Chapter 435 - Unshackled & Dominant

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After returning to the ground, Apollo's eyes gradually returned to what they once were. But, while his eyes returned to normal, the demeanor from earlier remained. After all, his earlier actions caused him to recover his former identity, awakening his sealed bloodline in the process.

At least, half of his sealed bloodline. This was simply what he received from his father. There was still the matter of his mother, who he couldn't quite remember just yet. Whereas the setting of the demons stimulated Apollo's demonic history, he had yet to venture or even come close to his mother's origins.

Additionally, while he remembered his name, that didn't mean he would use it just yet. After all, the Dominus name was something that was bound to shake the Rings if he were to reveal it. Instead, Apollo opted to use the name he received in the assimilation process. 

Still, that wasn't what he focused on. Instead, he looked at the bountiful information bestowed upon him by the system. The first was the title. Unlike everything else delivered by the system, the title didn't possess a rank. Yet, that didn't take away from its absurd effect.

「«Monarch's True Heir» [Title]

Description: The title given to you after openly announcing your identity, relinquishing all fear that accompanies your name. Only one without fear can wield the Conqueror's bloodline. For there is no place for fear in the heart of the boundless dominator.

Effect: Increases the effect of your Aura of Domination on Demons by 50%. Increases the threshold of subservience. Decreases the difficulty of wielding techniques related to domination by 100%. 

*Note: The effects of this title are toggle-able. It is your choice whether or not you wish to use this presence.」

Not only did this title essentially annihilate the difficulty of learning the techniques related to domination, but it also increased the threshold of Apollo's aura. In other words, while he was still a Greater Demon, he exuded a presence that went beyond his current state.

After invoking the title's effects, it wasn't far-fetched to say that Apollo could dominate all Archdemons. After all, before the 50 percent increase, Apollo's aura could interfere with Arleo, who was an Archdemon at the time. Thus, the new limits of Apollo's aura were understandable.

After learning of the title's effects, Apollo then glanced at the information surrounding his bloodline. Unsurprisingly, there was an anomaly with the ranking. Even the Abysmal rating didn't seem to do it justice, since the creator of the bloodline reached a level eclipsing that threshold as well.

Regrettably, the fruits of their labor weren't enjoyable. 

「«Abysmal Conqueror's Bloodline»

Grade: ???

Description: The bloodline created by one of many monikers, Lord of the Dominus Household, Unifier of the Nihilistic Rings, The Abysmal Conqueror, and finally, Aztraval, The Demon Monarch. As the strongest demon to walk the rings, the grading of this bloodline is unknown. 

Effect: Unlocks the potential of the Supreme Demon Body and establishes the foundation for your dominion. 

*Note: This bloodline is the hidden key to accessing the sealed Abyss Ring. 」

'My dominion?' Apollo muttered to himself. Gradually, his thoughts shifted to the two sealed traits that appeared after evolving into a Greater Demon. One of them revolved around a dominion. So, one of the restricting factors for this trait was Apollo's innate fear.

Even if he wasn't aware of this fear, it still served as a severely limiting factor. Fortunately, with the help of a clueless demon, Apollo overcame this fear, finally fulfilling the requirements to unleash the shackles on himself.

From this point on, Apollo was the one without fear.

Soon enough, he shifted his attention away from the information relative to the bloodline and opened another bit of important information―everything related to the Supreme Demon Body.

「«Supreme Demon Body» 

Rank: Abysmal*

State: Greater Demon Body

Description: The Supreme Demon Body, only attainable by the own, capable of wielding the Seven Ungodly Stigmata, is a technique unique to the Monarch's bloodline. It was made to perfect the imperfect Sins. Therefore, there is still room for growth.

«Peerless Demon» - Removes all bottlenecks on your evolution process, producing seamless advancement.

«Pure Stigmata» - Purifies the stigmata to their purest states, ridding them of any impurities. 

«Complete Immunity» - Enables you to resist Sin Corruption from outside sources.

«Reach Mature Demon Body»

«Reach Noble Demon Body»

«Reach Daemonic Demon Body»

«Reach Primal Demon Body»

«Reach Supreme Demon Body»

*Note: There is room for improvement. However, it requires you to search for what has been long forgotten.」

Unlike his other Demon Bodies, this detailed nothing about increasing the parameters of his physique outside of the stigmata. That was because this technique's task only involved bringing out the purest strength of the Sins. As a result, it didn't directly affect Apollo's body.

