Astraeus Academy, a prestigious institution built atop an artificial moon orbiting the Genesis Realm, was more than just a fortress of knowledge—it was a bastion of power. It had stood unchallenged for countless eras, admitting only those of noble lineage, those favored by Destiny, or those whose raw talent carved a place among the chosen few.
The academy housed millions of students from across the Lower Realm—a number that might seem exaggerated given its exclusivity. Yet, considering the vastness of the Lower Realm, where countless Lower Planes existed, this figure was hardly surprising.
Take [Mythrandis], for instance—the Lower Plane where Astraeus Academy resided, along with the Genesis Realm. This plane alone encompassed billions of galaxies, perhaps even more, its sheer scale defying accurate measurement.
If a single Lower Plane was so vast, then what of the Lower Realm itself, which contained thousands of such planes?
That Astraeus Academy accepted only a mere few million students spoke volumes about its rigorous selection process.
Among these chosen elites stood NOX and Lucas.
As the first light of dawn stretched across the artificial moon, Astraeus Academy stirred to life.
Spanning thousands of miles, its towering mountains and ancient citadels gleamed under the pale morning glow. Yet, despite its grandeur, the academy was drowning in whispers today.
The open grounds before the classrooms—usually a place for prayers and gatherings—were packed with murmuring students. Though it seemed like any other day, a strange tension hung in the air.
A closer look at the crowd would reveal the emotions playing across their faces—fear in some, excitement in others.
They were waiting.
Waiting for NOX to be judged as the Devil.
And as for NOX...?
Inside the luxurious courtyard,
NOX stood before the mirror, his damp hair clinging to his skin—a clear sign he had just finished bathing. His gaze remained fixed on his reflection, studying his own eyes.
His Evil Eyes were still in the midst of assimilating with his Divinity, causing his crimson irises to twitch uncontrollably.
As the process deepened, the twitching became more frequent, accompanied by the occasional sensation of blood welling at the corners of his eyes.
It wasn't painful. It wasn't pleasant either. Just an eerie, primal sensation—as if something ancient was carving itself into his existence.
NOX exhaled slowly, musing that perhaps overwhelming strength had its own drawbacks. But then again, what could he do? Greatness was simply his nature.
If arrogance could be wrapped in the guise of humility, that was the expression on NOX's face.
With another quiet sigh, he lifted a black cloth in his hand, securing it over his eyes. He had no interest in twitching at every passerby.
They already saw him as a Devil—no need to add "lunatic" to the list.
Darkness consumed his vision as the cloth settled in place.
"Consume Ep to create Temporary Vision skill." NOX commanded his system.
[Consuming EP to construct the skill Temporary Vision!]
Unlike before, his system did not create the skill immediately this time for some reason.
One must understand that his system does not create skills out of nowhere.
It first analyzes NOX's memories, insights, and knowledge of Laws to construct a viable framework. Then, it refines the concept using related skills and experiences, ensuring stability. Only after confirming its feasibility does the system assign parameters like energy cost, duration, and precision before finalizing the skill.
This time, however, Temporary Vision required deeper integration with NOX's evolving divinity, forcing the system to recalculate—adjusting the framework to accommodate his unique existence.
For the first time, even the system hesitated before granting his command.
A brief pause followed before a system notification flickered in NOX's mind.
[Skill Created: Temporary Vision]
At that moment, his sight returned.
Yet, it was not permanent. His vision flickered, like a candle wavering in the wind—sometimes sharp, sometimes hazy. The world appeared fractured, shifting between clarity and distortion, reminding him that this sight was only a borrowed privilege.
Still, it was enough.
Staring at his reflection, NOX smirked. The black cloth covering his eyes gave him an air of mystery, his presence more profound than before.
"Wow, I really do look like a Blind Immortal now, don't I?" He chuckled, tilting his head. "Mysterious, powerful… terrifyingly handsome. If I saw myself on the street, I'd probably bow out of sheer respect."
He traced his fingers over the cloth, nodding in satisfaction.
"Unfortunately, the world isn't ready for my greatness." He sighed dramatically. "They'll just assume I'm some blind lunatic instead."
Nox's Divinity : ["...…"]
It was simply too stunned to even muster a protest against NOX's ever-growing smugness.
*********
NOX stepped out of his courtyard, his robes rippling with each measured step. The excess threads of his blindfold trailed behind him like ink dissolving into the morning breeze.
