CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 709: Almost Nineteen

Asher raised a hand, and his Astra energy resonated with a gentle yet paradoxical intensity. He perceived his Astra energy reserves as being akin to a boundless ocean, so immense that even he harbored a sense of awe at the sheer capacity of his Astra veins.

However, Asher recognized that without the Absolute Physique and the Star Fragment Core, such a feat would be unattainable. While his status as a Wargrave would have afforded him considerable Astra reserves, it paled in comparison to the magnitude of his current Astra energy.

At this juncture, Asher found employing his Star Energy against adversaries to be excessive. Though he had previously utilized it on missions to refine his control, in recent endeavors, he had scarcely needed to, as no opponent had proven worthy of such power. His innate, flawless command over Astra energy and his vast reserves alone were sufficiently daunting to his foes, rendering further augmentation unnecessary.

And the reserves did not end there. With Virelass’s Astra Veil ability, which consumed thirty percent of his already prodigious reserves, Asher could only offer a silent prayer for his enemies. He was acutely aware of the overwhelming odds they would face should he unleash his full might without restraint.

’At this level, perhaps only Wavestar Life Rankers possessing extraordinary talent and potent bloodlines could possibly contend with me,’ Asher mused with a proud smile. He reflected on his remarkable journey, from a past self fearing banishment and death at the hands of his siblings to his present capability of rivaling any Wavestar Life Ranker, all achieved within a mere year and ten months—a progression that could only be described as astonishing.

’Although I currently reside in the Radiant sub-Life Rank of the Swiftstar Life Rank, I anticipate advancing to the Dust Firmstar within approximately a week,’ a subtle smile graced his lips, lingering as the thought solidified in his mind.

Despite a clear understanding of his own talent and extraordinary capabilities, he consciously avoided succumbing to arrogance. His past overconfidence during the encounter with Debro had served as a stark and unforgettable lesson. Asher did not presume that reaching the Firmstar Life Rank would automatically equate to matching those at the Voidstar; he was far from foolish. No, it would be sheer insanity to even entertain such a notion.

While his combat prowess, efficiency, finesse, control, and overall competence had experienced a dramatic surge, reflecting comprehensive growth across every metric, he could still perceive the immense gulf separating the Voidstar and the Wavestar, a chasm that neither confidence nor blind faith could bridge.

Asher exhaled, shaking his head, fully cognizant that arrogance equated to death—a simple yet irrefutable truth in his world, where even the slightest misjudgment could prove fatal.

His attention then turned to his newfound affinity. If there was one aspect Asher felt a surge of pride about, it was undoubtedly this new affinity; he cherished it. Naturally, he had dedicated time to training it during his missions over the preceding seven months, as engaging in combat was the most effective method for enhancing his control and mastery. However, having exclusively utilized it during his solo missions, its existence remained unknown to others. Asher yearned to reveal it, but circumstances had simply not provided the opportune moment.

He had even ventured to ask William to replicate his ability. Yet, when William attempted the replication, to Asher's surprise, he did not copy Asher’s new affinity, as if it were something exclusive, something destined solely for Asher, much like the Star Energy, which William was also incapable of duplicating.

Although William had inquired about Asher’s request for him to copy his abilities, Asher had merely stated he was conducting an experiment, which had ultimately failed. At the time, William had interpreted Asher’s actions as an endeavor to make his abilities irreplicable, a realization that stunned him and put him on high alert, given his assessment of Asher’s diverse affinities as the pinnacle among all abilities.

’In two months, I will commence my second year,’ Asher contemplated. ’I will need to arrange a meeting with Father or Brother so they can negotiate with Cindralis on my behalf,’ he continued his internal monologue, confident that Cindralis would grant him graduation upon learning of his current combat capabilities. Should an examination be required, his exceptional intellect would undoubtedly ensure his success.

Furthermore, if Cindralis proved intractable and insisted on his completing the full three years, Asher could simply withdraw and move forward, as he felt no significant obligation to the Academy if it no longer facilitated his advancement.

With this resolution, his gaze shifted to his displayed age on the status screen. ’I will soon be turning nineteen,’ he thought. To be precise, his nineteenth birthday would coincide with the conclusion of the academic session.

Nearly two years in Crymora have passed; he mused internally, leaning back in his seat with a soft exhale, briefly considering the extent of the changes within such a condensed timeframe. After a beat, he rose, his feet carrying him toward the balcony.

Positioned there, he gazed downward from his vantage point, his expression unreadable as he observed numerous senior students moving about. They disappeared into various structures, engaged in conversation, or simply proceeded with their individual routines, each absorbed in their own pursuits.

“With no one having stepped forward to challenge me, perhaps I should initiate a challenge against a senior?” Asher pondered for a fleeting moment before dismissing the notion with a shake of his head. “That would merely place me in the same category as those seeking undue attention,” he concluded, the idea evaporating almost instantly.

While the possibility of earning points existed, Asher harbored no particular concern for his current balance. If the Principal intended to shutter the Logistics and Missions Operations Hall—the primary avenue for accumulating points within the Star Academy—it strongly suggested that students might soon find their points obsolete. Nevertheless, this remained solely his conjecture, lacking any official confirmation from the Academy.

“I do wonder when those two will conclude their current class,” Asher mused, his thoughts directed toward William and Finch. Even as the question formed, he already possessed an awareness that their session was slated to conclude in precisely two hours.

“Should I utilize a teleportation array back to the Wargrave Estate? I am quite certain Lyra must have achieved considerable advancement over the past seven months,” Asher contemplated, reasoning that Lyra might have already attained the Wavestar Life Rank, potentially even securing a superior sub-Life Rank.

A sigh escaped him as Asher shook his head, stepping back from the balcony and returning to his chambers. He made his way to the bed, collapsing face-first onto its surface, electing to rest for the ensuing two hours. He was confident that a specific pair of close friends would head directly to his room upon the conclusion of their class, making a brief nap a prudent use of the interim.