Chapter 23: Late Stage Battle

----

In a flash, 2 days went by. However, unlike before where Apollo used the Vantablack Knife for battle there was a long branch in his hand. While it looked like a normal stick, being that it came from a tree in the forest; it was obscenely sturdy. Humans weren't the only things which became saturated with Natural Essence. Vegetation did as well due to it become part of their respiration cycle.

Using the knife, he carved it into a suitable shape, similar to the bo staff he used back at the family estate. Wielding it, Apollo familiarized himself with its crude shape through battle continuous battle.

Lunging forward, he thrust his crudely made staff at the eye of a Late Stage Twin Fanged Wolf. Moving its head to dodge the abrupt attack, the Twin Fanged Wolf opened its mouth to use a soundwave attack. Although unblockable it wasn't impossible to evade. Hence, Apollo twisted his body avoiding the sound burst. Retaliating, Apollo flicked his wrist causing the staff to ultimately find its way to its intended target; the wolf's eye.

Retreating with quick hurried steps, Apollo silently examined the wolf's movements. This was reacting differently from the other ones.

'This beast must be closing in on the Late Stage of Rank 1,' as he thought this to himself, the wolf opened its mouth. In the center, a condensed orb of Natural Essence began to accumulate.

[Careful, this beast can manifest a small piece of Natural Essence. However, just that small piece is rather terrible when pinned against your current strength.]

'Okay,' mentally replied Apollo as he braced the staff behind his body shifting his weight to his toes in order to react at any moment.

Rising and falling, the wolf's chest moved as it fired the small orb of Natural Essence at Apollo immediately condensing a second one. Startled by its speed, Apollo stabbed his staff into the floor catapulting himself into the air. But as he did so, the orb landed on the staff causing it to splinter.

That wasn't the end of it. A second one was soon fired, causing Apollo to frown. 'At moments like these, I wish I was able to utilize Natural Essence in the same way.'

'Bang!'

The orb slammed against Apollo's crossguard arms before his chest. The sound was slightly overwhelming as his arms were sliced continuously by the threads of Natural Essence within the orb. Sucking in a sharp breath, Apollo felt the pendant around his neck instantly begin its purpose.

Landing on the floor, his arms fell limp for this short period. They had suffered entirely too much damage. Nevertheless, this didn't stop Apollo's pursuit; mad dashing forward, he rammed into the side of the Late Stage Twin Fanged Wolf. Unfortunately, the wolf responded by headbutting his torso causing him to fly through the air.

Landing, he coughed up blood as he rebounded to his feet, gritting his teeth. 'This wolf is my last kill yet it is proving to be difficult. Tch...annoying. Is it too much to handle a Late Stage Rank 1 before becoming a 4th or even 5th Rank Mortal?'

«-76 Damage received. 60/136 Health remaining.»

[The issue lies in the fact that as these beast advance they become able to innately handle Natural Essence without practice due to both primal instincts and the condition of their physique.]

'Ah, I thought as much,' mentally responded Apollo whilst glaring at the wolf. In truth, he wanted nothing more than to kill this beast as quickly as possible. This had been the largest amount of damage he had suffered in one sitting. Luckily, the Resplendent Jadeite Necklace was in his possession or I fear he might have found himself in a perilous situation.

Dropping half of the splintered staff, Apollo withdrew the Vantablack Knife as he murderously gazed at the wolf. Adopting this weird stance, he wielded both the broken staff as well as the knife.

In the next moment, his movements shifted as Apollo stuck low to the ground kicking off his back foot. Arriving before the wolf, he kicked his foot once again performing an arc step. At this moment this was one thing on his mind; kill.

Adopting an attack and retreat tactic, soon the wolf's body was riddled with both slash wounds and jagged gashes as it unsteadily moved toward Apollo with bared fangs. Smiling in the same manner, Apollo's sharpened canines were slightly apparent.

Preparing to end the battle, Apollo dashed forward haphazardly as the wolf opened its maw once again. In dire straits, it attempted to fire another orb of condensed Natural Essence. However, catching wind of this early Apollo stomped his foot preemptively accelerating.

Waving his hand, he flung the knife directly inside the wolf's mouth. The knife pierced its skull from the inside, putting an end to its existence. As a result, Apollo received multiple notifications.

«System Alert! You have killed a Late Stage Rank 1 Spirit Beast.»

«180 (90 + 90) Experience has been received.»

«Congratulations you have reached Level 36.»

«Experience: 140/3,600.»

However, the notifications were far from over.

----

(Demon Monarch System) Lvl.2

Name: Apollo Kaiser

Race: Demi-Demon (Half-Step)

Title: Azridan's Successor

Age: 11

Level: 36

Experience: 140/3,600.

Health: 139/139

Stamina: 139/139

Body Cultivation Realm: Rank 3 Mortal

Physique: Mortal-Grade (Peak Tier)

Zuls: 28

Strength: 14.0

Agility: 5.4

Intelligence: 13.0

Vitality: 5.3

Stat Points: 2

'I can subtly feel that I'm close to the next level inner talent. However, what's the prerequisite for it? Does it rely upon my stats or level?' silently mused Apollo as he scrutinized the layout of his stat page. At that same time, Azridan provided him slightly more information.

[It is dependent on your level for now. After certain milestones have been reached, you'll enter the next stage of inner talent. As for the exact value, well that will be given to you when you reach the Earth Grade. In other words, it'll be shown in your Foundational Chart.]

'Ah...so that's what the Foundational Chart is? Then, does that mean possessing a higher talent is better before seeking to enter the Zul Warrior Realm?'

[Precisely. What many don't know is when testing for talent although it doesn't seem like it. The state of their initial talent is fragile. It can both decrease and increase. Hence, it is imperative for youths to only focus on cultivating their inner talent. Of course, this only pertains to the body. I'll teach you about soul talent later.]

'Soul Talent... then I can assume the physique everyone mention is instead split into two parts. Soul and Inner?'

[Correct. However, have you sensed that? I sense people nearby and judging by their cultivation bases. It would seem they came to this forest with a purpose. More importantly, they're closing in on your position. I'm guessing your earlier battle and the beasts Natural Essence fluctuations have alerted them. Prepare for confrontation.]

"People? Could it be mercenaries or the like?" mumbled Apollo as he retreated and hid behind a tree while making his presence sparse. Not much later, a snap of a branch was heard as multiple figures landed where Apollo once was.