64: Unexpected Reunion 

Unexpected Reunion 

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As Apollo grew closer, the clamor of battle could be heard. Undoubtedly, from what Apollo discerned multiple people should be undergoing battle. The sounds were becoming increasingly distinguishable; they were reminiscent of weapons clashing.

Soon enough, perched on a tree, Apollo spectated the unfolding events from a suitable distance. Although his expression didn't show it, he was surprised by the situation. 'Hmm? It seems to be Rank 2 Spirit Beast fighting with... oh? To think I know these people.'

Apollo chuckled while looking at the small group.

[Fate is a funny thing. It would seem you have returned to the same spot from earlier. Except, the beasts here now are entirely different.]

"Yeah," mentally responded Apollo while examining the Spirit Beast in mention. There were a few large monkey-type monsters; they were 3 meters tall in height possessing fur a healthy violet color. However, their red eyes burned with rage as they assailed their foes. Surprisingly, their means of attack wasn't much different from a human. They had a larger stature but compressed Natural Essence around their hands.

Clapping their hands, a large sonic boom was sent towards their opponents. Moreover, when they punched the air, small blasts happened. Rubbing his chin, Apollo critiqued and shook his head at the movements of the monkeys' opponents.

'While they are strong...they aren't used to battle at all. They use too many large movements; all they are doing is exhausting themselves. It's painful to watch.'

As for the people before Apollo, they were a very familiar bunch of people. For starters, there was Aaron, Axel, and Lily. However, in addition to them, there was also Danyul, Cynthia, and Ashur watching over them. Cynthia in particular was looking in his direction with a curious gaze. She seemed to have detected him.

'Mn, this is boring,' thought Apollo before making a move. He noticed Cynthia looking in his general direction which soon warranted Danyul and Ashur's curious gazes.

Dropping down from the shadows of the tree, Apollo silently approached the small team of people. His steps were unhurried but that didn't mean it caused no response. Snapping his neck, Ashur roared, "Who?"

On the other hand, Danyul and Cynthia remained silent and continued to look at the incoming person. Squinting, they tried to realize who exactly it was they were looking at. Yet, they drew blanks. It was understandable, after all, the person standing before them wasn't the same one they knew.

Mumbling to herself, Cynthia looked at Apollo with a slightly perplexed expression, 'Why does this boy look so familiar? I feel as if I know him. Why is my heart tugging like this?'

However, compared to the others, glancing at the corner of his eye, Aaron stopped his battle retreating. Instead, froze in shock as he gazed at the newcomer. It took a moment to register, but soon after he scampered towards Apollo and hugged him, "Apollo!"

Widening their eyes, everyone was shocked at Aaron's exclamation. This was especially true for the confounded Ashur.

"Apollo? What Apollo? That absolutely can't be Apollo," muttered Ashur as he wordlessly blinked at him. On the other hand, Danyul stepped closer, widening his eyes at Apollo's shocking change.

For starters, Aaron was slightly tall for his young age standing at 1.75m, however, Apollo rivaled his height! It had to be known, they were both kids who had yet to finish growing. Needless to say, the change to his physique and his continuous ingestion of Spirit Beast flesh causing substantial changes.

His prior thin physique possessed signs of robust yet compact muscles. Moreover, his features were changing. He was becoming more handsome but in a devilish way. His violet eyes silently inspected everyone here.

Name: Aaron

Cultivation: Level 2 Zul Warrior

Health: 4,100 (100%)

Name: Lily

Cultivation: Level 3 Zul Warrior

Health: 2,900 (100%)

Name: Axel

Cultivation: Level 3 Zul Warrior

Health: 4,400 (100%)

'Lily, Axel, and Aaron have all reached at least the Zul Warrior Realm. I guess they have fulfilled that Grand Elder's wishes.'

"Hello Aaron," nodded Apollo as he patted his back. He was the only one here besides Cynthia that he felt a shred of emotion for.

"Your body...what happened?" incredulously blinked Aaron as he stepped back taking in the drastic change of Apollo. However, his gaze soon fell on the gruesome scar on his shoulder. As he scoured Apollo's body he caught wind of multiple signs of deadly encounters.

"Life happened. Is this your first live combat training?" asked Apollo.

"Yes...how did you know?" question Aaron.

"Because if I may be blunt; your movements are terrible. They lacked practicality and are overly flashy," critiqued Apollo.

"O-oh...I'm just following my technique's directions."

Shaking his head, Apollo didn't agree with that mindset, "Those techniques are just paper, they aren't alive like a beast. You need to be able to adapt; can I take your beast?"

"Y-you want to? It's a Rank 2 Spirit Beast, you'd need to be at least a Rank 8 Mortal to attempt fighting it."

Interjecting, Cynthia approached them, "It's okay sweetie; Apollo here is already a Rank 8 Mortal." After saying that, she silently stared at Apollo. To improve from Rank 1 to Rank 8 within 4 years on his own...that was no small feat in her eyes.

Hearing these words both Axel and Aaron's eyes widened. However, there was a tinge of hate in Axel's eyes, 'This idiot has reached Rank 8 Mortal? With his talent? How?! Wait...why does he feel so different though? What is this feeling?'

"What the heck have you experienced in these 4 years? Even with my talent, I have just become a Zul Warrior half a year ago and a Level 2 just a single month ago," uttered Aaron as he took a step back, "Go ahead and fight it."

Nodding, Apollo glanced at Axel then Ashur silently then over towards the monkey Aaron previously fought.

Monster Name: Violet Sonic Ape

Cultivation: Early Stage Rank 2 Spirit Beast

Health: 2,600/2,600

Chance of Defeat: 92%

Approaching the ape, Apollo dropped his stance. In this case, he was barehanded. Paying it no mind, Apollo kicked off his back foot. In a moment, he was before the Violet Sonic Ape.

'Unlike the Rank 1 counterpart, Rank 2 Spirit Beasts can unquestionably utilize Natural Essence, however, my physique can handle it.'

In these 2 years, Apollo meticulously weighed his physique against beasts by recollecting his past fights and using the Vantablack Knife to test his durability.

Although the Violet Sonic Ape struck its hand out, Apollo ducked dodging with ease. Changing the path of his attack, he slammed his hand in the form of a blade against the Ape's throat.

«You have dealt 800 damage.»

A pained howl escaped its throat. However, Apollo was far from done. His style was simplistic. Following up, Apollo made an abrupt turn landing another blow on the side of the Violet Sonic Ape's neck.

«You have dealt 800 damage.»

Tilting his body, Apollo dodged the smash that landed next to his body. However, pooling also his strength into his leg, he kicked the Ape's elbow. As a result, it roared in pain as its arm went limp.

'This is an offensive monster; its defense is slightly lacking,' thought Apollo.

Tapping his foot, Apollo dashed forward and thrust his arm. Faster than one could blink, Apollo's arm thrust through its throat. His emotionless eyes watched as the Spirit Beast's body fell limp.

Widening their eyes, everyone was appalled by Apollo's actions. For one, he killed the beast without a flinch. It was evident from this he had murdered numerous beasts.

'Holy fuck...he might be dangerous,' inwardly mused Axel as he retreated a step. On the other hand, Lily looked at him curiously, the quiet boy she once knew was now a cold individual. Shifting her gaze to Aaron, she began thinking about things.

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