"Oh, really is that why they all came with you?" Esdras asked with a ghostly smile. "Wow, you guys must feel really sorry for this many people to come, let's see.. forty? No, fifty."

Upon hearing his words Reid's face paled and he took two steps back.

From the beginning, Esdras was able to tell that a large group of people hid in the shadow of the woods behind Reid thanks to his enhanced senses.

Honestly, he was glad that it was these guys and not something else entirely.

But even now Esdras was not sure why they came to him at this hour. It was clear they didn't have any good intentions, but he wasn't sure why?

"So, want to tell me what this is all about?" he asked looking very calm, not at all intimidated.

Reid looked very conflicted, as if he didn't like the situation any better than he did.

"Listen, this is not personal." Reid said as that's the group behind him started to reveal themselves and flank him from both sides.

"It's true, what I said just now. We didn't realize that escaping was futile with our abilities it was no different than a death sentence. So because we don't want to die, our only option was—"

"— to become slaves, right?" Esdras concluded. " so I assume all if you want to become my slaves? Do you want me to protect all of you in the Rite of passage?"

Reid shook his head, " don't you realize the situation that you are in right now? This is not the time for jokes you may have some talent as a vigor knight, but that doesn't mean you will pass."

Naturally, they did not know that I previously useless Esdras had already become a level 3 apprentice, on the verge of becoming a True mage any minute now.

" we were approached by someone who can ensure our survival. Although it's a bitter fate, living is still better than being dead." Reid said looking very exhausted.

"So, is this a favor for that person? Did he tell you to beat me up? No, perhaps to kill me in exchange?" Esdras shrugged.

Reid remained silent, and the rest didn't seem keen on sharing either.

"Come on, Reid, can't you tell me? I will be dying here today anyway, right? I deserve to know who orchestrated my death, at least."

Esdras pleaded, looking resigned with his own death. Seeing him like this Reid looked regretful.

"I can't, we were promised him not to say anything the fact that I took the time to explain all this to you, is already treading on the red line."

"Well, let me guess. OK you don't have to answer." Esdras looked like he was thinking hard about something and then he slapped his hand exaggeratedly, "Robert? Does that name ring a bell?"

Reid looked surprised for a moment, which was answering enough for Esdras.

Once again, he could not help but think that this was a good scheme. Using someone else's hand to dispose of an enemy, was always a good strategy, but this was even better.

On one hand, all he had to give is a promise that he had complete control over whether to fulfill it or not.

If he didn't, then he could probably dispose of most witnesses to his scheme to kill another apprentice in the Rite of passage.

And even if he did, he could probably protect a few of them, at the end they would become his eternal slaves.

Even if they failed through this attempt, he would get a better idea of Esdras's strength.historical

After all Esdras survived two attempts so far, this made Robert very cautious. Rather than go for another attempt himself, he would use them without any consequences on himself.

In fact, even if Esdras captured a few of them and took them to senior Ron and they confessed, Robert wouldn't face any repercussions.

So what if Robert told them to break the tower rules? He himself did not break any rules.

It was a good move, and he probably didn't think of it on the fly. Robert was very crafty, and he could endure humiliation.

Of course, there was a feeling of improvisation slightly as if this attack happened earlier than it was supposed to.

He could not help but think of the absent Tara. Perhaps what happened today forced Tara two run to Robert. She must have felt that Esdras was resolved in killing her.

Esdras looked at these kids and sighed. He was angry despite his smiling expression.

Back then they told him of the plan he had the urge to report them to Senior Ron. If he did that, then he could have gained a bit of recognition I've gotten into the higher ups good graces.

But thinking that they were in a tough spot, he decided to follow his heart and let them go. Who could have expected this to happen?

No, maybe he was the only one blind to this possibility. He could not yet assimilate to this world. He was still living as if he was on earth.

I know he had to kill them with his own hands, he was mostly angry at himself for being weak, and he decided to release that rage on these backstabbing bastards.

And in his heart he vowed to never allow himself to be in such a situation ever again.

With a thought, the silver ring on his right hand moved and transformed into a great broad sword. It was completely ridiculous in size, such a sword, could only appear in video games.

The apprentice is around him, all gasped and took several steps back, their weapons still undrawn.

"W-wha-"

"When did he—"

"Are you seeing this?!"

His eyes much colder than any steel glared at them, the sharp sword produced ringing in the air.

However, before he could go on with his business, Esdras's muscles stopped in mid motion, and he took two steps to the side quickly.

It happened in the blink of an eye, a bone spear pierced through seven apprentices and skewered them like shish kebab.

The sphere stab them into the earth after losing its moment, the seven apprentices all still moved slightly, unaware that they were already dead.

"Oh, dear~ my hand slipped~"