Chapter 188 - 134 - Smoke

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" [Absolute territory], grant effect - taunt x 5 000 000" (Kuraver)

Converting my [demonic energy] radar, the air shifted as the clasping sounds of handcuffs rang around the barrier. Kuraver-sensei had set up a high level barrier with little chance of the enemy escaping, alongside my [demonic energy] cuffs grasping at everyone's legs, there was a large drop in the enemy's success rate. Of course, they could hold off their assassination attempts, however I wasn't so forgiving.

"You know. If I can't find the culprit, wouldn't killing everyone here solve the issue? At least it won't get into the other classes."

"You... Are you mad? Cease your insanity..." (Sakase)

I didn't reply. A reply was not a requirement. I only had to do my job. As long as Cress was safe, I would even kill Kuraver once more. Lifting my arm, my lips parted as a new pressure assaulted the vicinity. One more potent and unforgiving then the gravity enhancers accompanying a portal catalysts. Unlike that mechanical feeling, this one was full of emotion and blood Lust. It was not a surprise when a few students collapsed on the spot, the blood rushed away from their brain due to the pressure, with no will of resisting, they were already lost cause.

Even the humming of the ventilation catalysts was easily blocked out as the blood flowing through their veins rampaged in their head from the pressure. They couldn't carry out their function and relayed the message, their ears failed to work. The taunt effect served to force their consciousness around, being so potent that Lilith was the only thing surfacing in their mind. With all the psychological effects going on, a usual person should have collapsed. If one was trained enough, they would still collapse albeit after quite a while longer.

In the end, their brains were scrambled to the point that one could say they were in a drunken stupor of sorts. A smart enemy wouldn't say anything out, but to keep their objectives in their mind instead of letting it be erased by the taunt, they may start mouthing their thoughts out. In any case, sound, smell and taste was blocked. Their brains only had Lilith contained in their thoughts, superficial or not.

"Ughh... Stop... please... children... cannot...withstand this..." (Sakase)

"Impressive, you made it this far. Your concerns are unneeded. The rest have already fainted, leaving only 4 of you. Only the 4 of you are capable enough to dish out blood. "

"They can't hear you, remember? The pressure is so high, even I'm getting uncomfortable staying near you." (Kuraver)

"Hmph. Take it as a monologue then. I've narrowed down the suspects to 4, Sakase seems to be doing his best to protect the others. Though, I still can't leave him out of the list of suspects."

"Then what can we do about it?" (Kuraver)

"Tch, I'm just a child. If this pressure was directed at me, I may have immediately collapsed and broke a rib or two. I can't do anything about this situation unless the culprit gives in. I don't want to mercilessly torture 3 bystanders in the process..."

" Got it... Let us handl- "(Kuraver)

Smoke consumed the surroundings as a high pressure clashed with high pressure, causing an explosion. [Demonic energy] was nonetheless a form of energy, it mingled and caressed the explosives, vying to release it's competition into the air and consume all. Fortunately, I was in control of [Demonic energy]. A barrier was immediately formed to surround the sit of explosion. With [mana detection tier-4],it was easy to find out who the culprit was.

The cuffs formed from [demonic energy] had meant to restrain, however they had a secondary purpose. They could detect oncoming energy and form a barrier to react with the explosion. It was more of an instinctive function more than anything, honed from fighting in the dungeons to train my skill in my free time. After all, you would die if your barrier was formed too slowly.

I see. Someone as conspicuous as me, someone who claimed the title of "the top" before me and had also surpassed the nobles before me. With this, my situation would seem the most abnormal and unexplainable of all. As he received his explanation, I can't even fathom my own. How did I rose to level 400 in a night? The curses stuck on my body were no where near enough to have such an effect. Simply put, I was not normal. However I have identified someone who is.

Daverl Rupard. The highest level student of the first years, who boasted power surpassing the nobles who receive professional training.

Releasing the taunt effect, Kuraver sensei spoke with a shaky and soft voice. His breathing haggard from his concentration, his cheeks already stiff and his eye brow creasing, he finally let's off a sigh. A sigh that could signify many things.

"Finally... We can finally stop this charade... Even if he's escaped from my [Absolute territory], we have his identity... Even if he faked his identity, I trust you have his mana signature archived... "(Kuraver)

As a matter of course, his voice was not shaking from fear. It was excitement. A release. Tension had faded like snow during the summer, his fiery expression matched his feelings. His eye brows creased in the middle, his irises held a resolute resolve in them. Most of all, his smile had betrayed his composure. The cheery act that surprised the students, the more approachable stature, all of it was just an act to get the enemy to lower their guard. No one could really say if it worked or not, but his true self craved revenge was all that matters. For a long time since retirement, he craved blood.

The pressure from my skill had subsided when all the energy was converted into a barrier. Having accidentally set off a bomb, it was a matter of time before the culprit became exposed. Though with our Agility values, it was easy to see the origin of the explosion. There was a hypothetical situation, where Daverl was blackmailed, though at this point, it didn't really matter. Both our frustrations could only keep burning on until nothing was left.

"Ych, well this is out of my scope. Let's get back to lesson."

Taking a deep breath, I swallowed my saliva to moisten my parched throat. Clearing the way, I held my conscious together as I braced for impact.

"It's time for lesson now. Right sensei~"

A secret technique that I had honed every morning for a few years. Calling the other party by a favoured title in a cutesy voice, it aims to shake their heart strings into confusion. This confusion can be used to serve quite a few purposes.

In this situation though, it only had a 50% chance to succeed. The other scenario would occur if Kuraver froze from the spot, which would be counter-productive considering my objective.

The explosions earlier should have shaken the students out of their sleep with massive headaches and sounds. This technique was to force everyone awake, so they could continue the lesson.