Chapter 283: Struggle to Access the Link

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'Is this youth using some type of technique? What level is it at? It uses rather pure energy. It shouldn't be of a low standard. Good, it would seem this youth has quite the arsenal of useful possessions. Simply a grand catch,' the guardian determined. However, he also remained wary of the aura of the strike.

To be completely sure, he reinforced his Infernal Rampart with another round of Hellfire. The previous crack recovered and left no sign of it and the rampart hardened in the process. 

Be that as it may, Apollo didn't just fire a single wave. Despite the increasing consumption, Apollo fired a torrent of Perfected Demonic Massacre Wave at the rampart. Every single impact caused the rampart to suffer a large gash that only grew deeper.

The moment it appeared, Apollo focused all of his strikes on that single point. At the same time, he even began activating his Infernal Ira Stigmata causing his physique to thrum with momentous power.

'Hoh? His power suddenly jumped to around the middle level of the Greater Demon State. For such an increase, a high-ranked Demonic Art is needed. He is just full of wonders,' the guardian thought with the greed growing in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Furcas' eyes had already increased to 4 symbols. Yet, despite that, he still couldn't get the upper hand on this demon's speed. Before he could make a proactive movement, the guardian had already begun to execute his strike. The disparity in their speeds was apparent.

In fact, if Apollo had to make a rough guess. According to the system's stats, Furcas should be somewhere around 1,300 Agility whereas this opponent was in the range of 1,500 or greater. Moreover, this didn't just translate to a mere 20% increase in speed. One must remember, the coefficient of the system's parameters was still affected by the current physiques' capabilities. 

After the 10th consecutive strike, the Infernal Rampart exploded into a dark cloud that Apollo rushed into without much hesitation. Typhir also followed closely behind to provide support in his confrontation. From within the cloud, the two burst out and slashed their weapons forward.

This time, the guardian acted differently. He didn't summon another rampart but used a movement to show just what he thought of their actions. He used his foot to kick away their blade before flicking the air aimed towards their chest. 

When the air compressed enough, it was like they were hit with cannons. Each of them, Typhir and Apollo flew back like helpless rag dolls before they could regain their footing. At first, they were slightly appalled by the combat ability of an Archdemon.

This wasn't from an actual strike, but the indirect results of a strike. 'To weaponize air with force, how much strength does that take? The immense pressure; if my stigmata didn't upgrade, I would have suffered a few cracked bones,' Apollo surmised while shaking off the blow. 

Before making another move, he spat the pooling blood in his mouth onto the ground. On the other hand, Typhir groaned and looked at the indent on his chest. "Fucking annoyance, if I could crush you, I would," he spat out of anger.

"This isn't enough. It looks like I'll have to take this a step further," Apollo muttered before exhaling heavily. As he did so, the aura surrounding his scythe changed. It became exceedingly sharp as if it was threatening to cut to any and everything in its path.

Naturally, this was the telltale sign of the Second Annihilation. While it wasn't perfected like the first one, its base form was many times stronger than the one that preceded it.

"Hahahaha! Although the aura seems to have changed, at the base, it still carries the same foundation. It goes without saying that this is a part of the same technique. A technique consisting of multiple parts, without a doubt, it is definitely a high-ranked Demonic Art. My interest in you has officially peaked. Come!" the guardian exclaimed before executing a heavy slash on Furcas that pushed him into the distance.

Before he could recover, the guardian dashed towards Apollo with a speed that made him look like a blur. However, if it was one thing Apollo was confident in, it was his speed. A moment later, he activated the Umbra Phantom Mantle. Moreover, he did so in the second state. 

The increased consumption wasn't something that plagued his mind at the moment. Since he possessed nearly 10,000 units of Demonic Anima within him, it would take some time before it was all exhausted. Not to mention, Apollo didn't hold back in the slightest. 

All of his offensive skills blended into one. The empowerment from his Stigmata, the Domination Intent, and the Nether Severance's aura. All of this melded together to produce an increased momentum that even the guardian became wary of.

'This is the first time since I, Zarkath, have become an Archdemon that a demon below my level has made me feel apprehension. While it isn't overly strong, he should definitely possess the ability to damage my body. I'd rather not have to heal so…'

Abruptly, Zarkath started to accelerate further. He intended to immobilize Apollo before he could launch his strike. However, little did he know the gathering window of this skill became shorter as Apollo continued to familiarize himself with it.

In less than 2 seconds, Apollo was already in the process of releasing it. In his eyes, Zarkath had simply closed the distance between them. The closer he got, the smaller the window to dodge this strike became.

Nevertheless, Zarkath continued with his actions. The blade of his halberd was then coated in a forceful aura before performing a slash of his own. Despite the fact that this strike was a lower technique, the difference in strength made up for it.

While he was pushed back some, Zarkath still managed to alter the path of the Nether Severance while suffering minimal damage from its rabid aura.

'This move is sharper than I thought. It seems he has poured a large portion of his strength into it,' Zarkath thought. But, before he could advance, Typhir appeared in a crouched position. He then performed an explosive upward slash aimed at Zarkath's right eye.

Sadly, he underestimated Zarkath's reaction speed. He tilted his head back and narrowly dodged the strike as Typhir's eye breezed past his eye. Moreover, in one fluid motion, Zarkath backflipped and kicked Typhir's jaw which launched him into the air.

Afterward, he tapped his foot and performed a spin before lashing out his leg at Typhir's torso. An explosive noise resounded as his body impacted the ground and left a small crater.

Meanwhile, in Apollo's view, he could see that Typhir's health meter had fallen to the 50% range. With just a few hits, this demon managed to reduce him to a helpless state.

Upon noticing this, Apollo's expression fell, 'The disparity between our demonic forms are greater than I thought. This is just a fresh Archdemon yet he is strong enough to counteract our combined efforts. If only I had a more expansive arsenal, I could contribute even further. All I need to do is create an opening for Furcas to take advantage of. As for summoning Fuhrer, my reserves have fallen below the needed amount and I don't feel like risking it the consumption of it for no reaction.'

"You might as well cease your struggles and allow me to gain a hold of your possessions. This is the only way to placate my Greed," Zarkath said while also cracking his neck in the process.

But, the moment Apollo heard his last phrase, he was reminded of the words Fuhrer revealed to him, 'My soul shows signs of Pride, Greed, and Gluttony. This means I should be sensitive to Superbia, Avaritia, and Gula. That may just be it!'

"Compared to your greed, everyone knows gluttony is far more enticing. While greed is just a desire, gluttony is an action," Apollo quipped in response.

In light of his answer, Zarkath's eyes narrowed, "Are you trying to downplay my potential? Useless tactics."

"It isn't. I have realized something. If I wish to deal with you, I have to stoop to your level. I need to become greedy and gluttonous as well!" Apollo exclaimed as the immediate area around him seemed to invert.

〈System Alert! The Annihilations are reacting to your mindset. The next path is becoming apparent as it resonates with your soul.〉 

'Yes, this is it! I need to learn more about the Annihilations! Come to me,' Apollo thought with the desire of greed apparent in his eyes.