Chapter 376: Apostle?

Silence descended upon the gymnasium after the arrival of the blond man.

Jimmy wore a faint grin as he instructed the staff to take the injured cadets to the infirmary. Around them, the atmosphere remained tense, the earlier clash having left an uneasy stillness in its wake.

Kyle stood quietly, waiting for the man to speak first.

His eyes told Kyle exactly what set Arthur apart from the awakened he had encountered thus far.

There was a striking difference between Arthur and every other Nightwalker Kyle had observed. The distinction came down to one thing: absolute control over his aura.

Unlike Jimmy, who seemed capable of deliberately shrouding his presence, Arthur had no need to conceal himself. A thin, almost imperceptible layer of magical energy covered his body, flowing so naturally that it was difficult to tell where his aura ended and his physical presence began.

It was as though he possessed complete control over his magical reserves and their circulation.

And that hinted at something even more interesting.

Arthur might possess a Field capable of damaging the fabric of reality far less than those of other Nightwalkers.

But those evaluations could wait.

Tak.

Tak.

Arthur slowly approached Kyle, his slow footsteps the only sound echoing through the otherwise silent gymnasium.

When he reached him, he stopped.

"I was under the impression that you awakened only a week ago. The reports stated as much. And yet, your skill set suggests an entirely different reality."

Arthur narrowed his eyes.

"What relation do you have with the officer who brought you here for her to lie to us?"

Kyle hummed inwardly.

So he had chosen intimidation to pry open his cover.

It was hardly unexpected. His performance today was bound to raise questions.

He had demonstrated how effortlessly he could dominate the battlefield against someone who could reasonably be called a prodigy.

Despite his lecherous disposition, there was no denying that Ray was talented. Yet Kyle had never once struggled against him inside the arena.

"It’s surprising that you don’t suspect Ray despite him being newly awakened as well, yet you’re questioning me."

Kyle’s response made Jimmy’s brows rise slightly.

Arthur’s eyes further narrowed.

"You don’t have the authority to question me. Answer truthfully, or prepare yourself for the consequences. Those consequences will extend to your handler as well."

Kyle remained unfazed. His expression did not shift, and his eyes revealed nothing of the thoughts moving behind them.

In a low voice, he finally said, "I never lied about my awakening. I really did awaken these powers a week ago. It’s just that my magical skill, by nature, is meant to counter the aggression of my opponent."

Arthur frowned.

"Go on."

Kyle sighed before pointing toward his eyes.

"These are my strengths. They allow me to differentiate between things such as humans and non-living objects. That’s why I could see better and remain focused during a battle despite being at diaadvantage.bThey can also slow down the perception of movement and heighten my senses to a dangerous degree."

Arthur’s lips parted faintly.

His eyes remained locked onto Kyle’s, but his attention had shifted entirely to those golden orbs.

’If this brat is telling the truth, then... didn’t we just find a better alternative?’

There was genuine intrigue in Arthur’s gaze now.

He crossed his arms.

"If that’s the case, then from now on, you’ll be training against different opponents. I will personally design your training regime."

"Heh~"

The silver-haired man, who had remained silent until now, finally stepped into the conversation. With a grin on his face, he casually draped an arm over Kyle’s shoulders.

"Such special treatment from the leader. Aren’t you the lucky one, boy?"

Arthur sighed and looked toward his junior.

"Next time, don’t allow the battle to escalate to this severity. These warriors aren’t here to kill each other. They are important assets. Humanity relies on them."

Kyle inwardly scoffed.

Arthur had deliberately raised his voice.

He wanted everyone in the gymnasium to hear exactly how valuable they were...or so Arthur wanted them to think.

And judging by the gasps and excited murmurs spreading through the cadets, it seemed his intention had worked.

He had filled their heads with the idea that they were cherished, that their lives mattered, and that humanity needed them.

’Well, not a bad way to keep them invested.’

Kyle shrugged slightly.

Jimmy hummed before asking, "If I hadn’t allowed the battle to continue, you wouldn’t have discovered this fine warrior for yourself, would you?"

Arthur frowned.

"Strong and capable warriors tend to stand out. I would have eventually discovered his talent sooner or later. You should focus on enforcing the rules unless you want your students to grow unruly."

"Yeah, yeah."

Jimmy waved him off, clearly uninterested in another lecture.

Arthur decided it was time to leave. The reason for his arrival had already been fulfilled, though he had gained far more from the situation than he could have anticipated.

Before leaving, he glanced back at Kyle.

"I expect great things from you. Don’t disappoint me."

Kyle gave him a respectful nod.

Arthur turned and began walking away.

Kyle’s golden eyes followed his retreating figure until his back disappeared farther into the distance.

’Well, the second phase of the plan went well.’

His expression remained calm.

’Now I just need to isolate him and put an end to this madness.’

....

After returning to his room, Kyle decided to take a bath and get freshened up.

He was alone in the room since Elena was taken to the infirmary for obvious reasons. Ray was also taken alongside her because at some point he has lost consciousness and also, lost a hand.

As he entered the bathroom, he asked, ’So Aleda? What reward did I receive and from whom?’

He wasn’t checking the chat during the battle so he couldn’t check the messages.

[Host, you have received two rewards.]

[Quest: Make the woman surrender without touching her.]

[Reward: Concentrated Domain]

[Quest provider: Freya]

He smiled faintly. He was expecting that.

[Quest: Protect Elena]

[Reward: Sagitus Inferno]

[Quest Provider: Athena]

Kyle paused mid-step. And then he shook his head in disappointment.

’As I thought.’ Elena was an apostle.