CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 706: Seven Months

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Previously on CLEAVER OF SIN...
Asher observed William and Finch during a mission, leading to an increase in their combat prowess. Following the mission, Asher accumulated a significant number of academy points through various means, including a bonus reward from a noble. He reflected on his time at the academy and his desire to graduate early, deciding to resume his missions and reach his point goal to access the training facilities.

Dawn broke, its golden rays slicing into Asher’s chamber. His eyelids flickered open, and a yawn escaped him as he stretched languidly in bed. He then proceeded to the bathroom to prepare for the day, his objective: the Logistics and Missions Operations Hall.

Soon, Asher was ready. He donned a fresh set of combat attire, equipping his breastplate, vambraces, and greaves. Virelass was sheathed at his hip, his three daggers secured in their holsters, and finally, a black fingerless glove was slipped on. Each item was adjusted perfectly, as if it were an extension of his own being.

Thus equipped, Asher made his way to the Logistics and Missions Operations Hall. Given his current combat proficiency – by student standards, of course – he intended to undertake even more perilous missions. This was not born from recklessness, but rather a calculated escalation of challenges to match his burgeoning strength and ever-increasing capabilities.

Within moments, he reached the bustling Logistics and Missions Operations Hall. His gaze, a striking shade of purple, swept across the room, spotting several classmates. He even noticed the Prince and Princess conversing with a Facilitator, evidently preparing to embark on a mission together. Perhaps their venture might also involve conferring with their father, the Emperor, following a week’s delay for reasons yet unknown.

Asher shifted his attention, walking towards his usual Facilitator. Having established a certain rapport with the man, there was no need to seek out another, regardless of the Facilitator's workload or the availability of others. Familiarity, after all, often facilitated efficiency and a degree of unspoken understanding.

'He's dedicating more time to each student than usual this period,' Asher mused as he joined the queue, awaiting his turn. After a brief wait, it was his time, and he found himself the last person in line.

"Back again? I thought you undertook a mission yesterday with your companions," the Facilitator remarked, meeting Asher’s gaze. It seemed Asher was the only one the Facilitator engaged in conversation beyond his official duties, a hint of curiosity coloring his tone.

Asher met his gaze and responded, "I merely went on a mission with my friends to clear my head." His voice was low yet composed, implying such matters needed no further explanation.

The Facilitator nodded, understanding that the mission Asher had undertaken with his friends was likely not on his usual level. He was merely inquiring to gauge if Asher had concluded his foray into higher-grade solo missions after a single experience. If Asher had, the Facilitator wouldn't judge; after all, in his eyes, Asher was still just a first-year student, albeit a Wargrave.

"I require more challenging missions this time. I need to review the top five hardest and most lucrative ones you possess," Asher stated, getting straight to the point.

The Facilitator acknowledged this with a nod and tapped his desk, initiating a series of adjustments that quickly brought up precisely what Asher had requested. Asher’s eyes scanned the list, eventually settling on a mission offering forty thousand academy points. The Facilitator proceeded with the standard procedure, issuing Asher the mission permit scroll along with two teleportation scrolls. However, just as Asher turned to depart, the Facilitator spoke again.

"There has been a development," the Facilitator's words compelled Asher to halt. "The Logistics and Missions Operations Hall will cease assigning missions to first-year students in seven months' time. Furthermore, during the first week of that seventh month, the Training Facilities Building will also be closed," he added, his tone low and rather detached.

Asher's eyes narrowed in contemplation. He questioned why Star Academy would suspend missions, and specifically for first-year students. Why not the upperclassmen as well? His thoughts inevitably drifted to William and Finch’s recent accounts of their parents urging them to train harder, hinting at an impending event in a few months.

'Could this be related?' Asher pondered, his mind racing. He quickly suppressed further speculation, opting instead to directly question the Facilitator, seeking clarity over conjecture.

"Do you know the reason why?" Asher inquired.

"I do," the Facilitator confirmed, meeting Asher's purple gaze with his own steady black eyes.

Asher held the Facilitator's gaze, a silent plea to reveal the explanation.

Yet, the Facilitator simply shook his head. "I am not at liberty to disclose it. You will receive the information precisely seven months from now. All I can tell you is to anticipate it; you are going to relish what unfolds," he replied, a faint smile gracing his lips, conveying anticipation rather than concern.

The Facilitator, having been present for over two decades, was fully aware that the announcement concerning the Inter-Empire competition would be made at the scheduled time. He was personally pleased and eagerly anticipated the event, especially since their side boasted a Wargrave this time around, a significant advantage that greatly bolstered their prospects. He also knew that a victory would result in substantial salary bonuses from the Sovereign and Principal, Cindralis, for everyone. This prospect was a personal motivator for him, subtly encouraging Asher to intensify his training, though he did not explicitly state as much.

Asher remained silent for a spell before inquiring, "Will it be the Principal or the Vice Principal who briefs us, or perhaps an Instructor?" he asked, attempting to glean any available detail.

"Who can say? You'll simply have to wait until then," the Facilitator responded with a shrug, his smile unwavering, offering no further information.

Shaking his head, Asher turned to depart, stating, "Thank you for the information, then."

"It was merely my duty," the Facilitator replied, his tone returning to its accustomed professional neutrality.

Asher directed his senses towards the other Facilitators and observed them relaying identical information to the other first-year students. To the upperclassmen, they provided similar, yet not precisely the same, details.

'I wonder what is truly happening,' Asher pondered internally for a moment, then dismissed the thought. 'It doesn't concern me at this moment; all that matters is becoming strong enough to confront whatever is coming in seven months, regardless of its nature or magnitude.'

'I only hope I don't encounter another lunatic like Debro on this upcoming mission,' Asher mused. As his scrolls dematerialized into his space ring, he was left holding one of the two teleportation scrolls. He immediately tore it, and his figure vanished, whisking him away from the Separate Dimension and plunging him once more into the unknown.

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