Chapter 101: Reclamation of Glory

----

'Ding!'

〈System Alert! You have reached the first threshold; Level 100! As a result, your level has been locked to this state. In turn, your inner physique has been elevated to the Heaven-Grade. The related traits have upgraded as well.〉

〈System Alert! The rewards for reaching Level 100 have been awarded. You have received +5.0 to all Attributes as well as 100 Stat Points.〉

〈System Alert! Two-fold liberation of stats has taken place. The requirement to advance has been met. If you would like, proceed forth. However, you must not be interrupted. If you are, the consequences will be a regression back to a Rank 5 Mortal.〉

'Hm? The Heaven-Grade? I've returned to the state they said my father had achieved. To tell the truth, the changes are mind-boggling,' Apollo thought to himself. Opening his eyes, he clenched his fist. The ambient Natural Essence within a 3-meter radius all flowed to him within an instant.

"What? That absorption rate is abominable. It's no weaker than his father in the past! Is that large shockwave that just occurred is him shattering that threshold into the next inner physique? Astonishing! With this, you should hold even more of a chance," Kayn exclaimed with a fervent gleam in his eyes.

His excited state interacted with the Natural Essence around them causing it to seethe as well. For a short more, the atmosphere was extremely active until it settled due to Apollo's action. Since the others had yet to finish recuperating, he took the time to explore what his locked level meant.

He closed his eyes, conversing with Azridan. 'Azridan, what does the system mean when it says my level is locked? Am I no longer able to advance?'

[Ah, that is because your level has become special. You require both Demonic Anima as well a stronger physique to break this barrier. Beyond Level 100 with this system is a threshold for another world. However, by no means does this mean you're unable to advance. It'll just be done differently.

[Nevertheless, now that you've reached this grade, the amount of Natural Essence you'll be able to influence should be astounding. Of course, on the flip side, the progress with your talents will decelerate. But even then, I'm sure something will present itself in the future to rectify this situation. After all, most of the system is still inactive. As I told you in the beginning, everything rests on your shoulders.]

'Hm, if that's the case then I feel like it's dependent on me completing that mission. My only question now is what will the change be exactly and how will it help my growth? Moreover, that world of yours… I find myself growing more and more curious about it. I look forward to the day I venture there.'

[I don't know if you truly mean those words. For the day you step foot there, you'll understand what survival of the fittest and a dog eat dog world really means. In fact, you can look at this current world as an infant learning to walk. Nevertheless, I don't recommend you make any advancements at this very moment.]

'I was thinking the same exact thing. The fact we're undergoing rapid movement is enough reason for me not to try it. Not to mention, those consequences are too harrowing for me to attempt under these circumstances,' Apollo replied, his eyes trembling as if ready to open.

[Correct choice. Remember, you are inching closer and closer to your true path but let me warn you. You will experience things and it is up to you to conquer them. I may be your mentor, however, there will be events I won't be able to guide you through. That is what will mold you. So do well to remember these words.]

'I understand,' Apollo replied, finally opening his eyes. Everyone's gazes were turned on him due to the turbulence he created. This was also true for the group of Shaanti's in the distance. Abram, especially, had a peculiar glint in his eyes as he looked towards Violeta.

"It seems the Kaisers now possess a talent on par with you. What will you do? Will you allow yourself to be overtaken or will you finally allow us to trample upon them?" Abram asked with an imperious gaze falling on Violeta. For a moment, she shuddered from the pressure.

She understood how deep the struggle between the Kaisers and Shaanti went, however, she didn't like feeling like this—being stifled and forced to comply with someone else's will. This awoke a desire within her—one that stemmed from both defiance and her own lust for things.

"I will conquer them but this will be for myself! So stop with the pressure Grandfather. Do you doubt me?" Violeta stamped her foot with a coquettish pout crossing her arms. Seeing this Abram released a wry chuckle as he retracted his pressure.

"I'll believe you then but you must always remember, for far too long we have been inferior to them. As you saw earlier, although we possess a greater number of talents, that old fogey can still best me. I'm sure you understand the implications that follow that," Abram stated with a meaningful gaze.

After one reached a certain state; at least a Zul Commander, their true strength underwent a fundamental change. Even more so the case for Zul Generals. Without a doubt, they were capable of taking on multiple Zul Knights and even Zul Commander without falling into a disadvantage.

This only spoke volumes of their combat presence and reserves of Natural Essence. As it was now, if they were to release their entire cultivation base, they would become unfathomable existences to the present Zul Warriors.

"I understand Grandfather. Place your beliefs in me, I will see to it that they come to fruition," Violeta said clinging to his arm with a resolute gaze. "But can I have more cultivation resources, maybe? I'd like to attempt to reach the next rank before the trials begin!"

Gazing at her for a moment, Abram ultimately gave in handing her a spatial pouch that made her eyes sparkle with excitement. Inside that pouch had to contain copious amounts of resources. After all, he was the Grand Elder of the Shaanti. How could he have shallow pockets?

On the other hand, Kayn snapped his fingers rallying everyone, "Time to move. We'll run into the next batch of beasts you'll need to slay in a short while. With our current pace, we should reach the port city around one month from now."

"In the next fight, I'll join in for a moment," Apollo stated.

As it was now, he didn't have much else to do. With his level locked and them being on the constant move, he couldn't risk moving. Hence, he needed something to occupy his time.

What else was there better than honing his current arsenal in battle. It was just a shame that the monsters he observed earlier were far from able of presenting a challenge. At least it would offer him a chance to stretch his bones.

"Very well. It seems you don't want to continue on with your advancement but I believe I know why. As one's internal grade is higher, the dantian they awaken is more intricate and requires more time to complete. Hence, you don't have the time needed at the moment. I understand; it is a good choice. The dantian is the strongest yet most delicate organ," Kayn said solemnly.

Apollo didn't immediately answer instead he silently mused over this information, 'Maybe if we were talking about a normal person sure. I just don't want to deal with the possibility of such a huge regression.

"Ah, look ahead. It's a gathering of those beasts," Apollo answered, raising his finger at the barren land in the distance. Nearly 3 kilometers away was at least 100 Demonic Beast stampeding towards them.

Taking note of this, both Kayn and Cynthia were momentarily shocked. He could see that far?! If so, his sight was on par with an early stage Zul Knight! It was astounding.

Realizing their shock, Apollo's expression turned weird. "Did I say something wrong? There's indeed a small beast horde incoming."

"No...that's not it. We know they are coming. We see them but you...shouldn't be able to. We're shocked by how strong your senses are. Typically, someone at your stage wouldn't be able to see beyond 300 meters." Cynthia said with shock and disbelief that soon turned into amazement written across her face. In her eyes, he was simply full of surprises.