The Demon Monarch System

----

An instructor appeared. While similar to Glaive in age, his demeanor was much more stern. Since he oversaw the matters of student management, he operated under a strict set of rules. And, now that the registration process was finished, he appeared to give every newcomer a message.

"For those of you who don't know me, I am the Hall Master of the Disciplinary Hall. You may address me as Rezar," the middle-aged man stated. Even though he seemed to be talking without much energy, his voice boomed throughout the area. Due to this power, the others quieted down immediately.

Not to mention, his over 2-meter height and broad frame which was complemented by a battle-hardened aura only further amplified the feeling of reverence these students held for him. However, Apollo could see something much different emanating off of him.

'This is murderous intent as well as something related to the Dark Element. I wonder if he is an instructor in the Institute of Umbra Night. If he isn't, then I should try to get an audience with him. He may be experienced in using the Dark Element for combat,' Apollo thought to himself.

While everyone grouped together into their respective categories, Rezar continued to examine different people. 'Hmm, at least 3 prime contenders this year. Either the disciplinary committee or the student council will experience slight changes. It seems a year of prosperous combat is among us.'

Soon enough, Rezar led the rest through the back of the Administration Hall. As they walked through it, Apollo peered at the arena before him as well as 3 other individuals standing inside. At a glance, he could tell these people should hold positions similar to Rezar.

And, sure enough, he was correct. "Those 3 before you are other special characters. There is the Administration President, Rosella or the manager of the student council, and Minerva, her vice president. Lastly, the other male up ahead is my vice-master, Sylvester. If you believe me to be strict, you're in for a rude awakening," Rezar announced as he stopped before the 3.

In return, Sylvester was the first to step forward. Before speaking, he pressed his glasses against the bridge of his nose and gave everyone a cursory glance, "Mm, there are some promising ones here, however, I also sense great unruliness inside them. If they seek to join our Hall, I will have to temper this fault out of them."

Despite his strict words, Sylvester looked more like a scholar than a warrior. Not only was his frame lanky, but his hair was also tied into a neat ponytail. When compared to Rezar, the difference was hard to wrap their minds around. Even Rezar didn't approach them in such a stern way.

On the other hand, Rosella who possessed a certain motherly charm, took a step forward, "If you possess the ability to become a part of my student council, then I don't mind welcoming you with open arms. The most important part is that you always seek to become better," she smiled.

As she did so, a few youths could have sworn they saw a radiant and homely light radiating off of her. However, what they didn't know was this was due to the Spirit she made a contract with. Afterward, her aura underwent subtle changes over the years until it became what it was.

Unfortunately, it also came with a drawback. One that Rosella regretted day in and day out. 

As for the last person, Minerva, she remained quiet. Her eyes seemed to be located elsewhere as she looked into the distance with an enigmatic light. If one looked closely, they would see 3 pupils in her eyes circling with a dark light. Only, the reason behind this was still unknown.

Yet, she then turned towards Apollo with a grim expression that quickly changed. Be that as it may, Apollo still picked up on this behavior and stared at her with curiosity, 'This girl, she's weird. Why does it feel as if she isn't looking at me but through me? I don't particularly like this feeling. Until I know how strong she is, I'll refrain from confronting her.'

With a clap, Sylvester broke his stupor, "Now, we'll sort this out as quick as possible. First and foremost, there are only 3 seats available on both sides. As for the rest, you're all incapable of combating them in the slightest. Most of them can even repel Zul Generals and Soul Warriors whereas most of you, if not all, don't even have a Spirit yet."

"Correct. Therefore, you all will be competing for the chance to enter the last three seats. However, Apollo Kaiser, Adeon Welsh, and Ragnvald Duran. Hmm, Duran? Are you related to the Duran Great Family?"

Upon hearing this question, Ragncvald tensed with a tinge of malice in his eyes. Luckily, he got his emotions under control and nodded, "Yes, I am related to that family."

"I see, so that's why you're as strong as you are. But, what about this lad. I feel as if you look familiar. Why does the surname Kaiser sound so familiar to me?" Rezar mumbled while examining every of Apollo's appearance. Yet, his mind came up empty. While he was sure he had some type of run-in with the Kaisers before, he couldn't recall the exact name.

"It's whatever, it'll come to me later. It seems all the blows to my head in battle have interfered with my memory," Rezar chuckled. Despite his partially serious words, he found the time to chuckle at them as if they were a mere joke.

Nevertheless, Sylvester took over, "Initially, you all would have to fight against each other, however, you prime contenders, come with me. We'll allow you each to engage in combat with the opponent of your choice. That way, you can potentially grab the 10th to 12th seats of either department."

Needless to say, they followed after him while the other stayed with Rezar to battle amongst themselves. Even though it would be faster to have the student body members thrash these kids, it was done this way to interfere with their schedule as least as possible.

Thus, they made the freshmen sacrifice their own time by eliminating each other. Once they came in contact with the seats, their numbers would be noticeably smaller. 

----

After leading them to a new area, Sylvester let Apollo, Adeon, and Ragnvald spectate the training of the members, "Allow me to give you a small bit of information on them, these people are called the Seats. Anyone with an emblem centered around a shield symbolizes the council. They represent fair order through mannered means. On the other hand, there are those who possess emblems center around swords. Those ones represent the order through power when reason doesn't suffice."

"Moreover, a lot of these people originate from Great Families or lower backgrounds but obscene talent. But, to gain these positions, each and every one of them had to discard their status. Their current standing was gained through power alone. In fact, the strongest Seat, Xavi, came from a lower background," Sylvester stated.

Despite the lack of words, each of the trio's eyes blazed with fighting intent. There were many youths inside the training area who possessed specialties on par with them; they were just in a higher form. In other words, Apollo and the rest didn't treat this as a battlefield but as another place to receive pointers.

Granted, that was only if the others were willing.

"Pick your opponent, and keep in mind, this may not be the extent of their powers nor will I give you hints as to who the 10th to 12th seats are. Should you choose someone outside of them, you will still have to fight them," Sylvester uttered before taking a step back.

Naturally, this was a test. He wanted to see how strong their senses were. Typically, even if someone tried to hold back their power, there would still be small signs of how strong they truly were. It just took more effort than when it was hidden. Of course, this only rang true for if there was no artifact involved.

Fortunately, those types of artifacts were prohibited from use inside the academy. If they left the academy walls, then for safety measures, it could be utilized as much as needed. 

Once Sylvester moved, the three silently inspected who to choose. At first, everyone seemed to be of similar strength but then a change happened, they all started practicing their higher techniques. Instantly, differences in strength appeared but not so drastic that these three could immediately discern them.

Nevertheless, they all made their choices and the results varied from what they expected.

"Interesting, so Adeon has chosen the 10th seat of the disciplinary committee. Ragnvald has chosen the 10th seat of the student council and you Apollo...well you have chosen the 9th seat of the disciplinary committee," Syvelester announced. 

As he uttered Apollo's number there seemed to be remorse on his face. However, when he looked at Apollo's expression, something told him that this boy chose this opponent on purpose.

'For what reason has he chosen Ephraim?' Sylvester mused. Withholding his curiosity, Sylvester snapped his fingers and called for the 3 who were chosen.