CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 688: Lesson [Ko-fi Bonus - ]

"Ohhh, what is it you require then?" Asher inquired; should it be within his capability, he had no objection to fulfilling Williams' needs, his demeanor calm and collected.

"You recall sparring with Finch's sister, correct?" Williams posed the question.

Finch raised an eyebrow upon hearing his sister mentioned, curiosity piqued as to the direction of this conversation, a nascent suspicion already dawning in his mind.

"Indeed, I do," Asher responded without a moment's delay, his expression unaltered.

"I require a similar encounter, a spar between us. I merely wish for you to impart a few insights, perhaps identify weaknesses in my offense or defense, naturally, if it meets your approval," Williams proposed, his tone even, devoid of any desperation, as if he were merely making a sensible suggestion.

Asher remained quiet for a brief period before answering, "Are you not aware that Instructor Jane is available for such matters? Moreover, she provides complimentary supplementary lessons to anyone who visits her office, a fact I am certain you are privy to," his voice measured and slightly probing, as if questioning Williams' rationale.

Williams offered no hesitation in his reply, "I am aware of all that, yet I still seek your personal expertise, Asher," his tone lacked any hint of insistence or pleading; he remained composed, assured in his request, as if he already grasped the significance of Asher's experience.

"Very well, I shall happily abstain from this," Finch declared, wishing to avoid any form of combat with Asher, whether for tutelage or otherwise, as if the memory of his last bout with Asher remained strikingly clear in his mind.

Williams directed his gaze towards Finch as he spoke, "Do you not recall being instructed to train more rigorously and grow stronger in anticipation of what lies ahead?" his words carried a subtle implication.

"Em... Asher does not employ chains or chained weaponry, so I doubt he could offer any pertinent advice to me, could he?" Finch stated, his eyes shifting towards Asher as if seeking support, most certainly attempting to extricate himself from the situation.

"Ah, your point holds some validity," Asher conceded, unwilling to compel Finch into something he was disinclined to do, his tone impartial.

Williams merely shook his head and offered no further words; he simply turned his attention back to Asher and inquired, "When might you be available?" his intention unmistakable.

"We could commence immediately, should you wish," Asher responded without pause, his readiness instantaneous and unequivocal.

Williams nodded, finding no objection to this arrangement; he could still find time to rest before his 3 PM class. "No issue, I presume the sparring session will take place in your training chamber," he stated, beginning his mental preparation.

"Naturally," Finch affirmed as he stood, stretching lightly as if preparing to observe the proceedings.

Asher guided both of them to his private training chamber, constructed within his quarters; the instant they stepped inside, their eyes widened in astonishment, the sheer immensity instantly overwhelming their senses.

"Inconceivable... an entire kilometer of area," Finch exclaimed, finding it difficult to process the sight, his voice imbued with wonder and disbelief.

Even Williams was taken aback. "How did they manage to integrate such a vast space within a confined room?" he questioned, amazed, as the training chamber had appeared to be of ordinary dimensions from the exterior, making the contrast all the more startling.

"You imply this is not standard in your own chambers?" Asher asked, slightly perplexed by their reaction, as this seemed ordinary to him.

"Standard, my foot. I suppose the Star Academy shows favoritism only to the top-ranked student, or perhaps merely the top three," Finch retorted, clicking his tongue lightly as he voiced his hypothesis.

"The Astra Qi within this space feels more potent as well," Williams added, his senses acutely registering the difference, his tone carrying a subtle undertone of reverence.

Asher was not taken aback by the discrepancy between the internal dimension of the training chamber and its external appearance. As an avid reader of novels, he understood that spatial manipulation of this nature was possible; it was likely the work of either the Vice Principal or Cindralis herself, both individuals possessing the capability for such extraordinary feats.

"I might find myself seeking your tutelage regularly from now on," Finch mused, clearly in jest, though a sliver of genuine temptation flickered within him at the prospect.

After a few moments spent marveling at the surroundings, the walls and floor seemingly composed of materials Asher had not bothered to ascertain, Asher and Williams finally decided to commence their spar, while Finch casually retreated to a corner, ensuring he was not in their path.

Asher positioned himself several meters from Williams, his hands clasped behind his back in a posture reminiscent of a master instructing a junior disciple, his stance relaxed. Williams stood gripping his new, obsidian-black saber, his gaze fixed intently on Asher, his focus razor-sharp.

"Aren’t you drawing your weapon?" Williams inquired, a raised eyebrow betraying his surprise at Asher’s posture.

"My purpose here is merely to point out your shortcomings, not to defeat you. Therefore, I require no weapon. You attack, and I will evade or block for now. When it is my turn to attack, I shall do so immediately without prior announcement," Asher responded smoothly, his tone placid and almost like that of a tutor.

Upon hearing Asher’s declaration, Williams’ gaze sharpened with contemplation. 'Has the chasm between us widened once more by this much?' he mused internally, a dawning realization creeping into his expression as he analyzed the unfolding situation.

Had anyone else uttered such words, he would have dismissed them as sheer arrogance. However, this was Asher, and he understood the young man well enough to know that ostentatious displays or empty boasts were not his style, a stark contrast to certain noble families who reveled in such pretenses.

Finch, positioned at the periphery and shielded by an Astra energy barrier to prevent any unforeseen incidents, let out a low whistle upon hearing Asher’s words, evidently impressed.

"Would you prefer I offer corrections as we spar, or after the session concludes?" Asher inquired calmly, presenting a flexible approach to the instruction.

Williams remained silent for a beat, seemingly weighing the options; after a brief pause, he replied, "Whichever you deem most effective," his voice steady, placing his trust in Asher’s judgment without hesitation.

Asher offered a simple nod and uttered no further words, his attention already fully absorbed by the impending spar.

No formal rules or time limits were established, yet it was implicitly understood that Astra energy would be excluded from this training session. Furthermore, the spar would cease the moment either participant chose to stop or could no longer continue, thus transforming it into a pure test of skill and technique.

Finch, observing from the sidelines, announced, "Begin," taking it upon himself to officiate the bout, despite no formal designation for the role.

The instant Finch’s command was uttered, Williams vanished from his position, breaching the distance in a blur of motion. Afterimages streaked in his wake, his movements exhibiting remarkable speed and precision. Though he forewent the use of Astra energy for augmentation, his velocity was anything but sluggish.

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