CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 703: Three Days

Three days had elapsed since Asher's return to the esteemed Star Academy. News regarding the Wargrave Ducal family's aggression towards the Imperial family had rippled through the student body. Initially, a semblance of normalcy returned, as the event, having lost its immediate impact, no longer occupied the forefront of the students' minds. However, this fragile peace was shattered when announcements confirmed the demise of several students' parents, casualties of the Vandross Empire's actions during the conflict between the Imperial and Ducal families.

The devastating news elicited a cascade of emotional responses: widespread weeping, bouts of profound depression, an obsessive drive towards relentless training, self-imposed isolation within personal quarters, and a chilling surface-level stoicism. Each student grappled with their profound sorrow in ways uniquely tailored to their individual temperaments and resilience, attempting to navigate the overwhelming burden of loss.

This wave of grief was not confined to the first-year students; upperclassmen found themselves equally unsettled. Some among them had parents who were mere commoners residing within the territories of the Eight Noble Households. A palpable fury towards the Vandross Empire ignited in some instances, while others adopted an attitude of detachment or quiet reflection, unswayed by the prevailing sentiment.

Despite the palpable tension, a curious reticence prevailed. No one dared to openly cast blame upon the Wargrave Ducal family or the Imperial family.

In an unprecedented move, the Imperial Prince, Vaelric Lux Vanthelmor, commenced his official Imperial duties, seemingly unfazed by a standing rule within Star Academy that stipulated the equality of all students. Prince Vaelric made it a point to meet individually with every classmate who had suffered the loss of a parent, family member, or cherished loved one. He offered condolences on behalf of the entire Imperial Empire and judiciously granted sufficient points to excuse absences, allowing students a necessary period to process their grief.

As the Empire's Prince, Vaelric naturally commanded significant popularity. Much like Asher, the deluge of bonus reward points he received following each public mention of his title was extraordinary. Vaelric, astute as he was, did not refuse these accumulated advantages, recognizing the significant benefit they provided.

Even the academy's Instructors demonstrated a commendable understanding, refraining from issuing penalty points to students absent from class due to the recent bereavements.

Ultimately, these individuals were merely youths, barely past seventeen to twenty years of age. They were not unfeeling automatons expected to maintain productivity immediately following such tragic personal losses. The Instructors themselves acknowledged shared humanity, recognizing that they too possessed loved ones and understood the depth of such pain.

Conversely, any students who attempted to exploit the situation by feigning grief to skip classes without actual loss faced swift retribution. Instructors imposed double the standard penalty charge on these deceivers for their audacity in trying to mislead faculty.

While the Star Academy typically maintained a deliberate distance from the external affairs of the Zarethorne Empire, it remained intrinsically linked to it. Consequently, the Academy possessed an astonishingly detailed dossier on every student, encompassing information about their parents, romantic partners, former flames, and a myriad of other personal details, even those considered highly confidential. This data was meticulously maintained with an almost unsettling degree of accuracy.

Princess Vaelra Lux Vanthelmor, however, adopted a markedly different approach compared to her twin brother. She continued her life's trajectory without deviation. In her estimation, since her brother was already managing the necessary affairs, any involvement on her part would be superfluous. Furthermore, the Imperial edicts did not extend their influence into this Separate Dimension; therefore, technically, neither of them, or rather, she, was obligated to take any action.

During this same three-day period, Asher engaged in conversations with several familiar faces. He had a brief but pleasant chat with Darissa Camber and also encountered Ryaen Silvershade, who had ascended to the second rank. Their discussion touched upon Asher playfully questioning if she intended to challenge him for his position. Ryaen's response was characteristically positive, contingent on her confidence in being his equal, as she had no inclination for pointless confrontations, even if it were a mere spar rather than a fight for survival.

Though Asher refrained from voicing it aloud, Ryaen's burgeoning talent was undeniably astounding. His keen perception allowed him to discern that the current Ryaen could likely contend with multiple iterations of her past self demonstrated during the Star Academy entrance examinations; her development in terms of training, innate ability, and sheer diligence was utterly formidable.

Another revelation that left Asher in a state of astonishment was Ryaen's current engagement in solo missions. She had successfully completed two such assignments and, from time to time, still partnered with Darissa and the Princess for team-based tasks, thereby exhibiting a remarkable balance between independent action and collaborative effort.

Asher found himself involuntarily shaking his head. If he lacked direct knowledge to the contrary, he might easily conclude that Ryaen was, in fact, the central protagonist of this world.

Naturally, the temptation to spar with Ryaen had crossed Asher's mind. However, he understood her pragmatic nature intimately. He knew that even if he proposed such an idea, Ryaen would likely decline, seeing no inherent benefit, as she had no desire to endure physical discomfort without a tangible gain.

Regarding Finch, Asher's rigorous training pushed the boy to his absolute limits. It was as if Finch was being rebuilt from the ground up, focusing on fundamental skills. While Asher omitted any instruction related to chains, Finch still managed to make considerable strides during this period. These advancements, though not as monumental as those of the gifted William, were nonetheless steady and marked the boy's deliberate progression on his own unique path.

William, by contrast, appeared transformed after heeding Asher’s counsel and dedicating himself to intense training. His movements became more fluid, his presence more subtle. Naturally, he observed Finch's training sessions, refraining from any interruptions. However, once the training concluded, he could barely contain his amusement, frequently finding reasons to mock Finch.

Lior remained on the sidelines, assuming his bird form. He offered no commentary, merely observing Finch's training. Afterward, he settled atop the plump boy's head without a sound, seemingly disinclined to engage in conversation with the peculiar Asher or William.

Finch's regimen wasn't confined to training and rest; upon resting, he would relocate to his personal quarters and immerse himself in further training, relentlessly pushing his corpulent physique. Whenever his mind and his desire for ease urged him to relax, Finch would simply intensify his efforts, his jaw set in stubborn resolve.

Although he might not possess the innate talent of Ryaen, William, or the seemingly subdued Asher, he was determined to emulate their extraordinary work ethic. Perhaps, with a touch of Good Luck sprinkled in, he might even narrow the gap, however slightly.

Yet, such considerations were reserved for when his Good Luck manifested; for the present, the grueling routine persisted without deviation.

As for Asher himself, he adopted a leisurely pace. He ate, slept, sat idly, gazed at the nocturnal heavens, and strolled through the Star Academy as if he were not a freshman like the others. His declaration of intending to relax before embarking on his next solitary mission was genuine, embracing the rare tranquility that preceded the inevitable turmoil.