I am the Only Son of Nyx

In rare cases, there might be a variety even among the same species of Star Beasts.

Asher had identified the Noble Star Beast, but it might have a trick up its sleeve—allowing it to catch the others with their pants down. And since this particular one was known to possess an incredible speed, there might be a chance that it killed the others in an instant.

’Perhaps it killed Grines’ group faster than anticipated.’

Damas might notice the abnormal strength from the Noble Star Beast and call Makos.

It was true that they wanted to kill Grines, but Asher needed time to prepare the pot.

For Grines to die prematurely meant the plan would be ruined, so Damas and Makos might come to their aid to buy some time and leave Grines and his squad to die again. Unfortunately, something happened, and now they are gone.

A frown formed on Rob’s face at the thought.

Still a speculation, but to him, that’s the most likely scenario.

’And now, the Noble Star Beast moved from west to north, catching Fimos.’

Rob needed to find Fimos quickly, as he might still be alive.

But his body froze at a sudden chill that swept across the rocky plain. A chill that whispered something more than meets the eye. He straightened his spine and looked around, completely alert to the dangers unseen.

Inside, his Divine Lock channelled mana

A subtle wind erupted from his body, spreading across the area.

One of his Imprints that allowed him to sense whether there was any trace of mana or energy, allowing him to trace and locate Fimos, his squad, or anyone nearby. Rob sensed the familiar mana nearby.

It came from behind the big slab of rock on his right.

Quickly but carefully, he went around the rock and gasped at what he found.

Fimos was lying on the ground with blood coating his entire neck; something must’ve slit his throat. Beside him, there was only one porter—and he was restrained. His arms, legs, and lips were sealed by a translucent pinkish membrane.

His eyes widened at the sight of Rob, and he trashed around, yet it was futile.

Nothing he does could budge the membrane.

And though his lips were sealed, he tried to say something, though his voice was muffled.

Rob wanted to quickly rush to help Fimos.

Perhaps by now, he could still save his comrade and friend.

But his step halted.

His eyes fixed on the slit Fimos’ neck, and then he realized something.

’The cut is too clean, not the kind a Star Beast would leave behind. It looked like it was done by a—’

At that moment, Rob’s eyes widened completely as the realization dawned upon him. He was not dealing with an unexpectedly strong Noble Star Beast, but he was dealing with someone. A person had killed Fimos in cold blood.

Unfortunately, that realization came too late.

Rob’s body stiffened when the cold, sharp edge of a blade touched his neck.

Someone was already behind him and was now pointing a blade directly at his throat.

’Since when? How come I didn’t sense this person’s presence?!’

"Don’t turn around."

"You...?! You killed my squad!"

"Why are you acting surprised? If you tried to kill someone, then you should also be prepared to be killed."

"W-Wait a minute," Rob’s voice stuttered as he raised both hands—and even decisively let go of the weapon in his hand. A gesture of surrender. "I was not on board with looping you and him up in this. I was the only one who opposed the others from doing this!"

"Is that so?"

"Yes! I swear!"

"Even so, you have no proof. Your squad is dead—Asher included. How can I trust you after what you and your scum friends tried to do to me? And even if I were to spare you right now, I’m taking a risk of having you blabbering about what happened to the academy."

"No, I won’t! I swear, I won’t!"

"Didn’t you hear me? I don’t trust you."

"W-Wai—?!"

Slash—!

The blade plunged into his neck and then was wrenched to the side, opening up his neck entirely. Rob reached for his neck with both hands, trying to stop the bleeding despite knowing that it was futile, and then dropped to the ground.

He also died, the same way as Fimos did.

Now, the one remaining was the porter from the Aurelian Academy.

"Sabas also seemed to have a problem with him—care to tell me why?"

"Mmph! Mmmph!"

"Once I’ve dissolved the cover, you’d better only say the truth. If I don’t like your answer, then you will also die like these two. So, think about your answer carefully. The next minute might be your last."

Meanwhile, outside the Sky Gate.

Barbara and the other porter arrived back at the camp and were greeted by a surprising sight.

Lying at the center was Kai, and he seemed to be in a rough condition. Not too far away was Senior Grines, who had only come out of a tent. He looked up and was surprised to see the two of them.

The two of them landed before Grines.

"What’s going on here?"

"I smell blood. Did something happen?"

Having no other choice, Grines decided to tell them truthfully about what happened. About how Asher and the other seniors were plotting against him. He also told them that Kai was the first person to realize what was going on and confront Asher.

