Chapter 227: The Cardinal Sphere Empowers

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〈System Alert! Congratulations, you have unleashed a Perfected Demonic Massacre Wave. As a result, the ability to use it freely has been created. Furthermore, the information possessed on the technique has been updated.〉

〈System Alert! The Demonic Intent category has been added to your status bar. Currently, two renditions of the Demonic Intent have been stored: Dominance Intent and Slaughter Intent. Both of them can be used freely as long as your Cardinal Sphere has sufficient values.〉

〈System  Alert! The Willpower attribute has tripled as a result of the  Cardinal Sphere being properly utilized.〉

〈System Alert! Due to the Cardinal Sphere's benefits, your Comprehension will slowly receive benefits.〉

While looking at all of the notifications, Apollo blanked. Until now, he didn't quite understand the use of the Willpower attribute. Now, it turned out to be directly linked to Intent. 'Interesting, if Willpower is a byproduct of Comprehension, then that means Comprehension strictly deals with the entire state of my Tainted Temple.'

All of a sudden, Apollo's body faltered but Fuhrer reached out a hand to brace him, "You have done well. That was a perfected Demonic Massacre Wave. Now, you must remember that feeling. If you do so, then you will be able to consistently unleash such a strike," Fuhrer said while saying faint praise.

However, Apollo didn't mention that unlike normal people, Apollo only needed to accomplish something once before being to do it consistently. It was an indeed benefit of being the holder of the Demon Monarch System. While he still needed to toll for what he wanted, once he accomplished it he was set.

"Thank you, Fuhrer," Apollo replied. After that strike, he was depleted. Since it was his first strike, he was unable to control how much of his internal energy he expended. Luckily, he was in a safe environment that posed no threat.

Fuhrer sat him against the wall allowing Apollo to take a breather. Since he was allowed this small period, Apollo took the time to go over the changes in the first technique.

Skill Name: First Annihilation - Demonic Massacre Wave

Skill Rank: Noble Art (Fragment)

Mastery: 4/4 (Perfected)

Information: The pinnacle of a Demon is to know when it is time to become a bringer of death. By embracing one's inner savagery, a massacre is to happen. The higher the consumption, the higher the damage. However, repeated use results in each subsequent use increasing in expenditure.

Minimum Consumption: 1% of Demonic Anima Reserves or .5% of Intent Reserves.

«Perfected Values» - If one opts to use the perfected form, each strike deals 4 times the regular damage. However, the consumption continues to double for each subsequent use. To deal with this, increase your state of being.

Parameters: The parameters of damage is equal to (Zul Count + 10% increase per every multiple of minimum consumption use.)

Requirements: Lesser Demon, User of Demonic Intent.

'So, outside of using the perfected strike, the consumption isn't that great. At best, I can fire off 100 Demonic Massacre Waves. However, that's granted I use it at minimum output. In most cases, I won't be able to. The size of that attack would be trivial,' Apollo thought to himself.

"With you having achieved that strike once, when you recuperate, we'll have a partial spar. Moreover, we'll only compete using the First Annihilations. It's best to solidify your foundation before moving onto anything else. Besides, we also need to keep in mind, what is your purpose for coming here?" Fuhrer questioned Apollo.

As a response, Apollo took a glance at his mission. For the most part, his progress was on the expeditious side. 

Quest Name: Journey to Sovereignty Part Two

Quest Information: Although your road to power is still arduous, your advancement has marked the progress on your path. However, in order to truly obtain the mantle that awaits you, you must accomplish tasks otherwise impossible for typical demons. Through pure grit and unbreakable tenacity, you are to shatter the barrier and take control of your first demon while also performing what only a few can accomplish.

Objectives:

-Achieve the 4th Level of the Demon Monarch System. (0/1)

-Open the Tainted Temple and achieve the Spirit Apprentice Realm equivalent. (1/1)

-Advance further upon Demonic Conduct achieving at least Stage 5. (0/1)

-Fulfill the qualifications to become a Greater Demon. (0/1)

-Subdue your first Demonic Spirit. (0/1)

Rewards:

-Information on the method to awaken the Second Sin.

-Fulfillment of the second prerequisite to becoming a chosen contender. (0/1)

-???

-???

Time Limit: 3.5 years (Equal to the time left on your Suppression Imprint.)

[~3 years left.]

'In truth, I came here to catch a hint in completing the first and last objectives, however, it seems to be a rather elusive topic,' Apollo inwardly thought. Even Azridan wasn't too sure about the Demonic Spirits. According to the being that put him in this position, Apollo was to control the demons.

Fortunately, he was able to gather small hints from Fuhrer's stories. Little by little, he started to understand why Fuhrer was deemed as a vital piece. Even though he didn't possess direct information, if his comprehension was up to par, he should be able to infer what needed to be done.

"If I have to put it in simple terms, I just want strength," Apollo answered truthfully. Other than this matter, he didn't think about anything else. Grand desires were something that typically eluded him. Unless some grand event happened to set his mind on the correct path, all he sought was to reach a level where he wouldn't need to submit to anything.

"Presumably, not a bad answer. If you had said something along the lines of wanting to protect someone, I would have proceeded to knock some sense into you. Before you could think of amassing a following to protect or lead, you need to be able to lead yourself," Fuhrer replied.

Apollo agreed with him. A number of people sought strength to protect those around them, however, if that was their aim, what would happen if the people they intended to protect perished early? Would they stop seeking power?

The answer depended on one's reasoning. Many would default to the dark side, embracing the negative to achieve vengeance. Most cultivators who were rogues were those who were wronged and sought to leave that life behind. As a result, they took a more unorthodox route where they were shunned by society.

Although they engaged in the same acts the higher-ups did since they lacked a powerful backing to hide their deeds, they became the sacrificial lambs; the societal scapegoats to give the people an idea of what not to become.

As the two continued to converse about their ideals, Apollo's state recovered quickly. Since Fuhrer gave Apollo a sort of handicap, he went on to guide his mind in the right direction even more, "When we spar, I want to you conjure your weapon while infusing it with the Slaughter Intent. Even when not using the First Annihilation, make sure to accustom yourself with the process."

"Okay. Does that mean all Intent can be infused into my weapon?" Apollo questioned while starting to formulate ideas. However, Fuhrer doused his interest almost immediately. 

"Not exactly, it depends on the grade of the weapon. Normally, a regular weapon isn't capable of handling more than Intent Infusion. If you try to compound it, the weapon could shatter before even unleashing a strike. As for what's on your mind, I'll assess whether or not it's feasible with your current standing," Fuhrer answered.

The two of them then rose to their feet simultaneously. At the same time, Fuhrer thought it was time to make his decision known to both sides, "Lad, it has been a long time since I've seen the scenery beyond this place. If I were to infuse half of my Spirit into the Tenebrous Sword, would you wield it until the rightful owner appears?"

In response, Apollo thought back to his promise to Azridan. Thus, he came to an immediate answer, "No, I won't. I'll make sure to get you out of here. As repayment for your training, I will succeed in accomplishing this promise. Whether it is your body or soul, both of it will be unsealed," Apollo replied.

In return, Fuhrer smiled as his dark helmet dropped back over his face. At the same time, he retreated until there was a space of 50 meters between them, "I have heard this promise before, but that look in your eyes, it seems reliable. Very well, it is time!"