----

'I retrieved these from Slaid's body. Let's see how they work although I don't possess the affinities he did. Now that I mention this.. do I have any affinities?' ??

'Splich!'

As he thought to himself, Apollo flung his arms sending the knives hurtling forward. The force alone gave way, puncturing the eyes of numerous spirit beast. Meanwhile, Cynthia and the others were having a much harder time. They were hard-pressed to damage the beast's scales. The density was insane!

"Why is this Wyvern so durable? Our Martial Arts are barely scratching the surface. How do we resolve this issue?" questioned Danyul as he executed his Aqua Rend continuously.

"Pick and area and focus your strikes. If we can't overwhelm it with power, we'll do it with repetition," replied Cynthia as arrows of water fired towards the Wyvern from around her legs. Furthermore, a blue wind formed as he performed a specialized version of Danyul's Aqua Rend.

"Frozen Lance: Tundra's Blade," bellowed Danyul as he made a thrusting motion causing the Coldiron Staff hurtled towards the Wyvern's chest. A dangerous gleam appeared within its eyes as it retaliated with a black flame. Rendering his strike useless, it deflected Danyul's spear.

Jumping, he grabbed it midair and spun, thrusting it at its scale causing a metallic prolonged ring. They remained embroiled in this perilous battle. Meanwhile, Apollo and the others finished off the Flame Salamanders. Spectating the fight, apprehension filled the youths.

"Do you think we should really join that battle?" asked Lily as she gripped her sword, her palms turning white from the force.

"We have to. Look at their haggard appearances. That beast is quite the adversary. Are you scared?" asked Apollo as he looked towards Lily with a displeased gaze. Why did it seem they all lacked the desire to confront danger and prosper from it?

"Of course.. who wouldn't be scared in this situation? That beast isn't something our levels are meant to go up against," retorted Lily as a small frown appeared across her lips.

"That is precisely why we should confront it; overcome your trepidation. Fear is simply your uncertainty. If you find yourself doubting your ability, that just means you have found something in which you need to accomplish," stated Apollo as he tightened his grip on the Vantablack Knife with a dignified expression. He found himself more solemn than he's ever been.

"Tch...don't try to sound like a profound sage wise beyond your years. You're just a fool who willfully seeks danger; needless danger to say the least." Axel scoffed revealing a derisive expression. He couldn't stomach the fact that Apollo was able to remain this calm.

Glancing in his direction, Apollo smiled. It was a cold one, "Are you saying providing aid to your family in need is needless? What a familial one you are."

"Y-you!! You twist my words!"

"He doesn't. This is what can be gathered from your statement," added Aaron with a cold gaze whilst a metallic gleam emanated from his sword. "Apollo, let's go. I don't like this feeling. Let us back up, Mom."

'Whoosh!'

Rushing forward, Apollo locked sights with the Wyvern's rampaging gaze. For a moment, however, his eyes traveled to the Natural Blessings, 'They aren't able to combat it due to its high defenses. Hence, let me help them out.'

The Partial Shade Silhouette thickened as Apollo's speed increased to a new height surpassing that of a Zul Warrior. Enacting his plans, he disregarded the possibility of danger.

[Lad you're a brave one. I can't tell if it's selfless courage or mindless lunacy. You're simply insane! Even in the presence of something like that capable of ripping you to shreds in a mere instant, you want to provoke it so? I love it! Continue those actions. Plunge it into madness!]

'Heh. You're beginning to sound more and more like a demon. This is the only way to provide a window for them to capitalize on. Furthermore, it gives me a chance as well. I'm curious as to what those things are and exactly what they're capable of,' responded Apollo.

Moving like a phantom, he could barely be perceived by Aaron who was falling behind. Enclosing on the crystalline fruits, the Wyvern spared him a glance followed by a roar. Unfortunately, it didn't perturb Apollo in the slightest. In fact, a smirk inched upon his lips.

Thereafter, he invoked the Wyvern's rage. He was coming too close for comfort to its treasure. However, it also didn't act irrationally. The position Apollo remained in now left a possibility for it to damage those exact treasures. It caused the Wyvern to fall into a helpless fury. One in which it enacted upon the terrain.

The repeated slams of its wing into the surface caused the tremors of the area. Stalagmites fell from the ceiling resulting in the other dodging for their lives. Moreover, from the areas they felt, fresh magma flowed down. The area was becoming increasingly dangerous by the second.

Reaching out his hand, Apollo attempted to grasp the Natural Blessings. Sadly, before his finger could touch it and gather information. A sense of death washed over him causing him to make an abrupt backstep. A black thread passed by where he was a moment before.

As it landed on the wall next to him it melted the wall in a mere instant. The Wyvern looked at him with hateful eyes before spreading its wings and giving it a flap. Turbulent winds, uprooted Apollo slamming him against the wall.

Thankfully, he was durable and this strike wasn't capable of finishing him off. Although, this didn't mean he got off scot-free. Placing his hand on his right side he frowned, 'At least 3 cracked ribs from just the after winds of its strike. What power..'

"Ugh.." Apollo stormed forward with murderous eyes. However, Cynthia placed herself between him and the Wyvern abruptly.

"Hun, don't. Don't confront it head-on. Back us up. I also appreciate you diverting its attention for a moment. That was thanks to you," she said as her finger pointed to a gash on its chest. Fresh, purple blood trickled from it.

'Thump!' 'Thump!' 'Thump!'

As Apollo gazed at that purple blood his heartbeat accelerated as a rhythmic thumping was heard. Moreover, the healing process of his cracked ribs hastened. It seemed as if this was a small resonance between him and the Wyvern, 'What is this feeling? Why do I desire to kill this thing?'

"Aunty. I'm sorry but I'll have to disobey you this one time. I need confirmation!" dashing forward Apollo balled his hand into a fist. He used the principle of the Demonic Massacre Wave and encased his fist within. Tapping his foot, he rose face to face with this Wyvern and punched forward.

'BOOM!'

A small explosive sound was heard. However, as he was blown back Apollo received exactly what he sought. Yet and still, this only led to more questions, 'Why is that within its name? It isn't the beast itself I want but rather it's something inside it.'

[Hoh? This feeling.. it feels strangely familiar. Almost as if it's linked to..]

"Evil," uttered Apollo.

Monster Name: Demonic Earthflame Wyvern

Type: Evolved Variant (Bloodline Beast)

Bloodline: Demonic Dragon

Purity: Trace (Impure)

Element: Fire, Dark, Wind, Metal, and Earth

Cultivation: Rank 4 Spirit Beast

Health: 28,600 (95%)

Chance of Defeat: Unknown?

'What in the fuck..' Apollo's eyes widened as he glanced at the screen before him. First of all, this thing was a Variant. But not just any type; it was a special one! In other words, not only did it achieve a variant status in retrospect to elemental affinity.. it possessed a bloodline! Albeit faint, it was a dragon's bloodline nonetheless.

Additionally, even Azridan was dumbfounded as he misjudged this opponent—horribly so. historical