----

Apollo gasped, his expression filled with deep exasperation. That prior out-of-body experience as well as the voice speaking to him left a sizable impression on him. Furthermore, another reason remained for his exasperation. ??

When his consciousness returned, a scene leaving him astounded unfolded—his summoning's appearance punctured a hole in the fabric of space. While the summoning of this creature didn't cause any other large turbulence, there was a looming shade encompassing the creature's forming body. Additionally, its potency grew to the point of tangibility.

However, after a certain point, its body seemed to be experiencing some trouble; small chains formed within the shade constricting its movement. Be that as it may, the creature showed no reaction, unresponsive to the outside stimulus. On the other hand, Azridan was shocked by the entrance of this creature.

[Hmm, I know this fluctuation? Wait, WHAT?! How did you manage to contract a species like this? Dark lords, this is not good. I think the world is rejecting this summoning. Wait no, that's only partly right!]

Azridan's voice began to fill with panic. The summon Apollo contracted was not only one of great origin but its existence only meant one thing; an inevitable omen was to take place. The issue was, no one knew just when the catastrophe it symbolized would take place.

"Azridan...what type of summoning is this?" Apollo muttered after great difficulty. Looking at the abnormality before him, he felt a slight connection with it despite its seemingly absent signs of life.

[My successor, this is a serpent of great stipulations. In short, it's what we demons call a World's End Serpent but that isn't its official name. With each one's birth, it symbolizes a great threat in the future. However, it is also prophesied as the descent of the true Demon Monarch. Hence, it is a double-edged sword in the truest sense. The fact you are the one to contract can only mean one thing—you, my young one, were always fated to become what I seek for you to become.]

As Azridan bestowed this information upon Apollo, he examined the qualities of the serpent before him. Its outer appearance was extremely dull, almost lifeless but a small ripple of unfamiliar energy told Apollo otherwise.

Equally important, its size remained irregular as it continued to congeal from its incorporeal state; over 1 meter long. However, based on what the voice told him, this offspring was just birthed. In other words, from birth, this summoning was the size of some natural full-grown snakes!

Just what type of being could give to such a thing? More importantly, how would he support this? As he was now, he was unfamiliar with the acts of nurturing life. This was understandable seeing as he himself could still be thought of as a child.

[Hmm? This particular offspring seems to have multiple seals placed around its essence. I wonder why that is so. Allow me to borrow your body for a moment. I must quell my curiosities.] historical

'En,' Apollo nodded, allowing Azridan to momentarily take him over. Compared to his prior actions of possessing Apollo, this time was exceedingly short. It wasn't due to Azridan's unwillingness but rather it was Azridan's soul who was far too fragile. Regrettably, it was unable to sustain more than half a second of possession.

Nevertheless, in that small time frame, Azridan was able to collect the information he needed. Alas, what he learned was grimmer than he previously imagined. It seemed the timeline was even shorter than he hoped for.

[This child's mother was being hunted by those 3 and it seems to be another amongst their ranks. Interesting, so that's how much the Demonic Linked Worlds have changed. Even then, this raises the question of how long before their deal backfires on them? I believe it's their doing—this upcoming calamity—that is.

[Contrary to how it sounds, you can perceive their asinine actions as your blessing. That specific demon is a highly coveted species. I won't disclose its secrets now but I will tell you this; cultivate them well. The more efforts you put in, the more benefits you will reap. With that being said, name it to seal the contract.]

"A name.." Apollo murmured, falling into deep thought afterward. Sparing the serpent frequent glances, Apollo looked at the color of its midnight blue scales then upwards. Atop its head, between two small horns was a pulsating flowing silver stream of scale to the tip of its tail. This one aspect resonated with Apollo. It felt as if endless power was sealed within this small body.

"Ouroboros," Apollo muttered.

'Ding!'

?System Alert! The Soulbound Demonic Companionship has been formed! Your companion ?Ouroboros? is awakening. The bond is solidifying.?

The serpent's eye trembled, opening slowly. Its pure silver and inquisitive pupils gazed upon Apollo with faint signs of familiarity. Quietly, it slithered to Apollo's foot before hissing. Although it didn't speak, Apollo understood what the serpent was asking for.

