purity, Attributes and Evolution Meter.〉

〈System: The number provided by the estimated notifications covers the overall depth of the transference. So, all the changes added together will add to the power siphoned from your follower.〉

〈System: Rather than go to waste, it is imperative we empower the Monarch.〉

Apollo was in shock. This was a first for him. The system never revealed its intention to him before. So, rather than keeping the energy stolen from Geneva in a stored place, it implanted it in Apollo.

What's more, one thing Apollo immediately took notice of was the meager number.

'Just greater than 10%? Although it is vague, I have a feeling the number is infinitesimally close to 10. If that's the case, then could it be my current power isn't far from an Archdemon?' Apollo wondered.

Generally, absorbing a portion of her strength should result in more than just a mere 10% gain, but that was only true if the recipient was much weaker.

Afterward, Apollo took a moment to browse through the changes in his stats. Instantly, three evident changes caught his attention. The first was his level. Although it wasn't emphasized by the system, he was sure this would receive some assistance as well.

Because, the easiest way for him to grow stronger at this point was to continue increasing his level. In turn, it would simplify the process of increasing his Sin Purity.

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(Demon Monarch System) Lv.5

Name: Apollo Kaiser

Race: Greater Demon [60.00%]

Title: Monarch's Descendant, Azridan's Successor

Age: 18

Level: 160

Experience: ???%

Health: 100%

Demonic Anima Reserves: 25,000 units.

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Strength: 2,056.0

Agility: 1,910.0

Intelligence: 1,939.0

Vitality: 1,856.0

Comprehension: 224.0

Willpower: 193.0

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[«Traits»]- 7

«Supreme Demon Body»

«Gluttonous Soul»

«Vacant Soul»

«Eye of Mimicry»

«Eye of Desire»

«Intrepid Mind»

«Tempting Corruption»

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[«Techniques»]- 5

«Demonic Imposition: Adamantine Servitude» [Partially Awakened]

«Demonic Providence: Domination» [Sealed]

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[«Sin Margins»] 

Ira - Primary [Infernal Hellfire]

Gula - Primary [Endless Devouring]

Avaritia - Initial [Boundless Desires]

Superbia - Primary [Adamant Will]

Invidia - Initial [Covetous Eye] 

Luxuria - Initial [Corrupted Eye]

Acedia - Initial [Languish Perception]

…

In addition to receiving 10 levels from absorbing Geneva's power, it elevated his evolution progress by 10%. But, one must remember 10& of a Greater Demon was nowhere close to being equivalent to 10% of an Archdemon.

In addition, the restricted access was strong enough to elevate both Apollo's Gula and Superbia to the Primary stage. Although he absorbed her other two sins as well, it just wasn't strong to permit a change in those other two Sins.

While the system said his purity of Luxuria arrived at the Initial level, it barely skimmed the surface, unlike the rest of his powers. As a result, it could be seen as his weakest current Sin. 

But, that was only temporary. All it required was for him to attune himself with the Sin well and learn how to properly indulge himself in its debauchery. But, different from the others sins, indulging in Luxuria was more so a luxury than a necessity.

So, it wasn't high on his agenda at that moment.

Suddenly, Ouroboros' childish voice sounded in his ear, "Masssster, who is this pretty lady? You know Boros likes her, right? Hehehe!"

Listening to his words, Apollo could only shake his head exasperatedly. Despite being a child compared to everyone present, Ouroboros was by far the naughtiest. Yet, Geneva didn't seem to mind his words and even smiled while holding out her hands.

"Would you like to come to this pretty lady?" Geneva whispered in an enticing voice. Ouroboros' tail rattled excitedly, but he didn't immediately jump off of Apollo's shoulder. Instead, he looked to Apollo for permission, which intrigued him for a moment.

'Can Ouroboros perhaps sense my change? Besides that, I can't think of a reason why he would request my permission now of all time.' Usually, Ouroboros spent most of his time in Elaia's embrace, so Apollo didn't understand the reasoning behind the change.

Still, Apollo obliged nonetheless. In the same instant, Ouroboros flew directly into Geneva's supple embrace.

Meanwhile, Apollo gathered the others around. Typically, he'd have Fuhrer cover this process, but Apollo wanted to test something out.

'I won't be barred from using it anymore, right? The memory is hazy, but I recall a presence stopping me from conjuring these gates. But, if I do summon it, it'll make our travel even more convenient as well as give me experience on the matter,' Apollo thought while pondering the possibility.

Regardless of the outcome, Apollo still intended to move forward with his actions. So, immediately a grand gate exuding a massive heat signature erected from seemingly nowhere as Apollo placed his hands on the ground and funneled Ira deep inside.

As the gates opened, a torrent of Ira assailed their faces but it was soon replaced by a flash of Superbia before returning to Ira. But, all of a sudden, a demon burst through the portal, however, it was instantly slashed in half by Fuhrer.

And, it was a familiar demon, an Ifrit. 

"My Lord, are we returning to Ashiraem? Have you made up your mind to abandon going to Suprenis? If so, I standby your decision," Fuhrer voiced. Truth be told, the next strongest demon resided in Suprenis, and they bore a small link to Valac.

So, if they returned there, chances are that demon would confront them. The only issue was that demon in question was one of the Kings of the Lost Council! Just thinking about this matter gave Fuhrer a headache.

"Yeah, I believe it's better this way. Only danger and difficult allies reside in Suprenis," Apollo replied. Afterward, he ordered everyone to follow behind him, "Dominus Household, it is time to unleash hell!"

Whoosh! 

The entire household stepped through the portal and entered the tunnel linked to Ashiraem. Unlike before, Apollo was accompanied by a small army. So, his intention here was inherently different.