Naturally, the news caught the two by surprise.

"I’m sorry for dragging you into this mess." Grines scratched the back of his head, knowing that this had nothing to do with them at all. His tone was more polite than any other senior ought to be, as he suspected Barbara also had an unnatural strength, like Kai and Bree.

Seems like the freshmen from the Eventide Academy are all monsters.

"I’ll deal with the academy," He continued. "Neither of you needs to worry about a thing."

"Only when I see it with my own eyes will I believe this." The porter walked to a tent.

It was the one that emanated the stench of blood the most.

Grines quickly went ahead and blocked his way.

"I don’t think you want to enter the tent."

"Huh? Why? I’ve seen dead bodies before, so don’t kid me."

"It’s not that. Just belie—"

The sound from their banter fizzled out as Barbara stared straight at Kai.

He was severely wounded, currently healing, and vulnerable. Even if someone attacked him right now, he wouldn’t even be able to resist. Not in his condition. It was the golden opportunity for anyone to take him out.

And this moment was lulling Barbara into being the one to do it.

’Just a stab to his heart, and my biggest headache would be settled.’ Barbara thought inside as her hand tightened its grip around the handle of her weapon. ’Both of them are distracted. I can simply walk over and stab him right now, and no one can stop me.’

Barbara took a step forward to make a reality of what she had already done in her mind.

However, a premonition stopped her dead in her tracks.

’No, what am I thinking? I don’t have a good reason for killing him.’

Barbara shook her head and turned.

It was only then that her eyes widened.

Just behind her, right outside the camp, there was a figure watching her from a distance.

Bree.

She stood with the Blood-phantom Scimitar in her hand and a porter in her other hand.

Behind her, the Sky Gate’s portal began to fracture into fragments—crumbled inward with a deep, sucking roar as if the world itself had drawn a long, final breath, and then vanished. It left the sky clear and silent as though it had never existed from the start.

’Since when is she right behind me?!’

Barbara was completely taken aback.

She hadn’t sensed Bree’s presence. Not her approach, not her stare, not her anything. Despite Bree being well within range, close enough for her senses to pick up, she sensed nothing. Bree shouldn’t have been able to slip so close undetected, but she did.

’How long has she been watching?’ Barbara thought and glanced at Kai.

Even though she opted out of killing Kai right now, it was clear that she was thinking about it. Anyone with even a bit of sharpness could easily read what was going on in her mind from her stare at Kai and her tightening fingers around the handle of her weapon.

And seeing how Bree was already gripping the scimitar, it was clear what would’ve happened had Barbara really struck Kai.

Slowly, Bree entered the camp.

She put down the porter on the ground and then headed over to Kai—walking past Barbara in the process. She didn’t say anything. Just walked past Barbara and then checked on Kai, acting as if she hadn’t seen what Barbara almost did.

’Is this really the same Bree that I know?’ Barbara thought with a frown. ’Back then—she was so sweet. So cheerful. So... supportive. It’s like she’s a completely different person. And more importantly, how did she do that? She’s a Supernal of the Goddess of Childbirth.’

Being able to sneak around without being noticed isn’t Bree’s expertise.

So, this incident brought up many questions that puzzled Barbara.

Seems like Bree was more than meets the eye.

Moments later.

Kai finally woke up after his body was completely healed.

His mana was still drained, but his body returned to normal. No visible damage.

And naturally, he immediately checked into the situation and found that things were already more or less handled. Grines said he was going to make up a story—that would explain how Asher and his squad died.

No need for him to worry about it, which was great news.

All he needed to do was manage the people who were still alive.

"You said many students told stories about me." Kai squatted before the two porters. He bore his abyssal-black eyes into theirs intimidatingly. "In that case, the two of you must also know what I’m capable of."

"Yes..."

"P-Phantom of Ixos."

Kai clicked his tongue in displeasure at the nickname—but then again, having that nickname was quite useful in this situation. He did not need to intimidate them too much. "Don’t share what happened here with a single soul. If asked, just say the seniors met their unfortunate end. Do you understand?"

Both nodded.

Neither was a part of whatever Sabas was involved in.

Kai decided to believe them as it’s unlikely that his enemy has a hold on many students in the Aurelian Academy. No need to kill them. That’s unless they were going to contradict what Grines is going to say.

Once he dealt with these two, he turned his head and locked eyes with Barbara.