The Demon Monarch System

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Apollo's gaze scanned the information related to the Conqueror's Arms, acquiring all of the information required to prepare several applications for this particular technique.

「Technique Name: Conqueror's Arms

Technique Rank: *Unique (Bloodline Art)

Effects: When used as a medium, empower all dark techniques that pass through them.

While the Conqueror's Arms are active, the Dominator's Cluth experiences a 33% boost to its crushing power and oppressive pressure. This technique also enables the ability to overlap the Dominator's Clutch. *(This effect can only be used a number of times before the Conqueror's Arms shatter.

Consumption: Using the boost consumes 1% of Aura Reserves and 0.5% of Bloodline Reserves every three seconds. *(Using the overlapping ability increases the consumption by ten times.)  」

'So, this is just a temporary state,' Apollo thought to himself after dismissing the information panel. Based on the information given, the Conqueror's Arms were prone to shattering after a set usage in their current state. While Apollo was unsure if this issue would disappear once his power rose, he knew this was a limiting factor for the time being.

In fact, the possibility of shattering made Apollo question whether these arms could go up against an Armament, which was lauded for their absurd durability. Eventually, Apollo's attention shifted to the hammer in Asteroth's hand as he clenched his fist.

'Speculating won't help. In this case, it's best to test out my theories in person,' Apollo thought to himself. In the next moment, he once again utilized the Umbra Phantom Mantle at the Triple Mirage level, creating two other phantasmal images of himself.

During his rush, each of the phantasms executed a strong smash simultaneously in which Asteroth countered by unleashing a ferocious swing. A blast of destructive energy collided against Apollo's smash. If one looked closely, they'd realize the destructive energy possessed numerous spikes siumilar to Asteroth's hammer.

It was only for an instant, but a standstill occurred before being followed up by a gradual cracking nose. Besides Apollo's actual body, each of the phantasms showed signs of fragmenting as a ghastly fume leaked from their body.

However, Apollo didn't flinch as he used this fume to create a screen of darkness. The screen obscured Apollo's movement, but it was only for a short while as it couldn't bear the onslaught of Asteroth's destructive method.

Nevertheless, the screen served its purpose. By the time Asteroth blew away the smokescreen, Apollo's true figure was no longer in from Asteroth but at his back. Once he arrived there, Apollo immediately tested out the Conqueror's Arms first effect.

Apollo summoned a miniature version of the Dominator's Clutch, except there was a condensation before the knuckles as it formed into a fist. Understanding that Asteroth's reaction speed was unusually rapid, Apollo didn't waste any time in launching the attack.

A horrifying sound occurred as the miniaturized claw smashed into Asteroth's back, sending him flying. However, there was no impact on the ground, which caused Apollo's eyes to narrow.

'That attack was stronger than anything I've unleashed thus far, yet he managed to alleviate the force of the attack by the time he neared the ground? How so…' Apollo wondered while cracking his knuckles with evident excitement apparent on his expression. 

Although Asteroth proved to be a difficult opponent, Apollo had no complaints. After all, in fights like these, he made the most advancements. For example, he had already come across one of the techniques affiliated with his bloodline.

Meanwhile, Asteroth brandished his hammer while looking at Apollo with a toothy grin. "That technique you just used comes from your bloodline, doesn't it? So do those arms because I am quite familiar with them. Except, in my memories, they were much more dangerous."

"Unfortunately, I am far from the level that exists in your memories. However, we both know I'm not the only one," Apollo said with a faint smile. As a result, Asteroth's cheeky grin disappeared. 

The effects of time was something even his Aura of Destruction couldn't resist. Without the proper means to maintain his power, Asteroth was well aware that his power diminished steadily. Be that as it may, it didn't mean he enjoyed Apollo pointing out this matter.

"Tch, what do you know? You don't know the half of my original or even that old man by your side. At most, you know the shared stories; you don't know the firsthand experience," Asteroth said. Afterward, he lifted his hammer in front of his body before tracing a circle half the size of his torso.

A ring of blazing fire appeared, followed by Asteroth's menacing grin. "Since you're revealing more of your abilities, I shall do so as well. At the very least, I hope you fare well."