It did something much greater―this technique energized the stigmata and the effect of their presence. Thus, Apollo's experienced another type of change.

〈System: Because your Supreme Demon Body has been unlocked, and the stigmata purified, the Greater Demon state is complete. However, you must visit the other Rings before you can become an Archdemon.〉

〈System: Total benefits have been tallied: Level increased to 199. [All attributes increased by 25%].〉

Despite the astonishing announcement, Apollo remained unaffected because it was something he expected. During the creation of his stigmata, Apollo tried to use Fragments of Sin to increase the purity of his Sin. However, each of his vessels rejected the fragments despite their purity, all except Superbia and Ira.

Therefore, this was all the confirmation Apollo needed. Jumpstarting the purification process required him to visit each of Sin's respective Rings. After all, how could he expect to purify the Sin if he hadn't visited its origin yet?

Soon enough, Apollo sifted through his status screen to understand just how mighty the changes brought about by this revelation were. Furthermore, he also breezed through the very first notifications that he ignored.

While important, its importance didn't interest Apollo as much as finding out his abilities. Still, it was very much indispensable information.

〈System: Acceptance of your bloodline has increased the Demon Monarch System to Level 6.〉

〈System: Level 6 commands the ability to broadcast the location of all hidden pieces at all times.〉

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(Demon Monarch System) Lv.6

Name: Apollo Kaiser

Race: Greater Demon [100%]

Title: Monarch's True Heir, Azridan's Successor

Age: 18

Level: 199

Experience: 100%

Health: 100%

Demonic Anima Reserves: 200,000 units

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Strength: 3,800.0

Agility: 3,212.5

Intelligence: 2,787.5

Vitality: 2,668

Comprehension: 308.8

Willpower: 278.8

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At this point, battle was simply unneeded for Apollo. His advancement simply required him to broaden his horizons and learn of the situation of the other Ring. Any experience gained now would just enter the pool used to advance his minions.

So, any battle performed by his underlings would become the source of their strength despite being unaware of it.

Eventually, he landed behind Fuhrer while crossing his arms. Although his appearance didn't change in the slightest, the surrounding air did. Even Valac was too frightened to even think about putting on an act.

"You… have returned, my liege. I have long awaited you," Fuhrer said with a smile.

Apollo glanced at Fuhrer before revealing a shocking piece of information, "Estran is alive."

Fuhrer's eyes immediately widened because of Apollo's revelation. After all, according to the Lords, they presumed him dead! Unbeknownst to the Lords, Estran only appeared that way to bide his time.

"How do you know?"

"Because I can sense him. He sleeps in the distant Ring. Though close to death, I can find him and revitalize him. The household won't be complete without everyone," Apollo replied before turning his head towards the ruin's exit.

Again, he revealed a piece of information that surprised everyone. It seemed his ballooned confidence gave him the reassurance he sought. "Xonnomor isn't strong enough to forge a piece of equipment I need. I need Asteroth."

"You don't mean…"

"I do. I'll fight Asteroth, just not here. We'll still be avoiding everyone. I might be stronger, but there are still a few pieces I need to acquire. I need another piece, I need the Dark Lightning Duke, Amduscias," Apollo stated.

Unlike before, Fuhrer's expression brightened as he listened to Apollo's word. According to what Fuhrer sensed, he had truly recovered the bloodline! Therefore, the disparity in strength was much smaller.

Suddenly, Apollo lifted his hand, causing Gram to levitate before him. The next moment, he thrust his hand, sending it hurtling towards Typhir at an absurd speed. Just before it collided with him, Apollo clenched his hand, causing it to stop.

"You may use it. Unleash all the destruction you may like. That Iraym will be your opponent. As for the rest…"

Apollo glanced around and clapped his hand. The ambient Ira turned into an enormous Demonic Massacre Wave, emanating a terrifying heat. Once complete, it hurtled forward, creating a scene of utter destruction.

It instantly burned all of the corpses and gargoyles to ash! 

Meanwhile, Typhir grabbed hold of Gram.