CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 682: I See

‘Friends, is it?’ Asher mused internally, his focus unwavering on the Prince’s recent inquiry. He wasn't naive; the Prince’s question was clearly not out of the blue, and the young royal clearly desired to forge a connection.

His mind drifted back to the tense atmosphere in the cafeteria following the Star Academy entrance examinations. At that time, a palpable strain had existed between him and the Prince, with the latter’s words seeming to carry a pointed intent. Then came the subsequent spar they had engaged in.

’Ah, whatever,’ Asher thought, unconcerned. He harbored no particular desire to become friends with the Prince, nor any animosity. If friendship naturally blossomed between them, so be it; he saw no issue with it.

As Asher sat in his living room, calmly sipping his juice, another series of knocks reverberated through the space. His movements, both hand and body, halted abruptly at the sound. He let out a sigh, pondering the identity of his latest visitor. After all, he had just concluded his dealings with the Royal Twins, and they had departed less than an hour prior.

’Sigh, this is becoming rather tiresome. Perhaps I should simply ignore the next knock,’ Asher mused with an exhausted sigh. Yet, simultaneously, his thoughts turned to William and Finch, the sole individuals who ever resorted to knocking on his door.

Asher made his way to the door and opened it with an unhurried grace. Standing there was a man who precisely matched Asher’s own stature. His eyes, as dark as his perfectly matched hair, stared ahead. A sabre was sheathed at his waist, and he held his hands clasped behind his back.

It was none other than the Ninth Sun, Thalric Wargrave.

The instant Asher’s distinctive purple irises landed upon Thalric, he found himself momentarily stunned. He had anticipated either William or Finch, never in his wildest imaginings did he foresee his own older brother paying a visit. This revelation struck him as far more surprising than the Royal Twins’ earlier appearance, an unexpected presence that subtly disturbed the tranquility of his otherwise peaceful morning.

‘What is he doing here?’ Asher questioned himself internally.

“Brother…” Asher managed to utter, his voice imbued with the profound surprise he felt.

“Aren’t you going to invite me in, Ash?” Thalric inquired, a subtle, serene smile gracing his lips. His gaze lingered momentarily on the rapier adorning Asher’s waist before shifting away.

“Ah, my apologies. I was caught in a moment of thought, please, come in,” Asher responded, stepping aside and gesturing for Thalric to enter.

Thalric entered without the slightest hesitation. His eyes scanned Asher’s sparsely furnished room, seemingly assessing the man’s character – whether he maintained a tidy living space or had descended into squalor now that Wargrave’s maids were out of reach. His silent perusal carried an air of quiet scrutiny.

“You must be quite surprised to see me,” Thalric remarked as he moved past the entryway, proceeding into the living area. His eyes fell upon the collection of wines, juices, and discarded glasses Asher had used to entertain the Royal Twins, his gaze calm and unreadable as he took in the scene.

“I won’t deny it. You are the absolute last person I expected to find on my doorstep. Father has a higher probability of knocking than you do, Thalric,” Asher replied without pause, his tone direct and unvarnished.

“Why would I be the last person to come to mind?” Thalric questioned, settling onto one of the couches, his posture relaxed yet undeniably composed.

“Let’s just say, our shared history has a lot to do with it,” Asher responded. Despite Thalric’s apparent transformation, Asher felt no discomfort discussing the past bullying, his words tinged with a quiet sincerity.

Thalric remained silent for a beat, seemingly taken aback by Asher’s candidness. He broke eye contact, his dark eyes returning to the array of drinks and glasses on the table before he finally spoke.

“It appears you had some guests,” he observed, smoothly diverting the conversation’s trajectory. It was as if he felt a pang of embarrassment about their past, a reluctance to acknowledge the person he once was, preferring instead to look forward.

Asher offered no reply, recognizing Thalric’s deliberate deflection. However, he chose not to comment, not wanting to press the issue. Thalric had merely posed a question, and he had answered it. Besides, Asher himself had no particular inclination to revisit the past, allowing the matter to rest.

