CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 698: Five Thousand Points

Leaving the training chamber, Asher, William, Finch, and Lior, who remained perched on Finch’s shoulder, gradually returned to Asher’s living room. Upon arrival, William promptly collapsed onto a couch, appearing as if he were on the brink of death. The sheer exertion of prolonged movement had left him utterly drained, his legs and arms feeling detached, his body a heavy burden of profound exhaustion.

"Urgh, in this condition, even an unawakened individual could probably take me down with a single strike," William rasped, his voice thick with fatigue.

Asher offered no verbal response. He took a seat on a different couch, crossed his legs over the table before him, and maintained an impassive expression, completely unmoved by William’s groans and pitiable state.

"At least you managed to make some progress. The difference between us has widened once more," Finch remarked, a lingering sadness in his tone over missing the sparring session. If he possessed the ability to turn back time, he would have done so without a second thought.

"I'll grant you a few hours to catch up, as I intend to rest for a similar duration," William replied with a slight smirk, a clear indicator of his self-satisfaction despite his depleted condition.

Finch let out a scoff. "Stop acting so high and mighty, as if you're Asher or even a Wargrave," he retorted, his voice tinged with mock irritation, though a subtle hint of genuine feeling lay beneath the surface.

William paid no mind to Finch’s jab, yet a smile persisted on his lips. He drew his black sabre, gazing intently at it. It was as if, by merely looking at the sword, he could perceive all his past errors, as if every flaw and imperfection was mirrored back at him. The smile on his face widened. If only he had sufficient Academy points, he would have immediately entered the Training Facilities Building after resting. Alas, his current financial situation prevented it.

His sword twirled in his grip before he sheathed it with a contented smile, his mind replaying every detail and word that had emerged from Asher’s lips during the sparring session, meticulously dissecting each piece of advice. His gaze shifted towards Asher as he spoke, a sudden idea beginning to form in his mind.

"Hey, Asher, I've got an idea," William announced, his dark eyes locking onto Asher, a glint of anticipation within them.

Asher, who had been staring blankly at the ceiling as if it held hidden treasures, turned his attention to William. His expression remained calm and unreadable, conveying a silent question of what William wanted.

"How about we make these lessons a twice-a-month affair? Even once a month would be acceptable if you’re particularly busy," William began. "Naturally, it won’t be without compensation; I’m prepared to offer a thousand Academy points, or perhaps more, if you’re willing to guide me," he added, his voice low and suggestive, clearly serious about his proposal.

Upon hearing William’s proposition, Asher broke eye contact, showing little interest in the proposed transaction. "You have Instructor Jane, and I frankly cannot be bothered with such a task," he stated indifferently. The offered points were simply too insignificant to motivate his inherently lazy nature.

"I understand, but I've gained infinitely more from you in a single spar than I ever have from Instructor Jane in an entire lesson," William protested with an exasperated tone. "Of course, I'm not suggesting Instructor Jane lacks teaching ability; I simply find your lessons more beneficial. Furthermore, many students are already receiving instruction from Instructor Jane. After all, I'm not the only one who desires to grow stronger," he paused briefly before adding, "Besides, I'm one of the few individuals capable of benefiting from your knowledge, if you're inclined to share it, that is." His delivery was not one of desperation, but a calm and composed articulation of his thoughts.

Finch, standing nearby, was also mentally preparing his own offer should Asher agree to William’s proposal. He Refused to miss out again, not after having already done so once.

"I am simply too occupied to assist either you or Finch," Asher declared with a languid air. "However, if you could present around five thousand points or more, I might be persuaded," he added, his tone flat and unconcerned, as if discussing the most ordinary of matters.

While William had proposed a thousand points – a considerable sum for a first-year student – to Asher, who could earn forty thousand points from a single mission, the offer held little appeal. It only served to compel him to expend effort when he preferred to remain idle. Naturally, he would assist William and Finch occasionally, but only on his own terms and when the mood struck him, not according to someone else’s expectations.

Hearing Asher’s demand, William’s brow furrowed immediately. Even Finch’s expression contorted; five thousand points was an astronomical figure, and Asher asked for it without any hint of hesitation or compromise.

But was Asher’s tutelage worth such a price? The answer was an unequivocal yes. However, did William possess that kind of wealth? The answer was a resounding no, a harsh reality that weighed heavily upon him.

William offered no verbal response, his lips firmly shut as his thoughts churned through numerous calculations. He mentally tallied the mission points earned and the portion remaining after the mandatory three-way split with Finch and Lucifer. Strategies for point conservation and expenditure minimization occupied his mind, considering cuts to discretionary spending like purchasing wine, spirits, new attire, or even foregoing laundry services to save cash.

Yet, a persistent question echoed in William's thoughts: even if he agreed, how frequently could he possibly muster five thousand points? Would it be a monthly occurrence, a quarterly affair, or perhaps even less often? This persistent doubt refused to dissipate.

"Is this offer available whenever I choose?" William finally inquired, his gaze locked onto Asher, who remained intently focused on the ceiling as if unaffected by anything else.

"Not at your whim. It's contingent on my availability. When you have the five thousand points, simply notify me, and I'll inform you if I'm free—and that's if I happen to be free at all," Asher responded coolly, his expression unwavering. He couldn't drop his training or other obligations simply because William announced he had the required points.

A moment of silence passed before William nodded, a faint smile gracing his lips. He viewed this as a step forward, irrespective of the duration and frequency required to accumulate such a sum, even if it demanded considerable effort.

"I'm in as well," Finch declared from beside them, his tone laced with a certain resolve. "I can even cover it right now if you wish," he added, his voice carrying a seriousness that left no doubt about his commitment and preparedness.

Asher shifted his focus to Finch, not exhibiting any surprise regarding Finch's financial capacity. Finch had always struck Asher as more of a shrewd businessman than a cultivator since their initial meeting. Asher surmised Finch would likely rank among the top ten wealthiest first-year students if such a ledger existed; the young man demonstrated an uncanny aptitude and eagerness for anything involving monetary value or transactional potential, always poised to seize advantageous opportunities.