37 Demonizing Initializes
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Apollo's body writhed in pain continuously as changes took place inside him in more ways than one. It was certainly a spectacle happening as he laid upon the floor.
While that happened, his consciousness traveled to a blackened world. Yet, in that world, he witnessed mysteries in which he didn't understand.
An atmosphere that released nefarious energy capable of inciting rage surrounded Apollo while scorching heat waves assaulted the area. Lastly, the cracked surface spewed magma and fumes, contributing to the treacherous environment.
All the while, large beings battled against one another producing annihilating collisions. It was like a scene of destructions, which somehow managed to fascinate Apollo.
In awe, Apollo continued to spectate the scene of catastrophe until a familiar voice roused him from his unusual experience.
[You have been asleep long enough. Surely you've healed long enough to awaken, so do so!]
"Ugh," Apollo groaned before sitting up as his eyes fluttered open. However, the substantial change in vision immediately disoriented him. The rapid switch from that fiery environment to this dark cave left nothing but questions.
Furthermore, something was amiss with the cave. There were now multiple scars on the wall and some of the small boulders on the ground were missing sizable chunks.
From what he saw, it seemed like a battle took place!
[It seems my concoction was a little too potent. Eh heh, but it was effective nonetheless.]
Suddenly, Apollo's attention shifted around while a bizarre sounded entered his ears. Although it was subtle at first, the more he focused on it the weirder the noise became.
"I hear...water?" Apollo said with a skeptical expression. Taking a looking around, he failed to notice the appearance of bodies of water nor did he remember any in the distance.
Eventually, he focused on the origin and looked at his hand. The only explanation he could think of was that the sound came from him, 'That couldn't be possible, could it?'
[Oh but it is! You have advanced along the path of your evolution! Your heart is changing, allowing you to carry more power at an accelerated rate. Take a look at that wound on your shoulder. You'll come to understand what I meant by it had succeeded.]
Because of Azridan's insistence, Apollo touched the wound and was shocked by the progress. It was essentially healed, albeit oddly. There was a humongous scar stretching from his shoulder to his chest and down his ribcage.
"Will this scar not heal?" Apollo questioned while his gaze steadily grew narrower. A tinge of iciness entered his eyes and his expression darkened. After all, the appearance of this scar was an indication of his weakness and inability to overcome his enemies alone.
[It should, but it'll take you shedding this old skin. It'll happen in due time, but for now, I suppose you're stuck with it. It isn't just a normal wound. Everything about it was recreated.]
Apollo's expression remained the same, but he still nodded, "I understand what you mean. "It might be unsightly, but it'll serve to keep my sights aligned on one purpose."
[Worded excellently. Now, why don't you take a look at what my actions have done for you?]
"I will," Apollo answered. Many notifications appeared and remained while he was unconscious, but while he moved to sift through them, his mind fell upon the scene that played in his mind earlier. 'Were those beings I saw demons? If so, just how strong of a demon were they, and was this a memory or just a vision?'
Perhaps asking Azridan would reveal some answers, but Apollo didn't focus on that for now. Instead, he verified the current changes.
〈System Alert: Demonic source found. Extracting the essence embedded within.〉
〈System Alert: Irregular effects. Directing the surge towards given attributes.〉
〈System Alert: Your unique demonizing process has begun. Reverse assimilation initiated.〉
〈System Alert: Congratulations, the provided effects were successful. [Current Evolution Progress: 46.82%]〉
〈System Alert: Foundational Chart has been upgraded.〉
[«Foundational Chart»]
.
.
[«Level 60 - 69»]-
The experience required per level increases by 1,000.
Rewards: 0.2 Attribute increase and 0.3 stats points per level.
[«Level 70-79»]-
The experience required per level increases by 2,000.
Rewards: 0.2 Attribute increase and 0.3 stats points per level.
[«Level 80- 90»]-
???
...
'Hmm, as expected the requirements are becoming steeper, albeit faster than I assumed. Hopefully, the rewards from whatever tasks I need to complete in the future scale as well.'
Although it was within his expectations, Apollo didn't expect the required experience to take such a drastic turn. Not to mention, the levels beyond 80 were still missing from the chart.
Until that appeared, Apollo could only hope for the best, but prepare for the worse. In the meantime, he took this chance to continue reading through some of the immediate changes, for example, his level.
After all, the description of the item revealed that it would be equalized, however, it didn't indicate an exact number. So, until now, Apollo was unaware of just how many levels he increased.
Be that as it may, he also knew that it was within the realm of the information given by the Foundational Chart.
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(Demon Monarch System) Lv.2
Name: Apollo Kaiser
Race: Demi-Demon *Unique [46.82%]
Title: Azridan's Successor
Age: 11
Level: 55 → 69
Experience: 0/19,900
Health: 292/292 → 568/568
Stamina: 292/292 → 568/568
Strength: 18.0 → 40.5
Agility: 12.4 → 34.9
Intelligence: 17.0 → 29.5
Vitality: 9.3 → 26.8
[«Traits»]-
«External Absorption»
Stat Points: 8.5
...
Apollo blanked while reading his stats. For the most part, each of them more than doubled! Additionally, he gained a grand total of 14 levels. In short, over 100,000 experience was forced into his body.
Essentially, that was the largest of experience for Apollo thus far.
Suddenly, Apollo clenched his hands and punched the wall. Not only did a large fist indent appear at the point of contact, but not a shred of pain was felt throughout Apollo's arm.
[Excellent. It seems that having over 40 strength and approaching the 50th percentile of your evolution has increased your resilience.]
"Doubling my stats producing such a shocking effect? I feel as if I can slaughter Rank 0 Spirit Beasts with ease and deal with Rank 1 Spirit Beasts without fearing for my life. Not to mention, this is before I've even allocated my Stat Points," Apollo remarked.
[Exactly, it should be well within your capabilities. You've rested here long enough. I believe it's time you complete your quest. After all, I believe it's time you receive what I need to give you.]
"All that's left is to deal with the large number of Spirit Beasts I need to kill. I've already killed over 80% of the needed number," Apollo voiced as he canceled the notification before him.
Turning his gaze towards the cave's entrance, a predatory look entered his eyes. He ignored his disheveled appearance and tattered robes. Immediately, he rushed into the distance, creating a small phenomenon as the result of his current speed.
Although it seemed as if he was traveling without a target in mind, that wasn't the case. Everything within his path was his target!