Suddenly, the crimson ring of flames adopted a black color as it condensed. Soon enough, it was the same size as the face of Asteroth's hammer. Once it reached this size, Asteroth rotated his body and slammed the hammer against the dreadful ring, propelling it at a frightening momentum.

The speed of the ring was absurd, but that wasn't the worst of it. After traveling a distance away from Asteroth's body, it experienced another compression series. It happened so far that Apollo wasn't able to react to it as the ring ignited with zero indication.

The ignition caused a vast sphere of destruction to take place while the blazing flames reflected in Asteroth's eyes. "Ahahaha! Surely that wasn't enough to deal with you. It was simply fire with a dash of destruction, nothing too overwhelming." 

Despite the appearance of the blast and the scene of fiery carnage that ensued, Asteroth noticed a standing figure within the floating ashes. Besides the figure, Asteroth also noticed a black mass that was hard to see through the dark smoke.

Conversely, Apollo's dark eyes gleamed within the ash as two clasped claws spread apart, revealing his heavily burnt body. Although he quickly summoned two colossal claws to defend against the incoming blast, it happened quicker than he expected.

'Even my Languish Perception wasn't enough to sense that blast in time. Just what is this eerie principle behind all of his attacks? Even if he controls the power behind the attack, they occur at a bizarre pace. Is Amduscias really the master of Acceleration?'

In Apollo's opinion, Amduscias's Aura of Acceleration didn't hold a candle to what Asteroth performed. At least in Amdsucias's case, Apollo could track his movements due to the linear pattern and the almost imperceptible delay before his great burst of speed.

Yet, in Asteroth's case, none of his attacks revealed signs of sudden acceleration. It was almost as if the attacks teleported before him at the rate they were going.

"Ah, you survived. But, my friend, you look a little charred! Ahaha! How can a demon with the power of Ira flowing through their veins suffer injuries from flames? Tsk tsk, what a shame. That purity must really be lacking if that's the case," Asteroth said. 

From his tone, it was clear that Asteroth enjoyed his current situation. Nevertheless, Apollo merely looked down at his scorched arms as they healed at a visible rate. 'More… this is far from enough.'

Suddenly, a surge of darkness appeared around Apollo as he lifted his head, five phantasms phased from his body followed by a tempest of dark winds as Apollo activated the highest level of the Umbra Phantom Mantle―the Six Phantasm Shifts.

However, Apollo's actions didn't stop there as he exhaled a turbulent stream of condensed steam. It was almost as if his insides were boiling by how dense the mist was. The two colossal claws resonated with Apollo in the next moment as they condensed repeatedly while floating toward his arms. 

The black and silver accents on Apollo's eye-catching arms expanded as they assimilated with the claws, creating a different environment around Apollo. A feeling of dread and domination permeated the atmosphere, which caused Asteroth to stop laughing.

"Eh?" 

Asteroth rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things because the current form of Apollo's Conqueror Arms were the ones in his memories! In other words, the effects of this technique could turn out to be potentially lethal!

"Surprise surprise! This little boy is full of joyous surprises!"

Asteroth performed an explosive dash towards Apollo, stopping him from reveling in the power produced from this overlapping. Since he was unable to enjoy the feeling, Apollo scoffed before taking a step back. 

Just as he performed the step, Asteorth arrived before him, unleashing a relentless swing. However, confidence filled Apollo, compelling him to smile as he swung his arm to the side.

At the same time, crimson lines appeared on Apollo's body, symbolizing the activation of his Infernal Ira Stigmata, which in turn increased Apollo's strength by a considerable amount. The end result was something that even Asteroth hadn't estimated!

Bang!

Apollo swatted Asteroth out of the air, punching him into a boulder not too far away. Unlike the previous strike, Asteroth didn't have time to destroy the force before his face was planted into a rock.

Be that as it may, Asteroth immediately sprang from the debris as if he hadn't received any hit.

"Whoa! I didn't expect such a heavy blow.. Let's play some more little boy! I can't seem like a wimp who can't take a punch. Take one as well!"