Star Eater

Chapter 117:

Elincia's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

My warning fell on deaf ears as the Baron clearly grew more agitated as he glared at Arthur. To our surprise though, he chose merely to smirk in response before he snapped his fingers. Magic ignited in his hands as he turned towards our Knight while his own forces rushed in from behind. Naturally, my sister went to interfere as our own magic ignited. Even our guards moved forward to stop them.

However, both of us hesitated when everyone froze. My eyes widened in horror as I felt such strong bloodlust that my magic died out. Looking down at Arthur, I saw him just standing there with an almost monstrous grin on his face. The Baron and his men were then lifted off the ground as almost none of them could move.

"I never thought anyone would be foolish enough to attack me." Arthur's voice called out as he merely stood there with his eyes hidden behind his hair. "And yet, it keeps happening." I wanted to call out to him, but my voice got caught in my throat. "Perhaps I've been too lenient since coming here. Humans, Zugal, Elves..."

He trailed off before one of the private guards in the Baron's employ seemed to explode as blood splattered across the area. There were a few servants present who screamed in horror as blood dripped down their faces and uniforms. Even the Northern Zugal, along with our Temple Guards, backed away in horror as they were also covered. Another one exploded not long after.

"It's always something or someone." Arthur continued. "How does it always come down to this?" He asked no one in particular. "Don't get me wrong, I enjoy these moments. People being surprised when they realize that the small amount of power they hold means nothing in reality."

Arthur then continued to massacre the Baron's guards as my sister and I watched on in speechlessness. He slowly walked over toward the Noble and looked up at him as he floated in the air. My blood ran cold as I watched this happen. Arthur had never shown such power before. He wasn't even doing anything besides standing there as they died. I glanced at my sister to see her watching with wide eyes as well.

"Is this the first time you've seen what happens when people are killed by an incredible amount of pressure?" He asked the Baron. "It's like someone is squeezing you in the most horrible manner you can think of." Then he shrugged. "Although, I am being nice by making it quick." Slowly lowering the Baron, I watched as he grabbed him by his cheeks almost mockingly. "See, everyone here has continually underestimated me." Then he leaned in. "Do you think anyone will do that again?"

Arthur's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

"Stop this madness!" Arceana finally shouted, and I glanced over at her.

"They attacked me. Your one and only Knight of Lestrania." I told her in response as I looked back to the Baron. "Do you really think they should get away with that?"

"You're not Human!" The Noble grunted.

I pointed at him mockingly. "I never said I was, did I?"

Arceana stepped down from her dais and glared at me. "Put. Him. Down."

My gaze slowly moved over to Arceana. "That depends on him."

"He has already been caught! Cease this massacre in our throne room!" Arceana shouted as her magic ignited.

"I like you, Arceana. I do, but if you-" I began, but Elincia moved between the two of us.

"Enough! Both of you!" Elincia then gestured to the Baron. "He will be stripped of all his titles, lands, possessions, and status. The Baron will be given a small amount to start over but will be banished from Helmsforth. Is that acceptable?"

"What say you, Baron Brightwood?" I narrowed my eyes at him. "Is that acceptable?"

"...Yes!" He grunted out through clenched teeth.

Dropping him and his guards, they all tumbled down to the ground. "Perfect!" The Elf glared up at me, but I ignored him. "We can all learn from this. After all-"

I didn't get to finish as Arceana and Elincia reached out towards me with wide eyes. A piercing sensation could be felt through my chest as blood erupted from my throat and down my chin. Looking down, a sword was piercing my chest where my heart was. Both Priestesses and the others present looked at me in horror.

Turning to look over my shoulder, I saw the Baron with a dark grin with his hands on the pommel. "If you want to ruin my life by all means, but do not expect me to take it lying down."

He tried to pull the sword out as both Priestesses moved to act, but I merely grabbed the blade and held it in place before raising my other hand to stop them. Sighing, I lifted the Baron into the air once more as he let go of the sword in surprise, and I turned to look at him. He looked at me in shock as I ripped the sword through my body, pommel and all. The amount of blood that poured onto the ground made both Priestesses backpedal in alarm.

Shifting my shoulders around as I focused on the wound, it immediately healed. "I hope you realize how badly you just fucked up." I told the Baron as the room just looked at me in shock. "Not only stabbing me in the back but destroying my heart? I need that. Kind of. Not really." Then I pointed the sword at him. "The point is that was kind of a dick move."

"You're a monster! A freak of nature and a blight on this world!" The Noble cried out shakily as he realized what was about to happen.

"I suppose monster is a better term for me than most. After all, we already established I'm not Human." His body slowly began to twist in horrific ways as many turned away and covered their ears so they wouldn't hear his screams. "Still better than you, though."

An orb of blood remained floating in the air as his clothes were mushed together with it. Dropping the orb, it splashed everywhere, and I merely shook my head in annoyance. Looking at the sword for a moment, I planted it in the stone floor before turning to the Priestesses.

Taking my shirt off since it was covered in blood, they both eyed my closed wound. "I'm going to say this one time, and feel free to spread the word." Wringing out my shirt, I saw the blood begin to evaporate from my body as I continued. "Any Nobles found of interfering in my business will be dealt with promptly, and any that attack me will be killed on sight." Hanging the shirt over my shoulder met me with a wet slap on my back. "I'm no longer in the mood for these shitty games."