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However, after learning of the true hidden purpose, Apollo viewed them differently. \'An accurate depiction of a wolf in sheep\'s clothing. Appearing harmless while bearing poisonous fangs underneath, though I can\'t judge.\'

Truth be told, there was a similarity between Apollo\'s earlier behavior and the tactics deployed by this realm. Apollo had once feigned weakness just to surprise his prey in the long run, but he didn\'t need to commit such acts of weakness anymore.

After becoming stronger, Apollo gradually veered away from the use of these tactics. For one, his current enemies weren\'t strong enough to warrant his use of those types of tactics. Brute force was all he needed for the moment.

Of course, when the time arose, he didn\'t mind getting his hands dirty with psychological filth.

Nevertheless, Apollo took a step forth and inspected the cases along with the varying items inside. \'Not as overwhelming as I imagined. I would have expected some shocking items to appear now that I\'ve arrived at the so-called highest floor.\'

Stepping aside, Apollo looked at the cases with an indifferent gaze. Although the items were stronger than any of his prior encounters, the grandeur of the items was incapable of emotionally moving him.

If anyone were to witness his reaction, they\'d faint from shock! Every last one of the items present could rouse the Supreme Families to action. Artifacts of this level seldomly appeared.

For instance, there was a sword with a silver hilt and fine golden blade, slender and sharp in its design, carrying mystical engravings down its side. 

Although it appeared to be on the level of a Tier 8 Artifact, usable by Emperor Class existences, Apollo subconsciously compared it to a blade such as Brynhildr. When it came to sharpness, appearance, and feeling evoked by the blade, they were all lacking in comparison.

Next, he moved toward another item. It was a suit of silvery armor, similar to the one Aeon used as an inherited technique. The only difference was this one possessed green markings and summoned a faint tempest around it while being forged from stellar materials.

While each item was high in quality, Apollo didn\'t find one that resonated with him. Even if his purpose was to overload the matrix inadvertently with his Demonic Anima, he still wanted to capitalize on his presence in the room.

Finally, Apollo came across something looking to be an egg. It was surface was polished with a gorgeous black exterior. Golden symbols accentuated its attention-grabbing qualities as Apollo advanced towards it.

Suddenly, a transmission appeared in Apollo\'s mind.

"My Lord, I have come across an egg. It appears to be a fragment of the matrix\'s core. Its appearance is a facade to trick one into coveting it. However, it is a generous gift to us," Fuhrer said. Unlike his usual demeanor, this was a trace of mirth in his words.

His first impression of this endeavor wasn\'t supportive but was understandable because it wouldn\'t be odd if the matrix\'s source wasn\'t found even after scouring the layout many times over. After all, it was basic knowledge to keep the core concealed from potential tampering.

However, the core being displayed in plain sight meant a few things. One, the creator of this matrix was extremely confident in this matrix\'s security. Just the self-destruct function was enough to cause its opponent\'s inconvenience. However, this type of confidence usually suggested corresponding arrogance.

Meanwhile, it was also possible this was a desperate move. If this wasn\'t the original position of the item, then that meant the one benefitting from this matrix was in a precarious state. After all, such behavior was only justifiable as a last resort move.

Both Fuhrer and Apollo realized this once Fuhrer revealed the truth behind the matter.

"Now that they\'re desperate, this works in our favor; no wonder. This means the matrix\'s channels should be wider than normal to support increased absorption. In other words, our energy will reach the source quicker than normal," Apollo responded while looking at the egg with an odd gleam.

"Precisely. Nor do we need to be precautious. If the channels are as wide as I suspect, then you can just flood it with energy. As long as there are enough decoys to mask our energy signature, it\'ll be too late by the time the matrix notices the odd influx of energy," Fuhrer answered.

Afterward, Fuhrer spread his perception throughout the entirety of the pagoda\'s staircase area. Nearly all the bottom-level rooms were occupied by occupants who motioned to gain access to their chosen treasure.

\'I\'m quite fortunate that I didn\'t kill all of those eyesores when I had the chance. They\'ve become quite the essential pawns in this scheme,\' Fuhrer inwardly thought. If he killed all of them, then he wouldn\'t possess the means to disguise his energy from detection.

Now, with the addition of ample foreign energy, Fuhrer possessed the means to obscure not just his own, but Apollo\'s energy signature as well. So even if Apollo slipped up and injected energy out of rhythm with Fuhrer, he possessed the instruments to correct it without fail.

After a short countdown, both Fuhrer and Apollo began the gradual injection process. Auras similar in color to the egg\'s exterior shell surrounded the case as the energy entered through the pores of the glass.

Akin to a gluttonous fiend, the egg began to ravenously devour the injected energies before pulsating. This symbolized the egg\'s desire for more. However, Apollo nor Fuhrer ramped up the instillation process.

After all, Demonic Anima was a frightening type of energy. Its tantalizing nature produced addictive aftereffects when introduced to foreign species. Furthermore, it wasn\'t a situation where the feeling abated. It was quite the opposite. The addictive sensation amplified as the amount of ambient Demonic Anima increased.

Thus, Demons learned how to exploit this trait. Instead of feeding the addiction adequately, they only gave the bare necessity, which produced an ever-present state of desire. Since Apollo and Fuhrer were only supplying what was necessary, the intricacies of the matrix morphed.

It was slow, but the strain on the others attempting to claim their items continued to rise. It was for this exact reason that Fuhrer called them pawns and nothing else. 

Fuhrer calculated the matrix\'s reaction from the beginning. With the help of Furcas, he was able to pinpoint the precise amount of energy needed to facilitate this action. Only when this process started did Fuhrer give Apollo to signal.

Fwoosh!

Apollo\'s input of energy suddenly skyrocketed. The numbers on his status screen continued to dwindle at a hastened rate. The momentum soon picked up further as the drainage as was akin to using a colander to catch water. 

Every hole was tasked with contributing to the flow, hence it was impossible to keep the blow full. Nevertheless, it wasn\'t Apollo\'s intention to keep his reserves at maximum capacity.

"A-aghhh!"

Screams were heard from the doorway of many rooms as the absurd absorption rate caused their veins to writhe in pain. Their energy centers suffered from discomfort because of the abrupt consumption.

Fuhrer smiled when the screams entered his ears, "Ah, what a symphony. The most melodic noise there is."

Some victims eventually fainted when their reserves reached critical levels. As a safety measure, some of their talismans even flickered with a faint light. When their consciousness was disturbed, the lifesaving mechanism of the distributed inscription would activate.

However, the inscription came with faults of its own. For example, when Apollo killed those in the Elements Zone, it didn\'t produce the faintest of reactions. Apparently, the inscription lacked in dealing with one-hit kills.

It could only rectify prolonged danger. Meaning the inscription was only useful if the user was first knocked unconscious. Granted, they designed it this way to deal with the staircase and not enmity from another human being.

Unlike a normal realm used for expeditions, the Anomaly Realm didn\'t house a single monster. The puppets couldn\'t count as monster as the choice to accept or deny the trial was given to the participant.

Besides, every youth present was capable of at least handling the lowest level of puppets. 

Soon enough, cracks appeared on the exterior of the black eggs. Once the cracks appeared, it became unstable while emitting sonorous screeches.

Fuhrer immediately acknowledged this action as the prelude to the self-destruct sequence. However, how could Fuhrer allow his plans to be for naught?

With a disdainful sneer, Fuhrer traced his fingers against the case at lightning speed. A diagram gradually appeared as the vibrations of the egg dwindled. Finally, Fuhrer adding finishing touches with a simple poke.

Schhh!

The glass shattered to reveal the unprotected partial core.