He bent down, allowing the snake to lick his forehead. In place, a small symbol appeared at the sight of the lick. It was an obscure marking but it was something this type of species could only do once in a lifetime. To put it differently, this snake branded Apollo for life.

In a sense, they now shared one life. Similarly, this also meant they shared a mind.

"Did you give birth to me? I don't think that is right. We aren't the same," a small boyish voice entered Apollo's mind, shocking him slightly.

"A male? Furthermore, how can you speak so clearly from birth?" Apollo questioned.

"I was born long ago. When I was created, I could already perceive the world but here...this isn't what I felt. This world feels bad. It's not enough. Can we leave?" Ouroboros pleaded. What it meant was the Natural Essence of this world wasn't suited to its taste.

Being that it was conceived in a higher world and it was by far a higher being, it craved the sustenance of Demonic Anima. Unfortunately, that wasn't something present in the world. Of course, this didn't mean they would be out of options.

"I'm sorry to tell you this but I don't possess a way to currently leave this place. If we wish to do so, we'll have to both grow stronger," Apollo replied, slightly apologetic. He understood what it was like to be without parents and a comfortable environment.

Instead of responding right away, Ouroboros began sniffing Apollo or more specifically, his pouch. "I smell something familiar and delicious, is it for me?"

[The serpent is talking about the items from clearing your Demonic Conduct. At the moment it is only a Silver Umbra Serpent but it still feeds on chaos. Give it one of those Inferior Crystallized Chaos you have remaining.]

Nodding, Apollo retrieved the item, placing it before Ouroboros' mouth. In one fluid motion, it gulped the shard and hissed happily. Not long after, its eyelids fluttered, threatening to close.

"Tired.." Ouroboros muttered, a shocking scene taking place. From over one meter, the serpent shrunk to the size of a palm. Afterward, it zipped to Apollo's palm curling up and falling asleep.

[The seals in its body have inhibited its digestion. It'll have to sleep often to digest the energies flowing throughout properly. I must say lad, you're quite the lucky one. Although you have run into your fair share of difficulties, a blessing has befallen you.]

'Is this snake really that strong?' Apollo questioned, eyeing the now palm-sized Ouroboros. While looking at it gave him a positive influence, he wasn't one to immediately believe everything told to him.

[It's not that it is obscenely strong, it's the innate abilities they obtain when at different stages of maturity that are mind-boggling. As I told you earlier, they are beacons for the next Demon Monarch. But, that doesn't mean your position is guaranteed, you'll definitely come in contact with possible contenders for the mantle.]

"I see. When the time comes, I'll make sure to trample whoever stands in my way. I already owe you a great deal. I'm sure part of your desire has something to do with this exact thing," Apollo responded.

[It does but we needed to accelerate our plans. The system rewards have been generated.]

?System Alert! Reward(s) for the quest ?Journey to Sovereignty Part One? have been determined. You have been rewarded: 50 ?Tainted Demonic Shards?, 60 ?Inferior Crystallized Chaos?, 50 ?Fragments of Sin?, ?System Upgrade? and ?Household Creation Medallion?.?

"Oh my god- ablgghhh.." Apollo's body jerked and spasmed as if struck by lightning. When he stopped, he looked around in horror, "What the hell was that?!"

[Fool! Didn't I warn you? You are now a full-fledged demon! You can't mention that name. If you do, damage will be inflicted. Moreover, each mention increases the subsequent punishment.]

"That is my blunder but the rewards are too shocking," Apollo responded defensively. He was right, due to the quest being a large milestone, he received ample rewards.

[You think this pitiful amount of resources is worthy of awe? Heh, if you were to see my past collection, endless defecation would befall you. Nonetheless, we have other matters to handle. Allow me to generate your next grand task before the slumber soon claims me.]

?System Alert! Another Main Mission is being generated.?

?System Alert! ?System Upgrade? of undetermined length will commence in 1 minute. In the meantime, all system menus will be inactive.?