CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 702: Evil System [Castle Bonus - ]

[The system demands ninety percent of the Host’s vitality]

Astonishingly, the reply came, as if the system itself found amusement in its own audacious proposition.

Asher sat in stunned silence, his mind gone blank from the sheer preposterousness of the demand as he read the system’s message.

’Has the system malfunctioned? Or is this its true nature, perhaps some kind of succubus?’ Asher couldn’t help but ponder, his suspicion mounting as he analyzed the situation from various standpoints.

Had it requested a portion of his lifespan, Asher might have entertained the thought, but vitality and lifespan were entirely distinct concepts, separated by a fundamental difference that could not be overlooked.

Lifespan merely signified the duration of one’s existence; it was the total time from birth to demise. For instance, an individual living to eighty years would have that as their lifespan. Vitality, conversely, pertained to the degree of aliveness, energy, and health experienced during life, dictating the quality of that existence rather than its length.

Even with a millennium of lifespan and diminished vitality, Asher would be perpetually fatigued, weak, and susceptible to illness; it would be a life of poor health, a hollow existence prolonged over time.

This meant that if he surrendered the system’s requested price, a mere slap from a weaker opponent could be fatal. However, if it were lifespan, he could concede and continue living as if untouched, making the distinction critically important.

Just as Asher prepared to voice his complaint, a sudden realization struck him – a potential loophole – his thoughts racing as he sought a way to manipulate the situation to his advantage.

If he paid the vitality now, wouldn’t he naturally recover when the system bestowed the power boost? Since every advancement in Life Rank bestowed an increase in both lifespan and vitality, he would revert to his original state without any lasting consequences. Moreover, given his Absolute Physique, the Star Fragment Core, and Star Energy, he already possessed vitality far exceeding the norm, implying he would gain an even greater replenishment upon the breakthrough, further solidifying his potential advantage.

’Hehehehe, I truly am a genius,’ Asher lauded himself, a smirk gracing his features as his confidence surged temporarily.

As he was about to assent to the system’s exorbitant price, the system intervened with a chime, as if it had divined his thoughts.

[It appears the system must clarify to prevent any misunderstandings or erosion of trust. The vitality the Host will forfeit will be the very vitality the Host gains upon breakthrough and subsequent power amplification]

Asher froze once more, a surge of frustration making him feel an urge to strike the system. It was evident the system hadn’t considered this possibility beforehand and was now altering its terms under the guise of clarification after perceiving his intentions.

[The System had indeed considered this; the Host merely failed to comprehend]

The system retorted defensively, unwilling to tolerate any disparagement of its intelligence or design.

’I call utter nonsense,’ Asher retorted, clicking his tongue in disbelief.

The system simply disregarded his outburst and proceeded.

[Does the Host accept or decline]

’If this isn’t blatant provocation, I don’t know what is,’ Asher mused as he exhaled, striving to regain his composure and calm his agitated mind.

’To what Life Rank will I be elevated, and what ability will I acquire?’ Asher inquired, his curiosity piqued despite his reservations, as the offer remained undeniably alluring.

[The Crownstar Life Rank, and regarding the ability, the Host shall discover it upon completion of payment]

Upon reading the response, Asher’s eyes narrowed. The proposition was indeed enticing, perhaps perilously so.

Yet, should he accept, he would become the weakest cultivator of the Crownstar Life Rank in existence, a stain upon the Wargrave bloodline. Adversaries could vanquish him with ease, his senses dulled, his reaction times sluggish, and his physical prowess rendered effectively impotent.

’I am confident Malrik and Father will possess means to enhance my vitality,’ Asher contemplated, attempting to rationalize a viable solution.

Despite this thought, he hesitated to accept the system’s insidious proposal. He felt no urgent need to achieve the Crownstar Life Rank; after all, he still had ample time. At eighteen years of age, he possessed more than sufficient time to reach that pinnacle through his own endeavors. The world wasn't on the brink of collapse.

’I refuse your malevolent offer, system,’ Asher declared, shaking his head, his resolve unwavering.

[The Host consistently desires gains without the willingness to pay the price for ascension to the World Limit]

Asher’s gaze lingered on the system’s message, but he chose to ignore it. The system’s nature was undeniably wicked, rendering further discourse pointless. His attention instead shifted towards Finch and William, whose conversation had evidently transitioned from mutual taunting to a discussion about Finch’s training regimen.

"So, Asher, what plans do you have for Finch?" William inquired, shifting his gaze from Finch to Asher, clear curiosity coloring his tone.

Asher lifted an eyebrow, responding with a slight, casual shrug, "I have nothing planned."

A moment of silent staring ensued from Finch and William. Sensing their unspoken questions, Asher elaborated.

"I didn't have anything planned for you either, William, and it turned out fine. So, no need to worry," Asher explained, implying that things often worked out for him without prior arrangement.

"Hmm... I was supposed to train tomorrow on what I learned during my spar with Asher. But it seems I might have to start early, or perhaps late, just so I can witness Finch's suffering," William mused to himself, clearly unwilling to miss the unfolding spectacle.

"Well, whatever. I'm a bit hungry. Let's go eat," Finch declared, shaking his head and momentarily dismissing the topic.

"I suggest you don't eat too much tomorrow, unless you want to end up vomiting, of course," Asher advised as he stood up. It had been some time since his last visit to the Star Academy cafeteria, and since he had no other pressing matters, he might as well go.

"Sigh... I'll just have something light then," Finch responded, rising to his feet as well, though his tone betrayed a hint of doubt regarding his own self-control.

"You say that, yet you always end up eating more than any of us," William remarked, stretching as he spoke, his stamina and strength evidently beginning to return.

"Perhaps you're secretly envious of my physique. After all, it's quite unique, being the only one who possesses it," Finch quipped playfully.

"And why would I desire to be a fat, chubby person? I would always choose the overpowered Wargrave physique," William countered as they exited Asher's room, his voice dripping with mock disdain.

Asher chuckled softly, shaking his head as they walked, content to observe Finch and William's continuous, good-natured bickering. This was the very essence of male friendship: unfiltered and full of playful jabs.

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