CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 622: Great Elders

Asher strode through the lengthy corridor with firm but somewhat rushed steps, making his way to the library. After a short walk and navigating several turns, he halted before a massive door.

He recalled his early days after transmigrating, when dread of banishment and murder by his siblings haunted him. He also remembered encountering Thalric, the Ninth Sun, right at this spot; thanks to his impeccable memory, the exact words Thalric had said echoed clearly in his mind.

Asher shook his head gently, brushing away those irrelevant memories. He had no time for nostalgia. Malrik might already be confronting the Emperor right now; speed was essential. Whether the Elders and Great Elders would block Malrik or back him remained unknown, but aid was aid, no matter their motives.

With no more delay, he shoved open the enormous door and entered, his face serene. Upon stepping inside, his eyes landed first on the Librarian, who sat in his chair as always, one leg slung carelessly over the desk, exuding an intentional nonchalance. A book lay open in his grasp, handled with effortless ease, as if worldly events meant nothing to him.

The man’s black hair bore white streaks, marking his advanced age and vast lifespan. His green eyes fixed intently on the pages, dull and serene, just as Asher recalled from past encounters. He was one of the three Great Elders, Great Elder Morthen Wargrave.

As Asher entered the Library, Morthen Wargrave raised his eyes slowly from his reading. Asher’s arrival surprised him not at all; he had sensed the boy’s presence since Virelass returned with him two days prior.

"It’s been a while, Asher," Morthen said, gazing at him with a neutral face, his voice soft and steady.

"Good morning, Great Elder," Asher replied politely, bowing his head a bit, careful to show no trace of insolence.

In the Wargrave, Elders were siblings of the Primarch, while Great Elders were kin to the previous Primarch, making Great Elder Morthen Asher’s grand-uncle, brother to his grandfather who once reigned as Primarch at the peak.

"Morning. Back to read? Haven’t spotted you since your awakening ceremony," Great Elder Morthen remarked, eyes fixed on Asher, his voice relaxed yet watchful.

Asher’s thoughts flickered momentarily to the World Map from earlier musings. It could be hidden somewhere in the Wargrave Library, or maybe not, but this wasn’t the moment to dwell on it. He’d ask later. Great Elder Morthen, a devotee of books and lore, likely held the knowledge.

"Regrettably, I’m not here for reading, Great Elder. I need your aid on a pressing issue that could impact the whole Wargrave," Asher declared steadily, his composed voice underscoring the gravity.

As soon as he spoke, Great Elder Morthen’s neutral look turned grave, his bearing shifting abruptly. Tension thickened in the Library air, like an unseen weight pressing down on all within.

"Boy, choose your words with care. You don’t toss around talk of threats to the entire Wargrave lightly," he warned, his tone icy sharp, green eyes glinting as they bored into Asher.

Though Wargrave rules barred Suns and Moons from harming kin, Great Elder Morthen wasn’t a Sun; as Azaron’s uncle, he held power to discipline Asher if warranted.

Asher spoke without pause or waver. Skipping backstory, he dropped the vital fact first, "The First Sun might be moving to strike the Emperor; it could be happening even now."

Great Elder Morthen stilled in shock upon hearing it, his mind rejecting the notion at first. Thoughts raced through him, grasping the stakes swiftly. He knew Malrik’s fierce protectiveness; the Emperor must have wronged one of his siblings.

"What happened? Spare no detail," Morthen demanded, his voice cold and menacing.

Asher withheld nothing crucial, recounting events clearly and briefly. When done, Great Elder Morthen stood speechless in disbelief. His eyes blazed with sharp green glow next. The Emperor’s memory power didn’t faze him; the outrage was using it on Wargrave blood.

Then he grasped why Asher had rushed to him. Truly, this threatened all Wargraves, as Malrik’s move would taint the family name, solo or not.

Suddenly, a crystal ball appeared from his space ring into his palm; he smashed it without pause. Air erupted wildly—shaking, warping, howling, blasting out with force that hurled Asher back like a puppet. Yet before slamming into shelves, he hung frozen midair, pinned by Great Elder Morthen’s effortless hold.

Amid the chaotic surge of air and force, the Library suffered no damage. Books, shelves, all stayed pristine, protected by Morthen’s flawless control.

Asher’s gaze sharpened ahead, Omni Perception igniting to sense seven new auras materializing in the Library.

They were the Great Elders and Elders.

Three Great Elders now, including Morthen. Five Elders, totaling eight powerhouses in the Library.

As they arrived, their immense auras choked the air into heavy stillness, the Library’s breath turning thick and oppressive. Though Morthen said nothing, they sensed grave trouble afoot or imminent. He had activated the emergency summon artifact, dragging all here no matter their location—a dire step.

Great Elder Morthen’s gaze pierced toward Asher as he ordered, "You may leave; we’ll take it from here." His command brooked no argument.

Before Asher could reply or speak, a portal ripped open underfoot, devouring him in an instant. Near the Library’s grand doors outside, another yawned wide, spitting him out. He seized control mid-tumble, twisting gracefully to land solidly on his feet, poise unbroken.