31 Mysterious Scene

    ''----''

    ''Kicking off the branches of a colossal tree repeatedly

    Apollo worked his way up towards a position relatively hidden from sight. The tree''s branches were strong enough to support his weight while one of the largest branches amongst the top was suitable for him to lay on.''

    ''[Hmm

    a fine choice. I have yet to perceive an aerial beast inhabiting this place. Hence

    this will do just fine. Just keep note

    there are beasts who utilize this for travel. Though I must say

    whether or not they do so at such a height is beyond my knowledge. You''ll have to find out for yourself.]''

    ''"I think it''s a good spot as well. It''s hidden from view and vision is obstruction by the thick foliage. Not to mention

    the shade and the thickness of the leaves are rather comfortable. If we do run into those beasts

    then my earlier training should allow me to react in a suitable manner

    " commented Apollo while leaning his back against the height of the sturdy tree.''

    ''With each passing moment

    the feeling of exhaustion continuously washed over him. However

    it wasn''t to the extent of garnering his immediate sleep. Instead

    he followed through with his curious nature asking Azridan the questions on his mind earlier.''

    ''"I would like to understand more about beasts. I want to understand their hierarchy as well as relevance to daily life. Beyond eating

    are they useful for anything else?" inquired Apollo while gazing at the sky. It had been over 8 months since he came here but the sky always felt foreign. It wasn''t the same.''

    ''[Ah

    well let''s tackle this issue from the broad perspectives. Beast can be categorized into 3 archetypes. You have the normal beasts which as it sounds from the orthodox way of advancement. Either through natural ingestion or cannibalizing their one. Next

    you have Variants. This is where things go on a tangent. Such beasts can have a plethora of origins.]''

    ''[Their benefits range from early elemental awakening

    heightening physical aspects or in the rarest cases

    awakening a soul. However

    to do the last one this brings us to the third type—Bloodline Beasts. These beasts possess powerful ancestors and memories of their lineage is passed down through the memories of their soul. In other words

    they possess advantages beyond others.]''

    ''"If that''s the case and everything is so strong. Then what are these Terrors and why haven''t they been dealt with? I don''t understand that issue

    " uttered Apollo in a curious tone. He was unable to wrap his mind around the fact.''

    ''[Ah

    those… I''m not necessarily aware of their state. As I said before

    I''m not privy to everything. Perhaps there''s some underlying reason for that but I''m unable to say. You''ll have to unearth the answer to that question through your own efforts.]''

    ''"Ah

    then tell me more about Natural Essence. Were what those elements you mentioned earlier?" asked Apollo while retrieving a piece of the Violet Stone Bear''s flesh. Surprisingly

    today he didn''t mind eating it raw and simply tore into it.''

    ''[Well as you know

    nothing can exist on its own. It needs components; it is the same with Natural Essence. It contains a myriad of elements inside it and it is up to your talent to distinguish which of those are you''re capable of resonating with. Naturally

    there are limitations to everything. Usually

    everyone only awakens a singular element for each cultivation type.]''

    ''[In other words

    you could possess an affinity with fire with Natural Essence but when you cultivate the Soul it could be wind or any other. Needless to say

    there are rare instances where one awakens a dual or triple element and beyond but that''s dependent on talent. That just means they''ll possess many variations when it comes to combat.]''

    ''"Hmm

    I see. So when will I be able to sense the elements?"''

    ''[Typically

    that happens within a range which is facilitated by talent. It can happen anywhere from Rank 5 Mortal to becoming a Zul Warrior. The quicker it happens

    the stronger your affinity with that element. Of course

    that''s only when it comes to Natural Essence. You''ll come in contact with another Essence soon enough.]''

    ''"Is it Spiritual Essence?" asked Apollo while remaining unsure. He had a feeling it was the case due to the item in his possession.''

    ''[That''s correct. How did you come to that conclusion?]''

    ''"Because of this

    " said Apollo as he retrieved a small shard. It was the size of two fingernails possessing a slender yet rough rhomboid shape. However

    it shimmered with a mystical glow as Apollo glanced at it.''

    ''[Ah

    that''s a Spirit Shard. I see.]''

    ''Item Name: Spirit Shard''

    ''Rank: Inferior''

    ''Information: One of the 4 types of crystallization of Spiritual Essence. However

    it is also the most inferior containing small amounts of it. When used for cultivation

    it can only benefit those under the Soul Warrior Realm due to its lack of abundance and purity.''

    ''Usage: Allows a Spirit Cultivator who utilizes the Soul to increase their Oz by 1 unit. In your case

    it rewards 100 Spiritual Experience.''

    ''"Hmm… Spirit Cultivation is the counterpart to Body Cultivation right. Then what exactly is Spiritual Experience then?"''

    ''[It''s unlocked during the 3rd level of the Demon Monarch System. Right now

    it doesn''t exist so it doesn''t warrant me expanding on that matter. Just know that in your hands is a useful cultivation tool.]''

    ''"Ah

    I see

    " nodded Apollo. However

    as he spoke the dreary sensations increased. Hence

    closing his eyes he finally fell asleep. Only

    as he did so his mind was full of questions. Cultivation intrigued him as did the very existence of the system.''

    ''Unbeknownst to him

    while he slept. A purple aura radiated from him. While faint in the beginning it continued to grow in density. It wasn''t long before it blanketed his body. At the same time

    a few beings caught wind of an ominous stench.''

    ''----''

    ''''Thud!'' ''Bang!'' ''Booom!''''

    ''Abruptly slamming his eyes open

    Apollo jumped to his feet. The sounds of battle alerted him instantly. Even though it was distant

    the sounds and vibrations were powerful enough to vibrate the tree he rested upon.''

    ''It was unknown how long he slept but he felt refreshed. All signs of his earlier exhaustion disappeared. In fact

    in place of that was an exuberant feeling coursing through him.''

    ''''Why do I feel...different? It isn''t extreme but I feel it. Something is changing

    '' thought Apollo while turning his head towards the origin of the sounds. He felt the urge to unearth the cause of such large tremors.''

    ''Shifting his position slightly

    a bright ray of light shone through a crack in the trees. In turn

    his eyes emanated a violet luster before narrowing his sights. Oddly enough

    he could see further than ever before! "Azridan

    is it safe to check those noises?"''

    ''[It should be. Stick to the treetops. From the vibrations

    this is without a doubt a ground battle. Unfortunately

    you''re entirely too far for me to gauge the strength of the essence fluctuations.]''

    ''"That''s fine

    you''ll be able to do so as I get closer!" responded Apollo while shooting off into the distance utilizing the branches as footholds. Like a phantom

    he traveled quickly through the branches causing the scenery to flash rapidly.''

    ''Soon enough

    the brutal fight came into view as Apollo paused his steps and frowned slightly

    "Shouldn''t something like that belong in the central region…."''