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A solemn expression appeared on his countenance as the pressure caused the ground to splinter under his feet. Afterward, he disappeared with a powerful stomp. At the same time, Cynthia, Danyul, and Ashur remained shocked. Based on the fluctuations from his body, it was clear he was utilizing Natural Essence!

However, to do so required the use of a Martial Art! In other words, he had gotten his hands on one; but how could that be so? He had left the residence before he could even receive one. Did he happen to chance upon a fortuitous encounter in this forest? If that was the case, then his luck was not to be underestimated.

Of course, this wasn't what truly shocked them. It was the momentum, in addition to the sensation presented. Even the ones before them only possessed a Profound Rank Martial Art at most, to familiarize themselves with the use of Natural Essence. Hence, they were curious as to where this youth had received such a Combat Art.

In this world, Combat Arts were separated into 3 categories: Martial Arts which required Natural Essence as sustenance, Spiritual Art which required Spiritual Essence to execute, and lastly, the elusive Magical Arts. Seldom would those appear outside of the grasp of the powers of this world; they were an amalgam of both resources. In most cases, it sought harmony between the two as even the slightest imbalance could disrupt the technique. Unless, of course, the technique was designed that way.

"Where did he come across a Martial Art? And that feeling...this momentum exceeds that of a Yellow Rank. Perhaps it's a Profound rank one? No... even then it seems to be high within that spectrum," muttered Danyul as his gaze remained fixated upon Apollo's back.

"I'm not sure. Maybe it's an inheritance left behind by his parents. Nevertheless, it doesn't matter much," replied Cynthia. However, Ashur on the other hand just narrowed his eyes.

Meanwhile, if they were to examine Apollo's facial features whilst dashing forward abruptly; they would come to realize they were becoming increasingly contorted. Each of his steps left an imprint in the ground as the veins on his left arm swelled, apparent under his skin.

'Did I perhaps utilize too much? It feels like my arm is being torn aport' internally chided Apollo as he came within a few steps of the Rank 3 Infernal Ape.

[Well, you did instill over two-thirds of your stamina into this strike; you've never done that. Naturally, you should have expected small side effects, albeit not to the extent of being debilitating.]

Right before he confronted the Spirit Beast, Apollo's momentum became savage as his grip on the staff switched. From the bottom, he swung the staff upwards sending a tangible shockwave. Along with the shockwave, copious amounts of dirt were uplifted creating a slightly dense cloud.

Muttering to himself, Apollo's violet eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint, "First Annihilation: Demonic Massacre Wave."

After his utterance, the savagery was all channeled into his staff for a strong wave. A blackish-red aura coated the Coldiron staff as it spliced the air with unstoppable momentum. The staff itself didn't hit the Infernal Ape. Instead, a blackened crimson arc billowed forward.

Noticing the dreadful feeling from that wave, the Ape blocked with a crossguard as its arms were engulfed in thick defensive flames. Sadly, the technique Apollo launched was ridiculous! When it collided with the flames, large sparks were created before they cracked like fragile glass. An enraged roar happened as it tried to resolve the blow. Naturally, that didn't happen.

'Pucht!' 'Pucht!' 'Thud!'

While the instant kill Apollo desired didn't take place, the arms of the beast were rendered useless! Below the elbows, its arms had been severed.

'This is a Rank 3 in the truest sense. It's both an offensive and defensive specialist. Hence, the earth in its name,' thought Apollo as he gasped. The aftereffects of his sudden drop in stamina were evident from his current state. After all, losing two-thirds of your stamina in a fleeting moment was no small matter.

Needless to say, it was worth it when he took note of the beast's current health.

Monster Name: Infernal Earth Ape

Cultivation: Middle Stage Rank 3 Spirit Beast

Health: 1,728/7,800

Chance of Defeat: 44%

'So much of its health was depleted? Oh! That's why!' thought Apollo as he looked through the battle logs.

〈System Alert! Critical Damage has been dealt. As a result, strike damage has been increased to 150%.〉

«You have dealt 6,072 damage!»

'Oh? It's that critical system again. It seems the vital areas increase my damage as well as dismemberment, however, my stamina...'

«Stamina: 1,445/4,500»

"Aaron, team up with me," stated Apollo as he dodged a flame blast from the Rank 3 Infernal Ape. Its frantic retaliation indicated its frustration with Apollo's earlier blow. Nodding, Aaron rushed to Apollo's aid causing Cynthia to smile.

However, at the moment he shifted his attention away from his battle, a Rank 2 Infernal Ape pounced on him. Thankfully, its actions were trounced by an orb of water being immediately fired at him; Lily had covered his retreat with a timely attack!

Meeting up with Apollo, Aaron brandished his swords focusing on the joints of the Spirit Beast. In turn, Apollo focused on the limbs of the Ape. Its mobility was heavily reduced by the damage. Incensed by this treatment, it spat flames once again after failing to utilize its severed arms. It was akin to a sitting duck.

Unfortunately, Aaron was a tad slower than Apollo which was surprising. The corner of his robes was singed.

Patting the small embers for him, Apollo dashed forward, while doing so, his mind was extremely active, 'If I can use the First Strike, should I try the second?'

[Don't; the drawbacks aren't worth it. As you know, you've yet to properly execute it. Until you find an adequate situation, don't harbor such thoughts. Instead, focus on not impeding your progress. However, should you find yourself in a dire situation... I'll allow a forced usage if you take precautions.]

'Right, I'll stay within my limits then.'

By no means did he want to slow down his already restricted progress. Although he possessed this system. It wasn't a fix-all, he could still run into issues. He learned this the hard way.

Thankfully, Apollo's first blow had lowered the Rank 3 Infernal Ape's capabilities considerably. However, the repeated blows against the Infernal Ape had begun to take its toll upon Aaron's body.

At that moment, Apollo dashed forward once again. He did this to allow Aaron to gain combat awareness. When he saw Aaron struggling to defend against the blows, he performed an arc step.

Alas, striking his staff vertically, Apollo ended the battle with the Rank 3 Infernal Ape as the blackened crimson aura split it in two.

'It seems the books were correct. The only way for a cultivator to jump realms and fight opponents is to wield strong Combat Arts while not being too far off in strength,' thought Apollo. Of course, other factors came into play, however, the most important were combat awareness and ingenuity. One must be able to adapt to any and all situations.

'Without this Demon Art, I wouldn't have been able to face that Spirit Beast,' internally mused Apollo as he gazed down at his trembling hands. The toll of using the technique at his chosen intensity was quite large. Not to mention, twice over.