Ascension: Demon Monarch System

4 Mean Children
'----'

'As he stood in front of the ivory gate of the mansion before him

Apollo remembered this place. It was "home"

but it never felt like it. Although the previous owner of his body grew up here

the lack of pleasant memories was jarring.'

'This town he grew up in was known as Verdacre; filled with towering vibrant trees that provided copious amounts of shade for miles to come.'

'Additionally

his family—the Kaiser family—had a reputable name in this town; they were one of the two small ruling noble families of the area. While nothing compared to the true powers of this world

they could hold their own with other bordering town nobles.'

'"The Kaiser Family...my old life had magic and spells

knights and mages

but here

I don't think that is what exists."'

'It wasn't before long that he entered the gates. Upon doing so

Apollo was immediately given odd looks as he limped through the courtyard. His clothes were torn and his hair was matted. At a glance

it seemed he had been through a tough battle

but upon closer inspection

the dirt that covered his clothes didn't appear to originate from battle.'

'"Little child

is staying out all night long all you know how to do? Just because your parents are dead and you have no one to look after you doesn't mean you can go off and do your own thing

" reprimanded a slightly stern-looking man.'

'Apollo paused

glancing at the man with a foul look "Uncle

I did not stay out all night! You know deep down how I am treated! Don't act like you know nothing."'

'The hate Apollo fostered ran deep and as such

an outburst came quick.'

'"You disrespectful brat...you dare talk back?!"'

'In light of Apollo's retort

the stern-looking man raised his hand to deliver a smack. However

his wrist was grabbed by a male looking to be of equal age. Shaking his head

he stopped him.'

'"You see the state of his body

just drop it. He is only speaking out of anger. It'll do you good to pay him no mind

as you are now

you look silly

" the newcomer said as he glanced at Apollo.'

'"Hurry along to your living quarters and attend to your body unless you want to lose that leg of yours. With your current body

your weak bone structure can barely support training

" continued the newcomer as he dejectedly sighed.'

'"Danyul...if we don't punish this little eyesore then he will feel it is alright to talk back! How is it right to let him go like this? Where is the proper home training?!" argued the stern-looking man.'

'"Oh? So tell me then

Ashur...how exactly do you want to punish him?"'

'At the question the slightly irritated Ashur stumbled

glancing at Apollo. Now that he gave him a proper look

he was unable to think of a proper answer.'

''Any type of beating would probably kill this kid and I don't want that type of incident on my hands

' Ashur inwardly determined before waving his hand.'

'"Bah! Never mind… but that little brat should never talk back again!" Ashur succinctly yelled.'

'Apollo limped forward

gritting his teeth and clenching his fist en route to his room. However

as he limped

Danyul's face shifted to a downcast expression as he sighed. Within his eyes lingered a heavy melancholy.'

'As he turned to leave

he muttered to himself

"If only you had the talent your parents did…"'

'Shortly after

Apollo reached his courtyard. Compared to the rest of the mansion

Apollo's living space was on the tiny side. It was a room unable to fit more than 3 people. It had a simple plush mat as a bed

a counter

and a lamp.'

'When he turned his head

Apollo saw a small container of cream prompting him to claim it. When he did

the system granted him even more information on the item.'

'Item Name: Healing Ointment'

'Rank: Rank 1 Medicine'

'Grade: Poor'

'Effect: When smeared on open wounds

restores 2 Health.'

'Sub-effect: Closes minor wounds in 2 hours.'

'Uses: 10/10'

'"Oh

the system provides information like this...neat. Hey Azridan

if I use this 4 times will I be all healed?"'

'[Well

it's an ointment. You can use it that way

but I don't advise you to rely on this poor thing in the future. You should find better alternatives. Of course

when you grow properly that will all present itself.]'

'While listening to Azridan

Apollo applied the ointment on the bruises of his body and the gash on his leg. After several uses

Apollo's Health increased from 2 to 8 in an instant.'

'"It feels better

I have to wait for this gash to close before moving too much. If I don't

I'm not sure what would happen."'

'[Oh...you'll bleed and start losing Health again.]'

'"Heh heh...yeah that would happen right."'

'[Yes it would. What else would happen?]'

'Soon

in 2 hours

Apollo's Health restored to it full value as he stood up from his bed.'

'"Azridan…what is a Zul?"'

'[Oh

that will be taught in your mission. Speaking of which

didn't you forget about that?]'

'"No

I don't think it's time yet I didn't he-"'

'As he spoke

a loud bell chimed throughout the mansion as Apollo stood up leaving the room.'

'"That...I think it's the bell for daily training sessions and teaching classes."'

'[Ah

yes yes..]'

'Upon hearing the bell

Apollo approached the training field. In due time

he saw both Danyul as well as a group of children kneeling before them. Based on their appearances

they all seemed to be between the ages of 9-11.'

'"Oh? Haha

look

Axel! That sleeping boy finally woke up and came along

" chided a young boy elbowing another in his side. He had a chubby face

squinted eyes

and light brown hair. Although not handsome

he was above average but he looked mischievous. His name was Dylon.'

'On the other hand

the boy he nudged was slightly taller than the rest. He had clear yet slightly overbearing red eyes with olive hair and a sharp jawline. He was one of the top talents of the family—Axel Kaiser.'

'"Eh

I see. The imp has come out haha

" Axel chuckled.'

'However

little did they know last night when they abandoned the boy

he had died. Instantly

feelings of hatred belonging to the previous owner of the body seethed. Apollo exhaled heavily

trembling with fury; the overflowing indignance inside him was threatening to explode forth.'

''It's them

they are the ones who caused you to die Apollo. Although I was thinking of minding my business. It seems even after becoming the cause of his death

they won't let him be. But that is their mistake

I will get power and I will make you kneel

' Apollo thought as he clenched his fist.'

'"What are you doing? Haha. Do you want to fight? Heh

fighting against a little shrimp like you will be fun. Come on

let's go

" Axel chuckled

attempting to stand up. However

an authoritative voice sounded.'

'"Silence and sit down! The lessons will begin shortly

so shut up

" Danyul reprimanded

sparing them all stern looks.'

'In response

Axel grumbled and glanced at Apollo who took a seat in the back. Similarly

Danyul's eyebrows rose in shock as well. 'This boy doesn't usually attend these lessons

what's different today?''

'Amidst taking his seat

Apollo looked intently at Danyul. The hate he felt for the group of boys present was still there but he had to complete his mission.'

'"It is time you all learn about the practicality of society. All of you are either 10 years old or approaching that age. Therefore

the time for cultivation is near."'