CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 667: Lyra’s Return

Asher remained in the quiet solitude of his chamber, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts, questions piling up like a precarious stack of cards. After a moment, he let out a sigh, shaking his head, a subtle weariness now etched onto his features, absent just moments before.

"This world seems to be brimming with hidden secrets," he mused aloud. The sheer volume of revelations received within a single day left Asher momentarily questioning the very historical accounts of his world. Was the descent of the Star fragment within Crymora truly a random occurrence, or had it been meticulously orchestrated from the outset? Could this event even trace its origins back over twenty thousand years? After all, history itself is susceptible to fabrication, alteration, and manipulation by those possessing the requisite power and motive.

'No need to dwell on it unnecessarily. As Elder Brother wisely advised, there's no point fretting over matters beyond my current influence,' he reassured himself. He crossed his legs and raised a hand, observing it intently. Just a little over an hour ago, he had been delighting in his stat increments, content and even slightly thrilled at the prospect of an easier confrontation should he face Debro again. But now... that fleeting joy had completely evaporated, replaced by a far more somber and introspective mood.

He slowly clenched his fist, his fingers tightening with a quiet determination. 'I must reach the Crownstar Life Rank as swiftly as possible,' he resolved internally, his gaze narrowing subtly as a nascent resolve began to solidify within him.

A knock at the door shattered his reverie. "Enter," Asher commanded calmly, his gaze shifting towards the entrance, his voice steady and composed, revealing nothing of the mental turmoil that had just consumed him.

The door creaked open, and the butler, who had assumed Lyra's duties during her absence, stepped inside. With a respectful bow, he announced, "Tenth Sun, Knight Commander Yveric awaits your presence," delivering his words with practiced courtesy and deference.

"Thank you," Asher acknowledged, averting his gaze from the butler. 'He's here to assess my mental state,' Asher surmised, having been forewarned by Malrik. Even though Malrik and Azaron were aware of his immunity to mental intrusion, having successfully resisted the Emperor's ability, they insisted on a check, likely as a precautionary measure rather than out of suspicion.

Without delay, Asher rose and moved towards the door, having anticipated that Yveric would be conducting these assessments sequentially, thus likely operating under time constraints. Upon meeting the Knight Commander, Asher was escorted to a separate chamber, ensconced within a formidable barrier that emanated a subtle yet palpable aura of restraint. Inside, three distinct artifacts were employed upon Asher, each radiating a unique energy as they performed their specific functions.

Asher passively allowed the artifacts to complete their task, seeing no need to engage the system for interference. After a few moments, Yveric gave a brief nod of confirmation, and Asher, with an impassive expression, stepped out of the 'interrogation room' and returned to his own quarters.

As was his custom, he positioned himself by the window, observing the unfolding events from his elevated vantage point. Several minutes elapsed in quiet contemplation, followed by another knock echoing through the room. The instant the sound registered, a subtle smile graced Asher's lips, as he already knew who was waiting on the other side of the door.

"Enter," he intoned smoothly.

The door swung open, and Lyra entered, clad in her customary maiden attire, her hands adorned with white gloves. She offered a graceful bow before speaking, "I have returned, Young Master," she stated, her tone respectful and composed.

"Welcome back, Lyra. Though your absence was brief, mere hours, it felt considerably longer," Asher responded, turning to face her with a serene smile, his words imbued with a gentle warmth.

"I am pleased the Young Master felt the absence of my presence," Lyra replied, maintaining her characteristic poise and respect, her expression neutral yet attentive.

Asher lightly shook his head and approached the couch he had occupied earlier during his discussion with Malrik. "How did everything proceed? Were there any complications?" he inquired calmly.

While the conflict between the Wargrave family and the Imperial family had not directly impacted this vicinity, being confined to the Capital and its immediate environs, it was still prudent to inquire, ensuring that all matters had transpired without a hitch.

"My journey was without any issues, Young Master," Lyra reported, maintaining a composed posture. "Regarding the task you assigned me, it has been fulfilled. I secured every item and enlisted capable individuals as you instructed," she declared with a serene confidence.

Asher offered a slight nod. While he wasn't privy to the precise methodology Lyra employed, he opted against further inquiry; her assurance of a trouble-free undertaking negated any need for probing into the specifics.

"Excellent," he responded before his thoughts drifted back to planning his excursion to the villages. After a brief period of deliberation, Asher resolved to undertake the visit that very day. Despite the day's preceding turmoil, the hour was still approximately 3 p.m., leaving ample time to reach the hamlets.

After all, it had been in the morning when he and Malrik had conversed upon his awakening, followed by a visit to his battleground, prior to events escalating into utter chaos based on a single piece of intelligence.

"We shall depart in thirty minutes, with only you, myself, and the hired aide. If there are any personal matters requiring your attention, attend to them within this timeframe," Asher dictated with a gentle yet firm tone. The hired hand he mentioned was the individual possessing the skill to augment the fertility of farmland.

"As the Young Master commands," Lyra responded with a respectful bow.

"You are dismissed," Asher stated.

Upon his words, Lyra smoothly exited the room, her internal clock already commencing the thirty-minute countdown, her inherent efficiency apparent even in this simple departure.

Seated alone once more, Asher's thoughts unexpectedly turned to a forgotten detail. 'It seems I neglected to ask Elder Brother if a World Map exists,' he mused, a slight shake of his head accompanying the realization. The magnitude of the information he had received earlier had evidently caused this momentary oversight.

'I shall consult Great Elder Morthen; given his position as Librarian and his status as a Great Elder, I am confident he will possess the knowledge,' Asher concluded. However, he decided to seek out the man upon his return from the village expedition, deeming the matter not to be of immediate urgency.

With this resolution, he remained in his chambers, patiently awaiting Lyra's return within the allotted half-hour.