CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 677: Lazy Healer

However, before Asher could utter a response, the sound of the door opening behind him drew his attention. His gaze shifted towards the entrant, his expression quickly reverting to a mask of indifference as he braced himself to greet the newcomer.

A man entered, his hair a vibrant green, his eyes half-lidded as he let out a yawn while meandering into the healing chamber. His steps were unhurried, his very presence exuding a lazy nonchalance. His crimson eyes landed on Asher, and the moment he saw him, his drowsiness evaporated. All he could perceive at that instant was Academy points, his interest instantly ignited.

"Ahhh... it's the healer," one of the villagers murmured, their tone laced with familiarity and quiet gratitude as they recognized the man who had attended to them all.

The healer paid the villagers no mind. He received a multitude of patients daily and hadn't the time to engage in idle conversations. His preferred method was to simply heal, collect his due, and then return to his slumber without any needless detours.

Pausing before Asher, the healer inquired, "Are you the student who brought these villagers to the Star Academy?" His voice was flat, utterly devoid of emotion or concern, his sole motivation being the acquisition of Academy points.

"I am," Asher affirmed, meeting the man's crimson gaze with his own violet eyes, his expression serene, his tone measured.

"Then settle my fee for services rendered," the healer proclaimed, letting out another yawn, his lack of subtlety quite apparent.

His words left Asher momentarily stunned. While he knew students were expected to pay for their healing sessions at this facility, these villagers were not students. Shouldn't the Star Academy be covering the expenses in such circumstances?

The healer remained silent, his unwavering gaze fixed upon Asher as if anticipating a specific question, his patience a calculated facade.

"How much is it?" Asher finally asked, eager to avoid any conflict with the Healing Department.

"Twenty-five thousand Academy points," the healer replied instantly, as if that very question was precisely what he had been anticipating.

Asher's composed features contorted into a slight frown. "Isn't that exorbitantly expensive?" he inquired, his brow furrowing ever so slightly.

He had only just concluded his mission and received his payment. To relinquish twenty-five thousand points to this somnolent healer would mean forfeiting more than half his earnings within an hour of acquiring them, a prospect he found highly undesirable.

Upon hearing Asher's query, the healer responded, "No, it's quite reasonable by a healer's standards. Psychological traumas are the most challenging aspect of healing; a single misstep and the patient's mind could be irrevocably damaged, rendering them less than an imbecile, incapable of speech, thought, or even basic bodily functions as the brain forgets everything. We haven't even touched upon the negative impacts on the psyche, so no, it is not expensive," he stated swiftly, as if his sole aim was to justify the price, collect his points, and depart.

The villagers standing at the rear remained silent, their awareness of their own powerlessness preventing any interference or meaningful assistance.

Asher let out a sigh, his mind rapidly searching for a viable solution, as parting with such a substantial sum was simply not an option. Had the cost been a mere five thousand points, he might have grudgingly paid, but not this amount, not under these conditions.

‘Here goes nothing then,’ Asher thought, a solution finally forming in his mind. With a focused thought, he conjured an Astra energy barrier, enclosing himself and the healer, effectively muffling any sound from escaping. Once the barrier was in place, Asher spoke.

"I am Asher Wargrave, the Tenth Sun of the Wargrave Ducal family," he stated impassively, his purple eyes meeting the healer's crimson gaze. As swiftly as it had materialized, he dissolved the Astra energy barrier, leaving no trace of its existence.

Upon hearing Asher's name, the healer's eyes narrowed into sharp slits. He scrutinized Asher for a moment, a calculating glint briefly flashing in his gaze, before responding, "According to the Star Academy's regulations, when students are unable to cover the costs for any victims they have rescued and brought to the Star Academy, the expenses shall be borne by the Principal herself." With those words, the healer spun on his heel and exited the healing room without another sound, his departure as abrupt as his arrival.

What the healer had stated was, in fact, true. However, how many individuals possessed the audacity to confront Cindralis, the Sovereign of the Separate Dimension, over a mere sum of Academy points? Such an action would undoubtedly be perceived as an insult to her esteemed name and her valuable time. Consequently, the healer avoided bothering her, opting instead to extract the points directly from the students, prioritizing convenience over strict adherence to protocol.

As for Asher, his strategy was quite straightforward. He had already figured out that news of the Wargrave family's attack on the Imperial family had reached the Star Academy. By leveraging the fear currently surrounding the Wargrave name, he managed to avoid any costs, using public perception as his primary weapon.

Had Asher attempted this particular move at any other time, it would have likely failed. After all, this was the Separate Dimension, with no direct connection to the Empire. However, the current circumstances had shifted to his advantage.

Furthermore, the reason he had erected the Astra energy barrier was simple: he did not wish for the villagers to discover his connection to the Wargrave family. While the villagers might not have been aware of the latest news, they were certainly familiar with the Wargraves' notorious reputation.

If they were to learn that Asher was a member of the Wargrave family, their smiles would vanish. They would meticulously choose every word before speaking, if they spoke at all, their gratitude replaced by apprehension and a sense of restraint.

"I suppose that resolves itself," one of the men commented, wiping an imaginary bead of sweat from his brow as he listened to the healer's words, evident relief washing over his features.

"For a moment there, I genuinely thought something was going to transpire between our benefactor and the healer. I'm relieved nothing did," a woman expressed, letting out a sigh of relief as her tension eased.

Asher offered a smile as he spoke, "This is the Star Academy; there are rules in place here. Students and teachers are not permitted to engage in combat," he stated, shaking his head as he intoned his words with a calm and reassuring demeanor.

"Additionally, now that you are all healed and well, I suppose it is time for your return; your respective families are anticipating your arrival," he added, his voice carrying a gentle yet definitive conclusion.

Upon hearing his words, the villagers beamed and offered Asher their heartfelt thanks once more, their voices brimming with genuine appreciation. Asher simply acknowledged them with a nod and departed from the Healing Department. He proceeded back to the Logistics and Missions Operation Hall to consult with the Facilitator regarding the arrangements for the villagers' safe return to their homes.

"You can leave them at the Healing Department. Since they wish to go back, escorts will be provided to return them to their villages within the next few minutes," the Facilitator informed Asher, his tone casual and unconcerned.

Asher returned to the Healing Department, communicated the Facilitator's instructions to the villagers, bid them a final farewell, and then departed. His exit was quiet, leaving behind only the lingering impression of the compassionate individual who had rendered them aid.