“Yes, about an hour ago, Prince Vaelric and Princess Vaelra paid a visit,” Asher eventually stated after a brief silence.

Thalric felt no need to inquire about the reason for the Royal Twins’ presence in Asher’s chambers; he could readily deduce it. Moreover, even if he couldn't, he wouldn't bother asking. He harbored little interest in the twins, having met them only once during the Star Academy’s orientation nearly three months prior, rendering them largely insignificant in his mind.

“I see,” Thalric stated with an air of distinct indifference.

"Not exactly, though that is one of my secondary reasons for visiting. It's not the primary one," Thalric responded serenely. His hand moved, and an alcoholic beverage materialized in his grip from his space ring, effortlessly taking form.

He extended his hand towards Asher’s table. In the next instant, his Decay ability unleashed its power, and the wines, juices, and glasses on the table vanished completely, reduced to nothingness under the force of Decay, leaving no trace. He then placed his bottle of alcohol down after pouring himself a drink.

Asher watched his drinks disappear, utter silence his only response. He simply shifted his gaze back to Thalric and asked, "And what is your primary reason?"

Thalric paused briefly, his eyes leaving his glass as he spoke, "You, of course." His tone remained calm. "I wished to ascertain if you were unharmed. After all, in a conflict with such a drastic power disparity, you are merely a nano fish attempting to swim with whales." His words held a measure of truth; his principal objective in coming here was indeed to check on his younger brother, his concern masked by a composed facade.

"And are Elder Brother Malrik, or Father, not your primary concern?" Asher inquired, considering that for the Royal Twins, their father's wellbeing was paramount.

Thalric gave a slight shake of his head as he replied, "I have absolute faith in Father's might. While I have never witnessed him in combat, even if he were facing death or critical injury, the rumors would speak of the Wargraves instigating war against the Imperial family, not of the Empire itself being annihilated." His declaration was delivered with unwavering confidence, as if he possessed intimate knowledge of his father's profound strength.

Asher shook his head, offering no further words. Despite acknowledging Azaron's immense power, he sensed he understood the man's capabilities the least—a subtle irony that did not escape him.

With that acknowledgment, Asher proceeded to recount the events that had transpired. Thalric absorbed every detail without the slightest flicker of emotion or shock, his sole utterance being, "I see!" as if the unfolding events failed to elicit any significant reaction from within him.

"While I would prefer to return to the Territory, I am unable to. I have training to undertake; I am, after all, on the precipice of a breakthrough," Thalric stated, unperturbed by the entire affair and the news, apparently believing that since Asher was safe, there was no cause for further concern.

"Congratulations in advance, then," Asher responded.

"Thank you," Thalric replied, his gaze drifting to the juice in Asher’s hand. He continued, "You are a man now; perhaps try alcohol occasionally." He offered the suggestion.

Asher simply nodded, not giving the suggestion serious consideration, as he was simply not inclined towards alcoholic beverages.

With that, Thalric rose to his feet and declared, "I shall take my leave then, Ash." His voice was calm.

Asher then guided him towards the door. Thalric paused there for a moment before speaking, "There was an intriguing mission I noticed on the mission board. You might consider taking it; I suspect you would find it appealing."

He then stepped out completely, the door clicking shut behind him. Asher remained still for a moment before shaking his head. He felt no curiosity whatsoever regarding the mission Thalric had mentioned. Once he had rested sufficiently, he would proceed to the Logistics and Missions Operation Hall, and if the mission were no longer available, so be it—it made little difference to him at this juncture.

‘I truly hope no one else decides to visit,’ Asher thought to himself as he made his way to his bed, letting out an exhausted sigh as he lay down, appearing drained from dealing with merely two visitors. His body finally began to ease into a state of rest.

‘I hope that wasn’t a jinx,’ he mused internally. ‘If it was, who will be knocking next, Cindralis?’ He closed his eyes, a faint smile gracing his lips, his sole desire now to sleep, as he had nothing else occupying his time, allowing the tranquility to descend once more.

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