CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 621: Thoughts

Amid a flash of crimson-orange, Asher materialized once more inside the Ducal Wargrave Estate. The instant he arrived, the crimson-orange energy enveloping him faded away instantly. Asher froze in place for a moment, like a statue carved from stone, his body completely still amid the lavish hall.

Asher's thoughts raced through every word and deed from Malrik, scrutinizing each one closely as he replayed them, endlessly wondering what path Malrik would ultimately take.

Could Conrad, Malrik’s trusted butler and closest aide, manage to prevent Malrik from unleashing a furious rampage?

Asher had no clue about that. Malrik was incredibly powerful, beyond all reason, yet Asher sensed this wasn’t the moment for any moves. Though it might seem like just a Wargrave clashing with the Emperor, it really pitted the Wargrave family against the whole Zarethorn Empire—a massive confrontation no one could ignore lightly.

The Wargrave family might get labeled traitors for treason, but that chance was slim since they served as a mighty shield against rival Empires, an indispensable pillar the Empire wouldn’t easily cast aside. Still, the other Dukes would swiftly align with the Emperor, particularly seeing Malrik driven by raw emotion instead of cool strategy.

These ideas swirled endlessly in Asher's head, spawning endless perilous scenarios, leaving him sighing deeply. He had shared that intel with Malrik on purpose back then, a clever yet pivotal test.

Before, when the Emperor probed his memories, Asher worried the Emperor could have swayed other Ducal family members. Handing over the info to Malrik was purely to gauge his response, and it confirmed Malrik wasn’t under the Emperor’s obvious control, at least not detectably so.

Moreover, the info exchange was just a handy way to relay the details to Malrik. After all, possessing it himself meant little at his current power and status. Only a powerhouse like Malrik, with vast strength and command, could actually use it. That was another key reason for proposing the trade initially.

Asher spun around and headed to a couch, slumping onto it heavily as he let out a deep breath. His gaze locked on the ceiling overhead, but his mind wandered far off, ablaze with burning curiosity about Malrik’s next step, a fire that wouldn’t die down.

He had witnessed the devastation Malrik unleashed firsthand; just minutes earlier, he had stood on that battlefield, seeing the ruins up close. Should Malrik battle the Emperor or any Crownstar Life Ranker, the capital’s every soul would vanish in a blink, mere fodder in the chaos.

Millions would perish effortlessly, a calamity rocking the Empire’s foundations. Malrik ruthlessly crushed foes, but he never targeted harmless civilians on purpose. Yet in his rage now, he might overlook them completely and wreak havoc unchecked, spelling doom for the Wargraves.

Even in his clash with Cindralis, Malrik halted only because Azaron burst in at the critical juncture, averting total disaster. But this time, nothing stood to block Malrik—no surprise factor to rein him in.

Asher sighed once more, burdened by the gravity. He realized Malrik revealed that battlefield showdown with his enigmatic foe not out of pride, but as a caution, ensuring Asher didn’t get cocky from his Debro victory.

'Even storming the Imperial Estate, he'd surely need the Wargrave Knight Order Round, right? No way he tackles the whole Empire solo,' Asher mused inwardly, tempted to seek Yveric, brief him, and summon him at once.

'And what about those Elders and Great Elders?' Asher pondered, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. Malrik didn’t appear to command his own forces or known fighting unit.

Countless ideas surged through Asher’s mind, clashing wildly as he balanced his choices. Intervene or hold back? Truthfully, he knew too little about Malrik to meddle, but staying idle felt just as wrong.

Asher shut his eyes briefly, his thoughts and emotions split sharply, one pushing action, the other urging restraint.

'If I had more power, I wouldn't sit idle; I'd stand by his side in that tempest without a second thought,' Asher reflected. But right after, he shook his head, rejecting the dream. Joining Malrik was pure fantasy, fueled by irritation, not fact.

'Doesn't matter—I'll consult the Elders and Great Elders,' Asher decided firmly, his determination locking in. He could have approached Yveric, but figured Yveric would likely refuse aiding Malrik. Yveric’s directive kept him at the Wargrave Estate all year unless the Duke permitted otherwise.

Regarding the Elders and Great Elders, Asher presumed they had plenty of free time. One was a librarian, buried in books daily. Clearly, he chose that role himself—no way such a powerhouse got stuck there unwillingly.

Decision set, Asher’s eyes flew open, and he stood smoothly from the couch. He aimed for the Wargrave Library. Though unsure how to reach the Wargrave Elders and Great Elders precisely, telling the Librarian would do it—the man would relay the word effectively enough.

Asher strode to the door, grasped the handle, swung it open, and stepped into the hallway. Right away, he spotted a butler waiting silently nearby, as if posted there for ages. Seeing Asher, the butler bowed low and addressed him in a polite, steady voice.

"I greet the Tenth Sun," the butler said.

Usually, Asher would brush past without notice, since butlers and maids hailed him constantly on sight—a dull daily ritual. But this butler stationed right at his door signaled purpose.

"What is it?" Asher queried, impatience edging his voice from the heavy concerns on his mind.

"I’ve been instructed by your personal maid to deliver your meal, Tenth Sun. I merely ask if I should serve it now," the butler replied, straightening elegantly from his bow, eyes meeting Asher’s with serene poise and duty.

Asher first wanted to brush off food entirely, but his body’s needs hit hard. He hadn’t eaten since waking, and the Debro fight had sapped all his stamina. His frame screamed for fuel.

"Serve it, just leave it in my room. I will eat it when I’m back," Asher commanded firmly, deciding swiftly before pivoting and striding away without pause.

"As the Tenth Sun orders," the butler affirmed respectfully, bowing again, then blurring out of sight in a flash to fulfill the order promptly.