He stepped onto the academy road, a vast and seemingly endless path lined with towering light poles, each emitting a soft celestial glow.
A brief walk led him to the academy's open grounds—a massive expanse where students gathered before making their way to the classroom corridors.
Today, however, was anything but ordinary.
A sea of students crowded the grounds, their hushed voices rolling through the air like a distant storm. Half-spoken words, speculation thick with excitement and unease.
"That's him… the Ashborn."
"They say he's a devil."
"Ridiculous. He's still human, isn't he?"
"If he were human, would the Human Supreme Society be demanding his judgment?"
[+2342 Fear….]
[+1824 Hatred…]
NOX didn't need to strain his ears to hear them. Their whispers were his strength. The more they feared and hated him, the greater the advantage he held over his enemies.
"Why is he blindfolded? Did he lose his sight?"
"No way… he wouldn't still be standing here if that were true."
"Tch, what an act. Trying to look mysterious."
"I heard he awakened Evil Eyes… maybe he's hiding them."
Some spoke in hushed fear, while others were bolder, their voices laced with contempt. Yet despite their words, not a single one dared to step in his way. The sea of students instinctively parted, forming a corridor for him to walk through.
With every step, their whispers grew softer, their gazes more hesitant. The weight of his presence alone was enough to suppress all but the most foolish among them.
And then—
A ripple tore through the sky.
A professor streaked forward, his aura crackling with restrained power. Beside him, draped in cold authority, was her.
Histaria Thornwood.
The woman who had hurt him the most in his past life.
Her violet robes, adorned with golden constellations, flowed like starlight. A silver sash cinched her waist, cascading dark hair framing her composed expression, while astral ornaments accentuated her allure.
NOX gazed up, his lips curling into a smile as he greeted them calmly. "Good morning, Professors."
His former master, Histaria, descended gracefully, landing just before him.
Her eyes softened with concern as she took in his appearance. "NOX… What happened to your eyes? Did someone hurt you?" she asked, her gaze lingering on his blindfold.
NOX's smile turned playful. "Professor Histaria, shouldn't your first question be, 'Sinful Devil! Do you understand your crime?'" His voice dripped with mockery as he repeated the exact words she had once spoken to him in his past life.
Back then, despite being his master, she had been the first to brand him a devil. When she asked that question, he had been so terrified he couldn't even breathe, as if the world itself denied him air.
And now, she was showering him with concern?
What a hypocrite.
If she hadn't known NOX belonged to the Dark Heaven Clan, he was certain she would have already thrown ridiculous accusations at him, complete with the dramatic whoosh of her aura flaring. She wouldn't have even given him the chance to defend himself.
Speaking of the Dark Heaven Clan—which bastard leaked the information that I was an Ashborn? NOX cursed internally.
He had been looking forward to today's drama, eager to relive the moment she unleashed her aura with that signature whoosh.
But he didn't dwell on it. It was likely due to last night—when he used [Shadow Walk], some student must have seen him.
As for things not unfolding exactly like his past life? NOX remained indifferent.
After deep contemplation, he had already made his decision—he would shatter the entire Weaving of Destiny, turning the script upside down until even the Heavens couldn't mend it or assign fates anymore.
Histaria froze at his words, momentarily at a loss.
She had been ready to judge him, because harming him had carried no consequences. He was just an orphan with no background.
What was the harm in breaking a nobody?
But then she learned he wasn't just an Ashborn—he was the young heir of the Dark Heaven Clan. Relief had washed over her, grateful she had maintained a good relationship with him so far.
Perhaps, when the Dark Heaven Clan found out, they would even owe her a favor.
Yet, at NOX's mocking words, her confidence wavered. He had seen through her, exposed her hypocrisy, and wasn't even subtle about it.
Histaria clenched her fingers into her palms, holding back her irritation.
How dare a mere devil mock her?
[+6 Hatred Points gained from Histaria Thornwood!]
[+9 Anger Points gained…..]
'Wow…. Women really do get angry easily…' NOX mused inwardly, a flicker of amusement dancing behind his blindfold.
Ignoring her, NOX shifted his attention to Professor Varion, who still hovered in the sky. His lips quirked as he remarked sarcastically, "Professor Varion, you're looking a little… blue. Is that the new fashion for airborne academics? Or are you just testing if you can turn into a snowflake before breakfast?