CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 683: Normal ones

Just as the dream realm was on the verge of fully claiming Asher’s consciousness, an intrusive and sharp knock shattered the growing stillness within the room. Asher’s eyes snapped open, the connection to the sleep realm severing instantly with the sound. A flicker of killing intent illuminated his gaze.

'Who could possibly be here now? Cindralis? The Vice Principal? Ryaen or Darissa?' he mused, his mind racing to assess each potential visitor. He was prepared to dismiss whoever it was without granting them any undue attention, ensuring they returned to their origin without the slightest delay.

With that resolve, he rose from his bed and walked to the door, swinging it open without hesitation. Standing there were two familiar figures: one tall and athletic with black hair and piercing black eyes that held a sharp glint, the other somewhat shorter and stout, a bird perched serenely on his shoulder as if it were a natural extension of him. Both wore wide, easy smiles, their expressions radiating familiarity.

Finch Whale and William Canestane.

"It’s you two," Asher remarked, a hint of surprise tinging his voice, as he hadn’t even considered them.

Catching Asher’s words, Finch retorted with a wider grin, clearly amused, "Who else would it be? Were you expecting some ladies?" His voice dripped with sarcasm, reveling in his own jest.

"It’s been a while, Asher," William added, his tone steady and composed, completely disregarding Finch’s jab.

Asher simply let out a sigh and shook his head, stepping aside to usher them in. He couldn't possibly turn them away. After all, they were his friends, and among the select few he could tolerate without reservation. They could relax and converse without any pretense.

As the trio settled into Asher’s living room, Finch commented, a touch of nostalgia in his voice, "Feels like ages since I’ve been here." Since Asher’s departure from the team, he hadn’t had another opportunity to visit.

"There’s nothing particularly special about my room, so why the eagerness to come here?" Asher inquired, his gaze shifting to Finch with mild curiosity.

Finch merely shrugged, his reply disarmingly innocent, "Don’t make it sound like some gay thing. I’m just making an observation."

Hearing this, Asher shook his head, unwilling to engage in an argument with Finch so early in the morning.

"It’s been too long since the three of us last got together," William stated, his hand already reaching for the alcohol bottle Thalric had left behind, pouring himself a drink without missing a beat.

"Well, the missions kept us thoroughly occupied and all that. I even attended a few classes about a month ago, but I didn’t see either of you," Asher replied with a sigh, reflecting on recent events.

Finch couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. "I think it was for the best we weren’t in those classes. We heard about you single-handedly taking on the entire class in Instructor Jude’s session and winning with ease, then sparring with Instructor Jude himself for a full five minutes without budging an inch." He paused, his eyes locked onto Asher, emphasizing the sheer absurdity of it all. "Had we been there, we might have ended up beaten like the others. Besides, I’m still recovering from the trauma of the last spar I, William, and the Rivelle siblings had against you – and we lost miserably, by the way," he stressed.

Asher responded to Finch's words with a slight smile and a shake of his head. His purple eyes briefly flickered towards the bird perched on Finch’s shoulder before returning his gaze away.

"So, tell me about your missions. I’d genuinely like to hear all about them," Asher said, leaning back slightly, his interest piqued, and listening with full attention.

William began, "Well, we’ve undertaken about three missions since you left. Each one has been quite exhausting, dangerous, and bloody – far more intense than we ever anticipated." With that, William and Finch launched into their mission tales, their voices occasionally overlapping as they vividly recounted their experiences.

Asher didn’t interrupt. He simply listened, interjecting questions occasionally, laughing and smiling as he teased them about minor errors they made in situations he personally would have handled differently. Finch and William’s simple defense was always the same: "Not everyone is the Tenth Sun or a Wargrave."

"It seems you two are managing quite well without me. I honestly thought you’d both lose a limb or two," he joked lightly, his confidence in their capabilities clear.

"Sigh... Truthfully, we do miss you, your effectiveness, sharp mind, and most importantly, your absurd fighting strength are always welcome," William responded with a heavy sigh, his tone entirely genuine.

"Indeed, in the end, no one can replace you, or rather, no one can replace a Wargrave," Finch mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "I do wonder if the Ninth Sun is quite as ridiculous as you are," he added.

Asher merely offered a smile before speaking, "Then cultivate harder and reach my level, so we can resume undertaking missions together," he casually proposed.

William let out a soft laugh. "Normally, your words would ignite a spark of determination within me, but at some point, we must face the reality that we simply aren't Wargraves or monsters like you. And that’s perfectly fine, because we are the ordinary ones, and you are the anomaly here," he stated, his voice calm, as if he were trying to reassure himself.

Asher felt the urge to burst into laughter but managed to restrain himself. He simply shook his head and replied, "At the very least, my successor is performing exceptionally well. What was his name again?" He seemed to trail off in thought, but before he could further ponder, his mind supplied the answer. "Lucifer Morningstar, wasn't that it?" he inquired.

"Honestly, that fellow is doing remarkably well. Despite being a commoner—and please don't mistake me for being prejudiced—I must admit his capabilities are astonishing. His control over Astra energy, his weapon mastery, truly everything about him is of the highest caliber. It's no wonder he's climbed into the top ten," Finch commented, still awestruck by Lucifer Morningstar's combat skills whenever he contemplated them.

"You are constantly amazed by that guy. I might have to start suspecting you swing the other way, mate," William quipped, turning his amused gaze towards Finch.

"Not even a straight line is straighter than me," Finch retorted instantly. "I'm simply captivated that a commoner reached such heights without noble lineage, lacking a mentor’s guidance, resources, or anything at all. It makes me ponder just how immense his innate talent is, and how much stronger he might have become had he possessed those advantages from the outset," he expressed openly, his tone filled with reflection and sincerity, his curiosity absolutely unrestrained.