28 Mysterious Demonic Pellets

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"Ahem, you shouldn't find yourself in a stupor so easily. What I handed you was a simple cultivation tool. It is a basic requirement for anyone to advance within the realm of a Zul Warrior in addition to normal cultivation. Granted, it was a virtually perfected version. But even then it's not that surprising," Irauk shrugged. Where he was from, this type of resource was basic.

So, he found Apollo's current state to be funny, even though he misconstrued the reason.

"Oh. That's not what happened. I was just surprised by certain things," Apollo answered approaching the now skeptical Irauk, who scrutinized him intensely.

'It's very odd. With my cultivation, there shouldn't be an issue inspecting this lad's inner conditions. Yet, I'm unable to discern the state of his talent. Could it be he possesses the fabled Saint Grade Meridians found only in one of ten million children? If so, he'll become my saving grace!' Irauk inwardly thought.

Despite his unmoving expression, he was delighted beyond belief!

"Nonetheless, that was nothing short of an exemplary performance. As I said, this was a test so needless to say; you deserve a reward," Irauk grinned. The next moment, a violet pouch materialized from seemingly nowhere. Adorned with strange symbols, it possessed golden drawstrings holding it closed.

"What exactly is this?" Apollo questioned, but instead of Irauk, he received his answer from the system.

「Item Name: Minor Spatial Pouch

Rank: Rank 2 Artifact

Information: This spatial pouch was made by someone with a slightly decent understanding of the elusive Spatial Laws. Contains a tiny space that enables one to store items. Its current capacity is 4 cubic meters.」

'Oh, it's a storage item!' Apollo thought. The first thing that caught his eye was its size because it was small enough to fit comfortably in his palm. So he found it rather shocking that the description indicated 4 cubic meters of space.

"This spatial pouch contains enough resources for even a peak Spirit Grade Meridian cultivator to reach the Zul Warrior stage within 3 years. That is your reward. I expect you to be able to accomplish at least this much in light of your earlier feats," Irauk revealed as he turned around and proceeded forth in a leisurely manner.

His gait was no more than a saunter as he continued through the damaged area of the forest. From his direction, it was clear he was intent on returning to the area he came from. However, Apollo on the other hand, was confused.

'Is that it? We're only slaying one monster? I feel like I can slay more after I recover,' Apollo internalized while glancing at his nearly full stamina bar. It was only in need of 5 more seconds at most before he was fully healed.

"Are we done here? We aren't going to hunt anymore Spirit Beasts?" Apollo finally questioned as he gazed at the halting figure of the distant Irauk.

"Oh, silly me. Do you want to fight more? Let me warn you now, that was a lucky case. You won't find many lone cubs without their parent beasts. If you want to be tested, I won't be rendering aid in the event that you find yourself in a perilous situation. With that being said, make your choice," Irauk said in a solemn tone while gazing straight into Apollo's eyes.

Since it was a first, the abrupt change in Irauk's demeanor astonished Apollo, leaving his wordless. At this moment, Azridan chimed in offering his own insight.

[He is testing you. Don't be overly greedy. Harvest this beast's remains and follow him. It isn't wise to seek danger beyond your capabilities. No, let me change that. It isn't wise to enter catastrophic situations whilst you haven't even evolved yet. You must remember, the presence of your weapon is the sole reason you were able to prevail.]

'Okay I understand,' Apollo relented, placing a dampener on his thirst for battle. The look in his eyes mellowed as he nodded to Irauk, "I'll just harvest this beast's remains and follow you."

"Wise choice. I'm glad to see you aren't a foolish lad who believes he can handle anything thrown at him. That battle was to your advantage and even then you just barely managed to slay the beast. However, this isn't to dishearten you. I admire your spirit and control over yourself at this stage. I believe you will venture far down your path should you remain intuitive," Irauk responded.

Afterward, he jumped up to a branch high enough to give a vantage point. 

With a few seconds of focus, he caught sight of each of the 5 youths embroiled in battle causing a slight smile to appear before murmuring, "It would appear this generation contains plenty of talents," throughout his words, his expression became grim, "However, is that really a good thing?"

Since he was experienced, Apollo made quick work of the beast carcass. During the process, he came in contact with a small yellow gem embedded in the beast's chest cavity. Throwing it in the pouch, he saved it for a later inspection. It wouldn't be long before the cub's parents caught wind of the scent of their offspring's blood.

Should that happen, he wasn't sure if this quirky man would offer assistance. 

Eventually, Apollo finished and dashed behind Irauk who had resumed leisurely travel.

Yet, despite his efforts to catch up, it seemed every time he did so, Irauk increased his speed ever so slightly. But what shocked Apollo was his new speeds. He was traversing distance much faster than earlier.

'Perhaps I should focus on my agility as well. It's only a matter of time before my current agility proves insufficient,' Apollo thought. However, thinking about his stats reminded him of the rewards he just recently received before being interrupted in his inspection.

...

「«External Absorption» -

Rank: *Unique 

Information: A useful trait unique to only you. However, it'll require you to reach over Level 65 to truly take advantage of it.

Effect: Allows you to absorb Experience from all external sources without restriction. 

Requires: «Juvenile Demon Body» 」

「Item Name: Demonic Essence Pellet

Rank: Lesser (Demonic Item)

Information: This pellet doesn't originate from the world of Astarat but instead where Azridan came from, the Nihilistic Rings. It is a condensation of a vital energy source for Demons.

Effect: Increases your evolution meter upon ingestion.

*Each subsequent ingestion reduces its efficacy, which in turn increases the required amount.  」

'Evolution meter? Why don't I see such a thing?' Apollo asked while splitting his attention, which allowed him to dodge between trees. As his Intelligence increased, so did the abilities of his mind. Things such as his cognitive functions were continuously improving.

[Because you have yet to ingest that pellet. That is the catalyst to unlocking said meter.]

'Ah, so how many will it take?'

[No idea. It's not within my knowledge. Where I come from, the environment alone sustains us demons. There is no need for an item like this to assist our evolution. But, this place is void of that energy, which puts you at a disadvantage. Hence, the reason for you needing these pellets.]

"Shape up lad, we're enclosing on where we came from. But it seems like there's a small surprise that I'll allow you to deal with," Irauk exclaimed with a smug smirk. After all, he saw something interesting from his vantage point.