Inviting Disaster Upon One's Self (II)

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[If that's the case, then follow my instructions. Based on my analysis, this beast should have such a technique. Wait for my signal and follow these instructions...]

Apollo's expression soon turned colorful changing at rapid rates as Azridan relayed his plan. Unable to take it anymore, Apollo had a mental outburst, 'WHAT?! I know I said I'd be willing to experience pain but... that's ridiculous!'

[It is the only surefire way for you to kill it and claim the experience. Tis' but a little hiccup in your grand journey~. Don't be afraid of a scratch.]

'What do you mean hiccup? Not to mention, scratch?! That's an understatement. Your words sound akin to suicide,' Apollo retorted as he remained appalled by what Azridan instructed of him. If he followed those instructions, the amount of pain he'd be subject to was unimaginable and yet Azridan called it a mere scratch.

[So, what is your decision? The longer you deliberate over this, the more time eludes you.]

"I'll follow through with your directions," Apollo answered, steeling himself.

[Very well, just wait for my signal then. It should all work out, hopefully.]

Unbeknownst to him, he spoke too soon. As if the lynx was acting in accordance with his thoughts, it initiated movement soon after. While Apollo gathered his strength, the violent winds and arcs of lightning congregated at the lynx's mouth in large quantities. In fact, it depleted the ambient Natural Essence of those two elements in the immediate area.

Before firing, Azridan bellowed in Apollo's mind.

[Now!]

Suddenly, Apollo's knife was engulfed in the fluctuations of the Storm Colossus Lynx's move, but at the core, a dreadful aura coated the Dark Cutter as he dashed forward. Before the crackling orb could be released, Apollo stabbed his dangerous weapon into the dead center.

Krrrrrrk! Wrrmmmmmm!

BOOOOOOM!

The two conflicting energies collided causing obscene crackles to be heard. Overwhelmed with shock, the trio froze. The fluctuations emanating from the scene turned into torrential winds. A moment after, a large explosion.

"A-absolute madlad!" Vren shouted as he caught sight of the posture of Apollo. His appearance...it was unsightly! The others could only stare in awe whilst Apollo performed an astonishing action.

His body was left in a perilous state, whereas his weapon remained stabbed through the mouth of the Storm Colossus Lynx and exited from its skull. All signs of life flickering in its eyes extinguished.

'This child...he's suicidal! I've never met a youth or a person for that matter, possessing such willful disregard for life; it's like his demise doesn't phase him. Or perhaps, was he banking on that attack not killing him? This child; he's...weird,' Krone thought while his horrified gaze remained glued to Apollo.

'Ugh... that one strike did it again,' Apollo thought as he experienced a world of pain as pieces of his physique remained charred. Even more so due to him, using the Demonic Massacre Wave. Luckily, his stamina wasn't terrifyingly low upon usage.

Moreover, the signs of his actions were all hidden by the vibrant energy signatures of the lynx's Storm Surge.

Nevertheless, everyone's body soon became devoid of strength. They had depleted their reserves to kill this thing. Everyone was in need of a break, but Apollo was different. His stamina immediately entered autonomous recovery.

But, instead of his recovery, Apollo was more focused on the notification.

〈System Alert: You have used a Demonic Technique to end a life, extra rewards given.〉

〈System: Bonus 50,000 Experience, 10 Demonic Pellets, and 3 Spirit Shards received.〉

〈System: 20,000[10,000+10,000] Experience gained.〉

〈System: Experience: 87,180/87,900〉

When taking into account the beast he slew before, all that remained from reaching Level 89, was a sliver of experience! While examining this, Apollo's thoughts were broken by Krone's voice.

"Never would I had assumed your view of life was so...irregular. What possessed you to commit such actions," Krone asked while examining Apollo's body. He saw the scars scabbing over at an alarming rate. 'He heals quick...if I didn't know his cultivation, I'd think he was someone who possessed a cultivation method. Wait...'

  The pendant on Apollo's chest poured a continuous yet stream of energy into Apollo, but Krone took notice of this, 'This artifact...it's one of the rarest—a healing one. No wonder. So that's how it is. Though there seems to be an irregularity to it, it seems as if the function is stifled,' Krone presumed without much else information.

Silent for a moment, Apollo pondered how to answer. Of course, he would never reveal the presence of his system. Hence, he answered so, "It was either take the risk or perish, anyway. What would you choose?"

"I see. Well, then. Go over there to extract the cores and deliver them to me," Krone instructed in an almost commanding tone before taking a posture that allowed him to absorb copious amounts of Natural Essence. It seemed as if he didn't appreciate Apollo's tone.

Reflexively, Apollo frowned and shifted his gaze between the two bodies. 'Without me, this wouldn't have been possible, yet he wants both cores?' he thought. Finally, unable to suppress the urge, he peered at Krone, "You'll take them both? That's kind of unfair; don't you think? Where's my share? How will I be compensated?" Apollo continuously questioned with an unmoving expression.

In turn, Krone's expression darkened, 'This little twerp… tch..'

For a moment, Krone's expression darkened, but he controlled himself by taking a breather, "Oi, kid. Listen up, kid. After we sell off those Essence Cores, we'll be sure to give you your share. You'll simply just have to travel with us."

However, although this is what he verbally said, his mind said otherwise, 'Little twerp, do you really think there was a share for you? In fact, after I recover, your belongings will become mine and you'll become my nice little slave. All we'll have to do is monitor your growth so that you never surpass us. In the event that you show signs of doing so… heh.'

"But what will my compensation be? I won't settle for anything less than a quarter of the profits," Apollo continued with a determined intention. He didn't actually care for the profits, but such a time was nearly ideal.

"Fuck'n twer-" Vren started to yell only to be interrupted by Krone holding up his hand and opening his experienced eyes. Looking upon Apollo with an intent gaze, he smiled.

"Why do you believe you deserve such a large portion?"

"It is quite simple and I shouldn't have to explain it. Without me, you guys would have without a doubt, died. No, perhaps you would have never ventured here in the first place. In other words, your plans relied upon me being strong enough. I've pulled my weight so I should be rewarded as so."

"Your words may be true, but you're not as vital as you believe. First and foremost, you lack experience in the ways of this world. When those stronger than you speak, it is imperative you shut your mouth and oblige," Krone uttered in a cold tone before rising to his feet.

Without hesitation, he halted his recovery process and approached the carcasses. Silently, he carved the corpses until he found the cores and took them.

"I don't expect any backtalk during the next confrontation. In the meantime, make yourself useful and finish carving these beasts. We're in need of a meal," Krone said as he delegated all the grunt work to Apollo.

[Tch, how ignorant they are.]

'That's just what I wanted to hear,' Apollo inwardly thought. 

His discontent was visible, but he didn't voice it and simply nodded. "Okay."

Still, that didn't mean he would take this matter sitting down. A cynical smile appeared on his smile as ideas flowed through his mind.